Thinking about becoming a licensed contractor in Texas? The state regulates core trades like electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and several specialties at the state level, while general contracting and roofing are primarily handled by cities and counties. Knowing which authority regulates your trade—and where—will save you time and help you stay compliant.
Most trade licenses are administered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE), and the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) for certain fire protection activities. General and roofing contractor registrations are managed locally by city building departments such as Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth.
This guide compiles the 2025 requirements we found for Texas, including experience, exams, fees, continuing education, insurance, and where local registration is required. When in doubt, always confirm with your board or local building department before you bid or pull permits.
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Overview of Texas Contractor Licensing
Texas uses a mixed regulatory model. State boards license electrical and HVAC contractors through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), and plumbers through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). Fire sprinkler contractors are overseen by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), and elevator contractors by TDLR.
There is no statewide general contractor or roofing license. Those activities are registered or licensed locally by cities and counties, including Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth. Because local rules differ, always verify requirements in each jurisdiction where you plan to pull permits.
Expect to document your practical experience, pass trade exams where required, maintain continuing education annually, and carry general liability insurance for contractor-level licenses. Applications can be submitted online for most state-issued licenses, and typical processing times run 4–8 weeks depending on exams and background checks.
Additional authorities: Plumbing licenses are issued by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE), fire sprinkler contractor licensing is through the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), and elevator contractors are licensed by TDLR (Elevator Program).
Electrician Licenses in Texas
Texas regulates electrical work with 8 license types:
Apprentice Electrician
Requirements and Eligibility
- Experience: None required to register as an apprentice; must work under a licensed master electrician
- Education: None
- Age: 16+
- Exam: Not required
Fees
- Application: $20
- Initial License: $20
- Renewal: $20
- Late Penalty: $10
Renewal and CE
- Renewal Frequency: Annual
- Continuing Education: None
📚 Exam Prep: Apprentices can build code familiarity early. Browse Texas resources and guides: Texas study resources.
Official guidance: TDLR Electricians
Residential Wireman
Requirements and Eligibility
- Experience: 4,000 hours of documented on-the-job training under a licensed master electrician
- Education: None
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required (PSI)
Exam Details
- Name: Residential Wireman Exam
- Format: Multiple choice, closed book
- Questions: 80 | Duration: 4 hours | Passing Score: 70%
- Allowed References: 2020 National Electrical Code
- Topics: Wiring methods, electrical theory, safety, NEC application
- Retake Policy: May retake after 30 days
Fees
- Application: $30
- Examination: $78
- Initial License: $30
- Renewal: $30
- Late Penalty: $15
Renewal and CE
- Renewal Frequency: Annual
- Continuing Education: 4 hours (NEC updates, safety, Texas laws)
📚 Exam Prep: Texas Residential Wireman Electrician Practice Test — PDF study guide with typically 1,500–2,500 questions, detailed answer keys, and reference locators to exact NEC sections. Study offline at your own pace.
Official guidance: TDLR Electricians
Journeyman Electrician
Requirements and Eligibility
- Experience: 8,000 hours of documented on-the-job training under a licensed master electrician
- Education: None
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required (PSI)
Exam Details
- Name: Journeyman Electrician Exam
- Format: Multiple choice, closed book
- Questions: 80 | Duration: 4 hours | Passing Score: 70%
- Allowed References: 2020 National Electrical Code
- Topics: Wiring methods, electrical theory, safety, NEC application
- Retake Policy: May retake after 30 days
Fees
- Application: $30
- Examination: $78
- Initial License: $30
- Renewal: $30
- Late Penalty: $15
Renewal and CE
- Renewal Frequency: Annual
- Continuing Education: 4 hours (NEC updates, safety, Texas laws)
📚 Exam Prep: Texas Journeyman Electrician Practice Test — PDF with 1,500–2,500 questions, full answer keys, and code reference locators. Train offline with flexible pacing.
Official guidance: TDLR Electricians
Master Electrician
Requirements and Eligibility
- Experience: 12,000 hours of documented on-the-job training; must have held Journeyman license for at least 2 years
- Education: None
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required (PSI)
Exam Details
- Name: Master Electrician Exam
- Format: Multiple choice, closed book
- Questions: 100 | Duration: 5 hours | Passing Score: 70%
- Allowed References: 2020 National Electrical Code
- Topics: Advanced wiring, electrical theory, NEC application, business law
- Retake Policy: May retake after 30 days
Fees
- Application: $45
- Examination: $78
- Initial License: $45
- Renewal: $45
- Late Penalty: $22.50
Renewal and CE
- Renewal Frequency: Annual
- Continuing Education: 4 hours (NEC updates, safety, Texas laws)
📚 Exam Prep: Texas Master Electrician Practice Test — comprehensive PDF, typically 1,500–2,500 questions, with answer keys and NEC section locators. Study offline at your pace.
Official guidance: TDLR Electricians
Electrical Contractor
Requirements and Eligibility
- Qualifying Individual: Must employ a licensed Master Electrician as a full-time employee or owner
- Exam: Not required for contractor registration
- Insurance: Required — $300,000 general liability
- Age: 18+
Fees
- Application: $110
- Initial License: $110
- Renewal: $110
- Late Penalty: $55
Renewal and CE
- Renewal Frequency: Annual
- Continuing Education: None for contractor registration (Master must maintain CE)
Insurance
- General Liability: Minimum $300,000
📚 Business Resources: See Texas study resources for electrical business and law references: Texas exam prep catalog.
Official guidance: TDLR Electricians
Maintenance Electrician
Requirements and Eligibility
- Experience: 8,000 hours of documented on-the-job training
- Education: None
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required (PSI)
Exam Details
- Name: Maintenance Electrician Exam
- Format: Multiple choice, closed book
- Questions: 80 | Duration: 4 hours | Passing Score: 70%
- Allowed References: 2020 National Electrical Code
- Topics: Maintenance wiring, NEC, safety
- Retake Policy: May retake after 30 days
Fees
- Application: $30
- Examination: $78
- Initial License: $30
- Renewal: $30
- Late Penalty: $15
Renewal and CE
- Renewal Frequency: Annual
- Continuing Education: 4 hours (NEC updates, safety, Texas laws)
📚 Exam Prep: Texas Maintenance Electrician Practice Test — PDF with 1,500–2,500 questions, answer keys, and NEC reference locators for offline study.
Official guidance: TDLR Electricians
Sign Electrician
Requirements and Eligibility
- Experience: 8,000 hours of documented on-the-job training
- Education: None
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required (PSI)
Exam Details
- Name: Sign Electrician Exam
- Format: Multiple choice, closed book
- Questions: 80 | Duration: 4 hours | Passing Score: 70%
- Allowed References: 2020 National Electrical Code
- Topics: Sign wiring, NEC, safety
- Retake Policy: May retake after 30 days
Fees
- Application: $30
- Examination: $78
- Initial License: $30
- Renewal: $30
- Late Penalty: $15
Renewal and CE
- Renewal Frequency: Annual
- Continuing Education: 4 hours (NEC updates, safety, Texas laws)
📚 Exam Prep: Texas Master Sign Electrician Practice Test — PDF study set with 1,500–2,500 questions, answer keys, and NEC reference locators. Offline study, no usage limits.
Official guidance: TDLR Electricians
Residential Appliance Installer
Requirements and Eligibility
- Experience: 4,000 hours of documented on-the-job training
- Education: None
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required (PSI)
Exam Details
- Name: Residential Appliance Installer Exam
- Format: Multiple choice, closed book
- Questions: 80 | Duration: 4 hours | Passing Score: 70%
- Allowed References: 2020 National Electrical Code
- Topics: Appliance installation, NEC, safety
- Retake Policy: May retake after 30 days
Fees
- Application: $30
- Examination: $78
- Initial License: $30
- Renewal: $30
- Late Penalty: $15
Renewal and CE
- Renewal Frequency: Annual
- Continuing Education: 4 hours (NEC updates, safety, Texas laws)
📚 Exam Prep: Explore Texas electrician study resources and guides: Browse Texas exam prep. PDF materials typically include 1,500–2,500 questions with answer keys and code locators.
Official guidance: TDLR Electricians
More Texas electrician exam prep: See all Texas practice resources.
Plumbing Licenses in Texas
Texas regulates plumbing work with 6 license types:
Plumber’s Apprentice
Requirements and Eligibility
- Experience: None required to register; must work under a licensed plumber
- Education: None
- Age: 16+
- Exam: Not required
Fees
- Application: $15
- Initial Registration: $15
- Renewal: $15
- Late Penalty: $10
Renewal and CE
- Renewal Frequency: Annual
- Continuing Education: None
📚 Study Resources: Build code familiarity early: Texas study resources.
Official guidance: TSBPE – Apprentice
Tradesman Plumber-Limited
Requirements and Eligibility
- Experience: 4,000 hours of documented on-the-job training under a licensed plumber
- Education: 24 hours classroom training
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required (State)
Exam Details
- Name: Tradesman Plumber-Limited Exam
- Format: Multiple choice, closed book
- Questions: 100 | Duration: 4 hours | Passing Score: 70%
- Allowed References: Texas Plumbing License Law, Board Rules, UPC
- Topics: Plumbing codes, safety, laws
- Retake Policy: May retake after 30 days
Fees
- Application: $36
- Examination: $36
- Initial License: $35
- Renewal: $35
- Late Penalty: $17.50
Renewal and CE
- Renewal Frequency: Annual
- Continuing Education: 6 hours (code updates, laws, safety)
📚 Exam Prep: Explore Texas plumbing study materials: Texas exam prep catalog. PDF guides typically feature 1,500–2,500 questions with answer keys and reference locators.
Official guidance: TSBPE – Tradesman
Journeyman Plumber
Requirements and Eligibility
- Experience: 8,000 hours of documented on-the-job training under a licensed plumber
- Education: 48 hours classroom training
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required (State)
Exam Details
- Name: Journeyman Plumber Exam
- Format: Multiple choice, closed book
- Questions: 100 | Duration: 5 hours | Passing Score: 70%
- Allowed References: Texas Plumbing License Law, Board Rules, UPC
- Topics: Plumbing codes, safety, laws
- Retake Policy: May retake after 30 days
Fees
- Application: $40
- Examination: $40
- Initial License: $40
- Renewal: $40
- Late Penalty: $20
Renewal and CE
- Renewal Frequency: Annual
- Continuing Education: 6 hours (code updates, laws, safety)
📚 Exam Prep: Browse Texas plumbing practice resources: Texas exam prep catalog.
Official guidance: TSBPE – Journeyman
Master Plumber
Requirements and Eligibility
- Experience: 8,000 hours as a Journeyman; must have held Journeyman license for at least 4 years
- Education: 24 hours classroom training
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required (State)
Exam Details
- Name: Master Plumber Exam
- Format: Multiple choice, closed book
- Questions: 125 | Duration: 5 hours | Passing Score: 75%
- Allowed References: Texas Plumbing License Law, Board Rules, UPC
- Topics: Advanced plumbing codes, business law, safety
- Retake Policy: May retake after 30 days
Fees
- Application: $175
- Examination: $175
- Initial License: $75
- Renewal: $75
- Late Penalty: $37.50
Renewal and CE
- Renewal Frequency: Annual
- Continuing Education: 6 hours (code updates, laws, safety)
📚 Exam Prep: Explore Texas Master-level plumbing study resources: Texas exam prep catalog.
Official guidance: TSBPE – Master
Responsible Master Plumber
Requirements and Eligibility
- License: Must hold a Master Plumber license
- Business Training: Must complete a business and law course (24 hours)
- Exam: Not required for designation
- Insurance: Required — $300,000 general liability
Fees
- Application: $75
- Initial Designation: $75
- Renewal: $75
- Late Penalty: $37.50
Renewal, CE, and Insurance
- Renewal Frequency: Annual
- Continuing Education: 6 hours (code updates, laws, safety)
- Insurance: General liability minimum $300,000
📚 Business Resources: See Texas plumbing resources and references: Browse Texas resources.
Official guidance: TSBPE – Responsible Master
Plumbing Contractor (Responsible Master Plumber)
Requirements and Eligibility
- License: Must hold the Responsible Master Plumber designation
- Exam: Not required
- Insurance: Required — $300,000 general liability
Fees
- Application: $75
- Initial License: $75
- Renewal: $75
- Late Penalty: $37.50
Renewal, CE, and Insurance
- Renewal Frequency: Annual
- Continuing Education: 6 hours (code updates, laws, safety)
- Insurance: General liability minimum $300,000
📚 Business Resources: Explore Texas contractor resources and study guides: Texas exam prep catalog.
Official guidance: TSBPE – Responsible Master
More Texas plumbing resources: Browse all Texas practice materials.
HVAC Licenses in Texas
Texas regulates HVAC contractors with 3 license types:
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor (Class A)
Requirements and Eligibility
- Experience: 48 months practical experience under a licensed contractor or engineer (documented with employer affidavits)
- Education: None specified
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required (PSI)
- Insurance: Required — $300,000 general liability
Exam Details
- Name: Class A Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor Exam
- Format: Multiple choice, closed book
- Questions: 120 | Duration: 4 hours | Passing Score: 70%
- Allowed References: IMC, IRC, Texas laws, business law
- Topics: HVAC theory, refrigeration, codes, business law
- Retake Policy: May retake after 30 days
Fees
- Application: $115
- Examination: $115
- Initial License: $115
- Renewal: $115
- Late Penalty: $57.50
Renewal and CE
- Renewal Frequency: Annual
- Continuing Education: 8 hours (code updates, laws, safety)
Insurance
- General Liability: Minimum $300,000
📚 Exam Prep: See Texas HVAC practice resources and study guides: Browse Texas exam prep. PDF guides typically include 1,500–2,500 questions with answer keys and code section locators.
Official guidance: TDLR – ACR Contractors
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor (Class B)
Requirements and Eligibility
- Experience: 48 months practical experience under a licensed contractor or engineer (documented with employer affidavits)
- Education: None specified
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required (PSI)
- Insurance: Required — $300,000 general liability
Exam Details
- Name: Class B Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor Exam
- Format: Multiple choice, closed book
- Questions: 100 | Duration: 4 hours | Passing Score: 70%
- Allowed References: IMC, IRC, Texas laws, business law
- Topics: HVAC theory, refrigeration, codes, business law
- Retake Policy: May retake after 30 days
Fees
- Application: $115
- Examination: $115
- Initial License: $115
- Renewal: $115
- Late Penalty: $57.50
Renewal and CE
- Renewal Frequency: Annual
- Continuing Education: 8 hours (code updates, laws, safety)
Insurance
- General Liability: Minimum $300,000
📚 Exam Prep: Explore Texas HVAC practice resources: Texas exam prep catalog.
Official guidance: TDLR – ACR Contractors
Certified Technician (Registered Technician)
Requirements and Eligibility
- Registration: None required to register; must work under a licensed contractor
- Education: None
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Not required
Fees
- Application: $20
- Initial Registration: $20
- Renewal: $20
- Late Penalty: $10
Renewal and CE
- Renewal Frequency: Annual
- Continuing Education: None
📚 Study Resources: Build foundational code knowledge with Texas resources: Browse Texas study materials.
Official guidance: TDLR – ACR Contractors
Looking for more Texas HVAC prep? See all Texas exam prep.
General Contractor Licenses in Texas
📍 Texas Uses Local Licensing
General contractor licensing/registration in Texas is handled by individual cities and counties rather than a state board. Requirements vary by jurisdiction and typically apply to permit pulling, job valuation thresholds, and scope of work.
What this means for you:
- Each city or county sets its own contractor registration requirements
- Most major cities require registration with proof of insurance and an application fee; some may require a background check
- State trade licenses (electrician, plumber, HVAC) are separate and still required for their respective scopes
Finding your requirements: Check the local building department where you plan to work to confirm registration, insurance, and permit rules.
Local Licensing Requirements
Major Cities with Local Requirements:
- City of Houston: Registration, proof of insurance, application fee, background check. Contractor Registration
- City of San Antonio: Registration, insurance, application fee. Contractor Registration
- City of Dallas: Registration, insurance, application fee. Contractor Registration
- City of Austin: Registration, insurance, application fee. Contractor Registration
- City of Fort Worth: Registration, insurance, application fee. Contractor Registration
Note: Requirements are specific to each jurisdiction. Always verify details with the local building department where you intend to pull permits.
📚 Resources: Explore Texas contractor study materials, including business and law references: Texas practice resources.
Planning to work statewide? Maintain a checklist for each city you serve and keep registration, insurance certificates, and permit accounts current. Browse Texas resources.
Roofing Licenses in Texas
Texas does not issue a statewide roofing contractor license. Roofing contractors are typically registered at the city or county level to pull permits and perform work.
Local Licensing Requirements
Major Cities with Local Requirements:
- City of Houston: Registration, proof of insurance, application fee, background check. Contractor Registration
- City of San Antonio: Registration, insurance, application fee. Contractor Registration
- City of Dallas: Registration, insurance, application fee. Contractor Registration
- City of Austin: Registration, insurance, application fee. Contractor Registration
- City of Fort Worth: Registration, insurance, application fee. Contractor Registration
Note: Each jurisdiction sets its own rules for registration, insurance minimums, and permit procedures. Always verify local requirements before bidding.
📚 Resources: See Texas contractor study materials and references: Texas practice resources.
Tip: Maintain separate registration and insurance documentation folders for each city to speed up permit pulls. Browse Texas resources.
Specialty Trade Licenses in Texas
Texas regulates specialty trades with 2 license types:
Fire Sprinkler Contractor
Requirements and Eligibility
- Experience: Varies by level; Responsible Managing Employee (RME) must have 3 years (documented by affidavits)
- Education: NICET Level III or equivalent
- Exam: Required (State)
- Insurance: Required — $1,000,000 general liability
Exam Details
- Name: Fire Sprinkler Contractor Exam
- Format: Multiple choice, closed book
- Questions: 100 | Duration: 4 hours | Passing Score: 70%
- Allowed References: NFPA 13, NFPA 25, Texas laws
- Topics: Fire codes, sprinkler systems, safety
- Retake Policy: May retake after 30 days
Fees
- Application: $300
- Examination: $100
- Initial License: $300
- Renewal: $300
- Late Penalty: $150
Renewal, CE, and Insurance
- Renewal Frequency: Annual
- Continuing Education: 8 hours (code updates, safety)
- Insurance: General liability minimum $1,000,000
📚 Exam Resources: Explore Texas specialty trade study materials: Texas exam prep catalog. PDF guides typically include 1,500–2,500 questions, with answer keys and reference locators.
Official guidance: Texas Department of Insurance – Fire Sprinkler Licensing
Elevator Contractor
Requirements and Eligibility
- Experience: 3 years (documented by affidavits)
- Education: None specified
- Exam: Required (State)
- Insurance: Required — $1,000,000 general liability
Exam Details
- Name: Elevator Contractor Exam
- Format: Multiple choice, closed book
- Questions: 100 | Duration: 4 hours | Passing Score: 70%
- Allowed References: ASME A17.1, Texas laws
- Topics: Elevator codes, safety
- Retake Policy: May retake after 30 days
Fees
- Application: $200
- Examination: $100
- Initial License: $200
- Renewal: $200
- Late Penalty: $100
Renewal, CE, and Insurance
- Renewal Frequency: Annual
- Continuing Education: 8 hours (code updates, safety)
- Insurance: General liability minimum $1,000,000
📚 Exam Resources: See Texas specialty contractor study materials: Texas practice resources.
Official guidance: TDLR – Elevator Contractors
More Texas specialty trade resources: Browse the Texas catalog.
Application Process
- Create an account on the TDLR or TSBPE portal
- Submit application with personal and business details
- Document qualifying experience with affidavits
- Complete required education/training
- Schedule and pass required exam (if applicable)
- Submit proof of insurance (if required)
- Pay all required fees
- Receive license or registration
Timeline: 4–8 weeks from application to license issuance, depending on exam scheduling and background check.
Apply online and view state-specific instructions here: TDLR Application Overview and TSBPE Licensing. Incomplete applications and missing documentation are the most common causes of delay.
Reciprocity
Texas has reciprocity with: Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota.
Requirements: You must hold an equivalent license in a reciprocal state, submit the reciprocity application, and meet Texas requirements. Reciprocity availability is primarily for electrical and plumbing; verify eligibility with TDLR or TSBPE.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a contractor license in Texas?
Most state-issued licenses take about 4–8 weeks from application to issuance, depending on exam scheduling and background checks.
Can I transfer my license from another state to Texas?
Texas offers reciprocity with Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota for certain trades (primarily electrical and plumbing). You must hold an equivalent license and meet Texas requirements. Confirm eligibility with TDLR or TSBPE.
What happens if I fail the exam?
For the licenses listed here, the posted policy allows retesting after 30 days. Always confirm specifics with PSI or the board when you schedule.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, for contractor-level licenses. Electrical Contractors and HVAC Contractors must carry at least $300,000 in general liability; Responsible Master Plumbers (plumbing contractors) also require $300,000. Fire Sprinkler and Elevator Contractors require $1,000,000. Individual license levels (e.g., apprentices, journeyman) generally do not require insurance.
How do I renew my license?
Most licenses renew annually. Continuing education varies by trade: 4 hours (electricians), 6 hours (plumbers), 8 hours (HVAC), and 8 hours for listed specialty contractors. Always verify your specific CE and renewal date with your board.
What if my city has different requirements than what’s shown here?
General contracting and roofing are locally regulated in Texas. Requirements vary by city/county and can change. Always verify with your local building department before bidding or pulling permits.
Where can I find practice tests for Texas exams?
We offer comprehensive PDF practice tests for Texas contractor exams. Each guide typically contains 1,500–2,500 realistic questions with detailed answer keys and reference locators pointing to exact code sections. Browse Texas contractor practice tests.
Official Sources & References
Official Sources:
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) Electricians
https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/elec.htm
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2025-10-26 - Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE)
https://tsbpe.texas.gov/licensing/
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2025-10-26 - TDLR Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors
https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/acr.htm
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2025-10-26 - Texas Department of Insurance – Fire Sprinkler Licensing
https://www.tdi.texas.gov/fire/fmlic.html
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2025-10-26 - TDLR Elevator Contractors
https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/elevator/ele.htm
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2025-10-26 - San Antonio Development Services – Contractor Registration
https://www.sanantonio.gov/DSD/Permits-Inspections/Contractor-Registration
City Building Department | Accessed: 2025-10-26 - Austin Development Services – Contractor Registration
https://www.austintexas.gov/department/contractor-registration
City Building Department | Accessed: 2025-10-26 - Fort Worth Development Services – Contractor Registration
https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/development-services/permits/contractor-registration
City Building Department | Accessed: 2025-10-26
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Information Currency: This guide reflects licensing information as available in 2025. Licensing requirements are subject to change without notice. Always verify current requirements with official sources.
Official Source: For current information, contact the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR):
- Website: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov
- Phone: 512-463-6599
No Legal Advice: This guide provides general information only. Consult with the licensing board or a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Local Requirements: Some licensing in Texas is handled at the city or county level. Always verify requirements with your local building department.