Texas Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the Texas electrician license: requirements, exam format, fees, and how to prepare
Note: Our practice questions are based on NEC 2023. The exam format details below are specific to Texas.
Quick Answer
For the Texas electrician license exam, expect 85 questions with a limit of 240 minutes, 70% to pass, open book, aligned to NEC 2023. The exam is delivered by PSI and the fee is $78. Texas electricians earn about $58,770 per year ($28.26 per hour), per the BLS.
Last verified: March 26, 2026 • Sources: Texas Licensing Board, PSI Testing Portal
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:PSI
- Questions:85
- Time Limit:240 minutes (4 hours)
- Passing Score:70%
- Exam Fee:$78
- Format:Open-book (NEC reference allowed)
Master Electrician
- Vendor:PSI
- Questions:108
- Time Limit:320 minutes (5 hours)
- Passing Score:70%
- Exam Fee:$78
- Format:Open-book (NEC reference allowed)
What's Covered on the Exam
- Grounding & Bonding (NEC Article 250)
- Wiring Methods (Conduit, Cable, Raceways)
- Load Calculations (Article 220)
- Motors & Controllers (Article 430)
- Box Fill & Conduit Fill
- Overcurrent Protection (Article 240)
- Special Occupancies (Hazardous Locations)
- Services & Feeders (Article 230)
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Texas Electrician License Overview
Texas is one of the most straightforward states for electricians, it issues a single statewide license through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), valid everywhere from Houston to El Paso. Texas licenses Apprentice, Journeyman, Master, and Sign Electricians, plus a Residential Wireman classification. The state's construction boom, driven by population growth, commercial development, and energy infrastructure, makes Texas one of the top markets for licensed electricians.
Texas Electrician License Types
Electrical Apprentice
Entry-level registration for those training under a licensed Journeyman or Master Electrician.
Requirements: Must be at least 16 years old. No exam required. Must work under direct supervision of a licensed Journeyman or Master Electrician at all times.
Journeyman Electrician
Licensed to perform electrical work under the general supervision of a Master Electrician. Can work independently on installations but cannot pull permits.
Requirements: 8,000 hours (approx. 4 years) of supervised on-the-job training as a registered apprentice. Must pass the TDLR Journeyman exam administered by PSI.
Residential Wireman
Licensed to perform electrical work on one- and two-family dwellings only.
Requirements: 4,000 hours (approx. 2 years) of supervised residential electrical work. Separate exam with residential-specific NEC content.
Master Electrician
Highest individual license. Can supervise Journeymen and Apprentices, pull permits, and plan electrical installations.
Requirements: Must hold a Journeyman license plus 12,000 total hours of experience (the 8,000 hours used for Journeyman count toward this). Must pass the Master Electrician exam.
Experience & Education Requirements
Journeyman Requirements
8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training as a registered TDLR Electrical Apprentice. Hours must be documented and verified by a licensed Master Electrician.
Master Requirements
12,000 total hours of electrical work experience, including the 8,000 hours completed as an Apprentice. Must already hold a valid Texas Journeyman license.
Apprenticeship Programs
Texas does not require formal classroom apprenticeship, but structured programs through IBEW locals (e.g., Austin JATC, Dallas JATC, Houston JATC) and ABC chapters are widely available and may count toward your hour requirement.
Education
No formal education requirement beyond high school or GED. However, completing an accredited electrical training program can substitute for a portion of apprenticeship hours at TDLR's discretion.
License Reciprocity
Texas does not have formal reciprocity agreements with other states. Out-of-state electricians must apply for a Texas license and pass the TDLR exam. However, TDLR may accept documented out-of-state work experience toward the hour requirement.
License Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
1 year (annual renewal)
Continuing Education
4 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle, including at least 1 hour on the current NEC edition
Renewal Fee
$30 for Journeyman, $55 for Master
Important Notes
Licenses expire on the anniversary of the issue date. TDLR sends renewal reminders, but it is your responsibility to renew on time. Practicing on an expired license can result in fines up to $5,000 per violation.
TexasElectrician Salary & Job Outlook
Average Salary
$58,770/year
$28.26/hr
Salary Range
Entry-level: $38,380 (10th percentile)
Experienced: $80,530 (90th percentile)
Texas employs over 72,000 electricians, the most of any state. The BLS projects 6% job growth nationally through 2032, but Texas is expected to outpace that due to sustained construction and infrastructure spending.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
How to Register for Your Exam
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Check with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) for current requirements (work experience, education, etc.)
- Submit Your Application: Apply through the state licensing board
- Schedule Your Exam: Once approved, register with PSI at https://candidate.psiexams.com/
- Prepare: Use GetLicenseReady to practice with Texas-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Texas Electrician Exam Tips
State-specific guidance to help you prepare smarter for your Texas exam.
💡What You Need to Know About Texas
- Texas licenses are issued statewide by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), unlike some states, your Texas license is valid throughout the entire state.
- Texas requires 8,000 hours of supervised work experience (roughly 4 years) as an Electrical Apprentice before you can apply for the Journeyman exam.
- The Texas Journeyman exam is administered by PSI and is open-book, you may bring a tabbed and highlighted NEC codebook.
- Texas also licenses Master Electricians separately; the Master exam covers more advanced load calculations and systems design.
NEC Adoption & State Amendments
Texas adopted NEC 2023 for all electrician licensing examinations. Texas will adopt NEC 2026 effective September 1, 2026. Check with TDLR (https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electrical/) for the current code edition used on your exam.
⚠️Common Mistakes on the Texas Exam
- Underestimating the open-book format, many test-takers bring an unmarked codebook and run out of time. Tab and highlight your NEC before exam day.
- Miscounting apprenticeship hours, TDLR requires documented 8,000 hours; hours must be verified by a licensed Master Electrician.
- Not distinguishing between a Journeyman Electrician and a Residential Wireman license, Texas offers both, and they have different scope and exam content.
Texas Electrician License FAQ
How long does it take to become a licensed electrician in Texas?
Most electricians complete the process in about 4 years. You need to log 8,000 hours of supervised work as a registered Apprentice before you can sit for the Journeyman exam. Structured apprenticeship programs typically run 4–5 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
Is the Texas electrician exam open book?
Yes. Both the Journeyman and Master exams are open-book, you can bring a tabbed and highlighted NEC codebook. No loose papers, notes, or electronic devices are allowed. Exam-takers who pre-tab their codebook significantly outperform those who don't.
Can I use my Texas electrician license in other states?
Texas does not have formal reciprocity with other states. However, your documented Texas experience is accepted by most states when you apply for their license. You will typically need to pass the other state's exam separately.
What is the difference between a Journeyman and a Residential Wireman in Texas?
A Journeyman Electrician can work on all types of electrical installations, residential, commercial, and industrial. A Residential Wireman is limited to one- and two-family dwellings. The Residential Wireman requires 4,000 hours (vs. 8,000 for Journeyman) and has a separate, narrower exam.
How much does it cost to get a Texas electrician license?
The PSI exam fee is $78 for either the Journeyman or Master exam. The TDLR license application fee is $40. Total initial cost is approximately $118, not counting NEC codebook purchase ($120–$180) or any prep courses. Annual renewal is $30 for Journeyman, $55 for Master.
Common Questions About the Texas Electrician License
How much does the Texas electrician license exam cost?
The Texas electrician exam fee is $78, paid to PSI when you register.
Who administers the Texas electrician license exam?
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) oversees electrician licensing in Texas, and the exam is delivered by PSI.
How much do electricians make in Texas?
Texas electricians earn about $58,770 per year ($28.26 per hour). Entry level pay is around $38,380 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $80,530 (90th percentile). Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.
How long does it take to become a licensed electrician in Texas?
8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training as a registered TDLR Electrical Apprentice. Hours must be documented and verified by a licensed Master Electrician.
Does Texas have electrician license reciprocity?
Texas does not have formal reciprocity agreements with other states. Out-of-state electricians must apply for a Texas license and pass the TDLR exam. However, TDLR may accept documented out-of-state work experience toward the hour requirement.
Compare Exam Requirements
See how Texas's electrician exam compares to nearby states:
Exam Prep Guides
Texas Electrician License: TDLR Requirements & PSI Exam Guide
Journeyman and master license requirements, PSI exam format, and renewal.
What to Expect on the Electrician License Test
Exam format, NEC topics covered, passing scores, and how to prepare.
How to Pass the Electrician Exam on Your First Try
The 10 most-tested NEC topics and a proven 8-week study plan.
NEC Code Study Guides
Deep-dive guides on the NEC articles tested most on the Texas exam.
NEC Article 110, Electrical Installations
Working space clearances (Table 110.26), temperature ratings (110.14), interrupting ratings, and workmanlike execution.
NEC Article 210, Branch Circuits
GFCI, AFCI, circuit ratings, outlet spacing, and the continuous load rule.
NEC Article 220, Load Calculations
Step-by-step residential standard and optional methods with worked examples.
NEC Article 230, Services
Overhead clearances, 6-disconnect rule, minimum 100A service, and disconnect location.
NEC Table 310.16, Wire Sizing & Ampacity
Temperature columns, correction factors, adjustment factors, and NEC 240.4(D).
NEC Article 430, Motors
Conductor sizing, SCGF protection at 250%, overload protection, and disconnect rules.
NEC Article 240, Overcurrent Protection
Standard breaker ratings, 240.4(D) small conductors, and the 10-foot and 25-foot tap rules.
NEC Article 250, Grounding & Bonding
Grounding electrode system, bonding jumpers, and equipment grounding conductors.
NEC 314.16, Box Fill Calculations
Five volume categories, cubic-inch table, and exam-style worked examples.
NEC Chapter 9, Conduit Fill
Tables C1–C12, 40% fill rule, and how to size conduit for mixed wire bundles.
Electrician Exam Math: Complete Formula Guide
Ohm's Law, power wheel, voltage drop, three-phase power, and transformer calculations with worked examples.
NEC Article 300, Wiring Methods
Physical protection, burial depths, 6-inch free conductor rule, boxes at splices, and plenum wiring.
NEC Articles 404 & 406, Switches & Receptacles
15A vs 20A receptacle rules, tamper-resistant requirements, wet/damp location covers, and snap switch grounding.
NEC Article 334, NM Cable (Romex)
Permitted uses, 4½-foot support intervals, 12-inch box rule, 1.25-inch edge clearance, and where Romex is prohibited.
NEC 2023 vs NEC 2020, Key Changes
What changed between editions: new AFCI/GFCI locations, EV charging rules, and 2023-specific exam prep notes.
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