Texas is the second-largest state for electrical workers, but it has one of the toughest licensing exams in the country. According to TDLR (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation) data from FY2024, only 28% of candidates pass the journeyman electrician exam on their first attempt. That means nearly three out of four test-takers fail. This guide will show you exactly what to expect, how to prepare, and which resources will give you the best shot at passing.
28%
First-Attempt Pass Rate
PSI
Test Provider
85
Total Questions
240 min
Total Time
2023
NEC Edition
$78
Exam Fee
Texas Exam Format (New 2-Part Structure)
As of March 2025, the Texas journeyman electrician exam administered by PSI uses a 2-part structure. This was the biggest change to the Texas exam in over a decade, and it is a major reason the pass rate has dropped.
Part 1: NEC Knowledge
- 59 questions in 130 minutes
- Covers NEC articles, definitions, installation requirements, wiring methods, grounding, and special occupancies
- Open book: you can reference your NEC 2023
- ~2.2 minutes per question
Part 2: Calculations
- 26 questions in 110 minutes
- Dwelling unit load calculations, box fill, conduit fill, voltage drop, motor calculations, and transformer sizing
- Open book: NEC 2023 + on-screen calculator provided by PSI
- ~4.2 minutes per question (you will need every second)
Passing Requirements
- 70% on Part 1 (at least 42 of 59 correct)
- 70% on Part 2 (at least 19 of 26 correct)
- You must pass both parts. If you fail one, you retake the entire exam.
- 30-day waiting period between attempts
The 2-part split means you can no longer rely on strong NEC knowledge to compensate for weak calculation skills, or vice versa. You need to be competent in both areas independently.
Requirements to Sit for the Texas Journeyman Exam
Before you can schedule the exam, you need to meet TDLR's eligibility requirements. Texas does not require formal classroom education (no degree or trade school needed), but the experience requirement is significant.
Experience Requirements
- 8,000 hours of supervised electrical experience under a licensed Texas Master Electrician
- Experience must be verifiable through employer records and signed affidavits
- Military electrical experience may count toward the requirement (submit DD-214 and job description)
- Out-of-state experience may qualify if performed under a licensed master in that state
TDLR Application Process
- Create a TDLR online account at tdlr.texas.gov
- Submit your application with the $50 fee
- Provide experience verification (employer affidavits, W-2s, or pay stubs showing electrical work)
- Wait for TDLR approval (4-8 weeks, sometimes longer during peak periods)
- Receive your ATT (Authorization to Test) from PSI
- Schedule your exam at a PSI testing center (locations in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and other major cities)
What to Bring on Exam Day
- Two forms of valid ID (one must be government-issued with photo)
- Your NEC 2023 code book (can be tabbed and highlighted, but NO loose papers, sticky notes with writing, or handwritten annotations in margins)
- PSI confirmation email (printed or on your phone)
What's on the Texas Electrician Exam?
The Texas exam is based on the NEC 2023 (NFPA 70, 2023 Edition). Texas has not yet adopted NEC 2026, so make sure you are studying the correct edition. Here is a breakdown of the content areas and their approximate weighting.
Part 1: NEC Knowledge Breakdown
Part 2: Calculations Breakdown
Most-Tested NEC Articles
Based on candidate feedback and exam prep analysis, these are the NEC articles that appear most frequently on the Texas exam:
- Article 250 — Grounding & Bonding (appears on almost every exam)
- Article 210 — Branch Circuits
- Article 220 — Branch Circuit, Feeder, and Service Load Calculations
- Article 230 — Services
- Article 240 — Overcurrent Protection
- Article 300 — General Requirements for Wiring Methods
- Article 310 — Conductors for General Wiring
- Article 430 — Motors, Motor Circuits, and Controllers
- Article 314 — Outlet, Device, Pull, and Junction Boxes
- Chapter 9 Tables — Conduit Fill, Conductor Properties
10-Week Study Plan for the Texas Exam
This study plan is designed specifically for the Texas 2-part format. It assumes you are working full-time and studying 45-60 minutes per day, 5-6 days per week. Adjust the timeline based on your starting knowledge level.
NEC Orientation & Structure
- Read Articles 90, 100, and 110 completely — these are the foundation
- Learn the NEC table of contents: Chapters 1-4 (general), 5-7 (special), 8-9 (communications/tables)
- Tab your NEC book: color-code by chapter, flag key tables (Table 310.16, Table 250.66, Table 250.122, Chapter 9 Tables)
- Take a diagnostic practice exam to identify your baseline — do not worry about the score, just find your weak areas
- Practice finding specific articles within 30 seconds using the table of contents and index
Core NEC Articles Deep Dive
- Article 210 (Branch Circuits): receptacle spacing, GFCI/AFCI requirements, permissible loads
- Article 220 (Load Calculations): understand the standard vs. optional method for dwelling units
- Article 230 (Services): service entrance requirements, working clearances, disconnects
- Article 240 (Overcurrent Protection): fuse and breaker sizing, next-size-up rule (240.4(B))
- Article 250 (Grounding & Bonding): grounding electrode system, equipment grounding conductors, bonding jumpers — spend extra time here
Calculations Foundation (Part 2 Prep)
- Dwelling unit load calculations: general lighting (Table 220.12), small appliance circuits, laundry, dryer, range (Table 220.55)
- Box fill calculations (314.16): conductor equivalents, device fill, clamp fill — practice until automatic
- Conduit fill using Chapter 9 Tables: Table 1, Table 4, Table 5
- Voltage drop formula: VD = 2KIL/CM (know when K = 12.9 for copper and K = 21.2 for aluminum)
- Motor calculations (Article 430): FLC from Tables 430.247-430.250, branch circuit protection, overload sizing
Advanced Topics & NEC Speed Drills
- Wiring Methods (Articles 300-398): NM cable, MC cable, EMT, RMC, PVC — know the applications and limitations of each
- Special Occupancies (Chapter 5): focus on Article 500 (Hazardous Locations) and Article 517 (Health Care)
- Special Equipment (Chapter 6): Article 625 (EV Charging), Article 680 (Swimming Pools), Article 690 (Solar PV)
- NEC navigation speed drills: set a timer and practice finding specific sections in under 30 seconds
- Take a Part 1-only practice exam under timed conditions (59 questions, 130 minutes)
Full Practice Exams & Final Review
- Take at least 3 full-length practice exams under real conditions (Part 1 + Part 2, separate timing)
- Review every question you got wrong — understand WHY the right answer is right, not just what it is
- Focus on your weakest calculation type — if voltage drop is your worst area, drill 20+ voltage drop problems
- Practice with the on-screen calculator interface (PSI provides a basic calculator, not scientific)
- Day before the exam: light review only. Re-read your tabbed sections. Get 8 hours of sleep.
Top Resources for Texas Exam Prep
Not all exam prep is created equal. Here are the most effective resources for the Texas journeyman exam, ranked by value and relevance to the current 2-part format.
SparkShift
Mobile App (iOS & Android)
Pros
- NEC 2023-based practice questions
- Timed mock exams that match the Texas 2-part format
- Performance tracking shows your weakest topics
- Study anywhere — works offline
- Built by licensed electricians
Cons
- Newer platform (launched 2025)
Best for: Apprentices who want structured, mobile-first exam prep with progress tracking
Mike Holt Enterprises
Books & Online Courses
Pros
- Comprehensive NEC understanding (not just memorization)
- Excellent calculation explanations
- Well-established reputation in the industry
- Detailed graphics and code breakdowns
Cons
- Expensive for the full bundle
- Not mobile-optimized for on-the-go study
- General exam prep — not Texas-specific format
Best for: Visual learners who want deep NEC comprehension and have the budget for premium courses
JADE Learning
Online Courses
Pros
- State-specific exam prep options
- Includes continuing education courses
- Good question explanations with NEC references
Cons
- Interface feels dated
- Less focus on the new 2-part format
Best for: Electricians who also need CE credits alongside exam prep
Tom Henry's Electrical Books
Books & Calculators
Pros
- Legendary calculation guides
- "Key Word Index" for fast NEC lookups
- Affordable compared to full courses
- Excellent for Texas calculation-heavy format
Cons
- Books only — no digital practice platform
- Self-guided (no progress tracking)
Best for: Candidates who need to strengthen calculations on a budget
Texas Electrician License Types
Texas issues several types of electrical licenses through TDLR. Each has different requirements, scopes of work, and exam requirements. Understanding the license hierarchy helps you plan your career path.
Apprentice Electrician
Journeyman Electrician
Maintenance Electrician
Master Electrician
After You Pass: Texas CE Requirements
Passing the exam is not the end of the road. Texas requires continuing education (CE) to maintain your license. Here is what each license type requires.
Journeyman: 4 hours per renewal cycle
License renews annually. Must complete 4 CE hours from a TDLR-approved provider. At least 1 hour must cover NEC updates.
Master: 16 hours per renewal cycle
License renews annually. Must complete 16 CE hours from a TDLR-approved provider. Includes NEC updates, safety, and business management topics.
Maintenance: 4 hours per renewal cycle
License renews annually. Same CE structure as the journeyman license.
TDLR sends renewal reminders by email, but it is your responsibility to complete CE hours before your license expires. Letting your license lapse can result in fines and requires additional steps to reinstate.
Texas Electrician License Reciprocity
Texas has limited reciprocity with other states, but the program is expanding. As of March 2026, here is the current status.
Current Reciprocity Agreements
- Alabama: Texas recognizes Alabama master electrician licenses. Alabama residents can apply for a Texas master license without re-examination, subject to experience verification.
- Arkansas: Reciprocity at the master level. Similar process to Alabama, with experience and background check requirements.
Important Notes on Reciprocity
- Reciprocity is currently limited to the master level only. Journeyman licenses from other states are not automatically recognized in Texas.
- TDLR has been actively expanding reciprocity since 2024 under legislative direction. Check tdlr.texas.gov for the latest agreements.
- If you hold a journeyman license from another state and move to Texas, you will need to take the Texas exam. However, your out-of-state experience hours typically count toward the 8,000-hour requirement.
- Military veterans with electrical MOS experience may qualify for expedited licensing. Contact TDLR's military liaison for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pass rate for the Texas electrician exam?
The Texas journeyman electrician exam has approximately a 28% first-attempt pass rate based on FY2024 TDLR data. This is one of the lowest pass rates in the country, largely because of the heavy calculation component and the new 2-part format introduced in March 2025.
How many questions are on the Texas electrician exam?
The Texas journeyman electrician exam has 85 total questions split into two parts. Part 1 covers NEC Knowledge with 59 questions in 130 minutes. Part 2 covers Calculations with 26 questions in 110 minutes. You must score 70% or higher on each part independently.
Can I use a calculator on the Texas electrician exam?
Yes, PSI testing centers provide a basic on-screen calculator during Part 2 (Calculations). You cannot bring your own calculator. You are required to bring your own NEC code book, which can be tabbed and highlighted but cannot contain loose papers or handwritten notes.
How many hours of experience do I need to take the Texas journeyman exam?
You need 8,000 hours of supervised electrical experience under a licensed Texas Master Electrician to qualify for the Texas journeyman electrician exam. You can submit your application to TDLR when you reach 7,000 hours, as processing takes 4-8 weeks.
Does Texas have reciprocity with other states for electrician licenses?
Texas has limited reciprocity agreements. As of March 2026, Texas recognizes master-level licenses from Alabama and Arkansas under certain conditions. The TDLR is expanding its reciprocity program, so check their website for the latest agreements.
How much does the Texas electrician exam cost?
The Texas journeyman electrician exam costs $78, paid directly to PSI when you schedule your test. The TDLR application fee is $50. If you fail and need to retake, you pay the $78 exam fee again. There is a 30-day waiting period between attempts.
What NEC edition is the Texas electrician exam based on?
As of 2026, the Texas electrician exam is based on NEC 2023 (NFPA 70, 2023 edition). Texas has not yet adopted NEC 2026. Make sure you study from and bring the 2023 edition to your exam.
Does time roll over between Part 1 and Part 2 of the Texas exam?
No. Time does NOT roll over between sections. If you finish Part 1 early, you cannot add that unused time to Part 2. Part 1 gives you 130 minutes for 59 questions and Part 2 gives you 110 minutes for 26 questions. Each section is timed independently.
Start Studying for the Texas Exam Today
The 28% pass rate sounds intimidating, but it also means the majority of test-takers are underprepared. With the right study plan, the right resources, and consistent effort over 10 weeks, you can beat those odds.
SparkShift offers free NEC 2023 practice questions designed for the Texas 2-part exam format. Track your progress, identify weak areas, and build the speed you need for both Part 1 and Part 2. Download the app and start with a free quiz today.