How to Get Your Georgia Electrician Hours Signed Off

Key Takeaways

• Accurate record-keeping is necessary for hour verification
• Georgia does not limit the number of hours per year to be counted
• Use detailed work documentation for each employer
• Contact the Georgia State Board of Electrical Contractors if you encounter challenges in the verification process
• Stay current with continuing education requirements

Getting your hours verified by the Georgia State Board of Electrical Contractors is a required step in advancing your electrician career in Georgia. This guide walks you through the entire hours verification process in clear, straightforward terms, from tracking your hours to submitting your documentation.

Understanding Georgia Hour Requirements

Georgia does not have journeyman licensing phases like other states. Instead, electricians work toward electrical contractor licenses. The Georgia State Board of Electrical Contractors sets these work experience standards:

Georgia does not limit how many hours you log toward verification each year.

Tracking Your Hours

Make sure you keep accurate records of your hours so that they can be properly verified. Here are some tips:

• Maintain detailed logs of your work hours
• Keep pay stubs and employment records
• Document types of electrical work performed
• Request letters from employers verifying your hours
• Record employer's electrical contractor license numbers

Understanding Primary vs. Secondary Experience

Georgia breaks down electrical experience into categories, with 4 years of total experience required:

Primary Experience:

• Direct installation of electrical wiring and equipment
• Work performed under a licensed electrical contractor
• Must be related to the National Electrical Code
• Counts at full value toward license requirements

Secondary Experience:

• Related electrical work including maintenance and inspection
• Engineering design work
• Project management and estimating
• Code theory and classroom instruction
• Counts at reduced percentages toward total experience

Educational Experience:

• Completion of two-year diploma or certificate program
• Electrical courses at vocational-technical schools
• Can count up to one year maximum toward total requirement

Getting Your Hours Signed Off

To get your hours signed off, follow these steps:

Identify Qualified Supervisors: Licensed electrical contractors must verify your hours and provide detailed documentation of your work experience.

Contact Previous Employers: Reach out to your past supervisors to document your hours. If direct contact isn't possible, try:

• Contacting the electrical contractor's licensing office
• Using company HR departments for employment verification

Document Your Work Experience:

• Fill out detailed work history with employer information
• Include employer's electrical contractor license number
• Specify dates of employment and total hours worked
• List types and sizes of electrical installations worked on
• Average number of hours per week in each work category

Submit Documentation to Georgia State Board:

• Complete application through GOALS portal (online only)
• Include background check from local law enforcement
• Provide three professional reference letters
• At least one reference must be from a licensed electrical contractor
• Submit $110 application fee

Common Challenges and Solutions

Incomplete Records

If you're missing records, try:

• Reconstructing your work history using tax returns and employment records
• Requesting detailed records from previous employers' offices
• Using payroll records to verify hours and dates of employment

Unavailable Supervisors

If a former supervisor is unavailable:

• Contact the company's current management or office
• Reach out to the Georgia State Board at (844) 753-7825 for guidance

Hour Calculation Discrepancies

To avoid mistakes:

• Keep detailed personal records of your daily work hours
• Document specific types of electrical work performed
• Regularly verify your documentation with supervisors

Next Steps After Hours Verification

Once your hours are verified:

Apply for Board Approval to Take Exam:

• Submit completed application with $110 fee through GOALS portal
• Wait for board approval (processing time: 20 business days)
• Applications reviewed at scheduled board meetings

Prepare for the Licensing Exam:

• Study the National Electrical Code (2020 edition)
• Review Georgia electrical laws and administrative rules
• Exam administered by PSI with $30 exam fee (separate from application)
• Minimum passing score: 70%
• Open book exam with approved references allowed

Complete License Application:

• Submit final licensing documentation
• No additional fee for initial license issuance
• License valid for two years from issuance date

Complete Continuing Education:

• All license types require 4 hours annually
• Total of 8 hours per two-year renewal period
• Renewal fee: $75 ($100 for late renewals)
• Renewal deadline: June 30 of even-numbered years

Downloadable Resources

You can find applications and forms through the GOALS portal at the Georgia Secretary of State website.

For questions, contact the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board at (844) 753-7825.

Logging your hours is a necessary step in being a qualified electrician in Georgia. The process makes sure every licensed electrical contractor in Georgia has the experience they need to do the job right. It takes time and patience. Stay persistent and keep detailed records. If you need help, don't hesitate to contact the Georgia State Board. Every electrical contractor in Georgia started out logging their hard-working hours. If you stay diligent, you will also reach your goal of progressing your electrician career.