How to Become an Electrician in Texas 2025

Yedidya, IBEW Test Expert at JobTestPrep
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Apprentice License

The first step in becoming an electrician in Texas is to obtain an apprentice license. This license allows you to work under the supervision of a licensed master electrician, journeyman electrician, or residential wireman, gaining practical experience that will prepare you for more advanced certifications.

Requirements for the Apprentice License:

Education: You need to have a high school diploma or GED.
Enrollment in an Apprenticeship Program: To obtain the apprentice license, you'll need to enroll in an apprenticeship program. This can be done through trade schools or by working with a licensed electrical contractor.

Once you're enrolled in an apprenticeship program, you can begin working as an apprentice. This is a vital step in your career, as it provides the hands-on experience necessary to progress to the next stages of your training.

Enroll in an Apprenticeship Program

To become a licensed electrician in Texas, you must complete an apprenticeship program that includes hands-on training and classroom instruction. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) offers some of the best apprenticeship programs in the state.

Here’s a breakdown of various IBEW locals in Texas and their apprenticeship requirements:

IBEW Local	Location	Program Duration
Local 20	Dallas/Fort Worth	5 years
Local 60	San Antonio	5 years
Local 69	Beaumont	4-5 years
Local 278	Corpus Christi	5 years
Local 479	Beaumont	5 years
Local 520	Austin	5 years
Local 602	Amarillo	5 years
Local 716	Houston	5 years

How to Apply for an Apprenticeship

Find a local IBEW chapter or another accredited apprenticeship provider.
Submit an application and meet the eligibility requirements.
Pass the IBEW Aptitude Test.
Complete an interview process with the apprenticeship committee.

Once accepted, begin your on-the-job training and classroom education

On-the-Job Training

As an apprentice electrician, the next step in your journey is to gain valuable hands-on experience. This training is essential for developing the skills and knowledge required to work independently as a licensed journeyman electrician.

Training Requirements:

Minimum Hours: To qualify for the journeyman electrician exam, you must complete at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.
Supervised Work: During this time, you'll work under the supervision of a licensed electrician, which ensures that you are gaining practical experience in real-world situations.

This on-the-job training is crucial as it provides you with exposure to a variety of electrical systems and challenges, allowing you to develop the expertise needed to handle complex electrical tasks on your own.

Training Areas:

Your training will cover various aspects of electrical work, including:

Wiring systems
Circuitry
Installation and maintenance of electrical systems
Troubleshooting electrical problems

After accumulating the required 8,000 hours, you'll be ready to take the journeyman electrician exam and move forward in your career.

Journeyman Electrician License

Once you have completed the required 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, you're eligible to apply for the Journeyman Electrician License. This license allows you to perform electrical work independently, though you will still be working under the oversight of a master electrician.

Requirements for the Journeyman Electrician License:

Completion of On-the-Job Training: You must have accumulated a minimum of 8,000 hours of hands-on training as an apprentice.
Journeyman Exam: After fulfilling the training requirements, you'll need to pass the journeyman electrician exam. This exam is administered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and tests your knowledge of electrical codes, safety procedures, and practical skills.

Key Responsibilities as a Journeyman Electrician:

Independence: With a journeyman license, you can now work independently, handling electrical installations, repairs, and maintenance.
Supervision: While you can work on your own, you must still work under the supervision of a master electrician when necessary.

The journeyman electrician license is a significant milestone in your career, offering the ability to work independently and increase your professional opportunities.

Master Electrician License (Optional)

If you're looking to advance your career and take on more responsibilities, obtaining a Master Electrician License is the next step. This higher-level certification allows you to supervise other electricians and even run your own electrical contracting business.

Requirements for the Master Electrician License:

Additional On-the-Job Experience: In addition to the 8,000 hours required for the journeyman license, you'll need 12,000 hours of on-the-job experience as a journeyman electrician.
Master Electrician Exam: To become a master electrician, you'll need to pass the master electrician exam, which covers advanced electrical systems, codes, and business management.

Responsibilities of a Master Electrician:

Supervision: As a master electrician, you can oversee journeyman electricians, apprentices, and electrical projects.
Business Ownership: This license also allows you to start your own electrical contracting business, providing you with greater control over your career and the potential for higher earnings.

While becoming a master electrician requires additional time and training, it opens up more career options and the opportunity to lead in the electrical field.

Electrical Contractor License (Optional)

For electricians who wish to own and operate their own business, obtaining an Electrical Contractor License is essential. This license allows you to legally offer electrical contracting services to clients and run your own electrical company.

Requirements for the Electrical Contractor License:

Master Electrician License: To apply for an electrical contractor license, you must first hold a master electrician license.
Financial Responsibility: You'll need to demonstrate financial responsibility and meet other requirements set by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). This includes proof of business liability insurance and possibly a bond to protect clients.
Business Requirements: If you're not planning to run the business alone, you’ll need to hire at least one master electrician in your company.

Benefits of Being an Electrical Contractor:

Business Control: With this license, you can own and operate your own electrical contracting business, giving you full control over projects, clients, and profits.
Increased Opportunities: Owning a business opens up more financial and professional opportunities, including the ability to bid on larger projects and expand your team.

For those with entrepreneurial aspirations, the electrical contractor license is a valuable step toward growing a successful electrical business.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Once you've obtained your electrician license, whether it's for journeyman, master electrician, or electrical contractor, it's important to stay up-to-date with industry standards and regulations. In Texas, continuing education is required to renew your license.

License Renewal Requirements:

Mandatory Continuing Education: All licensed electricians in Texas must complete continuing education courses. These courses ensure that you remain informed about the latest electrical codes, safety practices, and technologies.
Renewal Period: Typically, electricians need to renew their licenses every one to three years, depending on the type of license. You must complete the required continuing education hours before you can renew your license.

How to Stay Updated:

Approved Courses: Continuing education courses are available through various state-approved providers. You can find these courses listed on the TDLR website or through educational institutions offering trade certifications.
Online and In-Person Options: Many courses are offered online, making it easier to fit your education into your schedule. In-person training may also be available for those who prefer a hands-on learning experience.

Maintaining your license through continuing education is not only a requirement but also a way to stay competitive and knowledgeable in the field.

Becoming a licensed electrician in Texas is a step-by-step process that involves obtaining an apprentice license, completing hands-on training, and passing various exams. Whether you're pursuing a journeyman electrician license, advancing to a master electrician, or starting your own business with an electrical contractor license, each stage opens new opportunities for professional growth.

By staying informed through continuing education and fulfilling licensing requirements, electricians can ensure that their skills remain sharp and that they stay competitive in the ever-evolving electrical industry.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as an electrician, follow these steps and be prepared for a rewarding profession with strong job security and growth potential.