Working in the elevator trade in Georgia requires a specific state-issued certificate, not a generic contractor license. The state's Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire issues five distinct certificates, and the one you need will determine the specific experience, examination, insurance, and renewal requirements that apply to your work. This guide explains the process for getting certified as an elevator contractor, mechanic, or inspector in Georgia.
Do I need an elevator license in Georgia?
Yes, Georgia requires a certificate from the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire before any individual or company may install, alter, repair, maintain, or inspect elevators, escalators, or related conveyances. The state uses the term "certificate" for these credentials, which function as a mandatory license to perform this specialized work.
All work must comply with the state-adopted safety codes, and all individuals performing the work must hold the appropriate certificate for their role and the scope of the project.
What types of elevator certificates exist in Georgia?
Georgia issues five certificates—Class I, Class II, and Class III Elevator Contractor, Elevator Mechanic, and Inspector—each tied to a scope of work defined in Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 120-3-25. Choosing the correct certificate is the first step in the application process.
Class I Elevator Contractor
This certificate authorizes a contractor to install, repair, alter, and maintain any type of conveyance covered by state regulations.
Class II Elevator Contractor
This certificate authorizes a contractor to install, repair, alter, and maintain conveyances in buildings with five floors or fewer.
Class III Elevator Contractor
This certificate authorizes a contractor to perform repair, alteration, and maintenance on all conveyances but does not authorize new installations.
Elevator Mechanic Certificate
This certificate is for individuals performing the hands-on work of installing, altering, repairing, or maintaining conveyances. The mechanic certificate has several sub-classes, including Class I, IR, II, III, and IIIR, which correspond to different scopes of work and experience levels.
Inspector Certificate
This certificate is required for anyone who inspects elevators, escalators, and other regulated conveyances to ensure they comply with state safety codes. This includes private inspectors working for third-party firms.
What experience do I need for each certificate tier?
Georgia sets a three-year experience floor for most certificates—measured against work performed for a state-certified employer—and layers a QEI credential requirement on top for inspectors. The specific requirements vary by the certificate type.
Contractor Experience Paths
To qualify for a contractor certificate, the qualifying agent for the business must meet the state's experience and examination requirements. These typically align with the experience required for senior mechanic or inspector roles.
Mechanic Experience Paths
- Class I, Class IR, Class II, and Class III Elevator Mechanic: Applicants must have a minimum of three (3) years of experience working for a company holding a State Certification.
- Class IIIR Elevator Mechanic: This specialty class requires a minimum of one (1) year of experience.
Inspector Experience Path
To be eligible for an Inspector certificate, you must have:
- A minimum of three (3) years of experience in the installation, repair, maintenance, or inspection of elevators.
- A current QEI (Qualified Elevator Inspector) credential.
What is the elevator mechanic exam in Georgia?
Mechanic applicants must complete a nationally recognized elevator-industry training program—such as the National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP) or the Certified Elevator Technician (CET) program—or an equivalent registered apprenticeship, and pass that program's mechanic examination for their class.
Approved Training-Program Pathways
Instead of a separate state-administered exam for mechanics, Georgia relies on the examinations provided by approved training programs. Per Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 120-3-25-.22, applicants must provide a certificate of completion and proof of passing the mechanic examination from one of the following:
- The National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP)
- The Certified Elevator Technician (CET) Program
- An equivalent registered apprenticeship program
Inspector Examination
Applicants for an Inspector certificate must pass both a written and an oral examination administered by the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire. This is a direct state-administered exam, distinct from the program-based exam for mechanics.
How do I apply for an elevator certificate in Georgia?
Follow these steps to apply for your Georgia elevator certificate.
- Complete Required Training: For mechanics, complete an approved training program like NEIEP or CET. For inspectors, obtain your QEI credential.
- Document Your Experience: Gather proof of your qualifying work experience, ensuring it meets the minimum years required for your desired certificate class.
- Obtain Required Insurance: Secure a certificate of insurance that meets the minimum coverage levels for your contractor class or inspector role. Ensure the insurer has the required Best Policyholders rating.
- Complete the Application: Obtain the correct application form from the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire. Fill it out completely and accurately.
- Submit Application and Fees: Submit your application, supporting documents (proof of experience, training/QEI certificate, insurance certificate), and the required fees to the Office.
- Schedule and Pass Examination: If applying for an Inspector certificate, you will be scheduled for the state-administered written and oral exams after your application is approved.
How much does a Georgia elevator certificate cost?
Georgia charges separate fees for the certification examination, the annual or bi-annual certification, and any installation, alteration, or operating permits—and the certification fee scales down by contractor class.
- Certification - Examination
- Inspector: $100.00
- Elevator Mechanic: $100.00
- Certification - Annual
- Inspector: $50.00
- Class I Elevator Contractor: $300.00
- Class II Elevator Contractor: $200.00
- Class III Elevator Contractor: $100.00
- Certification - Bi-Annual Renewal
- Elevator Mechanic: $50.00
- Installation Permits (Examples)
- Passenger or Freight Elevator: $400.00 base price per unit, plus $50.00 per opening
- Dumbwaiters and Material Lifts: $250.00 per unit
- Escalator: $500.00 per unit
- Private Residence Elevators: $400.00 plus $50.00 per opening
- Major Alteration Permits: $240.00 for the first item, $120.00 per additional item, with a maximum of $1,200.00 per unit.
- Operating Permits
- One-Year Operating Permit: $65.00 per unit
- Temporary Operating Permit (up to 90 days): $100.00 per unit
- Other Fees
- Appeal Hearings: $500.00 per appeal
- Additional Permit Inspections: $250.00 per hour
What insurance does a Georgia elevator contractor need?
Georgia ties insurance minimums to the certificate tier—Class I, IR, and Class II contractors carry the highest coverage floor, Class III and IIIR contractors carry a reduced floor, and private inspectors carry Professional Errors and Omissions coverage at the Class I-equivalent schedule.
Class I / IR / II Contractor Insurance Schedule
- General Liability:
- $1,000,000 for injury or death of one person
- $1,000,000 for injury or death of any number of persons in one occurrence
- $500,000 for property damage in one occurrence
- Workers' Compensation: Statutory coverage is required.
Class III / IIIR Contractor Insurance Schedule
- General Liability:
- $500,000 for injury or death of one person
- $500,000 for injury or death of any number of persons in one occurrence
- $250,000 for property damage in one occurrence
- Workers' Compensation: Statutory coverage is required.
Private Elevator Inspector Insurance Schedule
- Professional Errors and Omissions (E&O):
- $1,000,000 for injury or death of one person
- $1,000,000 for any number of persons in one occurrence
- $500,000 for property damage
- Workers' Compensation: Statutory coverage is required.
- Inspection Firm General Liability: All private inspection firms must carry a separate general liability policy with a minimum of $500,000 in coverage.
The Best Policyholders Rating Requirement
All insurance policies must be issued by a company authorized to do business in Georgia that carries a Best Policyholders rating of "A-" or better.
How long does the Georgia elevator licensing process take?
The total elapsed time depends mostly on how quickly an applicant can document their qualifying experience and obtain a compliant insurance certificate. The application review and exam scheduling themselves move on the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire's published processing window. To avoid delays, complete all prerequisite steps—such as finishing a training program or securing your QEI credential—before you begin the application paperwork. Current application-processing and exam-scheduling timelines vary; confirm with the Office.
How do I renew my Georgia elevator certificate?
Georgia splits renewal by certificate type—contractor and inspector certificates renew annually, while elevator mechanic certificates renew bi-annually, and operating permits run on a separate per-unit annual cycle.
Annual Renewal (Contractors and Inspectors)
Class I, II, and III Elevator Contractor certificates and Inspector certificates must be renewed every year. The annual certification fees are:
- Inspector: $50.00
- Class I Contractor: $300.00
- Class II Contractor: $200.00
- Class III Contractor: $100.00
Bi-annual Renewal (Mechanics)
Elevator Mechanic certificates renew every two years. The bi-annual renewal fee is $50.00.
Operating Permits Per Unit
Operating permits for each individual conveyance must be renewed annually at a cost of $65.00 per unit.
Does Georgia require continuing education for elevator certificates?
Yes. When you renew your certification, you must document training, certification, and classes successfully completed in the previous year — a minimum of eight (8) hours, including code updates, from a pre-approved or recognized training program (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 120-3-25-.22(12)(b)).
Does Georgia offer reciprocity for out-of-state elevator license holders?
Georgia may issue a certificate by reciprocity to applicants holding a valid license or certificate from a state whose standards are "substantially equal" to Georgia's elevator rules. This determination is made on a case-by-case basis by the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire. It is not automatic reciprocity; you must submit an application and demonstrate that your existing credential meets Georgia's standards.