How many continuing education hours are required for Texas electricians to renew their license?

Most Texas electrical license holders must complete four hours of continuing education (CE) each year to be eligible for renewal. This coursework must be completed through a TDLR-approved provider who will report the hours directly to the state.

What topics are covered in the mandatory 4-hour Texas electrical CE course?

The mandatory 4-hour CE curriculum consists of at least two hours on the National Electrical Code (NEC), one hour on Texas electrician laws and rules (Chapter 1305 and Chapter 73), and one hour on electrical safety based on NFPA 70E.

What happens if I miss my TDLR license renewal deadline?

If you miss your renewal deadline, your license expires and you cannot legally work. You can renew an expired license within 18 months by completing CE and paying a late fee. A license expired 1-90 days costs 1.5 times the normal fee, while a license expired 91 days to 18 months costs double the fee.

Do Electrical Contractors in Texas need continuing education?

No, Electrical Contractors are not required to complete the 4 hours of continuing education for their license renewal. However, they have other responsibilities, such as maintaining the required insurance coverage to remain compliant.

TDLR Electrical License Renewal: Your 2025 Guide to Staying Compliant in Texas

Q: How do I know if a CE provider is approved by the TDLR?

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) maintains an official list of registered continuing education providers on its website. You should always verify a provider is on this list before enrolling to ensure your hours are accepted for your license renewal.

Q: Do I need to submit my CE completion certificate to the TDLR?

No, you typically do not need to submit the certificate yourself. Your TDLR-approved CE provider is required to report your course completion to the TDLR electronically. However, it is recommended to keep a copy of your certificate for your own records.

For Texas electricians, the annual license renewal cycle is a familiar rhythm. But in a profession where codes evolve and safety standards are paramount, this yearly checkpoint is more than just paperwork. It’s a fundamental part of maintaining your professional edge and legal authority to work. With the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) overseeing a landscape that now includes the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), understanding your specific renewal duties is critical. Failing to complete your TDLR electrical license renewal on time can lead to costly penalties and a halt to your work, making proactive compliance a cornerstone of a successful career.

Understanding Your Annual TDLR Renewal Requirements

In Texas, every electrical license, from Apprentice to Master, expires annually. According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), most license holders must complete four hours of continuing education (CE) each year to be eligible for renewal. These hours are not just a formality; they are designed to keep you updated on critical safety protocols, state laws, and significant changes to the NEC that directly impact your daily work. This process ensures every annual electrician license renewal reinforces the high standards of the trade across the state.

To facilitate a smooth renewal, you must complete your coursework through a TDLR approved provider. These providers are certified by the state to offer courses that meet the specific curriculum mandates. Once you finish your course, the provider reports your hours directly to the TDLR, creating a seamless record of your compliance. You can verify your completed hours using the TDLR’s online portal before starting your renewal application.

Texas Electrical Continuing Education: The 4-Hour Breakdown

The state of Texas has a specific structure for its CE requirements to ensure all electricians receive well-rounded training. The mandatory 4-hour CE course is broken down into key areas that are essential for both safety and compliance. According to the TDLR, the curriculum for the annual Texas electrical continuing education must cover:

National Electrical Code (NEC) Update: A minimum of two hours of this course must be dedicated to the latest version of the NEC adopted by Texas, which is currently the 2023 edition. Staying current with the code is vital for passing inspections and ensuring your installations are safe.
Texas Electrician Laws and Rules: One hour is dedicated to the state-specific regulations that govern your license, found in the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1305, and the administrative rules in 16 TAC, Chapter 73.
Electrical Safety (NFPA 70E): One hour must be dedicated to NFPA 70E safety training, which covers safe work practices to protect electricians from arc flash and other electrical hazards.

Completing a state-approved Texas electrical 4-hour CE course is the first and most important step in the renewal process. For a deeper dive into the recent code changes, reviewing the 2023 NEC updates for Texas electricians can provide valuable context beyond the required CE hours.

License-Specific Requirements: Master, Journeyman, and Residential Wireman

While the 4-hour CE requirement is consistent for most license types, it’s crucial to understand which licenses require it and their associated renewal fees. The “Zero Assumption” rule is key: never assume requirements are identical. According to the TDLR, Electrical Contractors and Residential Appliance Installers are not required to complete continuing education, though they have other responsibilities like maintaining insurance.

For those who do need CE, here is a breakdown of requirements and fees for common license types:

License Type	Annual CE Hours	Renewal Fee
Master Electrician	4 Hours	$45
Journeyman Electrician	4 Hours	$35
Residential Wireman	4 Hours	$35
Electrical Apprentice	4 Hours (or be enrolled in an apprentice training program)	$20
Electrical Contractor	0 Hours (Must maintain insurance)	$115

Understanding these distinctions is essential for a smooth renewal. Whether you need master electrician continuing education or are looking to renew a journeyman electrician license, the core 4-hour CE obligation is the same, but fees and other obligations differ. Always confirm your specific residential wireman license requirements or other license type details on the TDLR website.

Navigating the Renewal Process and Avoiding Penalties

Once your continuing education is complete and reported, the final step is the online electrical license renewal through the TDLR portal. You will need your license number and the renewal fee to finalize the process. Upon completion, you should save a copy of your payment receipt and the certificate of completion from your CE course for your records.

Timing is everything. A late TDLR license renewal comes with significant penalties. According to TDLR rules, licenses expired for 90 days or less incur a fee of 1.5 times the normal amount. If your license is expired for more than 90 days but less than 18 months, the fee doubles to two times the normal amount. After 18 months, the license cannot be renewed, and you may have to go through the initial application process again. You can always use the TDLR license data search tool on the official website to verify your expiration date and status.

For a complete overview of the process, our comprehensive guide on renewing your Texas electrical license can provide additional insights.

Why Staying Current Matters More Than Just Compliance

While fulfilling CE requirements is mandatory, its true value extends far beyond checking a box. Engaging with online electrical courses and staying informed on NEC updates and safety protocols is an investment in your career. It enhances your skills, protects you and your customers, and keeps you competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. For some, continuing education is a stepping stone to advancing their careers, perhaps by moving from a journeyman to a master electrician or specializing in a high-demand area. It is a key part of the continuous learning that defines a true professional, much like the foundational training received at an electrician school.

Ready to complete your annual renewal? ExpertCE offers a full suite of state-approved courses designed for busy professionals. Explore our Texas electrician continuing education options and get compliant today. Browse our courses to find the right package for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I know if a CE provider is approved by the TDLR?
The TDLR maintains an official list of registered continuing education providers on its website. You should always verify that a provider is on this list before enrolling in a course to ensure your hours will be accepted for your license renewal.

What happens if I miss my renewal deadline?
If you miss your renewal deadline, your license becomes expired, and you cannot legally perform electrical work. You can still renew an expired license within 18 months by completing your CE and paying a late fee. Renewals between 1-90 days late cost 1.5 times the normal fee, and renewals between 91 days and 18 months late cost double the fee.

Do I need to submit my CE certificate to the TDLR?
Typically, no. Your TDLR-approved CE provider is required to report your course completion to the TDLR electronically. However, it is a best practice to keep a copy of your certificate of completion for your own records for at least one year.