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Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner

Georgia is part of the U.S. Insurance Regulatory Framework, a highly coordinated federal national system designed to protect policyholders and protect the broader public interest through effective regulation of the U.S. insurance market. Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner (OCI) licenses and regulates insurance companies, inspects buildings to avoid fire, and investigates reports of insurance fraud. The Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner has 3 Divisions which are the Insurance Division, Safety Fire Division, and Premium Tax Division. Out of the three, the Safety Fire Division is the only one that offers licenses. The Safety Fire Commissioner is the only branch that is responsible for examining and investigating engineering techniques, construction buildings, properties of building materials, fire protection and fire protection techniques. There are five main Sections the Fire Marshal's Office is responsible for: Boilers and Pressure Vessels, Elevators and Escalators, Hazardous Materials, Manufactured Housing, and Safety Fire Engineering.

The Licensing process is carried out by the OCI CitizenServe portal, which allows applicants to submit their applications, renew existing licenses, review complaints and reports, and more.

Manufactured Housing Services

The Manufactured Housing Section of the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner regulates Manufactured Housing professionals by administering the licenses and permits required to perform work within the state and the necessary inspections and performance evaluations. The licenses currently managed by this section are the Manufactured Homes Professional Installer, Manufactured Professional Retail Broker, Manufactured Professional Retail, and the Manufactured Homes Manufacturer.

How to Get a Manufactured Housing License?

  1. Access the OCI Citizenserve website website and register for an account
  2. Obtain the required documents:
    • Notarized citizenship affidavit
    • Notarized consent form (for background check)
    • Two valid forms of ID
    • Proof of completion of an installation training course and corresponding examination, which must have been taken within 12 months of initial application (for Manufactured Housing installers only)
  3. Fill out the online application
    • Choose the desired license
      • Manufactured Housing Installer
      • Manufactured Housing Retailer or Retail Broker
      • Manufactured Housing Manufacturer
    • Provide the address of the location where the homes will be assembled or manufactured or where the business is based (each site must be listed as a separate entity)
    • Select the business classification accordingly
      • Manufacturers, Retailers, and Retail Brokers:
        • Corporation
        • Partnership
        • Sole Proprietorship
      • Installers:
        • Company
        • Individual
    • List the information of all the corporate officials
  4. Submit the application along with the required fees and documents through the Citizenserve online portal
  5. Await 5 to 7 business days to receive a response for licensure

Hazardous Materials

The Hazardous Materials Section of the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner regulates materials like flammable and combustible liquids, flammable gas such as LP Gas, pyrotechnics, and explosives, as well as the storage, transportation, use, processing, handling, and sometimes the sale of these materials.

The Georgia State Fire Marshal's Officer issues a Competency Card that all applicants for the Explosives Responsible Person license need to get. This card is issued in four levels of certification recognized by the State Fire Marshal's Office: Levels I (entry level), II, III (for Licensed Blasters), and the Special Effects level.

This section currently offers different types of licenses depending on the desired scope of work.

  • Explosives
  • Licensed Blaster
  • Liquefied Petroleum Gas Industry Worker Class I: Basic Transfer and Handling
  • Liquefied Petroleum Gas Industry Worker Class II: Delivery
  • Liquefied Petroleum Gas Industry Worker Class III: Service / Installation
  • Liquefied Petroleum Gas Industry Worker Class IV: Bulk Operator
  • Liquefied Petroleum Gas Industry Worker Class V: Delivery and Service / Installation

How to Get a Blaster or Explosives License?

  1. Meet the minimum age requirement and comply with the Rules and Regulations of the state of Georgia
    • Be 21 years of age
    • Not have a history of or be addicted to dangerous substances or other narcotics
    • Be subject to a criminal records check
    • The applicant shall not have been convicted of a felony
    • Submit a negative drug screen
  2. Create an account on the OCI Citizenserve site
  3. Access the Hazardous Materials Services Section and choose the appropriate application:
    • Explosive License
      • This license is a license offered to companies
    • Explosives Responsible Person
      • This Competency Card is issued to individuals that work with a license-holding company, the applicant must select one of the following subtypes, which will be reflected in their Competency Card:
        • Blaster: choose either Level I, II or III
        • Special Effects
  4. Meet the requirements depending on the license subtype:
    • Blaster
      • Background check and drug testing
      • Completion of approved curricula
      • Three years of experience in a specific field of blasting
    • Special Effects
      • Provide evidence of experience in the safe handling and use of explosives only to create audible and visual effects for the entertainment industry
  5. Fulfill the Competency training requirement by completing one of the approved programs that are considered valid by the Commissioner:
  6. Describe within the application the blasting activities or explosives use that the candidate will be engaging in
  7. Furnish the State Fire Marshal with the following required documentation:
    • Plans and specifications (if applying for a license for all permanent explosives storage facilities having quantities exceeding 500 pounds)
    • Proof of completion of a safe use of explosives training and/or working knowledge. Additionally, candidates must provide a notarized certification specifying the explosive/blasting field in which the applicant has been trained or certified
    • Citizenship affidavit
  8. Submit a completed application with all the required documents and fees
  9. Expect the State Fire Marshal to issue the license once everything has been reviewed and approved

Anyone applying for permits to use explosives in agricultural operations, private and personal use of explosives in areas not within 750 feet of an occupied structure or roadway, for works such as land clearing, ditching, destruction of beaver, and others, is exempt from certification. Additionally, explosive licenses sought to be obtained for commercial use, will be issued by the Commissioner for the fields of construction, surface mining, underground mining and special effects.

How to Get a Liquefied Petroleum Gas Industry Worker License?

  1. Create an account on the OCI Citizenserve site
  2. Go to the Hazardous Materials Services Section and choose the appropriate License application:
    • Liquefied Petroleum Gas License
      • Choose the appropriate subtype:
        • Cylinder Filling Plant (2000 Water Gallons or Less)
        • Bulk Storage (More than 2000 Water Gallons)
    • Liquefied Petroleum Gas Industry Worker
      • Select the desired Classification:
        • Class I: Basic Transfer and Handling
        • Class II: Delivery
        • Class III: Service / Installation
        • Class IV: Bulk Operator
        • Class V: Delivery and Service / Installation
  3. Complete the required information on the application
  4. Demonstrate a minimum of six hours of Continuing Education Units (CEU)
  5. Provide evidence of training in proper handling procedures and a Fire Marshal's Office employee training certification. Please note that the training curriculum must include the subjects of the Certified Employee Training Program (CETP) or of an equivalent program approved by the Office
  6. Obtain proof of insurance coverage before obtaining the license and demonstrate ability to keep affording it later. The coverage must be issued by an insurer licensed to do business in Georgia, and they shall notify the Commissioner of any changes in coverage. If State insurance cannot be obtained, demonstrate the following:
    • General liability, including products and completed operations:
      • $1,000,000 combined single limits if the capacity is more than 2,000 gallons
      • $500,000 combined single limits if the capacity is 2,000 gallons or less
    • Motor vehicle liability (when applicable): $1,000,000 combined single limits
  7. Submit a thoroughly-completed application with all the required documents and fees
  8. Await for a response regarding the license

Safety Fire Engineering

The Safety Fire Engineering Section regulates the design, fabrication, installation, inspection, test, alteration, maintenance, service, and/or repairing of water-based fire protection sprinkler systems under the Rules and Regulation Code. Additionally, this Section regulates the water-based automatic sprinkler systems used for single-family dwellings or limited water-based systems permitted to be connected directly to a domestic water supply system under the NFPA Life Safety Code. The Safety Fire Engineering Section administers the licensure process for the Sprinkler Certificate of Competency, Sprinkler Contractor, Sprinkler Designer, and Sprinkler Inspector.

How to obtain a Sprinkler License?

  1. Access the OCI Citizenserve site and create an account
  2. Select the desired license application
    • Sprinkler Certificate of Competency
    • Sprinkler Contractor License
    • Sprinkler Designer License
    • Sprinkler Inspector License
  3. Demonstrate proof of the required certification for each license:
    • Sprinkler Certificate of Competency: NICET level III or higher in automatic sprinkler system layout
    • Inspector: NICET level II Certification in Inspection and Testing of water-based systems
    • Sprinkler Designer: NICET level II or higher in layout or a Professional Engineer
    • Sprinkler Contractor: copy of the Certificate of Competency held by the applicant's employees
  4. Submit the required documentation:
    • Citizenship Affidavit
    • Secure and verifiable photo ID (copy front and back)
    • Proof of employment by a Sprinkler Contractor Company (for the Sprinkler Certificate of Competency and the Sprinkle Inspector licenses only)
    • For Sprinkler Contractors:
      • Company letter detailing what services will be provided
      • Verification of Sprinkler tags
      • Proof of liability insurance with not less than $1 million coverage and assurance of any loss to property or personal injury
  5. Complete the application and submit it along with the required documentation and fees
  6. Await for a response within 7 and 10 business days

If the candidate wants to renew a license, they must log into the account and select renew licenses, update the NICET and insurance certifications, and pay the required fees.

Elevators & Escalators

The Safety Inspection Division regulates the Elevators & Escalators Section within the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner. It is responsible for performing the appropriate inspections on elevators used in Georgia. This section also certifies companies or individuals who install, maintain, or service elevators and other types of conveyances, such as dumbwaiters, manlifts, escalators, and moving walks.

List of Elevators & Escalators Licenses

  • Certified Inspector
  • Certification, Elevator Contractor (Class I)
  • Certification, Elevator Contractor (Class IR)
  • Certification, Elevator Contractor (Class II)
  • Certification, Elevator Contractor, Limited (Class III)
  • Certification, Elevator Contractor, Limited (Class IIIR)
  • Certification, Elevator Mechanic (Class I)
  • Certification, Elevator Mechanic (Class IR)
  • Certification, Elevator Mechanic (Class II)
  • Certification, Elevator Mechanic (Class III)
  • Certification, Elevator Mechanic (Class IIIR)
  • Elevator Certificate of Authority

How to get an Elevator Mechanic License?

  1. Meet the licensing requirements:
    • Class I, II, and III:
      • Have a minimum of three years for all except for Class IIIR, which shall be one year of experience
      • Provide proof of training in the service, repair, and maintenance of the equipment that will be worked on
      • Must be employed by a company holding a State Certification
      • Have a certificate of completion and approval of the mechanic examination, which must be obtained from a nationally recognized training program for the elevator industry, such as the National Elevator Industry Educational Program, Certified Elevator Technician Program, or the equivalent of an apprenticeship program for the elevator mechanics registered with the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Program
        • If an applicant provides proof of work as an elevator constructor, maintenance person, or repair person, they may be qualified to receive a Certification without an examination at the discretion of the Office upon filing a Certification application and paying the fee. The work must have been performed under the direct and immediate supervision of an elevator contractor certified to do business in Georgia
    • Class IR and IIIR:
      • Have a minimum of three years of experience
      • Be employed by a State-certified company
      • Have a certificate of completion and approval of the mechanic examination offered by a nationally recognized training program for the elevator industry, such as the National Elevator Industry Educational Program, Certified Elevator Technician Program, or the equivalent of an apprenticeship program for the elevator mechanics registered with the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Program
        • Any candidate providing proof of work as an elevator constructor, maintenance person, or repair person may be entitled to receive a Certification without an examination at the discretion of the Department. For this, the applicant must have worked under the direct and immediate supervision of an elevator contractor certified to do business in this state and file an application for Certification with the required fee
  2. Register for an account on the OCI Citizenserve website
  3. Fill out an online Elevator Examination Application, including the desired license subtype:
    • Class I
    • Class IR
    • Class II
    • Class III
    • Class IIIR
  4. Submit the completed application along with the required documents and fees
  5. Take and pass the Office-administered Elevator Mechanic examination for the chosen class with a minimum score of 70%
  6. If approved, fill out the Elevator Mechanic Application to obtain the license:
  7. Sign and submit the online application
  8. Take and pass the required examinations. For more information about the tests, please contact the Chief Inspector of the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner at (404) 473-1301
  9. Expect a response from the Office regarding the license if approved

How to get an Elevator Contractor License?

All Elevator Contractor classes require certification as an Elevator Mechanic before performing any work on elevators or other conveyances. Additionally, to obtain an elevator contractor license, applicants must meet the licensure requirements:

  • Elevator Contractor Class I, IR, II, III, and IIIR must provide verification of having an Elevator Mechanic Certification
  • All Class II Elevator Contractors shall hire Class I or II Elevator Mechanics
  • All Elevator Contractors must have insurance:
    • Class I, IR and II Elevator Contractors: must send the Office an original or certified copy of an insurance policy issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in this State to provide general liability coverage of at least $1,000,000 for injury or death of one person and $1,000,000 for injury or death of any number of persons in any one occurrence, with the coverage of at least $500,000 for property damage in any one occurrence and the statutory workers' compensation insurance coverage
    • Class III and IIIR Elevator Contractors: shall submit to the Office an original or certified copy of an insurance policy issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in this State to provide general liability coverage of at least $500,000 for injury or death of one person and at least $500,000 for injury or death of any number of persons in any one occurrence, with the coverage of at least $250,000 for any property damages in any one occurrence and the statutory workers' compensation insurance coverage

Please note that Elevator Contractor Certifications are valid for twelve months following the date of issuance.

How to obtain a Certified Inspector License?

The Office issues Inspector certifications, provided that the candidate meets the licensing requirements:

  • Minimum of three years' experience in the installation, maintenance, repair, or inspection of elevators and be a current Qualified Elevator inspector
  • Have insurance for the required amounts:
    • Private Elevator Inspectors: original or certified copy of an insurance policy issued by a State-approved insurance company to provide Professional Errors and Omissions Insurance coverage of at least one $1,000,000 for injury or death of one person and $1,000,000 for injury or death of any number of persons in any one occurrence, with the coverage of at least $500,000 for property damage in any one occurrence and the statutory workers' compensation insurance coverage
    • Certified private elevator inspection firms: Have general liability insurance for a minimum amount of $500,000 and which has been issued by an Office-approved company
  • Provide a copy of a signed contract for each inspection location (including the initial inspection date and expiration date) and a list of equipment to be inspected (for certified private elevator inspection firms)

Please note that Elevator Contractor Certifications are valid for twelve months following the date of issuance.

How to get the Elevator Certificate of Authority?

To obtain an Elevator Certificate of Authority, applicants must create an account on the Citizenserve website and complete the online application. A Certificate of Authority just requires the applicant to select the desired class (I, II, III, IIIR, or IR) and submit the required documentation. Once submitted and approved, the candidate shall await the Section's response regarding the Certificate.

  • Citizenship Affidavit
  • Copy of the front and back of a Secure and Verifiable documents
  • Documentation of Training
  • General Liability Insurance (including Product Liability). Must be a minimum of $500,000 for class III and $1,000,000 for Class I & II
  • Documentation of Qualifications

Boilers & Pressure Vessels

The Boilers & Pressure Vessels Section is regulated by the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, which is responsible for performing the inspections and is further responsible for issuing Certificates of Authority for all companies or individuals who install, maintain or service boilers. This Section offers three licenses: Boiler Certificate of Authority Class I, Boiler Certificate of Authority Class II, and Boiler Certificate of Authority Class III.

How to get a Boiler Certificate of Authority License?

  1. Create an account on the OCI Citizenserve site
  2. Access the Safety Inspection and select the application for the desired license
    • Boiler Commission
    • Boiler Certificate of Authority
  3. Choose the appropriate subtype and desired classification for the Certificate of Authority License
    • Boiler Certificate of Authority
      • Class I Unrestricted
      • Class I Restricted
      • Class II
      • Class III
      • Class III Restricted
    • Boiler Qualifier
      • Class I Unrestricted
      • Class I Restricted
      • Class II
      • Class III
      • Class III Restricted
  4. Meet one of the requirements listed below:
    • Degree in engineering and one year of experience in design, construction, operation, or inspection of high pressure boilers and pressure vessels
    • Two years of experience in construction, inspection, operation, or design of high pressure boilers and pressure vessels and an associate degree in mechanical technology
    • The equivalent of a high school education and four years of experience in one of the following:
      • As an operating engineer in charge of high-pressure boiler operations
      • In high-pressure boiler and pressure vessel construction or repair
      • As an Inspector of high-pressure boilers and pressure vessels
  5. Fill out the application for Boiler Examination through the OCI Citizenserve site
  6. Take and pass the examination prepared and graded by the National Board
  7. Submit the application along with the required documentations and fees
  8. Await for the license to be issued by the Chief Inspector

Useful links for Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner

Helpful Contact Information for Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner

Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner

2 Martin Luther King Jr Dr,
Suite 702 West Tower
Atlanta, GA, 30334
(404) 656-2070
(800) 656-2298

Manufactured Housing

2 Martin Luther King Jr Dr,
Suite 920 West Tower
Atlanta, GA, 30334
(404) 656-3687
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Hazardous Materials

(404) 357-4340
(404) 971-6716
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Safety Fire Engineering

(404) 656-2070
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Elevators & Escalators

(404) 656-2064
(404) 757-8473
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