Texas Electrician License: How to Get Certified as an Electrician in TX

Types of electrical licenses in Texas

Texas issues four types of electrical licenses, each with its own requirements and scope of work:

• Apprentice electrician. The entry-level registration lets you perform electrical work under the direct supervision of a journeyman or master electrician. You must register as an apprentice before logging any on-the-job hours.
• Journeyman electrician. A licensed journeyman can work independently on residential and commercial electrical systems. This is the first full license tier and requires passing a state exam.
• Master electrician. The highest individual license. A master electrician can supervise journeymen and apprentices, pull permits, and take on the most complex projects.
• Electrical contractor. A business license rather than an individual one. You need a master electrician license before you can apply for a contractor license to operate an electrical business in Texas.

All four license types are issued and regulated by TDLR under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1305.

Texas electrician license requirements

Getting licensed as an electrician in Texas follows a clear path. Here are the steps from apprentice registration through master electrician certification.

1. Register as a Texas apprentice electrician

Before you can start logging work hours, you need to register as an apprentice with TDLR. The registration costs $20 and requires you to be at least 16 years old.

Once registered, you can perform electrical work under the direct, on-site supervision of a licensed journeyman or master electrician. Your supervising electrician must hold a current Texas license.

2. Complete on-the-job training

As an apprentice, you need to accumulate supervised work hours before you can advance. Here’s how the hour requirements break down:

• 7,000 hours of on-the-job training qualifies you to sit for the journeyman exam
• 8,000 hours of total experience is required for full journeyman licensure

Most apprentices complete their hours in four to five years working full-time. Your supervising electrician is responsible for verifying your hours with TDLR.

3. Pass the journeyman electrician exam

Once you hit 7,000 hours, you can apply to take the journeyman exam through TDLR.

Key exam details:

• As of Tuesday, March 11, 2025, the exam uses a two-part format: Part 1 covers electrical knowledge, and Part 2 covers calculations
• The exam is based on the NEC 2023 Edition
• It’s an open-book exam, so you can bring your NEC code book
• You need a 70% score to pass each part
• Spanish-language exams are available

If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam. Check the TDLR exam page for the latest scheduling details and retake policies.

4. Apply for your journeyman electrician license

After passing the exam and reaching 8,000 total hours, apply for your journeyman license through TDLR. The application fee is $30.

Once licensed, you can perform electrical work independently without direct supervision. You’ll need to complete four hours of continuing education (CE) each year to keep your license active.

5. Gain master-level experience

To qualify for the master electrician exam, you need:

• At least two years as a licensed journeyman electrician in Texas
• A minimum of 12,000 total hours of on-the-job electrical experience

These requirements ensure you have the depth of experience to supervise other electricians and handle the most complex electrical work.

6. Pass the master electrician exam

The master electrician exam is similar in format to the journeyman exam but covers more advanced material. It also uses the two-part format based on the NEC 2023 Edition, is open book, and requires a 70% passing score.

The master exam tests your knowledge of electrical theory, code application, and the leadership skills needed to supervise apprentices and journeymen.

7. Apply for your master electrician license

After passing the master exam, submit your application through TDLR. Like the journeyman license, you’ll need to keep up with annual CE requirements to maintain your master electrician license.

With a master license, you can also apply for an electrical contractor license if you want to operate your own electrical business.

Benefits of getting an electrician license in Texas

Earning your electrician license opens doors that unlicensed work simply can’t. Here’s what a license does for your career and business:

• It’s the law. Texas requires anyone performing electrical work to hold a valid license or work under a licensed electrician’s supervision. Working without a license can result in fines, legal action, and a permanent mark on your record.
• Higher earning potential. Licensed journeymen and master electricians earn significantly more than unlicensed helpers or apprentices. A master license gives you the credentials to charge premium rates and take on larger projects.
• Business credibility. Clients, general contractors, and property managers want to hire licensed electricians. Your license tells them you’ve met the state’s training and testing standards.
• Ability to pull permits and bid on commercial jobs. Many municipalities require a licensed electrician (often a master) to pull electrical permits. Without a license, you’re locked out of commercial work, government contracts, and most new construction projects.

Electrician training programs and schools in Texas

While on-the-job training under a licensed electrician is the backbone of your apprenticeship, classroom education can help you advance faster and prepare for your exams.

• Community colleges across Texas offer electrical technology certificates and associate degree programs. Look for programs that combine classroom instruction with hands-on lab work covering the NEC, residential wiring, commercial systems, and motor controls.
• Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) offers apprenticeship programs that pair classroom learning with on-the-job training. The national IEC site can help you find a local chapter.
• Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) runs craft training programs across Texas, including electrical apprenticeships. Visit ABC Texas to explore options in your area.
• IBEW/JATC programs are joint apprenticeships run by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the National Electrical Contractors Association. These programs typically run four to five years and include both on-the-job training and classroom hours.

What to look for in a program:

Not all programs are created equal. Look for an electrician training program that offers:

• Accreditation and alignment with TDLR requirements
• Curriculum based on the current NEC edition
• Hands-on training hours that count toward your TDLR apprentice requirement
• Exam prep for the journeyman and master exams
• Job placement assistance or connections to local electrical contractors

How much does a Texas electrician license cost?

Here’s a breakdown of the fees you can expect along the way:

Beyond state fees, budget for your NEC code book (needed for the open-book exam), any training courses or exam-prep materials, and travel to your exam location.

Pro Tip: Check the TDLR Electrician FAQs for the most up-to-date fee schedule, since amounts can change.

How long does it take to get a Texas electrician license?

The timeline from apprentice to master electrician typically looks like this:

• Apprentice to journeyman exam eligibility: About four years working full-time to reach 7,000 hours
• Full journeyman licensure: Four to five years to reach 8,000 hours, pass the exam, and complete your application
• Journeyman to master: At least two additional years as a licensed journeyman, plus reaching 12,000 total hours

The total timeline from apprentice to master is roughly six to seven years. This can vary depending on how quickly you accumulate hours, whether you work overtime, and how many attempts you need on each exam.You can verify your license status and hour totals at any time through the TDLR license search tool.

Texas electrician license reciprocity

If you hold an electrician license in another state, Texas may grant you a license without retaking the exam. Reciprocity agreements vary by license level.

Master electrician reciprocity is available with:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Iowa (Class A only)
• Louisiana
• Nebraska
• North Carolina

Journeyman electrician reciprocity is available with:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arkansas
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Nebraska
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma
• South Dakota
• Wyoming

To apply through reciprocity, visit the TDLR out-of-state application page. You’ll need to provide proof of your current license, work experience, and exam history from your home state.

Reciprocity agreements can change, so always confirm current eligibility with TDLR before applying.

How much do electricians make in Texas?

Licensed electricians in Texas earn solid wages, and your earning potential grows with each license tier.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• National median wage for electricians: $62,350 per year
• Texas median wage: approximately $56,920 per year

According to BLS data, the top 10% of electricians earn more than $99,950 per year. Master electricians and those running their own contracting businesses often fall into this range, especially on commercial and industrial projects.

For a deeper breakdown by license level and experience, check out the Jobber electrician salary guide.

Electrician job outlook

The BLS projects 9% job growth for electricians from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than average. That translates to roughly 81,000 job openings nationwide per year. Texas is one of the largest markets for electrical work, driven by population growth, new construction, and an aging power grid.

Originally published October 4th, 2024. Last updated May 26th, 2026