70% on Each Portion

75 Knowledge + 33 Calculation Items

Open Book • 2026 NEC

12,000 Hours Required

Important Texas licensing fact: the Master Electrician license is an individual professional credential. It is not the same thing as the Texas Electrical Contractor business license. A Master Electrician may serve as the Master Electrician of Record for an Electrical Contractor, including a business the Master owns, but the contracting company must separately meet TDLR business, insurance, and licensing requirements.

What Is the Texas Master Electrician License?

The Texas Master Electrician License is the state's advanced individual electrical credential. It is issued by TDLR to experienced electricians who satisfy the required Journeyman-license history, work experience, application, examination, and licensing requirements.

A Master Electrician is licensed to install, maintain, or extend electrical wiring systems and the appurtenances, apparatus, and equipment connected with electrical energy in, on, outside, or attached to buildings, residences, structures, property, and premises. The scope includes service-entrance conductors.

The Master credential is also important for electricians who plan to move into contracting. A Texas Electrical Contractor must employ a licensed Master Electrician as its Master Electrician of Record, although the Master may also own the business.

Licensing authority: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Testing provider: PSI.

Journeyman requirement: hold a Journeyman Electrician license for at least two years.

Experience: 12,000 hours under a Texas-licensed Master Electrician.

NEC Knowledge: 75 items including 5 non-scored items, 150 minutes.

Calculations: 33 items including 3 non-scored items, 170 minutes.

Passing score: 70% on each portion.

Format: multiple choice and open book.

Current reference: 2026 National Electrical Code.

For advanced preparation, review the 2026 Texas Master Electrician Exam Prep Study Guides & Code Book Ultimate Combo for Master-level NEC review, calculations, code navigation, practice questions, and repeated exam simulation.

Texas Master Electrician Licensing Path

The Texas Master pathway builds directly on Journeyman experience and adds a more demanding two-part electrical examination.

Step Authority / Requirement What to Verify
Journeyman License TDLR Hold a Texas Journeyman Electrician license for at least two years
Experience TDLR Document 12,000 qualifying hours under a Texas-licensed Master Electrician
Experience Verification Supervising Master Electricians Obtain signed Experience Verification Forms from qualifying supervisors
Industrial Journeyman Note TDLR Journeyman Industrial Electrician experience may not be used to qualify for this Master license
Application TDLR Submit the Master Electrician application with the current $45 non-refundable fee
Eligibility Approval TDLR Wait for approval before scheduling the PSI examination
NEC Knowledge PSI 75 items, 150 minutes, open book, 70% passing
Calculations PSI 33 items, 170 minutes, open book, 70% passing
License Issuance TDLR Satisfy all requirements within the applicable one-year application period

Research Authority and 2026 Verification

Use current TDLR and PSI information as the final authority for eligibility, exam details, fees, reference rules, renewal, and contractor requirements.

Verified Point Authority Current Result
Licensing authority TDLR Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Testing provider PSI / TDLR PSI Services LLC
Journeyman license history TDLR At least two years
Experience TDLR 12,000 qualifying hours
NEC Knowledge PSI 75 items including 5 non-scored, 150 minutes
Calculations PSI 33 items including 3 non-scored, 170 minutes
Passing score PSI / TDLR 70% on each portion
Exam fee PSI $78 for both portions
Exam reference TDLR / PSI 2026 National Electrical Code
Master application fee TDLR $45
Master renewal TDLR Annual, $45 regular renewal fee
Continuing education TDLR 4 approved hours each license cycle

Application window: Texas applicants generally have one year from the date TDLR receives the application to satisfy all requirements, including passing the examination.

Texas Master Electrician Exam Breakdown

The current Texas Master Electrician exam contains two separate, multiple-choice portions: NEC Knowledge and Calculations.

The NEC Knowledge Portion contains 75 total items. Five are non-scored, leaving 70 scored questions distributed across ten official subject areas.

The largest knowledge categories are Electrical Services, Service Equipment, and Separately Derived Systems with 11 scored items and Branch Circuit Conductors with 11.

Electrical Equipment and Devices and Special Occupancies, Equipment, and Conditions each contain 8 scored items. Definitions, Theory, and Plans; Wiring Methods and Materials; and Motors and Generators each contain 7.

The Calculations Portion contains 33 total items. Three are non-scored, leaving 30 scored calculation questions.

The biggest calculation areas are Services and Separately Derived Systems with 8 questions and Motors and Generators with 6.

The Master exam is where "open book" and "lots of time" can become famous last words. The code book is available, but the problem still expects you to know what to do with it.

Primary SEO Target Texas Master Electrician Contractor Exam Prep
Official License Texas Master Electrician
Licensing Authority Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Testing Provider PSI
Journeyman Requirement Texas Journeyman Electrician license held for at least 2 years
Experience Requirement 12,000 qualifying hours under a Texas-licensed Master Electrician
Exam Structure NEC Knowledge Portion + Calculations Portion
NEC Knowledge 75 items including 5 non-scored • 150 minutes
Calculations 33 items including 3 non-scored • 170 minutes
Passing Score 70% on each portion
Format Multiple choice • Computer based • Open book
Current Reference National Electrical Code, 2026 Edition
Exam Fee $78 for both portions
Application Fee $45
Renewal Annual • $45 regular renewal • 4 hours approved continuing education
Contractor Path Master may serve as Master Electrician of Record for a separately licensed Electrical Contractor

How to Study for the Texas Master Electrician Exam

Prepare beyond Journeyman-level recognition. The Master exam expects deeper NEC application, more complicated calculations, and stronger understanding of how multiple code rules work together.

Services: practice service conductors, disconnecting means, load calculations, fault current, grounding, bonding, service equipment, and separately derived systems.

Feeders: review feeder loads, grounded conductors, equipment grounding, overcurrent protection, ampacity, and demand factors.

Branch Circuits: practice conductor sizing, continuous loads, GFCI, AFCI, overcurrent protection, grounding, and required circuits.

Motors: review full-load currents, motor conductors, overloads, short-circuit protection, controllers, disconnects, and generators.

Wiring Methods: study raceways, cable trays, boxes, cabinets, panels, cables, cords, underground wiring, and raceway calculations.

Calculations: practice services, feeders, branch circuits, conductors, transformers, motors, raceways, HVAC, appliances, EV charging, and special installations.

The 2026 Texas Master Electrician Super Combo combines Master exam review, a dedicated calculations guide, flash cards, the 2026 NEC, and tabs for both portions of the examination.

Services, Grounding, Motors, Conductors, and Master-Level Calculation Strategy

Master-level questions often connect several NEC requirements. A single problem can move from a load calculation to conductor sizing, then grounding, then overcurrent protection, before finally asking for one number.

SERVICE LOAD GROUND MOTOR services • grounding • feeders • conductors • motors • calculations

Texas Master Electrician exam-prep illustration for advanced NEC navigation, services, grounding, motors, and calculations.

  • Services: study Article 230, service load calculations, equipment, disconnects, fault current, grounding, and bonding
  • Grounding: master Article 250, grounding electrodes, bonding jumpers, equipment grounding conductors, services, feeders, and separately derived systems
  • Feeders: practice feeder loads, demand factors, ampacity, neutral calculations, overcurrent protection, and grounding
  • Conductors: practice ampacity, temperature correction, adjustment factors, terminal limitations, parallel conductors, and conductor protection
  • Motors: review Article 430, full-load current tables, conductors, overloads, short-circuit protection, controllers, and disconnecting means
  • Transformers: practice primary and secondary currents, conductor sizing, overcurrent protection, and separately derived system rules
  • Renewable Energy: review photovoltaics and electric vehicle charging equipment as part of modern Master-level testing

Your Texas Master Electrician Licensing Roadmap

Move from Journeyman experience through documentation, TDLR application, PSI approval, both exam portions, Master licensure, and possible Electrical Contractor qualification.

1

Hold the correct Journeyman license

Maintain a Texas Journeyman Electrician license for at least two years before applying for Master Electrician.

2

Accumulate 12,000 qualifying hours

Document at least 12,000 hours of on-the-job electrical training under the supervision of a Texas-licensed Master Electrician.

3

Collect experience verification

Have each qualifying supervising Master Electrician complete the applicable Experience Verification Form.

4

Submit the TDLR Master application

Send the completed application, experience documentation, and current $45 non-refundable application fee.

5

Receive PSI eligibility

Wait for TDLR approval, then follow the PSI scheduling instructions for the Master Electrician examination.

6

Pass NEC Knowledge

Complete 75 total items within 150 minutes and earn at least 70 percent.

7

Pass Calculations

Complete 33 total items within 170 minutes and earn at least 70 percent. Time does not transfer between portions.

8

Receive the Master license and plan the contractor path

After satisfying TDLR requirements, maintain the Master license annually. If you plan to operate an electrical contracting business, complete the separate Electrical Contractor licensing process.

Texas Master Electrician NEC Knowledge Topic Weighting

The current NEC Knowledge Portion contains 70 scored questions plus 5 non-scored questions. These are the official scored subject counts.

Electrical Services, Service Equipment, and Separately Derived Systems 11 scored items

Branch Circuit Conductors 11 scored items

Electrical Equipment and Devices 8 scored items

Special Occupancies, Equipment, and Conditions 8 scored items

Definitions, Theory, and Plans 7 scored items

Electrical Wiring Methods and Electrical Materials 7 scored items

Motors and Generators 7 scored items

Electrical Feeders 4 scored items

Renewable Energy Technologies 4 scored items

Electrical Control Devices and Disconnecting Means 3 scored items

Calculations Portion: the current 30 scored calculation questions are distributed as follows: Calculations and Theory 2; Services and Separately Derived Systems 8; Feeders 3; Branch Circuit Calculations and Conductors 4; Wiring Methods and Materials 2; Equipment and Devices 2; Motors and Generators 6; Controls and Disconnects 1; Special Occupancies, Equipment, and Conditions 1; Renewable Energy Technologies 1.

Heavy hitters: Services, Branch Circuit Conductors, and Motors deserve serious attention because they are strongly represented across the knowledge and calculation portions.

Texas Master Electrician Exam References

The exam is open book, but PSI controls which technical reference may enter the testing room and how that book may be prepared.

Reference Primary Study Use Exam-Room Status
National Electrical Code, 2026 Edition Definitions, services, feeders, branch circuits, grounding, bonding, wiring methods, equipment, motors, special installations, renewable energy, tables, and calculations Current authorized technical reference
PSI Texas Electrician Candidate Information Bulletin Exam structure, subject counts, timing, fees, testing procedures, and reference-material rules Use before exam day to verify current rules
TDLR Master Electrician Requirements Experience, Journeyman history, application, fees, and licensing process Licensing resource, not an added exam-room technical reference
Texas Electrician Law and Administrative Rules Master responsibilities, contractor relationships, renewal, continuing education, and compliance Important licensing study, not an additional technical exam reference

Current code cycle: effective September 1, 2026, Texas electrician examinations are referenced to the 2026 National Electrical Code.

Candidates are responsible for bringing their own compliant NEC to the examination site.

How to Prepare for the Open-Book Texas Master Electrician Exam

Build these exam-prep habits

  • Practice with a compliant soft-bound 2026 NEC
  • Know the location of major Master-level articles and tables
  • Highlight and underline important material before exam day
  • Prepare permitted notes before the examination session
  • Use compliant permanent NEC publisher tabs
  • Practice service, feeder, motor, transformer, and conductor calculations
  • Time the Knowledge and Calculations portions independently
  • Review missed answers by locating the exact NEC rule

Avoid these exam-prep mistakes

  • Bringing the NEC Handbook instead of the approved code book
  • Using loose-leaf, spiral-bound, or ring-bound NEC copies
  • Using homemade, DIY, or non-NEC tabs
  • Adding loose, taped, stapled, or attached pages
  • Planning to write or highlight during the exam
  • Assuming unused time transfers between portions
  • Practicing only code lookups and ignoring calculations
  • Waiting until exam week to learn Articles 220, 250, 310, and 430

Current PSI rules: the NEC may contain highlighting, underlining, and notes prepared before the exam. Permanent index tabs manufactured or provided by the NEC publisher are permitted. Candidates may not add markings during testing. The NEC Handbook, loose pages, homemade tabs, loose-leaf books, spiral-bound books, and ring-bound books are not permitted.

What Can a Texas Master Electrician Do?

A Texas Master Electrician is licensed to install, maintain, or extend electrical wiring systems and related electrical apparatus, equipment, and service-entrance conductors.

The credential represents an advanced level of individual electrical licensing and can support supervision, technical responsibility, and the Master Electrician of Record role.

For electricians who want to operate a contracting company, the Master license is especially important because a Texas Electrical Contractor must employ a licensed Master Electrician as its Master Electrician of Record.

The Master may also own the contractor business. Generally, one Master Electrician may be assigned to only one Electrical Contractor unless the Master owns more than 50 percent of the electrical contracting business.

Contractor distinction: the Master Electrician credential does not automatically create an Electrical Contractor license. The business must submit a separate contractor application, designate the Master Electrician of Record, and satisfy insurance and other TDLR business requirements.

Texas Electrical License Comparison

Texas separates individual electrical credentials from the business license used to contract with customers.

Credential Main Purpose Experience / Path Important Difference
Apprentice Electrician Build supervised electrical experience Register and work under required supervision Entry-level credential used while accumulating qualifying hours
Residential Wireman Qualifying residential electrical installations Approved education route or qualifying supervised experience Scope is limited to qualifying residential buildings
Journeyman Electrician Perform electrical work under a Master Electrician 8,000 hours required for standard licensure Required stepping stone for the standard Master Electrician path
Master Electrician Advanced individual electrical credential Journeyman license for 2 years + 12,000 qualifying hours + Master exam May serve as Master Electrician of Record for an Electrical Contractor
Electrical Contractor Operate an electrical contracting business Separate business application, Master Electrician of Record, insurance, and contractor requirements Business license rather than an individual trade credential

Texas Master Experience, Examination, and Contractor Requirements

Experience

12,000 Hours + 2 Years as Journeyman
  • Hold a Texas Journeyman Electrician license for at least two years
  • Document 12,000 qualifying on-the-job hours
  • Experience must be under Texas-licensed Master Electrician supervision
  • Use Experience Verification Forms
  • TDLR may verify reported experience
  • Journeyman Industrial Electrician experience does not qualify for this Master path

Master + Contractor Path

Individual License + Separate Business License
  • Master license renews annually
  • Current regular Master renewal fee is $45
  • Complete 4 hours of approved continuing education each cycle
  • Electrical Contractor application is separate
  • Contractor must designate a Master Electrician of Record
  • Current Electrical Contractor application fee is $110
  • Required business liability insurance applies

Electrical Contractor insurance: current Texas minimum liability limits include $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate, and $300,000 aggregate for products and completed operations.

Six-Week Texas Master Electrician Exam Prep Plan

Build advanced NEC navigation, service and feeder knowledge, motor expertise, grounding skill, and calculation speed together.

Week 1

NEC Map + Master Theory

  • Organize the 2026 NEC
  • Review definitions and theory
  • Practice plan-reading questions
  • Review Chapters 1 through 4 structure
  • Take a baseline Master practice exam
Week 2

Services + Grounding

  • Service calculations
  • Service equipment
  • Article 250 grounding and bonding
  • Separately derived systems
  • Transformers
Week 3

Feeders + Branch Circuits

  • Feeder loads
  • Branch-circuit conductors
  • Ampacity and adjustment factors
  • Overcurrent protection
  • GFCI and AFCI requirements
Week 4

Wiring Methods + Equipment

  • Raceways
  • Box and raceway fill
  • Cables and underground wiring
  • HVAC and appliances
  • Panels, switches, and luminaires
Week 5

Motors + Special Installations

  • Motor calculations
  • Generators
  • Controls and disconnects
  • Special occupancies and equipment
  • Photovoltaics and EV charging
Week 6

Full Two-Part Simulation

  • 75-item knowledge simulation
  • 150-minute knowledge timer
  • 33-item calculation simulation
  • 170-minute calculation timer
  • Review every missed NEC rule and calculation

How Hard Is the Texas Master Electrician Exam?

The Texas Master exam is designed for experienced electricians, and it expects a deeper command of both the NEC and electrical calculations than the Journeyman examination.

The NEC Knowledge Portion gives you 150 minutes for 75 total items, or about 2 minutes per administered item.

The Calculations Portion gives you 170 minutes for 33 total items, or roughly 5.15 minutes per administered item.

That sounds generous until a calculation starts asking about service load, demand factors, transformers, motor full-load current, grounding, conductor ampacity, and overcurrent protection in the same neighborhood.

The best preparation combines field experience with repeated NEC navigation and timed math practice. Open book is useful, but only when you already know which part of the book deserves to be opened.

Texas Master Electrician Exam Day Checklist

Do this

  • Confirm your PSI appointment
  • Arrive about 30 minutes before the scheduled start
  • Bring acceptable current government-issued identification
  • Bring a compliant soft-bound 2026 NEC
  • Finish permitted highlighting, underlining, and notes before test day
  • Use only compliant permanent NEC publisher tabs
  • Bring a permitted silent non-programmable calculator
  • Practice Knowledge and Calculations pacing separately
  • Remember that unused time does not transfer between portions

Do not do this

  • Bring the NEC Handbook
  • Bring a loose-leaf, ring-bound, or spiral-bound NEC
  • Use homemade or non-NEC tabs
  • Insert loose notes or added pages
  • Write or highlight in the NEC during testing
  • Assume a strong Knowledge score can offset a failed Calculations score
  • Ignore motor calculations
  • Spend ten minutes fighting one service calculation

Passing rule: both portions require at least 70 percent. Passing one portion does not erase a failing score on the other portion.

Retakes: the current PSI fee is $78 whether you are taking both portions or retaking a failed portion under the applicable testing rules.

Texas Master Electrician Exam Prep Options

Highlighted & Tabbed 2026 NEC

Organized Open-Book Reference
  • 2026 National Electrical Code
  • Highlighted preparation
  • Tabbed reference organization
  • Service and feeder navigation
  • Grounding and bonding review
  • Motor and equipment review
  • Repeated timed lookup practice
View Highlighted & Tabbed NEC

Ultimate Rental Package

Books + Course + Application Service
  • Highlighted and tabbed 2026 NEC rental
  • One year of online course access
  • NEC Knowledge preparation
  • Advanced calculation preparation
  • Application Service
  • Master licensing support
  • Electrical Contractor pathway preparation
View Ultimate Rental Package

Need a shorter rental period? Review the Texas Master Electrical Contractor Books & Course Rental , which includes a highlighted and tabbed 2026 NEC rental and structured course access.

Need a complete owned package? The 2026 Texas Master Electrician Ultimate Combo combines the Master guide, calculations guide, 2026 NEC, flash cards, and online preparation.

2026 Texas Master Electrician Study Guide and National Electrical Code Exam Prep by 1 Exam Prep

2026 Texas Master Electrician Exam Prep

This Texas-specific 1 Exam Prep credential image is directly related to Texas Master Electrician licensing and exam preparation.

• Texas Master Electrician preparation

• TDLR and PSI licensing pathway

• 75-item NEC Knowledge Portion

• 33-item Calculations Portion

• 70% required on each portion

• Open-book 2026 NEC examination

• Services, feeders, grounding, and bonding

• Branch circuits, conductors, and wiring methods

• Motors, generators, controls, and special installations

• Advanced electrical calculation preparation

Master the rule and the math. The Texas Master examination separates those skills into two portions, but successful preparation connects them. A good Master candidate should know where the NEC rule lives and how to turn it into the correct calculation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Texas Master Licensing

Texas Master Electrician licenses are issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, commonly called TDLR.
The standard Master Electrician pathway requires you to have held a Journeyman Electrician license for at least two years.
Texas requires 12,000 hours of qualifying on-the-job electrical training under the supervision of a Texas-licensed Master Electrician.
No. TDLR specifically states that Journeyman Industrial Electrician experience may not be used to qualify for the standard Master Electrician license.
Each Texas-licensed Master Electrician who supervised your qualifying work should document the applicable experience on an Experience Verification Form.

Exam Structure

There are two separately timed portions: NEC Knowledge and Calculations.
The current NEC Knowledge Portion contains 75 total items, including 5 non-scored items, and allows 150 minutes.
The current Calculations Portion contains 33 total items, including 3 non-scored items, and allows 170 minutes.
You must earn at least 70 percent on each portion. Both portions must be passed.
No. Unused time from one exam portion does not transfer to the other portion.
The current PSI bulletin lists a $78 fee for the Master examination. The current retake fee is also $78.

NEC Knowledge Topics

Electrical Services, Service Equipment, and Separately Derived Systems contains 11 scored items. Branch Circuit Conductors also contains 11 scored items.
Yes. Grounding and bonding appears throughout services, feeders, branch circuits, conductors, transformers, and calculation topics. Article 250 is a major study area.
Yes. Motors and Generators contains 7 scored Knowledge questions and 6 scored Calculations questions under the current PSI outline.
Yes. Renewable Energy Technologies includes photovoltaic systems and electric vehicle charging topics.
Under the current PSI outline, conductors are considered copper unless the question specifically states otherwise.

Calculations

Electrical Services, Service Equipment, and Separately Derived Systems is the largest calculation category with 8 scored items.
Motors and Generators contains 6 scored questions on the current Calculations Portion.
Practice electrical theory, service loads, feeders, branch circuits, conductors, grounding, transformers, raceways, equipment, motors, generators, HVAC, appliances, and renewable-energy calculations.
Current PSI rules permit a silent, battery-operated, non-programmable calculator that does not print and does not have an alphabetic keyboard.

Open-Book Rules

Yes. The current Master examination is open book using the authorized National Electrical Code.
Effective September 1, 2026, Texas electrician examinations are referenced to the 2026 National Electrical Code.
Yes. Current PSI rules allow highlighting and underlining completed before the examination session.
Yes. The current rules allow notes prepared in the NEC before the examination. You may not add new notes during the exam.
Permanent NEC index tabs manufactured or provided by the NEC publisher are allowed. Homemade, DIY, and non-NEC tabs are prohibited.
No. The NEC Handbook is not permitted as the testing-room reference.

Application and Renewal

The current TDLR Master Electrician application fee is $45 and is non-refundable.
The license is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
The current regular Master Electrician renewal fee is $45.
Yes. Texas Master Electricians must complete 4 hours of approved continuing education during each license cycle before renewal.
Required coursework addresses the National Electrical Code, Texas Electrician Law, Texas administrative rules, and electrical safety, including NFPA 70E.

Electrical Contractor Path

No. The Master Electrician license is an individual credential. The Electrical Contractor license is a separate business credential.
Yes. A licensed Master Electrician may own the Electrical Contractor business and serve as its Master Electrician of Record.
Generally, a Master Electrician may be assigned to only one Electrical Contractor unless the Master owns more than 50 percent of the electrical contracting business.
The current Texas Electrical Contractor application fee is $110.
Yes. Current minimum limits include $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate, and $300,000 aggregate for products and completed operations.

1 Exam Prep

Yes. 1 Exam Prep offers Texas Master Electrician study guides, 2026 NEC packages, highlighted and tabbed code books, calculation guides, flash cards, online preparation, rental packages, and licensing support.
Yes. The Texas Master Electrician Super Combo and Ultimate Combo include dedicated calculation preparation along with Master exam materials.
Yes. 1 Exam Prep offers Texas Master Electrical Contractor rental packages with a highlighted and tabbed 2026 NEC.
Yes. The Texas Master Electrical Contractor Ultimate Exam Prep Rental Package includes Application Service along with one year of course access and exam-preparation materials.

Watch: Texas Electrician 2026 Licensing and Exam Prep

Watch this related 1 Exam Prep Texas electrician video featured with the Texas Master Electrician study materials. Use it to reinforce Texas electrical licensing, 2026 NEC preparation, code navigation, electrical calculations, and exam-study strategy.

Master study tip: watch with your 2026 NEC nearby. When services, feeders, grounding, motors, conductors, special installations, or calculations come up, practice identifying the correct article, table, or calculation method yourself.

Ready for Texas Master Electrician Contractor Exam Prep?

Build faster 2026 NEC navigation, stronger service and feeder knowledge, advanced grounding and bonding skill, better conductor sizing, confidence with motors, generators, transformers, wiring methods, special installations, photovoltaics, EV charging, and the dedicated Texas Master Calculations Portion.

Questions? Call 877-775-9400
or email sales@1examprep.com

Texas Master Electrician Exam Prep