Electrician

You need a license to do electrical work in Texas. To get an application, contact:

Here are the licensed the Department issues, followed by qualifications for licensure:

• Electrical contractor (Business license) - must either be a licensed master electrician or employ one, show proof of financial responsibility (will be defined by rule), and meet statutory requirements for workers compensation coverage
• Electrical sign contractor (Business license) - must either be a licensed master sign electrician or employ one, show proof of financial responsibility (will be defined by rule), and meet statutory requirements for workers compensation coverage
• Master electrician - must have 12,000 hours of on-the-job training under supervision of master electrician and pass the master electrician examination
• Master sign electrician - must have 12,000 hours of on-the-job training under supervision of a master sign electrician and pass the master sign electrician examination
• Journeyman electrician - must have 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under supervision of a master electrician and pass the journeyman electrician examination
• Journeyman sign electrician - must have 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a master sign electrician and pass the journeyman sign electrician examination
• Residential wireman - must have 4,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a master electrician or residential wireman and pass the residential wireman examination
• Maintenance electrician - must have 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a master electrician or a maintenance electrician and pass the maintenance electrician examination
• Electrical apprentice - must be at least 16 years old and be assisting in installation of electrical work under the supervision of a master electrician

The exam is administered by:

Check with the Council for exam details.

Electrician's license and exam fees: The exam will cost $50. License fees are as follows: 

Master Electrician - $75
Master Sign Electrician - $75
Journeyman Electrician - $50
Journeyman Sign Electrician - $50
Residential Wireman - $25
Maintenance Electrician - $25
Electrical Contractor - $125
Electrical Sign Contractor - $125
Electrical Apprentice - $15

Texas has a reciprocal license agreement with Louisiana. The agreement allows for reciprocal licensure of Texas master electricians and the qualifying persons for statewide Louisiana licensed electrical contractors only. The agreement does not allow for reciprocation of other electrical license classes, such as master sign electrician, journeyman electrician, journey sign electrician, or residential wireman. For these other electricians from Louisiana who wish to be a licensed electrician in Texas must pass the state's electrical exam and also meet all of Texas' other qualifications.