Short answer: PSI lets your calculator into the Texas Journeyman exam only if it is non-programmable, silent, battery-operated, has no paper-tape printing and has no keyboard with the alphabet. All five must be true. Your phone and smart watch cannot stand in for a calculator, because phones, any electronic device and smart or electronic watches go into secure storage. Electronic notepads are provided at the site. Pens, pencils and notebooks go into secure storage, so you do not bring your own paper.
A calculator that meets the rules only helps if you already know its layout. The Practice Pack has 299 step-by-step calculation solutions and 10 full timed two-part mocks at the real format, 59 questions in 130 minutes plus 26 in 110 minutes, with a score by part and by topic so you can see if Calculations is the part you would fail. US$39, one payment.
Tsai Electro is an independent learning site. Not affiliated with TDLR, PSI or NFPA. Exam rules can change, so confirm in the PSI bulletin linked below.
The five calculator rules in the PSI bulletin
The PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for TDLR Electrician exams lists five conditions. Your calculator has to pass every one.
| Rule | What to look for | Fails the rule |
|---|---|---|
| Non-programmable | It cannot be programmed | Any programmable model |
| Silent | It operates silently | A model that makes sounds |
| Battery-operated | It runs on batteries | A plug-in model |
| No paper-tape printing | Nothing prints out of it | A printing desk calculator |
| No alphabet keyboard | No letter keys | Any model with a keyboard with the alphabet |
If you are not sure your model meets all five, check the current PSI bulletin or ask PSI before exam day. The bulletin also says only approved items go into the room, and prohibited items found in the room can get your results invalidated with TDLR notified. So check the calculator before exam day rather than risking a problem at check-in.
What the calculator is for on this exam
The Texas Journeyman exam has two parts, and each is passed at 70%:
| Part | Items | Time |
|---|---|---|
| NEC Knowledge | 59 (3 not scored) | 130 minutes |
| Calculations | 26 (2 not scored) | 110 minutes |
Time from one part does not roll over to the other. The calculator matters most on the Calculations part, where you use it for calculation questions. Unless a question says otherwise, all conductors are copper, so you do not stop to wonder about the metal.
Three habits make the calculator rules work for you instead of against you:
- Buy it early. Practice on the exact calculator you will bring, so the key layout is automatic by test day.
- Check the battery. Check it before exam day. If you replace it, confirm that the calculator works correctly afterward.
- Write on the notepad PSI gives you. Electronic notepads are provided. Pens, pencils and notebooks go into storage, so practice working problems without your own scratch paper.
For the full list of what goes into the room and what goes into storage, read what you can bring to the Texas Journeyman exam.
Check your calculator before exam day
Will PSI let my calculator in?
Tick each line your calculator meets. All five come from the PSI bulletin for TDLR Electrician exams.
- It is non-programmable
- It operates silently
- It is battery-operated
- It has no paper-tape printing
- It has no keyboard with the alphabet
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Texas Journeyman Electrician Exam Prep 2026 NEC (paperback)
Our own workbook has 8 calculation method lessons, worked calculations and 2 full two-part mock exams of 59 and 26 questions. Work them with the same calculator you will carry into the PSI room.
Can I use my phone as a calculator on the Texas journeyman exam?
No. Phones, any electronic device and smart or electronic watches go into secure storage before you enter the room. Bring a separate calculator that is non-programmable, silent, battery-operated, with no paper tape and no alphabet keyboard.
Is a scientific calculator allowed on the Texas journeyman exam?
PSI lists five calculator requirements but does not separately identify scientific calculators as an approved category. Check whether your specific model is non-programmable, silent and battery-operated, with no paper-tape printing and no keyboard containing the alphabet. Ask PSI if you are unsure.
Do I get scratch paper on the Texas journeyman exam?
PSI provides electronic notepads. Pens, pencils and notebooks go into secure storage, so you work your calculations on the notepad provided.
