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State guide · TDLR / PSI
Texas Journeyman Electrician Exam Guide
Texas runs its own exam through the Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), delivered by PSI — and as of September 1, 2026, it's referenced to the 2026 NEC. Here's the format, the rules, and how to prep for it.
The exam
Format, Passing Score & Fees
Since March 11, 2025, the Texas journeyman written exam is split into two separately administered portions — both multiple-choice, both open-book:
| Portion | Questions | Time | To pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEC Knowledge | 59 (incl. 3 unscored pilot items) | 130 minutes | 70% |
| Calculations | 26 (incl. 2 unscored pilot items) | 110 minutes | 70% |
- You must score at least 70% on each portion — a strong Knowledge score can't carry a weak Calculations score.
- Time does not roll over between portions. Budget your minutes inside each one.
- Exam fee: $78 for both portions; the retake fee is $78 if you fail one or both.
- Exams are offered in English and Spanish at no extra cost, and scores are reported on screen immediately — failing candidates get a diagnostic report.
Source: PSI/TDLR Electrician Candidate Information Bulletin, updated 9/15/2026. Always confirm against the current bulletin before your test date.
⚠️ The 2026 NEC switch: effective September 1, 2026, Texas examinations are referenced to the 2026 NEC. Most study guides and tab kits floating around are still 2023-based — make sure yours matches the edition you'll be tested on.
What's Allowed in the Testing Room
Texas is open-book, but the book rules are strict. You bring your own National Electrical Code, 2026 Edition:
- Any softbound edition of the NEC — looseleaf, spiral-bound, or ring-bound copies are not allowed.
- Your book may be highlighted, underlined, and contain notes made before the exam session.
- Your book may be tabbed — but only with permanent index tabs from the NEC publisher. No homemade or DIY tabs.
- Not allowed: writing, highlighting, underlining, or marking the book during the exam; any additional paper (loose, taped, adhered, stapled); the NEC Handbook.
- Calculators: non-programmable, silent, battery-operated only — no paper tape, no alphabet keyboard.
- Show up with a non-compliant book and you may have to test without it, strip your tabs, or forfeit the fee and retest another day.
See how to tab your Code book → (and double-check the tab rules against the current bulletin — Texas only allows publisher tabs).
How to Study for the Texas Exam
The two-portion format rewards two different skills: lookup speed on the Knowledge portion, calculation fluency on the Calculations portion. That's exactly the split Sparky trains:
- Lookup reps: 1,087 codebook-first questions across 33 topics — every question a rep with the book open. The method →
- Calculations: the free NEC formula sheet covers every formula on one page — memorize it cold for the 110-minute Calculations portion.
- Readiness score: weighted to the real blueprint, so you know when each portion is ready.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which NEC edition does the Texas journeyman exam use?
As of September 1, 2026, Texas examinations are referenced to the 2026 NEC, per the PSI/TDLR Candidate Information Bulletin. Make sure your study materials match the current edition.
How is the Texas journeyman electrician exam structured?
Since March 2025 it is two separately administered portions: NEC Knowledge (59 questions, 130 minutes) and Calculations (26 questions, 110 minutes). You must score at least 70% on each portion, and time does not roll over between them.
Is the Texas journeyman exam open book?
Yes. You bring your own softbound 2026 NEC — highlighted and tabbed with permanent publisher tabs before the exam. No marking during the exam, no homemade tabs, no NEC Handbook. Check the current bulletin before test day.
What happens if I fail one portion?
You retake for $78. Failing candidates get a diagnostic report showing weak areas — drill those sections with the book open and come back.