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.
Texas Journeyman Electrical Exam - Quick Summary Table
- Eligibility: 7,000 hours of on-the-job training (to sit for the exam), 8,000 hours required for the final license, training under a licensed TX Master Electrician, submit TDLR Experience Verification Form, and a $30 application fee.
- Exam Format (NEW 2025): Two separate portions, NEC Knowledge: 59 questions, 130 minutes, calculations: 26 questions, 110 minutes, must pass EACH at 70% minimum.
- Scheduling: Through PSI Services, online or by phone: (833) 333-4741, $78 exam fee, multiple TX locations available.
- Required Materials: 2023 NEC soft-bound edition (may be tabbed/highlighted), Government photo ID, Non-programmable calculator
- NOT Allowed: Loose-leaf/spiral-bound NEC, NEC Handbook, Homemade tabs, electronic devices
- If You Fail: Can retake the failed portion(s) only, a $78 retake fee, no waiting period required
- Exam Day: Arrive 30 minutes early, all multiple choice, can mark questions for review, breaks allowed (count against time)
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Eligibility Requirements
Before you can sit for the journeyman electrical 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 qualify 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 (holding a valid master electrician license) 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
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Key insights: Don't confuse the hours requirement, 7,000 hours lets you sit for the exam, but you'll need 8,000 total hours documented before TDLR will issue your actual Journeyman license
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Scheduling Your Journeyman Electrician Practice Test
Once your application is approved:
- Receive your approval notification from TDLR.
- Contact PSI Services to schedule your exam:
- Online: PSI Texas Exam Scheduling
- Phone: (833) 333-4741
- Pay the $78 examination fee.
- Choose from multiple testing locations across Texas, including major cities like Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Fort Worth.
Important new change effective March 1, 2025: The journeyman electrician exam is now split into two portions, National Electrical Code (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 (covering conductors' electrical wiring methods)
- Electrical Equipment and Devices – 10 items
- Motors and Generators – 5 items (covering generators electrical control devices)
- 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.)
Pro Tip: Many candidates are turned away on exam day for bringing the wrong NEC book format. Double-check that you have the 2023 soft-bound edition, NOT the handbook, loose-leaf, or spiral-bound versions.
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) — a $78 fee applies.
- No waiting period between attempts.
Study Tips for Success
Treat both portions as separate exams. Each requires a 70% minimum with no time carryover between them.
For the NEC Knowledge Portion
- Tab and index your 2023 NEC by article before exam day. Publisher tabs are allowed; handmade tabs are not.
- Prioritize the highest-weighted areas. Branch Circuits & Conductors, Wiring Methods & Materials, and Equipment & Devices (10 items each).
- Study Article 690 for Renewable Energy (2 items) and Articles 500–516 for Special Occupancies (6 items).
For the Calculations Portion
- Practice service load calculations (Article 220), feeder sizing, and motor calculations (Article 430).
- Default to copper conductors in every problem unless the question states otherwise. This is explicitly built into the exam.
- Practice with a non-programmable calculator, timed to simulate the 110-minute limit.
Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Electrical Career?
Don't let inadequate preparation stand between you and your Texas Journeyman Electrician license. Start preparing today with targeted study guides, practice exams that mirror the actual NEC Knowledge and Calculations portions, and proven test-taking strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is reciprocity available if I move to Texas with a journeyman license from another state?
Yes. You can obtain a Texas journeyworker electrician license without examination if you obtained your journeyworker electrician license by examination in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
Does my Texas Journeyman Electrician license expire, and do I need continuing education?
Yes, Texas journeyman electrician licenses must be renewed every year. Currently, Texas requires 4 hours of continuing education for each renewal cycle, covering NEC updates and other relevant topics. You'll receive renewal notices from TDLR before your expiration date.
Can I schedule and take the two exam portions (NEC Knowledge and Calculations) on separate days?
No, both portions must be taken during the same testing appointment. However, if you fail one portion, you only need to retake the failed section; you can schedule that single portion for a different day.
What happens if I miss my scheduled exam appointment?
If you miss your exam or come late, you will not be able to take the scheduled exam, and your examination fee will be forfeited.
