Apprentice Electrician
Overview
The first step in your journey to becoming a licensed electrician in Texas is to become an Electrical Apprentice. As an apprentice, you’ll be licensed to perform electrical work under the on-site supervision of a Master Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, or Residential Wireman. This stage is crucial for gaining practical, hands-on experience in the field.
Who Must be Licensed?
With the exception of certain allowed exemptions, anyone who performs electrical work in the state of Texas must be licensed. 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. This also includes service entrance conductors, as defined by the National Electrical Code.
Experience Qualifications
There are no experience qualifications necessary to apply for an apprentice license. This makes it an accessible entry point for those new to the field.
Examination
There are no examination requirements necessary to apply for an apprentice license. This allows you to focus on gaining practical experience and learning from your supervising electrician.
Application and Fee
To apply for an apprentice license, complete an online application and include the non-refundable $20 renewal fee. Apprentice applicants who register online and report no criminal convictions will automatically be issued a temporary license. Apprentice licenses are valid for one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed annually. Renewals may be completed online. Apply Here
Applicants with Criminal Convictions
If you have ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor (other than a minor traffic violation) or pleaded guilty or no contest (resulting in a deferred adjudication) to any in-state, out-of-state, or federal criminal offense, you must provide a completed Criminal History Questionnaire (PDF) along with your application materials. The department will conduct a criminal history background check on all persons who apply for or renew a license. Criminal convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Licenses may be denied based on the nature of the conviction and how long prior to the application the conviction occurred. Depending on your criminal history, a review can take from one to six weeks to complete.
Journeyman Electrician
Overview
After gaining experience as an apprentice, the next step in your journey is to become a Journeyman Electrician. As a journeyman, you’ll be licensed to perform electrical work under the general supervision of a Master Electrician. This stage allows you to take on more responsibility and complex tasks.
Experience Qualifications
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. 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.
You will need to contact and obtain verification from each Master Electrician who supervised you. This experience must be documented and signed by each supervisor on an Experience Verification Form (PDF). Your license application form will include one attached Experience Verification Form. Each supervisor should complete a new form.
If you cannot reach your supervisor(s) directly, you may be able to contact the Electrical Contractor that the Master Electrician worked under and request that they have the Master Electrician contact you. If you do not have the contact information for a Master Electrician or Electrical Contractor, you may try using the TDLR license search to obtain their contact information. TDLR may contact individuals to verify the experience.
Application and Fee
You must apply by mail for the initial license application. Submit a completed Journeyman Electrician License Application Form (PDF) with the non-refundable $30 application fee to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Electrician licenses are valid for one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed annually. Renewals may be completed online. Apply Here
Examination
After your completed application has been received and verified, you will receive notification that you are approved to take the licensing exam. This exam will test your knowledge and skills in the electrical field, ensuring you’re ready to work independently as a Journeyman Electrician.
Applicants with Criminal Convictions
The same rules apply for Journeyman Electrician applicants with criminal convictions as for Apprentice Electricians. If you have a criminal history, you must provide a completed Criminal History Questionnaire (PDF) along with your application materials. The department will conduct a criminal history background check, and licenses may be denied based on the nature of the conviction and how long prior to the application the conviction occurred.
Master Electrician
Overview
The final step in your journey to becoming a fully licensed electrician in Texas is to become a Master Electrician. As a master, you’ll be licensed to install, maintain, or extend an electrical wiring system. This stage represents the highest level of licensing for electricians in Texas.
Experience Qualifications
To apply for a Master Electrician license, you must have held a Journeyman Electrician license for at least two years. Note that Journeyman Industrial Electrician experience may not be used to qualify for a Master Electrician license.
You must also be able to show that you have completed 12,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a Master Electrician licensed in Texas. You will need to contact and obtain verification from each Master Electrician who supervised you. If you hold or have held a municipal or regional master electrician’s license, you may verify your own “on-the-job training” for the years that you held the license.
This experience must be documented and signed by each supervisor on an Experience Verification Form (PDF). Your license application form will include one attached Experience Verification Form. Each supervisor should complete a new form.
If you cannot reach your supervisor(s) directly, you may be able to contact the Electrical Contractor that the Master Electrician worked under and request that they have the Master Electrician contact you. If you do not have the contact information for a Master Electrician or Electrical Contractor, you may try using the TDLR license search to obtain their contact information. TDLR may contact individuals to verify the experience.
Application and Fee
You must apply by mail for the initial license application. Submit a completed Master Electrician License Application Form (PDF) with the non-refundable $45 application fee to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Electrician licenses are valid for one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed annually. Renewals may be completed online. Apply Here
Electrician License Reciprocity in Texas
License reciprocity is a system where states recognize a license acquired in another state, without requiring the contractor to go through all of the steps to get a new license. This is similar to how states treat your driver’s license: you don’t need to prove that you can drive in each state; each state recognizes the driver’s license of every other state. However, getting a contractor license isn’t always that simple. Depending on the state and the type of business you run, you most likely need to get a license to perform construction work in your state.
In Texas, there is a system of reciprocity for electrical licenses with different states, depending on the license type. For Master Electricians, Texas has reciprocity with Louisiana (state contractor’s license) and North Carolina (master electrician or unlimited electrical contractor). For Journeyman Electricians, Texas has reciprocity with Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
This reciprocity system allows licensed electricians from these states to work in Texas without having to go through the full licensing process again. However, it’s important to note that reciprocity is not an automatic entitlement. You still have to qualify for reciprocity from a state that offers it. Some states will require you to hold your license for a certain amount of time before you qualify for reciprocity. They’ll also require your license to be in good standing with the licensing board.
License Bond Requirements in Texas
In Texas, electricians are required to post a license bond as part of their licensing requirements. A license bond is a type of surety bond that protects the public by ensuring that electricians adhere to all applicable rules, regulations, and building codes. If an electrician fails to fulfill their obligations, a claim can be made against their bond which they are then responsible to pay.
The bond amount for electricians in Texas varies based on the type of license. For example, electrical contractors are required to post a $25,000 bond. This bond must be maintained for the duration of the license period. It’s important to note that the bond amount is not the same as the cost of the bond. The cost, or bond premium, is typically a small percentage of the total bond amount and is determined by the surety company based on the applicant’s credit score and financial strength.
Insurance Needs for Electricians in Texas
In Texas, electricians are required to carry insurance to protect themselves and their clients. The most common type of insurance for electricians is General Liability Insurance. This insurance protects your business from any covered claims that you may cause to third parties, including damage to property and persons. It also covers the costs of attorney’s fees required to defend you for any covered claims.
The minimum requirement for General Liability Insurance in Texas is $300,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage, $600,000 aggregate for products-completed operations, $300,000 aggregate for personal and advertising injury, and $5,000 per medical expense. However, it’s recommended to carry at least $1 million in coverage due to the high risk associated with electrical work.
In addition to General Liability Insurance, electricians in Texas may also need to consider other types of insurance, such as:
- Commercial Auto Insurance: This covers vehicles used in your business.
- Inland Marine Insurance: This covers tools and equipment from loss or theft.
- Worker’s Compensation Insurance: This covers your employees from injury or illness caused by their employment.
- Surety Bonds: These may be required for licenses, permits, or contractor registrations.
- Umbrella Insurance Coverage: This covers you for catastrophic losses that exceed the underlying policy limits.
Remember, the specific insurance requirements can vary depending on the size of your business, the type of work you do, and other factors. Always consult with an insurance professional to ensure you have the right coverage for your needs.
Conclusion
Becoming a licensed electrician in Texas is a journey that involves several stages, each with its own set of requirements and qualifications. From starting as an apprentice, progressing to a journeyman, and finally achieving the status of a master electrician or electrical contractor, each step is crucial in building your skills, knowledge, and credibility in the field.
Understanding the reciprocity agreements can help if you’re moving from another state, while being aware of the license bond requirements and insurance needs is essential to protect yourself and your business. Remember, these requirements are not just legal necessities but also crucial components in building trust with your clients and ensuring the sustainability of your business.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the process, but it’s always important to consult with professional advisors or the appropriate government agencies to ensure you have the most current and accurate information. The journey may be challenging, but with the right preparation and resources, you can navigate the path to becoming a licensed electrician in Texas successfully.