Electrician License Requirements in Texas
| Licensing Authority | Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) |
| License Type | Journeyman / Master Electrician |
| Experience Required | 8,000 hours of supervised electrical work under a licensed Texas Master Electrician (7,000 hours to sit for exam) |
| Exam Required | Yes — Knowledge Section + Calculations Section |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: recommended |
| Continuing Education | 4 hours every year |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $30 |
| Exam Fee | $78 |
| Est. Initial Total | $108 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Apprentice application | $20 |
| Master application | $45 |
Renewal: $30 every 1 year
Exam Requirements
Knowledge Section
Calculations Section
Exam provider: PSI
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredElectrician Exam Secrets Study GuideFull review of the National Electrical Code, electrical theory, and safety practices for the journeyman and master electrician exams — concept breakdowns and practice questions built for a first-try pass.See the study guide →Set up the business before you apply in Texas
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Texas. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→License Tiers
Apprentice
Entry level — must work under supervision
Exam: Not required
Journeyman
8,000 hours (approx. 4 years) supervised work
Exam: Required
Master
12,000 hours (approx. 6 years) including 2 years as Journeyman
Exam: Required
You're licensed in Texas as an electrician — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation issues the Journeyman / Master Electrician; the business that invoices Texas customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Bond: none required by the state.
Texas does not require a surety bond for this license.
Carry general liability insurance.
Texas does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. Workers' compensation is recommended but not mandated. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck electrician businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every year at $30. Continuing education: 4 hours every year.
Other licenses in Texas
- General Contractor license in Texas
No statewide license — check local requirements
- Plumber license in Texas
Statewide license required · $128 in initial government fees · TSBPE
- HVAC Technician license in Texas
Statewide license required · $103 in initial government fees · TDLR
- Roofing Contractor license in Texas
No statewide license — check local requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an electrician license in Texas?
Yes, Texas requires a statewide electrician license through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
How much does an electrician license cost in Texas?
The estimated initial cost is $108, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for an electrician license in Texas?
8,000 hours of supervised electrical work under a licensed Texas Master Electrician (7,000 hours to sit for exam)
What exams are required for an electrician license in Texas?
You must pass the Knowledge Section and Calculations Section exams. Exams are administered by PSI.
How long does it take to get an electrician license in Texas?
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for electricians in Texas?
Yes, 4 hours per every year is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for electricians in Texas— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: TDLR