Texas Sign Electricians — both Journeyman Sign and Master Sign — must complete 4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education every year to renew. Our online course covers the 2023 NEC, Texas electrical law, and NFPA 70E safety — no final exam.
Sign Electrician CE — At a Glance
CE Hours
4
hours
Renewal Cycle
Every year (annual)
Renewal Fee
$30–$45
Course Price
$22.95
What Sign Electricians Need to Know
The Sign Electrician license covers the installation, maintenance, and repair of illuminated signs, outline lighting, and associated wiring. Texas issues two sign electrician license types:
- Journeyman Sign Electrician — performs sign electrical work under supervision, $30/year renewal
- Master Sign Electrician — supervises sign electrical work and can serve as the licensee for an Electrical Sign Contractor, $45/year renewal
Both require specialized knowledge of sign-related NEC articles, including Article 600 (Electric Signs and Outline Lighting). In FY2025, only 23.5% of Texas electrical exam attempts passed, which underscores the value of maintaining your license through annual CE rather than risking re-examination.
Sign Electrician CE Requirements
Every year, you need 4 hours of continuing education covering 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. Our course includes all required topics in a single package.
The same 4-hour course satisfies CE for both Journeyman Sign and Master Sign licenses. If you also hold a general electrical license (such as Journeyman or Master Electrician), you only need 4 total hours — not 4 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. For sign electricians, relevant updates include changes to Article 600 and related provisions covering signage, LED drivers, power supplies for outline lighting, and wiring methods for signs.
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 CE ensures your sign work meets the latest code requirements.
How to Renew Your Sign Electrician License
Your Sign 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 renewal fee — $30 for Journeyman Sign or $45 for Master Sign
- Keep your CE certificate for at least 1 year — we report your completion directly to TDLR, which keeps general authority to inspect licensee records
Complete your CE at least 30 days before expiration. Late fees are 1.5x within 90 days and 2x from 91 days to 18 months — and from 18 months to less than 3 years, still 2x but only with TDLR executive director approval via a written request submitted by mail. After 3 years expired, you must reapply as a new applicant.
Late Renewal Fees
| Time After Expiration | Fee |
|---|---|
| 0–90 days expired | 1.5x standard fee |
| 91 days–18 months expired | 2x standard fee |
| 18 months–3 years expired | 2x standard fee — 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 Sign Electricians need?
4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education every year. This applies to both Journeyman Sign and Master Sign Electricians. The course must cover the NEC, Texas law and rules, and NFPA 70E safety.
Q.02Is there a test for sign electrician CE in Texas?
No. TDLR does not require a final exam for CE courses. Our course is completion-based — finish the 4 hours and receive your certificate. No final exam.
Q.03Do Journeyman Sign and Master Sign take the same CE course?
Yes. The same 4-hour TDLR-approved course satisfies the CE requirement for both Journeyman Sign and Master Sign Electricians, as well as all other individual electrical license types.
Q.04I hold both a Sign Electrician and a general Journeyman license. Do I need separate CE?
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.05How much does it cost to renew a Texas Sign Electrician license?
Journeyman Sign Electricians pay $30 per year. Master Sign Electricians pay $45 per year. These fees are paid to TDLR and are separate from the cost of your CE course.
Q.06What happens if I let my sign electrician license expire?
Late renewal fees apply: 1.5x the standard fee within 90 days, or 2x from 91 days to 18 months. 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 must reapply as a new applicant. Practicing on an expired license can result in fines of $1,000 to $3,500.
Q.07Can I take my Texas sign electrician CE online?
Yes. TDLR fully allows online, self-paced continuing education. You can complete the course from any device, 24/7.
Q.08Will my CE completion be reported to TDLR automatically?
Yes. As a TDLR-approved provider, we report your completion to TDLR. Keep your certificate for at least 1 year for your own records.