How to get a Journeyman Electrician license in Texas

Texas electrician licenses

Texas issues 14 electrician credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the Texas electrician licenses on this page, so they are shown once here, with the licenses they apply to. Each license's own section lists only what differs.

1. Every license level (all 14)

Renewal

How often

Every year⁴

When it expires

Valid one year from issuance; renew annually (online). Working on an expired license is prohibited.⁴

If it expires

Expired up to 18 months: renew online at the higher fee. Expired 18 months to 3 years: apply by mail with a Request to Executive Director for Expired License Renewal. Over 3 years: reapply as a new applicant.^{520212223242526272829303132}

Renew online

tdlr.texas.gov^{520212223242526272829303132}

From another state

2. Every license level except Electrical Contractor and Electrical Sign Contractor

Requirements

Background check

Background check required^{37891011121314151619}
Applicants with any conviction or deferred adjudication (other than minor traffic) file a Criminal History Questionnaire; convictions reviewed case by case (1-6 weeks).^{37891011121314151619}
You can ask the board to review your record before you apply^{37891011121314151619}

3. Every license level except Apprentice Electrician and Apprentice, Electrical Sign

How to apply

Application form

Form (PDF, tdlr.texas.gov)^{3910111213141516171819}

4. Every license level except Journeyman Electrician and Master Electrician

From another state

5. Every license level except Residential Appliance Installer, Electrical Contractor, Electrical Sign Contractor and Residential Appliance Installation Contractor

Renewal

Continuing education

4 hours each renewal period^{5202122232425272829}

Required topics

National Electrical Code (as adopted, or current NFPA edition)³³
Texas electrician law and rules³³
Electrical safety (NFPA 70E)³³

Approved courses

TDLR-registered providers only; 1 CE hour = 50 minutes; no credit for repeating a course; keep certificates one year.³⁴

6. Every license level except Apprentice Electrician, Apprentice, Electrical Sign, Maintenance Electrician and Residential Wireman

Fees

7. Every license level except Apprentice Electrician, Apprentice, Electrical Sign, Electrical Contractor, Electrical Sign Contractor and Residential Appliance Installation Contractor

Fees

The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee; check it with the exam provider, PSI³⁶, when you schedule.

How to apply

1. When TDLR approves you, schedule the exam with PSI (online or (833) 333-4741); bring an ID matching TDLR records and a soft-bound NEC.³⁶
2. Pass with 70% or better within one year of applying; PSI sends results to TDLR, which issues the license.³⁶

8. Every license level except Apprentice Electrician, Apprentice, Electrical Sign, Residential Appliance Installer, Electrical Contractor, Electrical Sign Contractor and Residential Appliance Installation Contractor

How to apply

1. Collect a signed Experience Verification Form (or program completion proof) from each supervisor.^{39371112141516}

9. Journeyman Electrician, Journeyman Industrial Electrician, Journeyman Lineman, Journeyman Sign Electrician and Residential Appliance Installer

Fees

How to apply

1. Mail the paper application with the $30 non-refundable fee to TDLR, PO Box 12157, Austin TX 78711-2157 (initial applications are by mail only).^39101113 Form (PDF, tdlr.texas.gov)^39101113

Renewal

Renewal fee

$30^522232426

Late renewal

Late renewal fee (90 days or less): $45³⁸ (expired 90 days or less (1.5 x renewal fee; paid instead of, not on top of, the renewal fee))
Late renewal fee (91 days – 18 months): $60³⁸ (expired 91 days to 18 months (2 x renewal fee))
Late renewal fee (18 – 36 months): $60³⁸ (expired 18-36 months; by mail with Request to Executive Director for Expired License Renewal)

10. Apprentice Electrician, Apprentice, Electrical Sign, Electrical Contractor, Electrical Sign Contractor and Residential Appliance Installation Contractor

Requirements

Exam

Not required⁷⁸²

11. Journeyman Industrial Electrician, Journeyman Lineman, Journeyman Sign Electrician, Maintenance Electrician and Master Sign Electrician

Renewal

Exemptions

Holders of several electrician licenses complete one 4-hour total.³⁴

12. Apprentice Electrician, Apprentice, Electrical Sign, Maintenance Electrician and Residential Wireman

Fees

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

Renewal

Renewal fee

$20^20212527

Late renewal

Late renewal fee (90 days or less): $30³⁸ (expired 90 days or less (1.5 x renewal fee; paid instead of, not on top of, the renewal fee))
Late renewal fee (91 days – 18 months): $40³⁸ (expired 91 days to 18 months (2 x renewal fee))
Late renewal fee (18 – 36 months): $40³⁸ (expired 18-36 months; by mail with Request to Executive Director for Expired License Renewal)

13. Journeyman Electrician, Residential Wireman and Master Electrician

Renewal

Exemptions

Holders of several electrician licenses complete one 4-hour total.³⁴
Renewal fee waived for a master, journeyman or residential wireman who taught a CTE or accelerated journeyman program course for at least one semester in the renewal period.³⁵

14. Electrical Contractor, Electrical Sign Contractor and Residential Appliance Installation Contractor

Requirements

Insurance

General liability: at least $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate, and $300,000 aggregate products/completed operations.³⁹

Insurance

Workers’ compensation coverage, a certificate of authority to self-insure, or a statement electing not to carry it (with a TDI notice of no coverage).¹⁷¹⁸¹⁹

Business requirements

Proof of ownership of the business entity and of the sponsoring master licensee.⁴⁰

Business requirements

Business name and license number on both sides of each company vehicle, letters at least 2 inches high.²

Fees

How to apply

1. Have a licensed master (or residential appliance installer) of record in place: yourself or an employee.¹⁷¹⁸¹⁹
2. Get general liability insurance at the required limits on the Electrical Contractor Certificate of Insurance form, and workers’ compensation coverage or an election not to carry it.¹⁷¹⁸¹⁹
3. Mail the contractor application with the $110 non-refundable fee to TDLR, PO Box 12157, Austin TX 78711-2157.¹⁷¹⁸¹⁹ Form (PDF, tdlr.texas.gov)¹⁷¹⁸¹⁹

Renewal

Renewal fee

$110³⁰³¹³⁵

Late renewal

Late renewal fee (90 days or less): $165³⁸ (expired 90 days or less (1.5 x renewal fee; paid instead of, not on top of, the renewal fee))
Late renewal fee (91 days – 18 months): $220³⁸ (expired 91 days to 18 months (2 x renewal fee))
Late renewal fee (18 – 36 months): $220³⁸ (expired 18-36 months; by mail with Request to Executive Director for Expired License Renewal)

15. Apprentice Electrician and Apprentice, Electrical Sign

Requirements

Experience

No experience required.⁷⁸
Supervision: Works under supervision while learning (statute: a licensed master electrician; TDLR page: master, journeyman or residential wireman).⁷⁸

How to apply

1. Apply online through TDLR and pay the $20 fee.⁷⁸ tdlr.texas.gov⁷⁸
2. If you report no criminal convictions you get a temporary license right away (valid 21 days) while TDLR issues the license.⁷⁸
3. Work only under the required supervision and log your hours; each supervisor will later sign Experience Verification Forms for your next license.⁷⁸

Apply online

tdlr.texas.gov⁷⁸

Temporary or provisional license

Temporary apprentice license valid 21 days for online applicants with no convictions; not renewable.⁴¹

Renewal

Exemptions

Holders of several electrician licenses complete one 4-hour total.³⁴
Apprentices may instead be enrolled in a TDLR-registered apprenticeship training program.³³

16. Maintenance Electrician and Residential Wireman

How to apply

1. Mail the paper application with the $20 non-refundable fee to TDLR, PO Box 12157, Austin TX 78711-2157 (initial applications are by mail only).¹²¹⁴ Form (PDF, tdlr.texas.gov)¹²¹⁴

17. Master Electrician and Master Sign Electrician

Fees

How to apply

1. Mail the paper application with the $45 non-refundable fee to TDLR, PO Box 12157, Austin TX 78711-2157 (initial applications are by mail only).¹⁵¹⁶ Form (PDF, tdlr.texas.gov)¹⁵¹⁶

Renewal

Renewal fee

$45²⁸²⁹

Late renewal

Late renewal fee (90 days or less): $67.50³⁸ (expired 90 days or less (1.5 x renewal fee; paid instead of, not on top of, the renewal fee))
Late renewal fee (91 days – 18 months): $90³⁸ (expired 91 days to 18 months (2 x renewal fee))
Late renewal fee (18 – 36 months): $90³⁸ (expired 18-36 months; by mail with Request to Executive Director for Expired License Renewal)

18. Electrical Contractor and Electrical Sign Contractor

Requirements

Background check

Background check required¹⁷¹⁸
Fingerprints required¹⁷¹⁸
Applicants with any conviction or deferred adjudication (other than minor traffic) file a Criminal History Questionnaire; convictions reviewed case by case (1-6 weeks).¹⁷¹⁸
You can ask the board to review your record before you apply¹⁷¹⁸

Who needs a Journeyman Electrician license

A Journeyman Electrician is licensed to perform electrical work under the general supervision of a Master Electrician.³

Work that does not need this license:

• Homeowners working on a dwelling they own and live in (unless a city ordinance regulates the work).⁴²

Other rules on who may do this work:

• In-house maintenance staff of a business who do not work for the public and do no new-construction installation; licensed A/C contractors for HVAC connections; utilities.⁴²

Requirements for a Journeyman Electrician license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 8, group 9 and group 13 under Applies to every license level.

Education or training

Optional: TDLR-approved accelerated journeyman electrician education program, worth 4,000 hours of OJT credit (from July 1, 2026).⁴³
Who may teach it: Program and curriculum approved by TDLR; instruction by Texas-licensed journeyman or master electricians.⁴³

Experience

At least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training²
On-the-job training under the supervision of a Texas-licensed Master Electrician; 7,000 hours lets you sit the exam, 8,000 hours are required for the license.³
Supervision: Supervised by a Master Electrician licensed in Texas; each supervisor signs an Experience Verification Form.³
Substitute: Graduates of a TDLR-approved accelerated journeyman electrician education program receive 4,000 hours of credit toward the on-the-job training (rule effective July 1, 2026).⁴³
Substitute: Exam eligibility can also come from completing an approved accelerated program or an apprenticeship training program.⁴⁴

Exam

Journeyman Electrician examination (TDLR, delivered by PSI)²
Given by: PSI³⁶
Passing score: 70%³⁶
When you can take it: After 7,000 of the 8,000 OJT hours (or an approved accelerated or apprenticeship program) and TDLR approval of the application.⁴⁴
Open book: the 2026 National Electrical Code (soft-bound) may be used.³⁶
Two parts since March 11, 2025: a knowledge portion and a calculations portion.³⁶
Retakes: Unlimited retakes; each attempt may require a new exam fee.³⁶
Time limit: One year from the date TDLR receives the application.³⁶
Exam waived: Exam waived for holders of a reciprocal state license (journeyman and master electrician only) or of a municipal/regional license from a program that stopped issuing licenses (apply within 90 days).⁴⁵

Renewal and continuing education

Moving to Texas with a license from another state

These are the routes TDLR publishes for the Journeyman Electrician license. The other electrician licenses have their own routes in their sections below.

Apprentice Electrician

An Electrical Apprentice is licensed to perform electrical work under the general supervision of a Master Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, or Residential Wireman.⁷

Requirements

Minimum age

16 years old²

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 4, group 5, group 10, group 12 and group 15 under Applies to every license level.

Apprentice, Electrical Sign

An Electrical Sign Apprentice is licensed to perform electrical sign work under the on-site supervision of a Master Electrician, a Master Sign Electrician, or a Journeyman Sign Electrician.⁸

Requirements

Minimum age

18 years old²

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 4, group 5, group 10, group 12 and group 15 under Applies to every license level.

Journeyman Industrial Electrician

A Journeyman Industrial Electrician is licensed to engage in electrical work exclusively at a business that operates a chemical plant, petrochemical plant, refinery, natural gas plant, natural gas treating plant, pipeline, or oil and gas exploration and production operation. Journeyman Industrial Electrician electricians may not perform residential or commercial electrical work.⁹

Requirements

Experience

At least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training²
8,000 hours of on-the-job training as a licensed electrical apprentice under a Texas master electrician.⁹

Exam

Journeyman Industrial Electrician examination (TDLR, delivered by PSI)²
Given by: PSI³⁶
Passing score: 70%³⁶
When you can take it: After TDLR reviews and approves the application and fee.³⁶
Open book: the 2026 National Electrical Code (soft-bound) may be used.³⁶
Retakes: Unlimited retakes; each attempt may require a new exam fee.³⁶
Time limit: One year from the date TDLR receives the application.³⁶

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 8, group 9 and group 11 under Applies to every license level.

Journeyman Lineman

A Journeyman Lineman is licensed to engage in electrical work involving the maintenance and operation of equipment associated with the transmission and distribution of electricity from the electricity’s original source to a substation for further distribution.¹⁰

Requirements

Experience

At least 7,000 hours of on-the-job training²
7,000 hours of training in a U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship program.¹⁰

Exam

Journeyman Lineman examination (TDLR, delivered by PSI)²
Given by: PSI³⁶
Passing score: 70%³⁶
When you can take it: After TDLR reviews and approves the application and fee.³⁶
Open book: the 2026 National Electrical Code (soft-bound) may be used.³⁶
Retakes: Unlimited retakes; each attempt may require a new exam fee.³⁶
Time limit: One year from the date TDLR receives the application.³⁶

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 8, group 9 and group 11 under Applies to every license level.

Journeyman Sign Electrician

Journeyman Sign Electricians are licensed to perform electrical sign work while working under the general supervision of a Master Electrician or a Master Sign Electrician.¹¹

Requirements

Experience

At least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training²
8,000 hours of on-the-job training supervised by a master sign electrician (statute); the TDLR page also accepts a Master Electrician as supervisor.¹¹

Exam

Journeyman Sign Electrician examination (TDLR, delivered by PSI)²
Given by: PSI³⁶
Passing score: 70%³⁶
When you can take it: After TDLR reviews and approves the application and fee.³⁶
Open book: the 2026 National Electrical Code (soft-bound) may be used.³⁶
Retakes: Unlimited retakes; each attempt may require a new exam fee.³⁶
Time limit: One year from the date TDLR receives the application.³⁶
Exam waived: Exam waived for holders of a reciprocal state license (journeyman and master electrician only) or of a municipal/regional license from a program that stopped issuing licenses (apply within 90 days).⁴⁵

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 8, group 9 and group 11 under Applies to every license level.

Maintenance Electrician

Maintenance Electricians are licensed to perform electrical maintenance work while working under the general supervision of a Master Electrician.¹²

Requirements

Experience

At least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training²
8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a Texas master or maintenance electrician.¹²

Exam

Maintenance Electrician examination (TDLR, delivered by PSI)²
Given by: PSI³⁶
Passing score: 70%³⁶
When you can take it: After TDLR reviews and approves the application and fee.³⁶
Open book: the 2026 National Electrical Code (soft-bound) may be used.³⁶
Retakes: Unlimited retakes; each attempt may require a new exam fee.³⁶
Time limit: One year from the date TDLR receives the application.³⁶

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 7, group 8, group 11, group 12 and group 16 under Applies to every license level.

Residential Appliance Installer

A Residential Appliance Installer is licensed to perform electrical work that is limited to residential appliance installation, including residential pool-related electrical installation and maintenance, on behalf of a residential appliance installation contractor.¹³

Requirements

Experience

No experience required.¹³

Exam

Residential Appliance Installer examination (TDLR, delivered by PSI)²
Given by: PSI³⁶
Passing score: 70%³⁶
When you can take it: After TDLR reviews and approves the application and fee.³⁶
Open book: the 2026 National Electrical Code (soft-bound) may be used.³⁶
Retakes: Unlimited retakes; each attempt may require a new exam fee.³⁶
Time limit: One year from the date TDLR receives the application.³⁶

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 6, group 7 and group 9 under Applies to every license level.

Residential Wireman

A Residential Wireman is licensed only to perform electrical installations in single-family and multifamily dwellings not exceeding four stories.¹⁴

Requirements

Education or training

Approved career and technology education program (alternative to 4,000 OJT hours); hours in the program cannot be credited as on-the-job training.²
Who may teach it: Public-school CTE programs, or similar programs approved by TDLR at colleges or private schools; instructors must be licensed master, journeyman or residential wireman.²

Experience

At least 4,000 hours of on-the-job training²
4,000 hours of on-the-job training under a Texas master electrician or residential wireman, OR completion of an approved career and technology education program.¹⁴
Substitute: Completion of an approved career and technology education program replaces the hours.²

Exam

Residential Wireman examination (TDLR, delivered by PSI)²
Given by: PSI³⁶
Passing score: 70%³⁶
When you can take it: After TDLR reviews and approves the application and fee.³⁶
Open book: the 2026 National Electrical Code (soft-bound) may be used.³⁶
Retakes: Unlimited retakes; each attempt may require a new exam fee.³⁶
Time limit: One year from the date TDLR receives the application.³⁶

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 7, group 8, group 12, group 13 and group 16 under Applies to every license level.

Master Electrician

A Master Electrician is licensed to install, maintain, or extend an electrical wiring system and the appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection with the use of electrical energy in, on, outside, or attached to a building, residence, structure, property, or premises, including service entrance conductors.¹⁵

Requirements

Experience

At least 12,000 hours of on-the-job training²
12,000 hours of on-the-job training under a Texas master electrician, plus at least two years holding a journeyman electrician license (Journeyman Industrial experience does not count).¹⁵
License you must hold first: Journeyman electrician license held for at least two years.²
Substitute: Holders of a municipal or regional master electrician license may verify their own on-the-job training for the years they held it.¹⁵
Substitute: Hours credited from an accelerated journeyman electrician education program also count toward a later master application.⁴³

Exam

Master Electrician examination (TDLR, delivered by PSI)²
Given by: PSI³⁶
Passing score: 70%³⁶
When you can take it: After TDLR reviews and approves the application and fee.³⁶
Open book: the 2026 National Electrical Code (soft-bound) may be used.³⁶
Retakes: Unlimited retakes; each attempt may require a new exam fee.³⁶
Time limit: One year from the date TDLR receives the application.³⁶
Exam waived: Exam waived for holders of a reciprocal state license (journeyman and master electrician only) or of a municipal/regional license from a program that stopped issuing licenses (apply within 90 days).⁴⁵

From another state

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 8, group 13 and group 17 under Applies to every license level.

Master Sign Electrician

Master Sign Electricians are licensed to work on behalf of an Electrical Sign Contractor to perform electrical sign work, which includes manufacturing, installing, maintaining, extending, connecting or reconnecting an electrical wiring system and its appurtenances, apparatus or equipment used in connection with signs, outline lighting, awnings, signals, light emitting diodes, and the repair of existing outdoor electric discharge lighting, including parking lot pole lighting.¹⁶

Requirements

Experience

At least 12,000 hours of on-the-job training²
12,000 hours of on-the-job training supervised by a master sign electrician (statute); the TDLR page also accepts a Master Electrician as supervisor.¹⁶
Substitute: Holders of a municipal or regional master sign electrician license may verify their own on-the-job training for the years they held it.¹⁶

Exam

Master Sign Electrician examination (TDLR, delivered by PSI)²
Given by: PSI³⁶
Passing score: 70%³⁶
When you can take it: After TDLR reviews and approves the application and fee.³⁶
Open book: the 2026 National Electrical Code (soft-bound) may be used.³⁶
Retakes: Unlimited retakes; each attempt may require a new exam fee.³⁶
Time limit: One year from the date TDLR receives the application.³⁶
Exam waived: Exam waived for holders of a reciprocal state license (journeyman and master electrician only) or of a municipal/regional license from a program that stopped issuing licenses (apply within 90 days).⁴⁵

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6, group 7, group 8, group 11 and group 17 under Applies to every license level.

Electrical Contractor

Electrical contractors are licensed to engage in the business of designing, installing, erecting, repairing, or altering electrical wires or conductors to be used for light, heat, power, or signaling purposes.¹⁷

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 3, group 4, group 6, group 10, group 14 and group 18 under Applies to every license level.

Electrical Sign Contractor

Electrical Sign Contractors are licensed to engage in the business of designing, manufacturing, installing, connecting, reconnecting, or servicing an electric sign, cold cathode, neon gas tubing, or outline gas tubing, or altering electric sign wiring or conductors either inside or outside of a building.¹⁸

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 3, group 4, group 6, group 10, group 14 and group 18 under Applies to every license level.

Residential Appliance Installation Contractor

Residential Appliance Installation Contractors are licensed to engage in the business of residential appliance installation including pool-related electrical installation and maintenance.¹⁹

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 6, group 10 and group 14 under Applies to every license level.

City and county rules

Apprentice ElectricianCities may require inspections, offer exams and issue municipal licenses, but may not make a state licensee take a city exam or charge a state-licensed electrician a registration/permit fee (building permit fees excepted). Local amendments to the NEC apply inside city limits.²

Check a license or report a problem

Before you hire an electrician in Texas, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in Texas is on the Texas license lookup page.

Look up a license

tdlr.texas.gov¹

File a complaint

tdlr.texas.gov¹

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

• Tex. Occ. Code ch. 1305 (§1305.155)
• 16 TAC ch. 73 (Electricians)
• 16 TAC §73.80; late renewal 16 TAC §60.83
• Tex. Occ. Code ch. 1305 (§1305.161)
• Tex. Occ. Code ch. 1305 (§1305.1601)
• Tex. Occ. Code ch. 1305 (§1305.1605)
• Tex. Occ. Code ch. 1305 (§1305.156)
• Tex. Occ. Code ch. 1305 (§1305.158)
• Tex. Occ. Code ch. 1305 (§1305.1617)
• Tex. Occ. Code ch. 1305 (§1305.157)
• Tex. Occ. Code ch. 1305 (§1305.153)
• Tex. Occ. Code ch. 1305 (§1305.154)
• Tex. Occ. Code ch. 1305 (§1305.159)
• Tex. Occ. Code ch. 1305 (§1305.160)
• Tex. Occ. Code ch. 1305 (§1305.1618)

Rule changes since January 2024

• March 11, 2025: Journeyman Electrician exam split into a knowledge part and a calculations part.³⁶

Common questions

Electrician licenses in other states

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming