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Like most other states, the state of Texas requires contractors to obtain proper licensing before they can bid on jobs or complete projects. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that all work is being performed by qualified individuals. Without a licensure process, anyone could attempt to make repairs or install equipment, which could be disastrous for homeowners.

Of the many licenses available in the state of Texas, an electrical contractor’s license is one of the most important. While a general contractor can repair minor home equipment without pulling a permit, virtually any other electrical repair requires one. You cannot obtain a permit for electrical repair from any municipality in Texas without a valid electrical contractor’s license.

When it comes to obtaining your license, Texas requires a simple exam and application process. They have two different licenses available. In addition, they have a reciprocity agreement in place with a handful of states, which makes it easy to transfer your license.

Texas Journeyman Electrician License Requirements

The first type of electrical contractor’s license in Texas is referred to as a journeyman license. This is considered to be an introductory level license and is a prerequisite to becoming a master electrician.

 In order to test for a journeyman’s license, you must have at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under the direct supervision of a licensed master electrician. Once you have shown proof of this experience, you can schedule the exam with Texas’ governing body.

The journeyman electrician exam consists of 80 total questions. You must answer 56 questions correctly for a cumulative score of 70% to pass. The exam is open-book and you will have 240 minutes to complete it. The exam covers a wide variety of topics, including:

• Calculations
• Definitions
• Plans
• Theory
• Electrical services
• Electrical equipment
• Special occupancies
• Renewable energy

Once you obtain this license, you can perform electrical work under the supervision of a master electrician. You can also work for an electrical contracting company that is run by a master electrician.

Texas Master Electrician License Requirements

As noted above, the requirements for a master electrician’s license are much more stringent than that of a journeyman’s license. You must obtain at least 12,000 hours of on-the-job experience under the supervision of a master electrician. In addition, you have to obtain and maintain a journeyman’s license for at least two years prior.

The master’s license exam is also more challenging. It consists of 75 questions and requires a score of 70% or better. It is an open-book test, and you will have 150 minutes to complete the exam.

The master’s exam covers many of the same topics as the journeyman’s test, but the questions are more in-depth. They require you to exhibit a detailed working knowledge of advanced electrical principles.

Once you obtain your master’s license, you can perform advanced electrical work without supervision. You can also form your own electrical company and oversee other journeymen.

Reciprocity Agreements

While Texas has no reciprocity agreements for general contractors, they do have several such agreements for electrical licensure. Currently, you can transfer a Louisiana or North Carolina master’s license to Texas. You can also transfer a journeyman’s license from the following states:

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

Even when you’re transferring an existing out-of-state license, you will need to sit for a Texas electrical contractor’s exam. While most electrical knowledge gathered from work in other states will apply to the exam, it is important to understand Texas’ unique laws and requirements.

The best way to ensure success when testing for your Texas Electrical license is to partner with a test prep provider. RocketCert can help you to obtain your goal with our cutting-edge virtual test prep and study materials. We offer hundreds of online courses and self-paced modules, all of which are backed by our “No Pass, No Pay” promise!