Texas is a thriving place to call home, with new restaurants, multifamily units, and commercial districts popping up all over the place. If you’re considering a career change, you may find success in electrical work. An abundance of electricians is needed to help accommodate the rapid increase in business growth.
Why Get an Electrician’s License?
Before jumping into the steps you need to complete to get an electrician’s license in Texas, it can be helpful to review the benefits of getting one. A skilled trade license allows you to show proof of experience and skill and is a requirement for many jobs in Texas. Here are a few benefits of getting an electrician’s license in Texas:
- Makes you eligible for electrician jobs: Texas laws require anyone performing electrical work to be licensed. This means if you want to work on electrical systems, you will need to obtain your license.
- Shows proof of experience: Getting your license shows potential employers that you have experience in completing electrical projects.
- Teaches you the basics of the job: Start your career with previous experience by learning the basics of the job in training.
- Allows you to start your own business: With the right licensure, you can even start your own business as an electrician.
Steps To Becoming a Licensed Electrician in Texas
Ready to become a licensed electrician in Texas? Here are the steps you will need to complete:
Review Licensing Requirements
Before enrolling in a pre-licensing class, it can be a good idea to review the licensing requirements for the state in which you want to work. Texas requires most electrical workers to be licensed, and so do many other states, but the specific requirements vary.
Texas and other states also have multiple license types. Reviewing each one to determine the best career fit now can help you save time and money. The two electrical licenses available in the state include the Texas Journeyman Electrician License and the Texas Master Electrician License. The requirements for Master Electrician licensing are more in-depth and may be completed after earning experience in the field with a Journeyman License.
Gain Experience
Electrician licensing requires that workers earn at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training before applying for licensure. This work must be completed under the supervision of a licensed master electrician. Aspiring electricians may earn on-the-job experience completing various project types, including electrical installations. Projects may also teach other skills, like window replacements or installing technology components for up-and-coming Dallas restaurants.
Take a Pre-Licensing Class
A pre-licensing class helps aspiring electricians prepare for the exam portion. In Texas, the exam covers calculations, definitions, plans, theory, and more. To become licensed, the state requires you to earn a minimum cumulative score of 70%. An open-book structure can make it easier to succeed, and a pre-licensing class can help you learn test-taking strategies that improve your chances of a 70% or higher exam score.
Once you’re ready to test, you can do so by scheduling a test date with the Texas governing body. The pre-licensing class provider you choose can also help with the test registration step.
Work as a Licensed Electrician
If you successfully score high enough on the exam, you can apply for your license and begin working as a licensed electrician. Journeymen are still required to work under the supervision of a Master Electrician.
The great thing about securing a Texas state electrical license is that the state recognizes many reciprocity agreements. By signing up for a preparatory class and study exams with RocketCert, you can take steps toward becoming a licensed Texas electrician. Additionally, if you plan to move during your career, you can take your Electrician License with you to North Carolina, Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, and more. The reciprocity agreement only applies to specialized licenses. Texas doesn’t currently allow those with a general contracting license to transfer using the same method.
Consider Additional Licensing
Some electricians may choose to pursue additional training and licensure to expand their career opportunities. The Texas Master Electrician License requires a minimum of 12,000 hours of work under the supervision of a Master Electrician. You must hold your Journeyman license for at least two years before applying for the Master license.
It’s also important to note that while the initial exam covers basic electrical knowledge, the Master Electrician license exam requires a deeper understanding of these concepts. A minimum score of 70% is also required for this exam, but the questions are more difficult, and test-takers have less time. A pre-licensing course is a great preparation tool for the Master’s license.
After successfully obtaining the Master Electrician license, you can work on electrical projects without supervision. A Master Electrician license is also important if you plan to open your own business, as it allows you to supervise others.
Keep Up With Continuing Education Requirements
Make sure you also keep up with continuing education requirements. Texas requires four hours of education per year. Many certifications and continuing education programs conveniently offer these online.
There are many benefits to obtaining an Electrician License in Texas. Of these, licensed electricians can enjoy a steady flow of high-paying work. Pursuing higher licensure as a Master Electrician can also open up additional doors and work opportunities, including the ability to start your own business.
