This explainer covers Texas only, where electricians are licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). It answers one practical question from TDLR's own pages: do you need a license to work as an electrical apprentice in Texas, and what does getting and keeping that license involve? Nothing here describes a rule change, and nothing here applies to any other state.
Does an apprentice need a license before starting work?
Yes. TDLR's page "Apply for a New Electrical Apprentice License" states: "With the exception of certain allowed exemptions, anyone who performs electrical work in the state of Texas must be licensed."
TDLR's Frequently Asked Questions page asks the same question directly: "Do new hires have to possess an apprentice card before they can begin work on a job site?" The answer reads: "Yes, anyone performing electrical work must obtain a license prior to performing the work." It adds: "There is no grace period that allows you to work while waiting for your license to be issued."
What counts as electrical work?
The apprentice page gives TDLR's definition. "Electrical work is defined as:" "Any labor or material used in installing, maintaining or extending an electrical wiring system and the appurtenances, apparatus or equipment used in connection with the use of electrical energy in, on, outside, or attached to a building, residence, structure, property, or premises". The list also names "Service entrance conductors, as defined by the National Electrical Code."
Who supervises an electrical apprentice?
The apprentice page opens with the license's scope: "An Electrical Apprentice is licensed to perform electrical work under the general supervision of a Master Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, or Residential Wireman."
Is there an exam or an experience requirement?
No. Under "Experience Qualifications," the apprentice page states: "There are no experience qualifications necessary to apply for this license." Under "Examination," it states: "There are no examination requirements necessary to apply for this license."
How do you apply?
The application is made online. The apprentice page states: "Apprentice applicants who register online and report no criminal convictions will automatically be issued a temporary license." The FAQ page repeats this in a note.
Applicants with a criminal history follow a separate step. The page says that anyone who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor "(other than a minor traffic violation)", or who pleaded guilty or no contest (resulting in a deferred adjudication) to any in-state, out-of-state or federal criminal offense, "must provide a completed Criminal History Questionnaire (PDF)" along with the application materials. It also states: "Criminal convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis" and "Depending on your criminal history, a review can take from one to six weeks to complete."
How long does the apprentice license last?
One year. The apprentice page states: "Apprentice licenses are valid for one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed annually." It adds: "Renewals may be completed online."
TDLR's page "Renew an Apprentice Electrician License" sets the continuing education rule: "You must complete 4 hours of continuing education each license cycle to renew your license." It gives an alternative: "In lieu of the 4 hours of continuing education, Electrical apprentices may instead enroll in a department-registered electrical apprenticeship training course for license renewal."
The renewal page states: "You should receive a reminder email or postcard from TDLR approximately 60 days before your license expires." It continues: "However, it is ultimately your responsibility to renew your license before it expires." For a lapsed license, it states: "If your license has been expired for over 18 months, but less than 3 years, you must apply by mail." After that, "Licenses that have been expired for over 3 years cannot be renewed, and you will need to re-apply for a license as a new applicant."
How many hours does the journeyman license require?
TDLR's page "Apply for a New Journeyman Electrician License" states: "To apply for a Journeyman Electrician license, you must have completed at least 7,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a Master Electrician licensed in Texas." The same page explains that submitting at least 7,000 hours of on-the-job training "will simply allow you to take the examination before reaching the full 8,000 hours required for licensure."
Those hours must be documented: "This experience must be documented and signed by each supervisor on an Experience Verification Form (PDF)." The page adds: "Each supervisor should complete a new form" and "TDLR may contact individuals to verify the experience."
One kind of training does not count. TDLR's FAQ page states: "Hours spent completing a CTE program may not be credited toward any on-the-job training required to apply for another type of electrician license."
goraedu does not cover the National Electrical Code or the Texas electrician exams, so we offer no exam prep for them. For federal workplace electrical safety rules, which are separate from a state license, see our OSHA general industry electrical study guide and the electrician hub on OSHA electrical safety rules.
Where to check before you act
These are TDLR's requirements as shown on its pages on the date above. TDLR's pages are the authority, so confirm the current requirements there before you start work, apply or count hours.
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