# How to Get an Electrician License in Texas: Every TDLR Tier, Hours and Fee

Texas electricians are licensed statewide by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Start with an apprentice license (no exam, $20). A journeyman needs 8,000 supervised hours and may sit the open-book exam at 7,000. A master needs 12,000 hours and two years as a journeyman. Electrical contractors must employ a master electrician.

## Key takeaways

- One state agency, TDLR, licenses every electrician tier, and every license renews each year.
- Journeyman: 8,000 hours under a Texas master electrician, with exam eligibility at 7,000. Master: 12,000 hours plus two years holding a journeyman license.
- Exams are given by PSI, are open book against the 2026 NEC, and take 70% to pass.
- Individual licenses need 4 hours of continuing education per renewal. Contractor licenses don't, but they carry insurance minimums.
- With a TDLR license, a Texas city can't make you buy a city electrical license, though it can still charge permit fees.

## Who licenses electricians in Texas?

TDLR does, through its [Electricians program](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/elec.htm). Texas licenses electrical work statewide, so you deal with one agency whether you wire houses in Lubbock or service panels in Houston. TDLR's FAQ is blunt about it: anyone performing electrical work in Texas must hold a license first, with no grace period. TDLR issues 11 individual license types and 3 business license types. This page covers the six most electricians and shop owners need. Sign, lineman, industrial and appliance-installer licenses are listed on the [TDLR program page](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/elec.htm).

> **Last verified**
>
> Every cell below was checked against the official TDLR page it links on 2026-10-24. Fees and rules change. Confirm on TDLR before you send money or plan your hours.

## What are the Texas electrician license tiers?

Six tiers matter for most people. The ladder runs apprentice → journeyman → master → contractor, with residential wireman and maintenance electrician as side routes. Each cell links the TDLR page it came from.

**Texas electrician licenses: hours, exam, fees and CE (TDLR)**

| License | Experience required | Exam | Application fee | Renewal (yearly) | Continuing education |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Apprentice Electrician | None ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/apprentice-electrician.htm)) | None ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/apprentice-electrician.htm)) | $20 ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/apprentice-electrician.htm)) | $20 ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/renew/individuals/apprentice-electrician.htm)) | 4 hours, or enrollment in a TDLR-registered apprenticeship training course ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/renew/individuals/apprentice-electrician.htm)) |
| Residential Wireman | 4,000 hours under a Texas master electrician or residential wireman, or a TDLR-approved career and technology education program ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/wireman.htm)) | Yes, PSI. Exam fee: see [PSI bulletin via TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/elecexam.htm) | $20 ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/wireman.htm)) | $20 ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/renew/individuals/wireman.htm)) | 4 hours ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/renew/individuals/wireman.htm)) |
| Journeyman Electrician | 8,000 hours under a Texas master electrician; you can apply and test at 7,000 ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/journeyman-electrician.htm)) | Yes, PSI. Exam fee: see [PSI bulletin via TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/elecexam.htm) | $30 ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/journeyman-electrician.htm)) | $30 ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/renew/individuals/journeyman-electrician.htm)) | 4 hours ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/renew/individuals/journeyman-electrician.htm)) |
| Maintenance Electrician | 8,000 hours under a Texas master or maintenance electrician ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/maintenance.htm)) | Yes, PSI. Exam fee: see [PSI bulletin via TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/elecexam.htm) | $20 ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/maintenance.htm)) | $20 ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/renew/individuals/maintenance.htm)) | 4 hours ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/renew/individuals/maintenance.htm)) |
| Master Electrician | 12,000 hours under a Texas master electrician, plus a journeyman license held at least 2 years ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/master-electrician.htm)) | Yes, PSI. Exam fee: see [PSI bulletin via TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/elecexam.htm) | $45 ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/master-electrician.htm)) | $45 ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/renew/individuals/master-electrician.htm)) | 4 hours ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/renew/individuals/master-electrician.htm)) |
| Electrical Contractor (business) | Must employ a licensed master electrician, who may be the owner ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/businesses/contractor-elec.htm)) | None listed for the business license ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/businesses/contractor-elec.htm)) | $110 ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/businesses/contractor-elec.htm)) | $110 ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/renew/businesses/contractor-elec.htm)) | Not required for contractors ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/elecce.htm)) |

_All licenses are valid for one year from issue. Verified against TDLR on 2026-10-24. Exam fees, question counts and time limits are in PSI's Candidate Information Bulletin, linked from the [TDLR exam page](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/elecexam.htm)._

What each license lets you do also differs. A journeyman works "under the general supervision of a Master Electrician," per [TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/journeyman-electrician.htm). A residential wireman is limited to "single-family and multifamily dwellings not exceeding four stories" ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/wireman.htm)). A maintenance electrician does maintenance work under a master's general supervision ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/maintenance.htm)). Only a licensed electrical contractor can run the business that sells electrical work.

## How do you become a licensed electrician in Texas, step by step?

1. **Get an apprentice license before your first day** Apply online with TDLR and pay the $20 fee. There's no experience or exam requirement ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/apprentice-electrician.htm)). Renew it every year, either with 4 hours of CE or by staying enrolled in a TDLR-registered apprenticeship training course.
2. **Log supervised hours under a Texas master electrician** Your hours count when they're supervised by a master electrician licensed in Texas. Each supervisor signs an Experience Verification Form, so get signatures as you leave each employer instead of chasing them years later ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/journeyman-electrician.htm)).
3. **Apply for journeyman at 7,000 hours** Mail the application with the $30 fee. Submitting 7,000 hours lets you take the exam before reaching the 8,000 hours required for the license ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/journeyman-electrician.htm)). If you'd rather stay residential, the residential wireman license needs 4,000 hours ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/wireman.htm)).
4. **Pass the PSI exam within your one-year window** Once TDLR approves you, schedule with PSI. The exam is open book against the 2026 National Electrical Code, and 70% passes. You can retake as often as needed, paying again each time. You have one year from the date TDLR receives your application to meet every requirement ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/elecexam.htm)).
5. **Finish your hours and get licensed** Your journeyman license issues once your 8,000 hours are verified and you've passed. Then renew yearly with 4 hours of CE covering the NEC, Texas electrician law, TDLR rules and NFPA 70E safety ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/elecce.htm)).
6. **Go for master after two years as a journeyman** With 12,000 total hours and two years holding a journeyman license, apply for master ($45) and take that exam ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/master-electrician.htm)). Journeyman Industrial Electrician experience doesn't count toward master.

## What's on the Texas electrician exam?

TDLR uses PSI as its exam vendor, and the exam is open book: you may bring the National Electrical Code, 2026 Edition. A score of 70% or better passes ([TDLR exam page](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/elecexam.htm)). TDLR offers each exam in English and Spanish. It doesn't publish question counts, time limits or exam fees on its own site; those are in the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for your license type, which the exam page links. Open book doesn't mean easy. Most people who fail run out of time hunting through the code, so practice finding articles fast.

> **Know your code edition**
>
> Your exam is open book against the 2026 NEC, per TDLR. If you studied from an older code book, note what changed before test day. The edition your local inspector enforces on the job can differ from the exam edition.

## Does a Texas city require its own electrical license?

Not if you hold a TDLR license. TDLR's FAQ answers "Can a city or region still require me to have a city license and charge me a fee?" with "Yes, IF you do not hold a state license issued by TDLR." The state law doesn't stop cities from charging building permit fees, so you still pull permits and pass inspections where the job is ([TDLR FAQ](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/elecfaq.htm)). City permit rules and inspection schedules vary, so call the building department before you bid a job in a new city. We haven't verified individual city rules for this page.

**Homeowners:** the state doesn't require a license for a person doing electrical work on a dwelling they own and live in ([TDLR exemptions](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/exemptions.htm)). TDLR notes that city rules can override exemptions, so a homeowner may still need a permit. Other exemptions cover licensed A/C contractors connecting their own equipment, plumbers working on existing circuits for fixtures, and several utility and industrial settings.

## Can you transfer an out-of-state electrician license to Texas?

Only for master and journeyman licenses, and only from listed states ([TDLR out-of-state page](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/out-of-state.htm)). Master electrician reciprocity covers Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana (state contractor's license, Louisiana residents only), Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio and Tennessee; the fee is $45. Journeyman reciprocity covers Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming; the fee is $30. TDLR says there are no reciprocal agreements for any other license type.

## Practice for the exam

Free practice tests for the Texas journeyman exam are on our list. Until they ship, build the habit that wins open-book exams: tab your code book by article and time yourself finding answers. If you also work on HVAC equipment, our [EPA 608 Core practice test](https://www.brix.so/practice/epa-608/core) covers the refrigerant rules every technician needs.

## Starting your own electrical contracting business in Texas

To sell electrical work under your own name, your business needs an Electrical Contractor license ($110 a year). You must either hold a master license and assign it to your company, or employ a master who assigns their license as the "Master Electrician of Record" ([TDLR FAQ](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/elecfaq.htm)). A master can be assigned to only one contractor at a time ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/businesses/contractor-elec.htm)).

- **Liability insurance minimums:** $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate, and $300,000 aggregate for products and completed operations ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/businesses/contractor-elec.htm)).
- **Workers' comp:** send proof of coverage, a certificate of authority to self-insure, or a statement electing not to carry coverage with your application ([TDLR](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/businesses/contractor-elec.htm)).
- **Taxes:** Texas taxes residential and commercial electrical work differently, and LLCs file franchise tax reports. See [Texas contractor taxes and licensing](https://www.brix.so/taxes/texas).
- **Business setup:** entity, insurance, pricing and your first customers are covered in [how to start an electrical business](https://www.brix.so/start/electrical).

BRIX tracks licenses, insurance certificates and permits and flags renewals before they lapse, which helps when every TDLR license renews yearly. It also answers calls while you're in an attic, books the job and sends the quote and invoice from one customer record.

- [Compliance and permit tracking](https://www.brix.so/#use-cases): Tracks licenses, safety documents and permits and flags renewals before they lapse.
- [AI receptionist](https://www.brix.so/features/ai-receptionist): Answers every call 24/7, qualifies the caller, books the job and texts back anyone it misses.
- [Quotes and estimates](https://www.brix.so/features/quotes-estimates): Builds accurate quotes on site and follows up on every open estimate.
- [Invoicing and payments](https://www.brix.so/features/invoicing-payments): Turns finished jobs into invoices and politely chases unpaid ones until the money is in your account.

## Frequently asked questions

### How many hours do you need to be a journeyman electrician in Texas?

TDLR requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a master electrician licensed in Texas. You can apply and take the exam once you have 7,000 hours, then receive the license after you reach 8,000.

### How long does it take to become a master electrician in Texas?

A master electrician needs 12,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training and must have held a journeyman license for at least two years. At roughly 2,000 working hours a year, 12,000 hours is about six years of full-time work. Journeyman Industrial Electrician experience doesn't count.

### Is the Texas electrician exam open book?

Yes. TDLR's exam page says the exam is open book and you may reference the 2026 National Electrical Code. PSI administers it, and a score of 70% or better passes. You can retake it as many times as needed, paying the exam fee each time.

### How much does a Texas electrician license cost?

TDLR's application fees are $20 for apprentice, residential wireman and maintenance electrician, $30 for journeyman, $45 for master and $110 for an electrical contractor. Each renews yearly at the same amount. PSI exam fees are separate and listed in PSI's Candidate Information Bulletin.

### Do Texas electricians need continuing education?

Yes, 4 hours before each yearly renewal for master, journeyman, residential wireman, maintenance and apprentice licenses. The hours must cover the NEC, Texas electrician law, TDLR rules and NFPA 70E safety. Apprentices can instead be enrolled in a registered training course. Contractor licenses have no CE requirement.

### Can I do electrical work on my own house in Texas?

The state doesn't require a license for someone working on a dwelling they own and live in. TDLR notes that cities and regions can still require permits and inspections, so check with your city's building department first.

### What do I need to start an electrical contracting company in Texas?

An Electrical Contractor license from TDLR ($110), a master electrician of record (you or an employee), liability insurance of at least $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate plus $300,000 products and completed operations, and a workers' comp filing. Then register the business and handle Texas taxes.

## Related

- [Texas Contractor Taxes and Licensing: Labor, Materials, Franchise Tax and Licenses](https://www.brix.so/taxes/texas)
- [Electrician Software for Panel Upgrades, EV Chargers, Permits and Progress Billing](https://www.brix.so/for/electrical)
- [What Is a Contractor License?](https://www.brix.so/learn/contractor-license)
- [Free EPA 608 Core Practice Test](https://www.brix.so/practice/epa-608/core)
- [Voltage Drop Calculator](https://www.brix.so/tools/voltage-drop-calculator)
- [AI Receptionist for Electricians: Screen the Hazards, Book the Site Visit](https://www.brix.so/for/electrical/ai-receptionist)
- [How to Get an HVAC License in Texas: TDLR Registration, Certification and Contractor Classes](https://www.brix.so/licensing/hvac/texas)
- [Bookkeeping for Electricians: Progress Billing, Job Costing and QuickBooks](https://www.brix.so/for/electrical/bookkeeping)
- [Electrical Leads: How Electricians Win More Panel, EV and Generator Jobs](https://www.brix.so/for/electrical/sales)
- [AI Receptionist & CRM for Electricians in Rochester, NY](https://www.brix.so/for/electrical/rochester-ny)

## Change log

- 2026-10-24: Page published. All tiers, fees, hours, exam, CE, reciprocity and contractor insurance rules verified against TDLR.

## Sources

- [TDLR — Electricians program (license types)](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/elec.htm) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [TDLR — Apprentice Electrician application](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/apprentice-electrician.htm) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [TDLR — Apprentice Electrician renewal](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/renew/individuals/apprentice-electrician.htm) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [TDLR — Journeyman Electrician application](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/journeyman-electrician.htm) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [TDLR — Journeyman Electrician renewal](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/renew/individuals/journeyman-electrician.htm) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [TDLR — Master Electrician application](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/master-electrician.htm) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [TDLR — Master Electrician renewal](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/renew/individuals/master-electrician.htm) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [TDLR — Residential Wireman application](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/wireman.htm) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [TDLR — Residential Wireman renewal](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/renew/individuals/wireman.htm) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [TDLR — Maintenance Electrician application](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/individuals/maintenance.htm) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [TDLR — Maintenance Electrician renewal](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/renew/individuals/maintenance.htm) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [TDLR — Electrical Contractor application](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/apply/businesses/contractor-elec.htm) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [TDLR — Electrical Contractor renewal](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/renew/businesses/contractor-elec.htm) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [TDLR — Electrician exam information (PSI, 2026 NEC, 70%)](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/elecexam.htm) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [TDLR — Continuing education for electricians](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/elecce.htm) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [TDLR — Electricians FAQ](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/elecfaq.htm) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [TDLR — Electrician licensing exemptions](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/exemptions.htm) (checked 2026-10-24)
- [TDLR — Out-of-state applicants and reciprocity](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/out-of-state.htm) (checked 2026-10-24)

Last verified against [Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation](https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/elec.htm) on 2026-10-24.

Talk to BRIX: call or text (518) 588-1122, email eeharris2004@gmail.com, or book a 15-minute call at https://cal.com/ethanharris/15min.

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Written by BRIX Editorial Team. Last updated 2026-10-24. General information, not tax, legal or financial advice.
Canonical: https://www.brix.so/licensing/electrician/texas