Quick answer: Bring one valid government-issued photo ID that exactly matches your TDLR record, your own soft-bound NEC, and a silent, battery-operated, non-programmable calculator. The exam is based on the 2026 NEC. Use only permanent index tabs manufactured or provided by the NEC book publisher, and check the current PSI bulletin again before exam day.
Full exam-day rules and sources: see our Texas exam-day rules guide.
On this page
Contents
The Texas Journeyman Electrician exam has two multiple-choice portions: NEC Knowledge has 59 items, including 3 non-scored items, in 130 minutes; Calculations has 26 items, including 2 non-scored items, in 110 minutes. Each portion has its own time limit, and unused time does not carry over.
The current PSI Candidate Information Bulletin says that examinations are referenced to the 2026 NEC effective September 1, 2026. Check the current bulletin again before your appointment in case PSI updates its instructions.
The code book you can bring
- Bring your own softbound National Electrical Code book. The bulletin says any softbound edition may be used, while the questions are based on the current TDLR-adopted edition.
- Do not bring a loose-leaf, spiral-bound, or ring-bound NEC book.
- The NEC Handbook is not allowed in the examination room.
- You may highlight, underline, and add notes before the exam session. You may not write, highlight, underline, index, or mark the book during the session.
- Do not add loose, taped, adhered, or stapled paper.
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The 2026 NEC softbound
PSI permits a softbound code book in the exam room, and the questions follow the NEC edition adopted by TDLR.
Check the edition and format on the product page before ordering.
Tab rules
Permanent index tabs manufactured or provided by the NEC book publisher are allowed. Homemade, DIY, and non-NEC tabs are not allowed. If your book has noncompliant tabs, PSI says you may have to test without the book, remove the tabs yourself, or forfeit the fee and return another day.
NEC publisher index tabs
Only permanent index tabs manufactured or provided by the NEC publisher are allowed. PSI may require you to remove homemade tabs.
Ugly's Electrical References can be useful after the exam or at work, but it is not the NEC reference listed by PSI and cannot be brought into the examination room.
Calculator specifications
The bulletin permits a calculator only when it is:
- non-programmable;
- silent;
- battery-operated;
- unable to print on paper tape; and
- free of a keyboard containing the alphabet.
PSI does not list approved calculator models in this bulletin, so this page does not recommend a model.
One-week checklist
- Confirm that your appointment is for the Texas Journeyman Electrician exam and recheck the current PSI bulletin.
- Check that your NEC is softbound, not loose-leaf, spiral-bound, or ring-bound.
- Remove homemade, DIY, or non-NEC tabs. Keep only permanent tabs manufactured or provided by the NEC book publisher.
- Remove every loose, taped, adhered, or stapled sheet from the book.
- Finish any highlighting, underlining, or notes before exam day; do not add marks during the session.
- Check your calculator against all five specifications above and install a working battery.
- Prepare one valid government-issued ID whose information matches what TDLR provided to PSI.
- Plan to arrive 30 minutes before the appointment.
Practice with Tsai Electro
- Start with the free 70-question Texas practice set.
- For more timed practice, see the US$39 Texas Journeyman practice pack.
These study resources do not replace the PSI bulletin or the NEC book you take to the exam.
FAQ
Which NEC edition is the Texas journeyman exam based on?
Since September 1, 2026, the PSI Texas electrician exams are based on the 2026 NEC (PSI Candidate Information Bulletin 1682, updated 2026-09-15).
Can I bring a spiral-bound 2026 NEC?
No. The PSI bulletin allows a softbound NEC and says loose-leaf, spiral-bound, and ring-bound copies are not allowed in the examination room.
Can I use homemade tabs in my NEC?
No. PSI allows permanent index tabs manufactured or provided by the NEC book publisher. Homemade, DIY, and non-NEC tabs are not allowed.
Which calculator can I bring?
The bulletin gives specifications rather than a model list. Your calculator must be non-programmable, silent, battery-operated, unable to print on paper tape, and free of a keyboard containing the alphabet.
Source note
Exam facts on this page come only from PSI Services LLC, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Electrician Candidate Information Bulletin 1682, updated September 15, 2026.
