Georgia Apprentice GuideGeorgia Electrician Apprentice Guide | Requirements & Hour Tracking
Georgia licenses contractors, not journeymen. Learn about Class I and Class II licenses, IBEW locals in Atlanta, Augusta, and Macon, and track your 8,000 OJT hours with SparkShift.
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Georgia Electrical License Requirements
Important: Georgia does not have a journeyman license. The state only licenses Electrical Contractors (Class I and Class II). Individual electricians must work under a licensed contractor.
This means you need to build your experience (8,000 hours) while working under a licensed contractor, then apply for your own contractor license when you're ready to work independently or start a business.
Class I License (Restricted)
- Single-phase only (max 200 amps)
- 4 years (8,000 hours) experience
- Pass written exam
- Good for residential work
Class II License (Unrestricted)
- All systems (no restrictions)
- 4 years (8,000 hours) experience
- Pass written exam
- Required for commercial/industrial
Apprenticeship Programs in Georgia
Georgia offers both union (IBEW/JATC) and non-union (IEC/ABC) apprenticeship programs to build your experience.
IBEW/JATC Programs (Union)
Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs) run 5-year apprenticeship programs through IBEW locals across Georgia.
- Structured classroom and OJT training
- Guaranteed wage progression
- Health and retirement benefits
- Work under licensed contractors
IEC/ABC Programs (Non-Union)
Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) and Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) offer apprenticeship alternatives in Georgia.
- Flexible scheduling options
- Work while you learn
- DOL-approved programs
- Nationwide recognition
IBEW Locals in Georgia
Georgia has multiple IBEW locals serving different regions. Find the local that covers your area.
Local 613
Atlanta
Jurisdiction: Metro Atlanta & North Georgia
The largest IBEW local in Georgia, serving the Atlanta metropolitan area and northern Georgia.
Local 84
Atlanta
Jurisdiction: Utility/Power
Specialized local for utility and power work throughout Georgia.
Local 1579
Augusta
Jurisdiction: Augusta & Eastern Georgia
Serving Augusta, the CSRA, and eastern Georgia communities.
Local 1316
Macon
Jurisdiction: Central Georgia
Covering Macon and the central Georgia region.
Required OJT Hours in Georgia
Both Class I and Class II contractor licenses require 4 years (8,000 hours) of documented experience.
8,000
Total OJT Hours
4
Years Experience
5
Reciprocal States
12
Work Categories
Georgia follows the standard IBEW work categories including Raceways & Boxes, Conductors & Cables, Motors & Controllers, Lighting Systems, and more. SparkShift tracks all 12 categories automatically.
Georgia Reciprocity States
Georgia has reciprocity agreements with Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. If you hold a valid contractor license in one of these states, you may qualify for Georgia licensing through reciprocity.
How to Track Hours in Georgia with SparkShift
SparkShift helps you document the experience you need for your Georgia contractor license.
GPS-Verified Clock-In
Every time entry is stamped with GPS coordinates. Prove you were on the jobsite when you logged your hours for Georgia licensing boards.
Track All Work Categories
Log hours across all IBEW work categories. Track your progress toward the 8,000-hour requirement for contractor licensing.
Export for GA Licensing Board
Generate PDF reports that meet Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board requirements for Class I and Class II applications.
Supervisor Sign-Off
Get digital approvals from your supervising contractor. No more chasing paper forms at the end of the month.
DOL & JATC Compliant
Built to meet Department of Labor and Georgia JATC standards for hour documentation.
Works Offline in the Field
Log hours even without cell service on remote Georgia jobsites. Your entries sync automatically when you're back online.
Georgia Electrical Board Contact Info
Contact the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board for contractor licensing information.
Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board
Division of Electrical Contractors - Licenses Class I and Class II contractors
Application Process: You'll need to submit your experience documentation (affidavit from licensed contractors), pass a background check, and pass the appropriate exam for Class I or Class II licensing.
FAQ for Georgia Electricians
Common questions about becoming an electrician in Georgia.
Does Georgia have a journeyman electrician license?
No. Georgia does not issue a state-level journeyman license. Instead, Georgia licenses Electrical Contractors at two levels: Class I (Restricted) and Class II (Unrestricted). Individual electricians work under a licensed contractor. To perform electrical work legally in Georgia, you must either hold a contractor license or work under someone who does.
What's the difference between Georgia Class I and Class II licenses?
Class I (Restricted) is limited to single-phase electrical systems with a maximum of 200 amps. Class II (Unrestricted) allows work on all electrical systems regardless of phase or amperage. Most commercial and industrial work requires a Class II license. Both require 4 years (8,000 hours) of experience to sit for the exam.
How many OJT hours do I need for a Georgia contractor license?
Both Class I and Class II contractor licenses require 4 years (approximately 8,000 hours) of verifiable experience working under a licensed electrical contractor. You must be able to document this experience with employer verification when you apply for your license.
Does Georgia have reciprocity with other states?
Yes. Georgia has reciprocity agreements for electrical contractor licenses with Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. This means if you hold a valid license in one of these states, you may be able to obtain a Georgia license through reciprocity without taking the full exam. Always verify current requirements with the licensing board.
Do I need to register as an apprentice in Georgia?
Georgia does not require mandatory state apprentice registration. However, working for a licensed contractor is legally required to accrue valid hours toward your contractor license. Most apprentices work through IBEW/JATC programs or non-union apprenticeship programs like IEC or ABC.
How does SparkShift help Georgia apprentices track their hours?
SparkShift provides GPS-verified hour tracking that meets Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board requirements. You can log hours by work category, get supervisor digital signatures, and export professional PDF reports. When you apply for your Class I or Class II license, you'll have organized documentation proving your 8,000 hours of experience.