TDLR Proposes New Education Requirements for Texas Journeyman Electricians

What Is TDLR Proposing?

TDLR is evaluating proposed rules that would formalize education and training requirements for journeyman electricians licensed in Texas. The proposal is part of TDLR's broader effort to align Texas electrical licensing standards with evolving industry practices, including updates to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and changes in commercial and residential wiring technology.

The proposed program would establish minimum training hours, approved curriculum standards, and provider requirements for journeyman electricians seeking initial licensure or renewal under TDLR.

Who Is Affected?

The proposed rules would primarily affect:

• Journeyman electricians currently licensed in Texas who are approaching a renewal cycle
• Apprentice electricians working toward journeyman licensure
• Electrical contractors who employ journeyman electricians and may need to update training programs to meet new requirements
• Training providers offering electrician education programs who would need TDLR approval under the proposed framework

Master electricians and electrical contractors holding only contractor-class licenses are not the primary focus of this rulemaking, though they may be indirectly affected if they supervise journeyman-licensed workers.

How to Submit a Comment

Public comments must be submitted to TDLR before May 11, 2026. You can submit written comments through the TDLR website or by contacting TDLR's Electricians Program directly:

• Online: tdlr.texas.gov/electricians
• Phone: 1-800-803-9202 (in-state) or (512) 463-6599
• Mail: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, P.O. Box 12157, Austin, TX 78711

TDLR typically publishes proposed rule text in the Texas Register. Check the TDLR website for the full rule text and any supplemental materials before submitting your comment.

Why Does This Matter for Homeowners and Businesses?

From a consumer perspective, stronger education requirements for journeyman electricians mean a higher floor of verified competency when you hire an electrician. If the rule is adopted, you can expect licensed journeyman electricians to have completed TDLR-approved training — giving you an additional layer of confidence beyond the license status check alone.

Until any new rule takes effect, the most reliable way to protect yourself is to verify that the electrician you hire holds a current, active TDLR license before work begins. License status can change — electricians can let licenses lapse, have licenses suspended, or have disciplinary actions recorded — so checking at the time of hire matters.

How to Verify a Journeyman Electrician's License

You can search for any Texas journeyman or master electrician license using LicenseStatusVerify's free lookup tool, which pulls live data directly from TDLR. Search by name or license number to confirm:

• License status (active, expired, or suspended)
• License type (journeyman, master, apprentice, contractor)
• Expiration date
• Any disciplinary actions on record