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Texas Electrical License Reciprocity
RocketCert Staff
03.25.2021
For years, Texas has been considered to be one of the premier destinations for electrical contractors. They have straightforward licensing requirements and an abundance of available work.
The state governing board has even taken steps to encourage contractors from other states to transition to Texas. Their primary means of accomplishing this is through a simple licensing transfer process.
Currently, Texas has several reciprocity agreements with other states, which allows electrical contractors to obtain a Texas license more easily.
What is Reciprocity?
Reciprocity is an agreement to honor a license or other certification from another state. Reciprocity agreements always function as a “two-way street.” For example, Texas would not agree to honor an electrical contractor’s license from California if that state did not extend the same offer.
The goal of reciprocity agreements is to facilitate easier transitions between states in the event that a contractor needs to hold multiple licenses. This is especially helpful if you are located in a border town and have access to a significant customer base in a neighboring state.
Severe weather events also create the need for logical reciprocity agreements. The recent Texas freeze is a great example, as contractors within the state became overwhelmed with the demand for services. Reciprocity can help state and local governments to deal with natural disasters that require rapid aid.
Which States Have a Reciprocity Agreement with Texas?
Currently, Texas has 12 total reciprocity agreements in place for their electrical contractor’s licenses. They do not have reciprocity agreements for any other types of contractors at this time.
If you hold a journeyman electrician’s license in the following states, you can transfer them to Texas:
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Wyoming
Texas also has two reciprocity agreements in place for those with master’s electrical contractor licenses. Those states are Louisiana and North Carolina. The applicable Louisiana license is known as a state contractor’s license. A North Carolina Unlimited Electrical Contractor’s license is eligible for transfer.
How Do I Transfer My Out-of-State License?
Regardless of the type of license you have, the transfer process is very efficient. However, there are a few differences in the process, depending on your classification.
Journeyman
In order to transfer a journeyman’s license, you must be able to prove that you meet the minimum requirements. You have to present proof that you have passed a state exam from a reciprocal state. Texas requires that you have a minimum of 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience and that you have held the reciprocal license for one year or more.
If you meet all of the requirements, you must complete a journeyman’s reciprocity application and submit it with a copy of your license. There is a $30 license fee that must be paid at the time of application.
Master
In order to be eligible for a Texas master electrician’s reciprocal license, you must show proof that you have passed a reciprocal state exam. Texas requires that you have 12,000 hours of approved work experience under the supervision of a master electrician. You are also required to have held the license for one year.
Once you verify that you meet all requirements, you can complete an application for a master electrician’s reciprocity license. The licensing fee is $45 and must be submitted along with a copy of your state license.
The master’s reciprocity license also requires that you submit a letter of good standing. You can obtain this letter from the state board or entity that manages electrician’s licenses. The letter must verify that you have passed the state exam and that your license is valid.
If you live in another state and wish to obtain a Texas electrical license, then you will need to take the exam. Passing the exam is an attainable goal with the proper test prep and study materials.
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