You can start this application online at https://www. tdlr. texas. gov/App_Online/?program=ELC. You can also print and mail this application along with a $20 check to Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, P. O. Box 12157, Austin, Texas 78711.

If you don’t have a social security number, you cannot currently apply to become a licensed electrician in Texas. If you click “yes” under the question about your criminal record, don’t worry. You just need to complete an additional form explaining the conviction and submit it alongside your application. The link for this form is on the application page you’re filling out.

Unless you entered something incorrectly on your application or you have a criminal history with a violent crime on it, you’ll be approved. If you have experience as an electrician, your next best step is to skip trade school and apply for apprentice positions. If you do not have experience as an electrician, you’ll likely need some classroom experience before you can start working as an electrician. Your next best bet is likely to go to trade school. You can apply for the apprentice license after you get into trade school if you prefer, but you’ll need it to do any hands-on work and start working as an apprentice electrician. There are no requirements for the apprentice license other than being 16 years old and a citizen of Texas, so there’s no real reason to wait.

Some of these programs host classes at night if you’re currently working a day job or you don’t have a ton of time during the day. Others host some online classes if you have a variety of responsibilities at home. Just like regular colleges, each trade school is different so weigh your options before applying. You can find a list of approved electrician programs at https://www. tdlr. texas. gov/AMPS/ShowApprenticePrograms. aspx.

Electrician school has homework, quizzes, and tests, just like any other academic program. Do not skip out on your studies to ensure that you graduate on time.

Most of these apprentice positions will pay you, although it usually isn’t more than minimum wage.

If you went to trade school, most of the time you will be placed into an apprentice position by your trade school. If they don’t place you, you’ll need to apply to a position yourself. Don’t worry if your resume looks a little light. Most electricians hiring apprentices will care more about the interview than your work history.

The interviewer may ask you about how you would wire a potential set up, handle an upset client, or fix a mistake made by a previous electrician. Just do your best and be honest about your experience.

In the field, feel free to ask questions about what the master electrician is doing or why they’re completing a job in a particular way. The entire goal of an apprentice position is for apprentices to learn from experienced electricians, so ask away!

Your trade school or employer is tasked with tracking your hours as part of the licensing certification with the state of Texas. They’ll let you know when you’re close to 4,000 hours. To start this process, go to https://www. psionline. com/.

The journeyman exam is exponentially more popular than the wireman test. Approved journeymen can work on a variety of electronic systems while wiremen are limited to working on residential constructions. [12] X Research source The exam takes 4 hours to complete, so make sure you set some time aside on your schedule!

You must score a minimum of 70% on the journeyman exam and an 80% on the wireman exam to pass the test.

If you didn’t pass, you can re-enroll to take the exam again. Many people do not pass the first time they complete the test, so don’t get discouraged.

You can now begin working towards your master electrician license. You must acquire 12,000 of on-site experience before you can sit for the master’s exam. Renew your license every year with the TDLR to keep your license active.