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how to get the georgia low voltage electrical license

Fast Track to the Georgia Low Voltage License

Table of Contents

Low voltage contractors in Georgia are regulated by the:

  • Georgia Board of Electrical Contractors

“Low Voltage Contractor Licenses are required of persons who contract to install, alter, repair, or service low voltage systems. Low Voltage Contractor licenses cover low voltage systems, other than alarm and telecommunications systems. Alarm and telecommunications licenses also cover general systems. Unrestricted electrical licenses cover all low voltage systems”


Low Voltage Classifications

There are four available low voltage license classifications in Georgia:

  • Alarm – any device or combination of devices used to detect a situation, causing an alarm in the event of a burglary, fire, robbery, medical emergency, or equipment failure, or on the occurrence of any other predetermined event
  • General – any electrical system, other than an alarm or telecommunication system, involving low-voltage wiring
  • Telecommunications – a switching system and associated apparatus which performs the basic function of two-way voice or data service, or both, and which can be a commonly controlled system capable of being administered both locally and remotely via secured access
  • Unrestricted – all work on electrical systems with no restrictions
complete guide to the georgia low voltage electrical license

What falls under low voltage?

Low voltage means any electrical systems, other than alarm or telecommunication systems, involving low-voltage wiring 50 volts or less.

This includes but is not limited to:

  • Stand alone intercom systems and 
  • Call alert systems (audio or visual)
  • Distribution wiring for alarm systems 
  • Telecommunications systems including local area network systems
  • Sound systems
  • Public address systems
  • The low voltage side of energy management systems
  • Antenna systems and satellite dish systems

Electrical vs Low Voltage

For contractors looking to take on larger more complex electrical installation projects, there is two classes of electrical licenses available in Georgia:

Georgia Electrical License (Class I)

  • Allow work on single phase systems that are 200 amperes or less
  • 4 Years experience required
  • Learn more

Georgia Electrical License (Class II)

  • Allows work on all electrical systems with no restrictions
  • 4 Years experience required
  • Learn more


Georgia Low Voltage License Requirements

You must meet the following requirements:

  • 21 Years of Age
  •  Valid Drivers License OR USA Issued Identification
  •  Social Security Number
  • Complete Background Check

You must also have:

  • At least 1 year of installation experience 
  • Applicants for alarm and telecommunications systems must have direct experience with these types of systems
  • Three work related references. One of which must be from a licensed low voltage contractor in the state of Georgia

What is an electrical journeyman?

there is no journeyman level requirement for those looking to get the low voltage license in georgia

Georgia does not explicitly use the term “journeyman” in reference to electrical contractor experience. However, you must have adequate experience in the electrical field to obtain a low voltage license.

While different regions may have varying definitions for what a journeyman is, typically this is someone who:

  • Can perform all of the duties associated with their trade
  • Has worked un-supervised performing their trade
  • Has supervisory level experience
  • (in some cases) has completed a Journeyman certification


Georgia Low Voltage License Application 

Step 1:

Complete and submit your: Low Voltage License Application

Step 2:

Once you are approved for by the Georgia state electrical board. You will then be notified on how to schedule your examination

Applications can be submitted to:

Georgia Board of Construction Industry, Division of Electrical Contractors237 Coliseum DriveMacon, Georgia 31217


How Much Does It Cost to get a Low Voltage License In Georgia?

  • $30 Application Fee
  • $75 Renewal Fee
  • $100 Late Renewal
  • $150 Reinstatement (if lapse after more than 3 years)
  • See complete fee schedule

Georgia Low Voltage License Exam

To get the low voltage license in Georgia you must pass two examinations:

  • Regulations, Laws, and Administrative Functions
  • Installation and Servicing

The exam will be:

  • Taken on a computer
  • Multiple Choice

The number of questions on your test depends on the classification you choose:

  • Alarm – 75 Questions
  • Telecommunications – 75 Questions
  • General – 50 Questions
  • Unrestricted – 90 Questions


Georgia business and law exam

Your exam covering the regulations, laws, and administrative functions will cover the following topics:

  • Workers’ compensation
  • Unemployment insurance
  • Employer’s tax guide (circular E)
  • Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board (complaint procedures, function of, renewal, etc.)
  • State sales and use tax
  • Business license
  • American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Comply with Regulations
  • Obtaining necessary low voltage permits and inspections
  • Code of Federal Regulations
  • National Fire Protection Association
  • Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or other appropriate certification
  • National Electrical Code
  • Insurance: liability, property damage, auto
  • Accident or incident reports

Low Voltage Installation & Servicing Exam

The technical portion of your exam will include questions on your knowledge of the following duties:

Reading blueprints to determine installation requirements

  • Determine if equipment meets the NEC, NFPA, ADA, and local requirements
  • Select equipment to be installed considering design specifications, customer preferences, and physical environment: power supplies, transformers, batteries, smoke/heat detectors, water flow valves, etc.a. commercial
  • health care (hospital, nursing home, personal care, etc.)
  • places of assembly (stadium, church, auditorium, etc.)
  • Select type and gauge of wire to be installed
  • Determine and/or verify locations of devices/equipment/wiring
  • Determine the impact of designed floor space (modular furniture, fixed walls, etc.)
  • Identify symbols on blueprint legend
  • Identify fire wall location
  • Identify types of circuits (series, parallel, normally open/closed, EOL, etc.)

Distribution Methods

  • Commercial
  • Industrial ( hazardous and non-hazardous)
  • Residential

Interior Cable/Wire Installation

  • Select cabling/wiring route (risers, plenums, etc.)
  • Install conduit/tubing according to job specifications
  • Pull cable/wire through conduit or through ceiling
  • Size and drill holes through existing construction
  • Fish cable/wire through existing construction
  • Determine and place cable/wire supports at specified intervals
  • Splice or terminate cable/wire at specified locations (equipment or device end)
  • Label cable/wire during or after installation
  • Repair fire-rated assemblies (walls, floors, ceilings, etc.)
  • Install lightning and surge protection
  • Install bonds and grounds at specified locations
  • Observe safety considerations during installation (hard hat, safety glasses, foreign voltage, etc.) Install specified equipment: mounting devices, control panels, PBX/KSU, patch panels, etc.
  • Test all installed devices for proper operation
  • Evaluate installation for accepted standards of workmanship

Exterior Cable/Wire Installation

  • Select cabling/wiring route
  • Install conduit/tubing according to job specifications
  • Pull cable/wire through conduit, direct burial, or aerial
  • Size and drill holes through existing construction
  • Determine and place cable/wire supports at specified intervals
  • Splice or terminate cable/wire at specified locations (equipment or device end)
  • Label cable/wire during or after installation
  • Repair fire-rated assemblies (walls, floors, ceilings, etc.)
  • Install lightning and surge protection
  • Install bonds and grounds at specified locations
  • Observe safety considerations during installation (foreign voltage, hazardous gases, proper safety equipment, etc.)
  • Test all installed devices for proper operation
  • Evaluate installation for accepted standards of workmanship

Low Voltage Test Questions

Which of the following type of bonds will ensure that a respondent will complete the work to the specifications for a project?

A) fidelity

B) grounding

C) performance*

D) payment

2. Which of the following is a type of cable entrance that is used on the outside of a plant building?

A) aerial*

B) cosmetic

C) cored

D) regulated

3. Which of the following is necessary to ensure proper cable installation standards?

1. pre-cut over inspection

2. selection of equipment room

3. communication with suppliers

4. job in progress inspection

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1 and 4 only*

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 3 and 4 only


NASCLA

to get the georgia low voltage license, you will need to pass a law & business exam based on NASCLA laws & regulations

The Georgia law & business exam currently references the NASCLA's business, project management, and law standards.

Preparing for the law & business section of the exam is a very important part of your overall state of Georgia low voltage license test prep.

For more information, check out this complete guide to NASCLA


Georgia Business License

If you are looking to establish your low voltage business in Georgia, the state licensing board will want you to be established as a business entity

This can be set up through the Georgia Secretary of State

You will choose a name and then select the type of entity you want. Typically, construction companies choose either:

  • Sole Proprietor – License held through an individual
  • Partnership – License held through a partnership
  • LLC – License held through a company that exists as its own entity
  • S-Corporation – License held through a corporate entity
You will want to establish yourself as a business entity when applying for the georgia electrical contractor license

Worker's Compensation laws for Georgia Contractors

Georgia requires its electrical contractors to hold worker's compensation insurance.

This also includes LLC's. However, If you apply as a sole proprietorship and have no employees you may be exempt.

For information specific to your situation you can refer to the Georgia State Board of Worker's Compensation


Georgia contractor license search

The Georgia Board for Electrical Contractor's number one responsibility is to protect the consumer public.

The agency not only governs construction contractors, but also to ensure that homeowners are not being overcharged by unlicensed contractors.

If you are looking to verify the status of an electrical license in the state of Georgia, you can check a license here


Renewing your low voltage license

Once your Georgia low voltage license is active, you will be responsible for meeting the specific renewal dates set by the board. There are also continuing education requirements for electricians in Georgia.

To review them you can check the link below

Georgia general contractor license renewal portal


Electrician Apprenticeships in Georgia

If you are beginning your career as an electrician you should absolutely consider an apprenticeship.

One of the best ways to build a solid foundation and position yourself to earn an excellent living in a short time frame is by investing in your education early.


Apprenticeships can provide you with valuable training in a variety of different trades including: Electrical, Plumbing, Concrete, Landscaping, Painting, HVAC, Roofing, Carpentry and much more!

If your goal is to one day get a Georgia electrical license, start by learning the law & business concepts as well as fundamental trade skills

Check out our online course library:

there are several online courses that can help you prepare for your georgia low voltage license test

There are also several reputable trade schools in the state of Georgia:

Atlanta Electrical JATC:Institution – UnionLocation – 6601 Bay Circle Norcross, GA 30071Contact – (404) 523-5400

Macon Electrical JATC:Institution – UnionLocation – 1046 Patterson Street Macon, GA 31204Contact – (478) 743-7017

SELCAT:Institution – UnionLocation – 90 Newman South Industrial Drive Newman, GA 30263Contact – (678) 423-1338

CSRA Electrical JATC:Institution – UnionLocation – 1248 Reynolds Street Augusta, GA 30901Contact – (706) 722-4100

IEC Atlanta:Institution – Non-UnionLocation – 4500 Winters Chapel Road Atlanta, GA 30360Contact – (770) 242-9277

These schools can provide information on opportunities in this industry, electrician salaries, and how much a journeyman electrician makes in Georgia.


What You Need To Know About Contractor License Schools

If you are looking to prepare for your Georgia low voltage license exam, taking contractor classes could be a huge help.

Schools typically provide

  • Home study materials
  • Online classes taught by industry professionals
  • Application assistance 
  • Insurance and Business services

Many tradesman find themselves a bit confused when faced with questions about construction accounting, balance sheets, workers compensation, employee rights, job site safety and Georgia state construction law. 

Georgia low voltage license test prep and study guides breaking down everything you need to know can be found here.


Blueprint Reading Course

blueprint reading is a fundamental skill for those looking to get a georgia contractor license for low voltage electrical installation

Blueprint reading is a critical skill for electricians, you will absolutely need to understand how to read blueprints.

Construction blueprints communicate important information about the way in which a structure is built as well as what materials are necessary or have been used for its construction.

Being comfortable with blueprints is an invaluable skill especially for those looking to get into engineering or architecture.

See our Free Blueprint Reading Course!


OSHA Regulations for electricians in Georgia

Statistically, 21% of all work-related fatalities are in construction.

That equals about 1 and 5 worker deaths on average.

In the construction industry, the leading cause of worker deaths is reported as falls, struck by an object, electrocution, and caught-in/between

OSHA safety regulations will be apart of your georgia electrical contractor license exam

Safety is taken very seriously by the Georgia Board of Electrical Contractors.

If your workers are not properly trained, it can place unnecessary risk to not only your personal safety but your bottom line as a business. 

For employment with a licensed general contractor, you may be asked to complete some level of Georgia OSHA Training


Electrical Contractor's License Reciprocity

You may qualify for reciprocity:

If you hold an electrical contractor license in any of the following states:

Your license must be in good standing and you will also be required to bass the Georgia business and law exam.

If you are applying from out of state you must complete a license verification form. Applicants must also meet all of the basic licensing requirements for a Georgia construction license.

Learn more about Contractor License Reciprocity


Getting Started

Applying to the state licensing board for electrical contractors can be a huge first step up in starting your own business.

The construction industry is very lucrative. There will be more and more opportunities for skilled tradesman in the future.

The key is to use the information you have now and take action from beginning to end. 


If you are looking to get work in another state you can find information here about electrical contractor licenses in: CaliforniaNew Mexico, ArizonaNevadaUtahColoradoLouisianaAlabama, and Florida

If you have found this article, be sure to let us know! and check back for more updates in the future.