Are you preparing to take the Texas Journeyman Electrical Exam? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the updated 2025 exam process, from eligibility requirements to scheduling, study tips, and exam day procedures.
Eligibility requirements
Before you can sit for the exam, you must meet these key requirements:
- Complete at least 7,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed Texas Master Electrician
- While 7,000 hours qualifies you to take the exam, you’ll need 8,000 hours for final licensure
- Submit verification of your experience using the TDLR Experience Verification Form
- Each supervising Master Electrician must complete a separate form
- Forms must detail specific types of work performed and hours completed
- Submit a completed Journeyman Electrician License Application with the $30 non-refundable fee
Scheduling your exam
Once your application is approved:
- Receive your approval notification from TDLR.
- Contact PSI Services to schedule your exam:
- Pay the $78 examination fee.
- Choose from multiple testing locations across Texas, including major cities like Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Fort Worth.
Exam format and content
Important new change effective March 1, 2025: The Journeyman Electrician Exam is now split into two portions — NEC Knowledge and Calculations. You must pass each portion with a score of at least 70%. Time from one portion does not roll over to the other.
NEC Knowledge Portion
- 59 items (includes 3 non-scored)
- 130 minutes
- Passing score: 70%
Calculations Portion
- 26 items (includes 2 non-scored)
- 110 minutes
- Passing score: 70%
Content outline — NEC Knowledge
- Definitions, Theory, and Plans – 3 items
- Electrical Services, Service Equipment, and Separately Derived Systems – 6 items
- Electrical Feeders – 3 items
- Branch Circuits and Conductors – 10 items
- Electrical Wiring Methods and Electrical Materials – 10 items
- Electrical Equipment and Devices – 10 items
- Motors and Generators – 5 items
- Electrical Control Devices and Disconnecting Means – 1 item
- Special Occupancies, Equipment, and Conditions – 6 items
- Renewable Energy Technologies – 2 items
Content outline — Calculations
- Calculations and Theory – 2 items
- Electrical Services, Service Equipment, and Separately Derived Systems – 4 items
- Electrical Feeders – 3 items
- Branch Circuit Calculations and Conductors – 4 items
- Electrical Wiring Methods and Electrical Materials – 2 items
- Electrical Equipment and Devices – 2 items
- Motors and Generators – 2 items
- Electrical Control Devices and Disconnecting Means – 1 item
- Special Occupancies, Equipment, and Conditions – 3 items
- Renewable Energy Technologies – 1 item
Unless specifically noted in the question, all conductors are to be considered copper.
Study resources and exam materials
Required for exam day
- 2023 National Electrical Code® (NEC) soft-bound edition
- May be highlighted, underlined, and contain notes made before the exam
- May have permanent index tabs from the publisher
- Valid government-issued photo ID matching your application
- Non-programmable, silent, battery-operated calculator
Not allowed
- Loose-leaf, spiral-bound, or ring-bound NEC books
- NEC Handbook
- Additional papers or notes
- Homemade or DIY tabs
- Electronic devices (phones, smartwatches, etc.)
Important exam day tips
- Arrive 30 minutes early; late arrivals will not be admitted.
- Plan your route to the testing center ahead of time.
- Breaks are allowed but count against your total time.
- You can mark questions for review and return to them later.
- All questions are multiple choice.
- Use your NEC book effectively for code references.
Post-exam process
If you pass
- Results are sent to TDLR automatically.
- Once you complete your 8,000 hours, you can receive your license.
If you fail
- You’ll receive a diagnostic report of strengths and weaknesses.
- You can retake the failed portion(s) — $78 fee applies.
- No waiting period between attempts.
Final tips for success
- Study systematically through all exam topics.
- Practice using your NEC book efficiently.
- Do practice calculations both with and without a calculator.
- Review your Experience Verification Forms before applying.
- Familiarize yourself with PSI’s testing system using their candidate bulletin.
- Schedule early to secure your preferred testing date and location.
