The Texas journeyman electrician exam is administered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and is a closed-book test covering the National Electrical Code and Texas electrical rules. ExamsLib provides free practice questions and study guides to help you prepare.
Overview
Exam Overview
The Texas journeyman electrician exam is required for anyone seeking to work as a journeyman electrician under the supervision of a licensed master electrician in Texas. TDLR administers licensing and the exam is delivered through a TDLR-approved testing provider.
Unlike many states, Texas administers the journeyman exam as a closed-book test. Candidates must know key NEC articles and formulas without being able to look them up during the exam. Topics include wiring methods, grounding and bonding, overcurrent protection, load calculations, and Texas-specific electrical regulations.
Scope
License Types
The Texas journeyman electrician license is one of four primary TDLR electrician credentials:
- Journeyman Electrician - Perform electrical work under a licensed master electrician.
- Residential Wireman - Residential electrical work only, a separate license track.
Structure
Exam Format
The Texas journeyman electrician exam is a closed-book, timed, multiple-choice exam. It tests NEC knowledge and Texas electrical rules. Contact TDLR or the approved testing provider for the current question count, time limit, and exam blueprint.
Score
Passing Score
Texas requires a score of 70 percent or higher to pass the journeyman electrician exam. The exam must be passed before TDLR will issue the journeyman license. Confirm the current threshold with TDLR.
Eligibility
Requirements
To qualify for the Texas journeyman electrician exam, candidates typically need:
- 8,000 hours of supervised electrical work experience (approximately 4 years).
- A completed TDLR application with supporting documentation.
- Payment of the application and exam fees.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state or local licensing authority before applying.
Cost
Fees
TDLR application and exam fees are subject to change. Visit the TDLR website for the current fee schedule before submitting your application or scheduling the exam. Always confirm current fee amounts with TDLR before submitting payment.
Plan Ahead
Study Plan
Study strategy for the closed-book Texas exam should emphasize memorization and active recall:
- Week 1-2: Master NEC definitions (Article 100) and conductor sizing tables (Tables 310.16, 310.15).
- Week 3-4: Memorize grounding and bonding requirements (Article 250) and overcurrent protection rules.
- Week 5-6: Practice load calculations (Article 220) without referencing the code.
- Week 7-8: Take timed closed-book practice exams and review Texas-specific electrical rules.
Focus Areas
Study Topics
GB Grounding and Bonding
Study grounding and bonding for your electrician licensing exam. Covers NEC Article 250, GEC sizing, EGC sizing, main bonding jumpers, and common mistakes.
Study this topicLC Load Calculations
Master electrical load calculations for your journeyman or master electrician exam. Covers NEC Article 220, demand factors, residential and commercial methods.
Study this topicNC NEC Code
Study NEC code for your electrician licensing exam. Learn the code structure, key articles, open-book navigation tips, and closed-book memorization strategies.
Study this topic
Keep Exploring
Related Pages
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Texas journeyman exam closed book?
Texas sets its own exam format through TDLR. The closed-book format is intended to ensure that licensed journeymen have a solid working knowledge of the NEC and Texas electrical rules without needing to look up every detail on the job.
How many times can I retake the Texas journeyman electrician exam?
TDLR allows candidates to retake the exam, but there may be waiting periods between attempts. Check TDLR's current retake policy and any associated fees before scheduling a retake.
What is the best way to study for a closed-book electrician exam?
Focus on active recall rather than passive reading. Use flashcards for NEC articles, conductor sizing tables, and formulas. Practice solving load calculation problems from memory. Timed practice tests under closed-book conditions are the most effective final preparation.
Do I need a Texas journeyman license to work as an electrician's helper?
You do not need a journeyman license to work as an apprentice helper, but you must register with TDLR as an electrician apprentice. Requirements can change; always confirm with TDLR before starting work.
