Texas Electrician License Requirements
Official classification: Journeyman / Master Electrician (TDLR) · Issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
⚡ ElectricianTX ✔ Verified 2026-06-16
License types
- Journeyman Electrician — Statewide; 8,000 hours of work under a master electrician
- Master Electrician — Statewide; 12,000+ hours and 2+ years as a licensed journeyman
- Electrical Contractor — Business license; no exam, but must employ a Master Electrician of Record
Requirements at a glance
| Experience required | Journeyman: 8,000 hours (7,000 to sit for the exam). Master: 12,000+ hours plus 2+ years as a licensed journeyman. |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $30 (journeyman) / $45 (master) / $110 (electrical contractor) |
| License fee | Included with application |
| Renewal fee | Annual |
| Renewal period | Annual |
| Continuing education | 4 hours per year ($25–$75 per course) |
| Bond required | No statewide bond for electricians (municipal GC registration may require one — see local note) |
| Liability insurance | Electrical contractor license requires general liability insurance |
| Property damage | — |
| Workers' comp | Per employer obligations |
| Background check | May be required; criminal history reviewed by TDLR |
| Credit requirement | None |
| Reciprocity | None (Texas does not offer electrician reciprocity) |
| Processing time | Variable via TDLR online account |
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Exams
| Journeyman (NEC Knowledge + Calculations) | Provider: PSI Passing: 70% each portion Fee: $78 (both portions) |
| Master (NEC Knowledge + Calculations) | Provider: PSI Passing: 70% each portion Fee: $78 |
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Local / municipal notes
Texas has NO statewide general-contractor license. General-contractor registration, bonds and insurance are set per city — e.g. Dallas: $120/yr registration + general-liability insurance (bonds are work-specific, not a flat GC bond); Austin: free one-time registration + class-based bond; Houston: permit registration + project-specific bonds only; San Antonio: residential $150–$170 per 2 years. See the Texas general-contractor page for details.
Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-16 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) before applying. This is not legal advice.
Official sources
https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/
https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/elecfaq.htm