Electrician license requirements in Texas.
Texas licenses electricians at the state level through the Department of Licensing and Regulation, on a clear hours-based ladder from apprentice to journeyman to master. Every license renews annually and every level — including apprentices — needs continuing education.
What Texas requires.
Apprentice Electrician
Entry level. At least 16 years old, no exam and no prior experience required — works under a master electrician, journeyman electrician, or residential wireman.
Journeyman Electrician
Requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus the journeyman exam.
Master Electrician
Requires 12,000 hours of on-the-job training under a master electrician, at least two years holding a journeyman license, and the master exam.
Residential Wireman / Maintenance Electrician
Narrower TDLR license types for specific scopes of electrical work.
Getting the Apprentice Electrician
- Apprentice: be at least 16 and register with TDLR — no exam required
- Journeyman: 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. You can sit the exam at 7,000 hours, but all 8,000 must be verified before the license is issued
- Master: 12,000 hours of on-the-job training under a master electrician, plus at least two years holding a journeyman license, then the master exam
Renewal: All Texas electrical licenses renew annually, and every license type — master, journeyman, residential wireman, maintenance electrician, and apprentice — requires 4 hours of continuing education from a TDLR-approved provider before each renewal.
Verified 2026-08 against the sources below. Licensing rules change — confirm with the board before relying on this page.
Texas electrical licensing FAQ.
Do you need a license to do electrical work in Texas?
Yes. Texas licenses electricians through the Department of Licensing and Regulation. Even apprentices must be licensed, though apprentices need no exam or prior experience — they just have to work under a master electrician, journeyman, or residential wireman.
How many hours do you need for a journeyman electrician license in Texas?
8,000 hours of on-the-job training. You are allowed to sit the journeyman exam once you reach 7,000 hours, but the full 8,000 must be verified before TDLR issues the license.
How do you become a master electrician in Texas?
12,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a master electrician, at least two years holding a Texas journeyman electrician license, and a passing score on the master electrician exam.
How often do Texas electrician licenses renew?
Annually. Every license level, apprentices included, must complete 4 hours of continuing education from a TDLR-approved provider before renewing.
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