Texas licenses electricians through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The state issues multiple electrician license levels, each with specific experience requirements and a licensing exam. This guide covers the main steps for obtaining a Texas journeyman electrician license, the most common licensing milestone for working electricians in the state.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state or local licensing authority before applying.
Quick Overview
- Required Hours8,000
- Exam Fee (PSI)$78
- RenewalAnnual
- CE Needed4 Hours
Figures come from official sources and can change. Always confirm with the licensing authority before applying.
3 Steps to Licensure
- 1
Meet the requirements
Requirements to qualify for the Texas journeyman electrician license typically include:
- 8,000 hours of documented on-the-job electrical work experience (approximately 4 years), supervised by a licensed master electrician.
- A completed TDLR application.
- Passing score on the TDLR journeyman electrician exam.
- Payment of application and exam fees.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with TDLR before applying.
- 2
Submit your application
The Texas journeyman electrician application process:
- Register as a TDLR electrician apprentice if you have not already done so.
- Accumulate and verify 8,000 hours of supervised electrical experience through TDLR's online system.
- Submit the journeyman application through the TDLR online portal and pay the application fee.
- After TDLR confirms eligibility, schedule the exam with the approved testing provider.
- Pass both portions of the open-book journeyman exam (NEC Knowledge and Calculations) with 70 percent or better.
- Receive your TDLR journeyman electrician license.
- 3
Pass the electrician exam
The Texas journeyman electrician exam is an open-book, multiple-choice test administered by PSI for TDLR. It covers the NEC as adopted by Texas, Texas electrical safety laws, and practical trade knowledge, and it is delivered in two portions: NEC Knowledge and Calculations. You may use a soft-bound National Electrical Code during the exam (publisher tabs only, no writing in the book during the session, no NEC Handbook). A score of 70 percent or better is required on each portion. The exam fee listed in the PSI bulletin when we checked (September 2026) was $78 for both portions, and you may retake a failed portion, paying the exam fee again for each attempt. Confirm the current question counts, time limits, allowed NEC edition, and fees in the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin, because formats and policies can change.
License Types
Journeyman Electrician
Performs electrical work under the supervision of a Texas-licensed master electrician after 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and the two-portion exam.
- Open-book NEC exam
- Annual renewal, 4 CE hours
Master Electrician
Supervises electrical work and is required for an electrical contractor to employ journeymen; requires journeyman experience before the master exam.
- Two-portion open-book exam
- Can supervise and pull permits
Residential Wireman
A separate credential limited to residential electrical work, with its own TDLR exam.
- Residential work only
- Same 70 percent passing score
Details
Experience
Texas journeyman applicants must document 8,000 hours of hands-on electrical work experience accumulated while registered as a TDLR electrician apprentice. Employers verify hours through TDLR's online portal. Military electrical experience may be credited in some cases. Contact TDLR for the current rules on experience verification and military credit.
Details
Fees
TDLR sets application fees and the testing provider sets exam fees. Both are subject to change. Always confirm current fee amounts with TDLR and the approved testing provider before submitting payment or scheduling your exam.
Details
Renewal
Texas electrician licenses are valid for one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed annually. Journeyman, master, residential wireman, maintenance, sign, and apprentice electricians must complete 4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education within the term of the license being renewed; the course must cover the NEC, the Texas Electricians law and TDLR rules, and electrical safety (NFPA 70E). Electrical contractors and residential appliance installers are exempt from continuing education. Renewal fees are set by TDLR; confirm the current amount and any late-renewal rules on the TDLR renewal page before your expiration date.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a Texas journeyman electrician license?
Accumulating the required 8,000 hours typically takes about 4 years of full-time apprentice work. After submitting your application and passing the exam, TDLR typically issues the license within a few weeks. Requirements and processing times can change; confirm with TDLR.
Do I have to register as a TDLR apprentice before working as an electrician in Texas?
Yes. Texas requires electricians to register with TDLR at the apprentice level before performing electrical work, even while gaining experience toward the journeyman license. Working without TDLR registration can result in fines.
What NEC edition does Texas use for the journeyman exam?
As of September 1, 2026, TDLR electrician exams are referenced to the 2026 NEC; both the TDLR exam page and the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin (revised September 15, 2026) name the 2026 edition. The bulletin also says any soft-bound edition may be brought into the room, but the questions are based on the TDLR-adopted edition, so study and test with the 2026 book. Editions change on a schedule; confirm in the current bulletin before you buy a code book.
Can I get a Texas master electrician license directly from journeyman status?
Yes. After holding a Texas journeyman license and accumulating the required master electrician experience (typically 2 additional years as a journeyman), you may apply for the master electrician exam. Requirements can change; confirm with TDLR.
Does Texas have reciprocity for electrician licenses from other states?
Texas has reciprocity agreements with a limited number of states. TDLR evaluates reciprocity on a case-by-case basis for states not covered by a formal agreement. Contact TDLR for the current list of reciprocal states and eligibility criteria.
