The Texas journeyman electrician exam is administered by PSI for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). It is an open-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 by PSI, the TDLR testing vendor.
The exam is open book: you use your own soft-bound National Electrical Code during the test (publisher tabs allowed, no writing in the book during the session, no NEC Handbook). It is delivered in two portions, NEC Knowledge and Calculations, and each portion must be passed with a score of 70 percent or better. 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 an open-book, timed, multiple-choice exam in two portions. When we checked the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin (September 2026), the NEC Knowledge portion listed 59 items (3 non-scored) in 130 minutes and the Calculations portion listed 26 items (2 non-scored) in 110 minutes, with a $78 exam fee covering both portions. As of September 1, 2026 the questions are referenced to the 2026 NEC. Confirm the current question counts, time limits, edition, and fee in the bulletin before you schedule.
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 open-book Texas exam should emphasize code navigation and calculation accuracy:
- Week 1-2: Master NEC definitions (Article 100) and learn where the conductor ampacity tables live in Article 310. Tab them.
- Week 3-4: Work grounding and bonding (Article 250) and overcurrent protection (Article 240) questions with the code open, timing every lookup.
- Week 5-6: Practice load calculations (Article 220) and check every answer with a written unit check.
- Week 7-8: Take timed open-book practice exams using only the code book and a calculator, then 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
Is the Texas journeyman exam open book?
Yes. TDLR electrician exams, including the journeyman exam, are open book. The National Electrical Code is the allowed reference: soft-bound copies only, publisher tabs only, no writing in the book during the exam, and no NEC Handbook. Check the current PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for the allowed edition.
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 an open-book electrician exam?
Practice finding rules, not just remembering them. Work every practice question with your code book open, note which article or table answered it, and time your lookups. Timed practice tests using only the code book and a calculator are the most realistic 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.
