Georgia Electrician Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines
Georgia State Building Codes and Legislation for Electricians
In Georgia, the licensing and regulation of electricians fall under the purview of the Georgia State Board of Electrical Contractors, which operates under the Professional Licensing Boards Division of the Secretary of State's Office.
The state has adopted specific building codes that include electrical requirements. As of January 1, 2026, the state will be implementing the following codes with Georgia Amendments:
- 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) with 2026 Georgia Amendments.
- 2024 International Building Code (IBC) with Georgia Amendments.
- 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) with Georgia Amendments.
For electrical contracting, Georgia law requires individuals to hold a valid license. The state offers two classifications for electrical contractor licenses: Class I (restricted) and Class II (non-restricted).
- Class I Electrical Contractor License: This license is restricted to electrical contracting involving single-phase electrical installations that do not exceed 200 amperes at the service drop or service lateral.
- Class II Electrical Contractor License: This license is unrestricted and allows for work on installations exceeding single-phase, 200-ampere systems.
To obtain an electrical contractor license, applicants typically need to meet age requirements (at least 21 years old), document a minimum of four years of relevant experience, provide references, pass a background check, and successfully complete a licensing examination.
Licenses must be renewed every two years, typically by June 30 of even-numbered years. Continuing education is required, with four hours needed annually (eight hours per renewal period).