How to get an electrician license in Texas
Hours, exam, fees, renewal and continuing education for Texas, pulled from official TX sources and checked October 23, 2026.
- Licensing body: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Electricians program
- State journeyman license: Yes
- Journeyman Electrician: 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a Texas-licensed Master Electrician. You may test early at 7,000 hours, but the license is issued only after all 8,000 hours are approved.
- Exam: open book, via PSI
- Code edition: 2023 NEC (TDLR-adopted since Sept. 1, 2023; exams reference the 2023 NEC)
License types in Texas
- Electrical Apprentice
- Journeyman Electrician
- Master Electrician
- Residential Wireman
- Maintenance Electrician
- Journeyman Industrial Electrician
- Journeyman Lineman
- Sign electrician licenses
- Electrical Contractor (business)
Requirements by license
Journeyman Electrician
| Experience | 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a Texas-licensed Master Electrician. You may test early at 7,000 hours, but the license is issued only after all 8,000 hours are approved.Source: tdlr.texas.gov · as of October 23, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Exam | PSI. Open book. 80 scored items, 240 minutes, 70% to pass; bring a soft-bound 2023 NEC (highlighting/notes made before the exam and publisher tabs allowed)Source: tdlr.texas.gov · as of October 23, 2026 |
| Fees |
|
| Renewal | Every year. License is valid one year from the date it was issued; TDLR sends a reminder about 60 days before expiry. Renewal fee $30. Expired up to 18 months: renew online at a higher fee.Source: tdlr.texas.gov · as of October 23, 2026 |
| CE to renew | 4 hours per each 1-year license term
Must be taken within the term being renewed from a TDLR-registered provider. If all 4 hours were NEC-only, at least 1 more hour on law, rules or NFPA 70E is required. Providers report hours to TDLR. Source: tdlr.texas.gov · as of October 23, 2026 |
Master Electrician
| Experience | 12,000 hours of on-the-job training under a Texas-licensed Master Electrician AND a Journeyman Electrician license held for at least 2 years (Journeyman Industrial experience does not count).Source: tdlr.texas.gov · as of October 23, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Exam | PSI. Open book. Two portions (NEC Knowledge and Calculations), 70% on each; $78 covers both portionsSource: tdlr.texas.gov · as of October 23, 2026 |
| Fees |
|
| Renewal | Every year. Same annual cycle and 4-hour CE rule as other TDLR electrician licenses; check the master renewal page for the current fee.Source: tdlr.texas.gov · as of October 23, 2026 · Master renewal fee not separately verified. |
| CE to renew | 4 hours per each 1-year license term
Holders of several licenses need only 4 hours total. Source: tdlr.texas.gov · as of October 23, 2026 |
Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)
What we couldn't confirm yet
We only publish what we can tie to an official source. These items are still open, so check them with the board:
- Master Electrician renewal fee (not checked on an official page).
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FAQ
Does Texas have a state journeyman electrician license?
Yes. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Electricians program issues it. 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a Texas-licensed Master Electrician. You may test early at 7,000 hours, but the license is issued only after all 8,000 hours are approved.
Is the Texas electrician exam open book?
Journeyman Electrician: open book (PSI). Master Electrician: open book (PSI).
How often do you renew in Texas?
Journeyman Electrician: Every year; 4 hours of CE per each 1-year license term. Master Electrician: Every year; 4 hours of CE per each 1-year license term.
Does Texas have electrician license reciprocity?
Texas has reciprocal agreements. Journeyman: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wyoming. Master: Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee. You must have passed that state's exam, held its license at least 1 year, and meet Texas hour requirements.
Already licensed? See Texas electrician license renewal & CE requirements.