Texas Journeyman Electricians must complete 4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education every year to renew their license. Our online course covers the 2023 NEC, Texas electrical law, and NFPA 70E safety — no final exam, and you can finish from any device.
Journeyman Electrician CE — At a Glance
CE Hours
4
hours
Renewal Cycle
Every year (annual)
Renewal Fee
$30
Course Price
$22.95
What Journeyman Electricians Need to Know
The Journeyman Electrician license is the standard worker-level electrical license in Texas — the second-largest individual electrical license category after apprentices (about 41,000 of 227,686, TDLR May 2026 staff report). To qualify, you must complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed Master Electrician and pass the TDLR journeyman exam. Texas electrical exams are hard: in FY2025, only 23.5% of exam attempts across all license types passed. That difficulty is exactly why maintaining your license through annual CE matters.
As a Journeyman, you can perform electrical work on residential, commercial, and industrial projects across the entire state. Your TDLR license is valid in every Texas city without requiring a separate municipal exam, though some cities may require local registration.
Journeyman Electrician CE Requirements
Every year, you need 4 hours of continuing education that collectively covers these mandatory topics:
- National Electrical Code (NEC) — the 2023 edition (NFPA 70) through August 31, 2026; the 2026 edition takes effect September 1, 2026
- Texas Electrical Law (Occupations Code Chapter 1305), Administrative Rules (16 TAC Chapter 73), and NFPA 70E Electrical Safety
Important: Your 4 hours cannot be all NEC content. If you take an NEC-only course, you must complete an additional approved course covering Texas law, rules, or NFPA 70E safety. Our course includes all required topics in a single 4-hour package.
If you hold multiple electrical license types (for example, Journeyman and Maintenance), you only need 4 total hours — not 4 hours per license. One CE hour equals 50 minutes of instruction time.
NEC 2023 and the Upcoming 2026 NEC
Texas adopted the 2023 NEC (NFPA 70, 2023 Edition) on September 1, 2023. All non-exempt electrical work started on or after that date must comply with the 2023 code. Key changes include updated GFCI and AFCI requirements, expanded surge protection provisions, new rules for energy storage systems, and new standards for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).
Texas applies the 2023 NEC through August 31, 2026. On July 28, 2026 the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation adopted the 2026 NEC, effective September 1, 2026, keeping Texas's amendment to 210.8(F) (no GFCI required for outlets supplying listed outdoor dwelling-unit HVAC equipment). TDLR's Examination Review Committee began re-referencing exam items to the 2026 code in November 2025. Staying current through your annual CE ensures you are prepared for the transition when it takes effect.
How to Renew Your Journeyman Electrician License
Your Journeyman Electrician license renews annually on the anniversary of your issuance date. TDLR sends an email reminder about 60 days before expiration. Follow these steps:
- Complete your 4 hours of CE — we report your completion to TDLR automatically
- Log in to the TDLR portal at tdlr.texas.gov
- Pay the $30 renewal fee online
- Keep your CE certificate for at least 1 year — we report your completion directly to TDLR, which keeps general authority to inspect licensee records
Finish your CE at least 30 days before expiration to avoid delays. If your license lapses, late fees apply: $45 within 90 days, $60 from 91 days to 18 months, and still $60 from 18 months to less than 3 years — though that window requires TDLR executive director approval via a written request submitted by mail. After 3 years expired, you must reapply as a new applicant.
Career Path: Journeyman to Master Electrician
Your Journeyman license is the stepping stone to becoming a Master Electrician. To upgrade, you need:
- 12,000 total hours of on-the-job electrical experience
- At least 2 years working as a licensed Journeyman
- Pass the Master Electrician exam
As a Master, you can serve as the Master of Record for an electrical contracting company, supervise Journeymen and Apprentices, and pull permits in your own name. The Master license also comes with a higher renewal fee ($45/year) but opens significant career and business opportunities.
Late Renewal Fees
| Time After Expiration | Fee |
|---|---|
| 0–90 days expired | $45 (1.5x) |
| 91 days–18 months expired | $60 (2x) |
| 18 months–3 years expired | $60 (2x) — executive director approval required |
| 3 years or more expired | Must reapply as new applicant |
Important: Practicing with an expired license can result in fines of $1,000–$5,000 per violation. Complete your CE before your license expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.01How many CE hours do Texas Journeyman Electricians need?
4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education every year. The course must cover the NEC, Texas electrical law and rules, and electrical safety (NFPA 70E).
Q.02Is there a test for journeyman electrician CE in Texas?
No. TDLR does not require a final exam for continuing education courses. Our course is completion-based — finish the 4 hours and you receive your certificate.
Q.03Can I take my Texas journeyman electrician CE online?
Yes. TDLR fully allows online, self-paced continuing education. You can complete the course from any device, 24/7.
Q.04What happens if I let my journeyman license expire?
If your license expires, you face late renewal fees: 1.5x the standard fee within 90 days ($45 instead of $30), or 2x from 91 days to 18 months ($60). From 18 months to less than 3 years, renewal is still possible at the same 2x fee with TDLR executive director approval (a written request submitted by mail). After 3 years expired, you cannot renew and must reapply as a new applicant. Practicing on an expired license can result in fines of $1,000 to $3,500.
Q.05I hold both a Journeyman and another electrical license. Do I need separate CE for each?
No. If you hold multiple electrical license types, you only need 4 total hours of CE — not 4 hours per license. The hours must be completed during the license period being renewed.
Q.06How long do I have to complete my journeyman electrician CE?
You must complete your 4 hours within your current license term — between your last renewal and your upcoming expiration date. TDLR recommends completing CE at least 30 days before expiration.
Q.07Does the journeyman CE course cover the 2023 NEC?
Yes. Our course covers the 2023 NEC (NFPA 70, 2023 Edition), which Texas adopted on September 1, 2023. The 2026 NEC takes effect in Texas on September 1, 2026 (adopted July 28, 2026); the 2023 NEC applies until then.
Q.08How do I become a Master Electrician after getting my Journeyman license?
You need 12,000 total hours of electrical experience, at least 2 years as a licensed Journeyman, and you must pass the Master Electrician exam. In FY2025, only 23.5% of Texas electrical exam attempts passed, and the Master exam parts ran lower still at roughly 19-22%, so preparation is critical.
Q.09How much does it cost to renew a Texas Journeyman Electrician license?
The standard renewal fee is $30 per year, paid to TDLR. This is separate from the cost of your CE course.
Q.10Will my CE completion be reported to TDLR automatically?
Yes. As a TDLR-approved provider, we report your completion to TDLR. You should still keep your CE certificate for at least 1 year for your own records.