Texas electrician examinations are administered by PSI for TDLR. Use this page to understand scheduling, exam-day rules, open-book reference limits, scoring, and content outlines before you test.
This guide summarizes the procedures, regulations, and content outlines for Texas electrician licensure examinations administered by PSI Services LLC on behalf of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. It covers Master, Journeyman, Maintenance, Sign, Industrial, Lineman, Residential Wireman, and Residential Appliance Installer testing.
Key points: Texas exams are computer-based at authorized PSI test sites; Master and Journeyman exams have separate NEC Knowledge and Calculations portions; passing requires at least 70%; and the open-book reference is the 2023 NEC under strict book, tab, and marking rules.
After TDLR approves eligibility, candidates may schedule with PSI online, by telephone at (833) 333-4741, or by standard mail. Online registration is the fastest route, and the candidate name must match the government-issued ID exactly.
Appointments can be canceled or rescheduled without losing the fee when notice is given at least two days before the exam date. Fees may be forfeited for no-shows, late arrival, improper identification, or late cancellation.
Candidates must present valid government-issued identification with a photograph, signature or fingerprint, and date of birth. PSI captures a digital copy of the ID during check-in.
Phones, smartwatches, recording devices, wallets, purses, notes, and personal items are not allowed in the testing room. Proctors may inspect eyeglasses, tie tacks, pockets, and other items to protect exam security.
Only non-programmable, battery-operated, silent calculators without alphabetic keyboards or paper tape are permitted. Treat the calculator like an exam tool, not a storage device.
| Feature | Texas PSI regulation |
|---|---|
| Allowed format | Any soft-bound edition of the 2023 NEC is allowed. |
| Prohibited formats | Loose-leaf, spiralbound, ring-bound books, and the NEC Handbook are not allowed. |
| Tabs | Only permanent index tabs manufactured by the NEC publisher are allowed. Homemade tabs are not allowed. |
| Notes and marks | Highlighting, underlining, and notes are permitted before the session, but no marking is allowed during the exam. |
| Loose papers | Loose or attached papers, including taped or stapled inserts, are not permitted. |
Texas electrician examinations are delivered by computer. Candidates receive up to 15 minutes for a tutorial before the timed portion starts, and that tutorial time does not count against the exam limit. One question appears at a time, with a minutes-remaining counter on screen.
Scores appear on screen immediately after completion. Unsuccessful candidates receive a diagnostic report by subject area. Candidates may comment on specific questions through the on-screen Comments button, which is the formal exam-review feedback method.
| Exam type | Portion | Items | Time limit | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master Electrician | NEC Knowledge | 75 | 150 minutes | $78 |
| Master Electrician | Calculations | 33 | 170 minutes | Combined |
| Journeyman Electrician | NEC Knowledge | 59 | 130 minutes | $78 |
| Journeyman Electrician | Calculations | 26 | 110 minutes | Combined |
Master and Journeyman candidates must pass both the NEC Knowledge and Calculations portions. Time from one portion does not roll over to the other portion.
| Examination category | Scored items | Time limit | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Electrician | 60 | 180 minutes | $64 |
| Master Sign Electrician | 100 | 300 minutes | $64 |
| Journeyman Sign Electrician | 80 | 240 minutes | $64 |
| Residential Wireman | 80 | 240 minutes | $64 |
| Residential Appliance Installer | 80 | 240 minutes | $64 |
| Journeyman Industrial | 60 | 180 minutes | $64 |
| Journeyman Lineman | 40 | 120 minutes | $61 |
The core exam subjects include definitions, theory, plan reading, service equipment, grounding, bonding, transformers, feeders, branch circuits, overcurrent protection, GFCI/AFCI protection, wiring methods, boxes, enclosures, receptacles, luminaires, HVAC, motors, generators, swimming pools, photovoltaic systems, EV chargers, and hazardous locations.
Sign Electrician exams may include neon tubing, sign transformers, and outline lighting. Industrial Electrician exams may include switchgear and motor control centers. All conductor questions should be treated as copper unless the exam states otherwise.