Ask your training program what device and internet access it requires before buying anything. Austin Electrical Training Alliance specifically requires stable internet and a laptop for its courseware. A Fall 2026 outline posted by North Texas JATC lists a PTSI Online Learning System review and a lesson on the PTSI Mobile App, but that outline does not set device requirements for every program. Other programs set their own rules.
Checked against official program and agency pages on October 16, 2026. Rules differ by program and employer, so your own program's documents come first.
What Texas programs say
- Austin Electrical Training Alliance: stable internet and a laptop.
- ALLIANCE first session: the Fall 2026 course outline posted by North Texas JATC lists “PTSI Online Learning System Review,” with a lesson on the PTSI Mobile App. We could not open the system itself to read its device requirements.
- South Texas JATC: classroom instruction mixes hands-on training with online lessons. Its rules say an apprentice must be prepared for class as required by the instructor and bring the required textbooks, workbooks, technology, tools, workwear or other items needed to participate; failure to do so results in an absence.
- North Texas JATC: its policy says electronic devices are often necessary for coursework. Using a device in class without permission is marked tardy.
- IEC Dallas lists in-person, hybrid and online course options. ABC South Texas says instruction is delivered at its training facilities.
Free tool: device check before class one
Tick each item when it is done. Nothing is saved.
Ask the program
Set up at home
Starting your first year as a Texas apprentice? The US$19 Texas First-Year Electrical Apprentice Kit gives you printable pages for the first months on the job: a tool-check card, a who-to-ask list with a short stop-and-ask script, emergency-contact and heat-and-rest cards, plus a Tool budget sheet and a Tool inventory sheet (CSV).
Track this skill and the rest of your route with ET Member
ET Member tracks your skill progress on the career map, keeps an apprentice hours log in your account, and shows your weakest exam topics.
Monthly: 7-day free trial, then US$14.99 a month. Yearly: US$99 a year. Cancel anytime from your account.
Log your Texas Journeyman hours free. A free Tsai Electro account keeps your supervised hours, your online practice scores and your exam date in one place. Start with a five-question check to see which topic to practice next.
Sources
- Austin Electrical Training Alliance, Apprentice Program
- electrical training ALLIANCE Fall 2026 course outline, posted by North Texas Electrical JATC
- electrical training ALLIANCE, Blended learning
- South Texas Electrical JATC, What to Expect
- South Texas Electrical JATC, Rules and Policies, Inside Wireman (rev. 12/30/2025)
- North Texas Electrical JATC, Statement of Policy (effective January 15, 2026)
- IEC Dallas home page
- ABC South Texas, 2026-2027 Program Guide
