How many CE hours are required for Texas electrical license renewal?

Licensed electricians in Texas must complete 4 hours of continuing education (CE) each year to be eligible for renewal. The curriculum is mandated to cover the National Electrical Code (NEC), Texas Electrician Law, Texas Electrician Administrative Rules, and Electrical Safety based on NFPA 70E.

Do Electrical Contractors need continuing education in Texas?

No, the Electrical Contractor and Electrical Sign Contractor licenses do not have a continuing education requirement for renewal. However, the Master Electrician listed as the responsible master for the company must still complete their individual 4-hour CE requirement to renew their personal license.

What is the CE requirement for a Texas Electrical Apprentice?

An Electrical Apprentice must complete 4 hours of continuing education for renewal. This requirement is waived if the apprentice is actively enrolled and making satisfactory progress in a department-registered apprenticeship program.

What code standard is Texas using for electrical licenses?

As of September 1, 2023, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has adopted the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC). This is the mandatory standard for all state electrical license examinations and the minimum standard for electrical work in Texas.

Where can I find TDLR-approved online electrical courses?

A list of approved providers is available on the TDLR website. For a convenient, self-paced experience, ExpertCE offers state-approved online courses that cover all required topics, including the 2023 NEC, Texas laws, and safety.

Texas Electrical License Renewal: A Guide to TDLR CE

In the fast-paced world of the electrical trade, keeping your license active is the bedrock of your career. For electricians in the Lone Star State, the annual Texas electrical license renewal process is a critical deadline that can’t be missed. Unlike states with multi-year cycles, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requires yearly attention to ensure every professional stays current. With the state’s official adoption of the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) for licensing and examinations, this year’s renewal is more than just a formality—it’s an essential update to your expertise, ensuring you’re aligned with the latest safety and installation standards. Navigating the renewal process, from CE hours to fees, can seem complex, but understanding the specific requirements for your license type is the key to a seamless and stress-free experience.

Understanding Your Annual TDLR Continuing Education Requirements

For the vast majority of licensed electricians in Texas, the continuing education (CE) requirement is straightforward and consistent. According to the TDLR, licensees must complete 4 hours of continuing education each year to be eligible for renewal. These hours are not just a random assortment of topics; they are specifically designed to keep you at the forefront of the industry. The curriculum for your 4-hour CE course is mandated to cover four key areas.

National Electrical Code (NEC): With Texas now using the 2023 NEC for exams, this portion of your training is vital for understanding the latest code changes.
Texas Electrician Law: A review of the statutes found in Occupations Code, Chapter 1305.
Texas Electrician Administrative Rules: An update on the rules that govern your license, detailed in Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 73.
Electrical Safety: Content based on the industry-standard NFPA 70E, focusing on workplace safety.

Completing these 4 CE hours is a mandatory step before you can submit your renewal application. The most efficient way to meet this mandate is by choosing a TDLR-approved provider that offers online electrical courses. These programs allow you to complete your hours at your own pace, ensuring you can fit your professional development into a busy schedule. With a quality provider, your course completion is reported directly to the TDLR, simplifying your renewal process. Ready to get started? Browse our courses to find a TDLR-approved package that fits your needs.

Texas License Renewal Rules: A Breakdown by License Type

While the 4-hour CE requirement is nearly universal, the renewal fees and specific nuances vary depending on your license. The “Zero Assumption” rule is critical here—never assume the rules for a Journeyman electrician are the same as for a Master electrician or an Electrical Contractor. Understanding the specific obligations for your license is key to staying compliant.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the annual renewal requirements for various Texas electrical licenses, based on the official TDLR fee schedule and CE rules.

License Type	Annual CE Hours Required	Annual Renewal Fee
Master Electrician	4 Hours	$45
Journeyman Electrician	4 Hours	$35
Residential Wireman	4 Hours	$35
Electrical Apprentice	4 Hours*	$20
Master Sign Electrician	4 Hours	$45
Journeyman Sign Electrician	4 Hours	$35
Electrical Contractor	0 Hours	$115
Electrical Sign Contractor	0 Hours	$115

*Note for Apprentices: According to TDLR rules, an apprentice must complete 4 hours of continuing education unless they are actively enrolled and making satisfactory progress in a department-registered apprenticeship program.

A crucial distinction to note is for the Electrical Contractor license. The contractor license itself does not require continuing education for renewal. However, the Master Electrician designated as the master of record for that contractor *is* required to complete their individual 4 hours of CE. This ensures that while the business entity has its own requirements, the individual responsible for supervising the electrical work remains up-to-date on code and safety.

Staying Current with the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC)

As of September 1, 2023, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) adopted the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) as the mandatory standard for all state electrical license examinations. While the TDLR establishes this as the “minimum standard” for all electrical work in Texas, local jurisdictions may adopt it on different timelines or make amendments as permitted under Texas Occupations Code §1305.101. This makes your annual CE a critical touchpoint for mastering significant NEC updates. Your coursework will cover key revisions that impact your daily work, from residential installations to large commercial projects. Understanding how these changes affect everything from safety planning to project bidding is essential for any working professional. For example, recent NEC revisions have changed requirements for arc-flash warnings and modified key definitions that influence how electrical work is classified. Staying informed through approved training protects your business, your clients, and your license.

Related Resources

Electrical Safety and NFPA 70E: A Pillar of Your CE

A mandatory component of your Texas CE is electrical safety, with a focus on NFPA 70E, the Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®. This isn’t just about theory; it’s about practical application on the job site. This training reinforces best practices for hazard identification, risk assessment, and creating a safe work environment for you and your team. Recent updates to standards like NFPA 70E have refined requirements for job safety planning and the selection of personal protective equipment (PPE). Your continuing education ensures you are incorporating the latest safety protocols, reducing risk and liability on every project.

How Have NFPA 70E 2024 Updates Changed Electrical Job Safety Planning?

The Renewal Process: A Simple Step-by-Step Overview

Once you’ve completed your CE, the final steps are straightforward. The TDLR has streamlined the process to make it as efficient as possible.

Complete Your CE: Enroll with a TDLR-approved provider and finish your 4 hours of training.
Provider Reporting: Your CE provider will report your completed hours to the TDLR, typically within a few business days.
Submit the Renewal Application: Log in to the TDLR online licensing portal to complete your renewal application. You will need your license number to begin.
Pay the Renewal Fee: Pay your license-specific renewal fee online to finalize the process.

By planning ahead and choosing the right CE provider, you can avoid last-minute stress and ensure your license remains active without any interruption to your work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens if my Texas electrical license expires?: If your license expires, you cannot legally perform electrical work in Texas. You will need to complete your CE and pay a late renewal fee. According to Texas Administrative Code, if your license has been expired for 90 days or less, the fee is one-and-one-half times the normal amount. If it’s expired for more than 90 days but less than 18 months, the fee is two times the normal amount. A license expired for 18 months or more cannot be renewed, and you must re-apply for licensure.
Do Electrical Contractors need continuing education in Texas?: No. The Electrical Contractor and Electrical Sign Contractor licenses do not have a continuing education requirement for renewal. However, the Master Electrician listed as the responsible master for the company must still complete their individual 4-hour CE requirement to renew their personal license.
Where can I find TDLR-approved online electrical courses?: You can find a list of approved providers on the TDLR website. For a convenient, self-paced experience designed for busy professionals, ExpertCE offers state-approved online courses covering all required topics, from the 2023 NEC to Texas laws and rules.