Tsai Electro / Texas career skill tree
Which Texas license is your next step?
I’m new to electrical work
I already work under a licensed electrician
I want to run my own electrical business
28 directions. One connected electrical career map.
Start without experience, choose the right credential, build a specialty, move toward leadership, or plan a legal electrical business. Each branch connects relevant study topics with existing resources and an official source.
What the numbers mean: These 28 branches include 11 individual licenses, 3 business licenses, entry paths, job specialties, education and renewal tasks, and business skills. They are not 28 different licenses or verified training achievements. Study topics are suggestions from an evolving research map. Official qualifications, supervised field experience and lawful authorization must be checked separately.
01 Start here
Explore the trade and the first supervised steps.
Career Explorer / Pre-apprentice
Compare entry routes and selection steps before paying for preparation. State licensing and employer screening are separate.
Study topics to explore (5)
- Compare electrical work settings
- Distinguish license from training
- Check entry pathway requirements
- Distinguish aptitude test variants
- Work with mixed fractions
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
Electrical Helper
Learn safe work communication, materials and the limits of a helper role. Non-exempt electrical work still has Texas licensing rules.
Study topics to explore (5)
- Identify stop-work situations
- Recognize electrical hazard classes
- Match hand tools to described tasks
- Read a bill of materials
- Write a concise job handoff
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
02 Individual licenses
Eleven separate TDLR individual licenses. Verify their exact legal scope and experience rules.
Apprentice Electrician
Start a state Apprentice Electrician application and understand supervised work. Screening by employers is a different process.
TDLR requirements: Minimum age 16. No experience hours or exam are required. Work is under the general supervision of a Master Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, or Residential Wireman. An Electrical Apprentice works under the on-site supervision of a Master Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, or Residential Wireman on behalf of an electrical contractor or an employing governmental entity. Renew annually with 4 hours of continuing education or enrollment in a TDLR-registered apprenticeship training course.
TDLR official website · Renewal requirements · TDLR age requirements · Texas Register 51 TexReg 4177 (§73.10(13)) · Verified
Study topics to explore (5)
- Distinguish license from training
- Identify stop-work situations
- Recognize electrical hazard classes
- Find NEC chapters and index topics
- Distinguish OJT versus classroom hours
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
Residential Wireman
Explore residential circuits, drawings and load examples while checking the required supervised work or approved education.
TDLR requirements: Complete a TDLR-approved career and technology education program or document 4,000 hours of on-the-job training under a Texas Master Electrician or Residential Wireman. Pass the Residential Wireman exam. Renew annually with 4 hours of continuing education. For age requirements, see TDLR guidance.
TDLR official website · Renewal requirements · Verified
Study topics to explore (5)
- Interpret conductor markings
- Interpret drawing legends
- Distinguish general rules and exceptions
- Recognize basic switch function
- Calculate dwelling load with given method
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
Journeyman Electrician
Study code lookup and calculation while tracking approved experience. Standard and approved education routes have different conditions.
TDLR requirements: On the standard route, 7,000 documented hours under a Texas Master Electrician can qualify you to take the exam before completing the 8,000 hours needed for licensure. Under the JEEP rules effective July 1, 2026, graduates of a TDLR-approved program can sit for the Journeyman exam immediately and ordinarily receive 4,000 hours of on-the-job training credit toward the 8,000 hours required for licensure. A passing exam is still required. Renew annually with 4 hours of continuing education. For age requirements, see TDLR guidance.
TDLR official website · Renewal requirements · 2026 JEEP rule · Texas Register adopted rules · Verified
Study topics to explore (6)
- Distinguish voltage current resistance
- Find NEC chapters and index topics
- Find conductor ampacity conditions
- Calculate dwelling load with given method
- Find grounding and bonding conductor sizing
- Explain why a calculation assumption matters
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
Maintenance Electrician
Explore equipment maintenance, protection and fault reports. Check the license scope and actual workplace exemptions.
TDLR requirements: Document 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a Texas Master Electrician or Maintenance Electrician. Pass the Maintenance Electrician exam. Renew annually with 4 hours of continuing education. For age requirements, see TDLR guidance.
TDLR official website · Renewal requirements · Verified
Study topics to explore (6)
- Identify test instrument purpose
- Read motor nameplate information
- Locate motor current and sizing data
- Trace seal in and interlock conditions
- Interpret test results from a written case
- Locate hazardous location code conditions
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
Master Electrician
Build advanced calculation and supervisory knowledge while independently checking official Master licensing requirements.
TDLR requirements: Hold a Journeyman Electrician license for at least two years, document 12,000 hours of on-the-job training under a Texas Master Electrician, and pass the Master Electrician exam. Journeyman Industrial Electrician experience does not qualify. Renew annually with 4 hours of continuing education. For age requirements, see TDLR guidance.
TDLR official website · Renewal requirements · Verified
Study topics to explore (5)
- Calculate non-dwelling load in casework
- Distinguish branch feeder and service loads
- Find grounding and bonding conductor sizing
- Review multi-step NEC calculations
- Diagnose missing conditions in design examples
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
Journeyman Industrial Electrician
Industrial licensing and plant operations have their own rules. Do not assume industrial experience meets the general Master route.
TDLR requirements: Document 8,000 hours of on-the-job training as a licensed electrical apprentice supervised by a Texas Master Electrician. Pass the Journeyman Industrial Electrician exam. Renew annually with 4 hours of continuing education. For age requirements, see TDLR guidance.
TDLR official website · Renewal requirements · Verified
Study topics to explore (5)
- Read motor nameplate information
- Trace seal in and interlock conditions
- Interpret test results from a written case
- Locate hazardous location code conditions
- Recognize constraints for hazardous equipment
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
Electrical Sign Apprentice
A distinct electrical sign apprentice license exists. Confirm supervision and the specific credential before planning field work.
TDLR requirements: Minimum age 18. No experience hours or exam are required. Sign work is performed under the on-site supervision of a Master Electrician, Master Sign Electrician, or Journeyman Sign Electrician. Renew annually with 4 hours of continuing education or enrollment in a TDLR-registered apprenticeship training course.
TDLR official website · Renewal requirements · TDLR age requirements · Verified
Study topics to explore (4)
- Identify stop-work situations
- Recognize tool damage escalation
- Classify raceway systems
- Find NEC chapters and index topics
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
Journeyman Sign Electrician
Journeyman Sign is distinct from general Journeyman. Check dedicated licensing scope and current requirements.
TDLR requirements: Document 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a Texas Master Electrician or Master Sign Electrician. Pass the Journeyman Sign Electrician exam. Renew annually with 4 hours of continuing education. For age requirements, see TDLR guidance.
TDLR official website · Renewal requirements · Verified
Study topics to explore (4)
- Find NEC chapters and index topics
- Explain grounding versus bonding
- Distinguish breaker fuse GFCI AFCI
- Select OCPD data for a hypothetical circuit
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
Master Sign Electrician
Master Sign is a separate license. Shared electrical topics do not replace its specific legal requirements.
TDLR requirements: Document 12,000 hours of on-the-job training under a Texas Master Electrician or Master Sign Electrician. Pass the Master Sign Electrician exam. Renew annually with 4 hours of continuing education. For age requirements, see TDLR guidance.
TDLR official website · Renewal requirements · Verified
Study topics to explore (4)
- Find NEC chapters and index topics
- Calculate non-dwelling load in casework
- Find grounding and bonding conductor sizing
- Diagnose missing conditions in design examples
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
Residential Appliance Installer
Residential appliance work has its own license and limited scope. It is not permission for all home electrical work.
TDLR requirements: Minimum age 16. No experience hours are required. Pass the Residential Appliance Installer exam. Renew annually. TDLR’s renewal page does not list a continuing education requirement.
TDLR official website · Renewal requirements · TDLR age requirements · Verified
Study topics to explore (4)
- Identify stop-work situations
- Recognize tool damage escalation
- Identify fittings and supports
- Distinguish voltage current resistance
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
Journeyman Lineman
The regulated lineman route leads toward a separate power-line occupation tree. These are only transferable foundation topics.
TDLR requirements: Complete 7,000 training hours in a U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship or document 3½ years as a Journeyman Lineman with a qualifying Texas utility, cooperative, municipal utility, or electrical contractor. Pass the Journeyman Lineman exam. Renew annually with 4 hours of continuing education. For age requirements, see TDLR guidance.
TDLR official website · Renewal requirements · Verified
Study topics to explore (3)
- Identify stop-work situations
- Recognize electrical hazard classes
- Recognize tool damage escalation
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
03 Business licenses
Three separate state business licenses. The business and responsible license holder can be different persons.
Electrical Contractor
An electrical contracting business needs the proper business license, Master of Record and insurance. The owner may appoint an eligible Master.
TDLR requirements: Hold a Texas Master Electrician license or employ a licensed Master Electrician as Master of Record. Maintain the required liability insurance and workers’ compensation documentation. Renew annually and maintain these qualifications. See TDLR guidance for age, examination and business eligibility.
TDLR official website · Renewal requirements · Verified
Study topics to explore (6)
- Distinguish individual and contractor licenses
- Identify Master of Record compliance
- Compare liability insurance requirements
- Define scope exclusions in a bid
- Model project gross margin
- Plan project cash inflows and outflows
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
Electrical Sign Contractor
An electrical sign contractor is a distinct business category. Check the legally responsible license holder and insurance requirements.
TDLR requirements: Hold a Texas Master Electrician or Master Sign Electrician license or employ a person with one of those licenses as the responsible license holder. Maintain the required liability insurance and workers’ compensation documentation. Renew annually and maintain these qualifications. See TDLR guidance for age, examination and business eligibility.
TDLR official website · Renewal requirements · Verified
Study topics to explore (4)
- Distinguish individual and contractor licenses
- Identify Master of Record compliance
- Compare liability insurance requirements
- Define scope exclusions in a bid
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
Residential Appliance Installation Contractor
Residential appliance installation contractors have a distinct business credential and scope of work.
TDLR requirements: Hold a Texas Residential Appliance Installer license or employ a licensed Residential Appliance Installer. Maintain the required liability insurance and workers’ compensation documentation. Renew annually and maintain these qualifications. See TDLR guidance for age, examination and business eligibility.
TDLR official website · Renewal requirements · Verified
Study topics to explore (4)
- Distinguish individual and contractor licenses
- Compare liability insurance requirements
- Model project gross margin
- Plan project cash inflows and outflows
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
04 Specialties and career moves
Nine possible job or specialist directions. They are not automatic promotions or new state licenses.
Service / Troubleshooting Electrician
Service troubleshooting connects safe tool use, fault reasoning, evidence gathering and clear job records.
Study topics to explore (4)
- Recognize tool damage escalation
- Identify test instrument purpose
- Interpret test results from a written case
- Locate hazardous location code conditions
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
Electrical Foreman / General Foreman
Foreman work develops crew coordination, safety briefings, mentoring and quality control. It is a job role, not another state electrician license.
Study topics to explore (5)
- Write a concise job handoff
- Prepare a simulated crew safety brief
- Plan crew task dependencies
- Provide actionable apprentice feedback
- Create a quality punch list from a case
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
Electrical Estimator / Takeoff
Translate drawings into material quantities, work assumptions and bids. Estimating is a career move, not a license promotion.
Study topics to explore (4)
- Interpret drawing legends
- Perform material takeoff from drawings
- Estimate labor and material costs
- Compare bids with scope gaps
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
Electrical Project Manager / Superintendent
Project management involves schedules, handoffs, change orders and budgets. Requirements vary by employer.
Study topics to explore (5)
- Plan crew task dependencies
- Create a quality punch list from a case
- Identify project schedule dependencies
- Read change order scope and approval
- Prepare a field handoff report
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
Commercial / Industrial Electrician
Commercial and industrial work requires context-specific equipment knowledge, codes and safety boundaries.
Study topics to explore (5)
- Find conductor ampacity conditions
- Read motor nameplate information
- Calculate motor circuit protection example
- Trace seal in and interlock conditions
- Recognize constraints for hazardous equipment
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
Solar / EV / Energy Storage Electrical Specialist
Explore solar, EV charging and energy storage interfaces. Field installation requires the correct authorization.
Study topics to explore (4)
- Find NEC chapters and index topics
- Find energy storage electrical constraints
- Read PV system electrical interface
- Locate EV charging supply constraints
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
Electrical Sign Field Specialist
Electrical sign field work has its own materials, tasks and credential boundaries; shared theory is not legal authorization.
Study topics to explore (4)
- Classify raceway systems
- Explain grounding versus bonding
- Recognize basic switch function
- Select OCPD data for a hypothetical circuit
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
Instrumentation / PLC / E&I Technician
Explore motor control diagrams, relays, sensors and ladder logic. Paper exercises cannot authorize equipment operation.
Study topics to explore (5)
- Read motor nameplate information
- Read relay and contactor symbols
- Trace seal in and interlock conditions
- Compare timer contact functions
- Trace limit switches and sensor states
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
Electrical Inspector / Plans Review Transition
Existing code and plan-reading knowledge can be reused in an inspection career, but credentials and local inspection authority are separate.
Study topics to explore (4)
- Interpret drawing legends
- Find NEC chapters and index topics
- Identify adopted code and exceptions
- Identify switchgear and distribution roles
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
05 Education and renewal tasks
Two important steps that support an existing license path. These are not additional occupations.
Approved Accelerated JEEP Pathway
A TDLR-approved accelerated journeyman education pathway is conditional. Self-study does not automatically grant work-hour credit.
Study topics to explore (4)
- Distinguish license from training
- Check entry pathway requirements
- Distinguish aptitude test variants
- Distinguish OJT versus classroom hours
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
License Renewal / Approved CE
Continuing education and license renewal are legal tasks, not electrical competence awards. Confirm official providers and exceptions.
Study topics to explore (3)
- Distinguish license from training
- Find NEC chapters and index topics
- Distinguish OJT versus classroom hours
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
06 Business operations
Capabilities needed to operate a business, separate from the legal right to perform electrical work.
Electrical Business Operations
Build the operating skills behind a lawful electrical business: estimates, cash flow, first hires and service dispatch.
Study topics to explore (7)
- Distinguish individual and contractor licenses
- Model project gross margin
- Plan project cash inflows and outflows
- Triaging customer inquiry evidence
- Document a service dispatch handoff
- Identify first employee onboarding duties
- Track permit and inspection handoff
These topics are research suggestions, not state-mandated requirements or proof of field competence.
How to move forward
Choose a goal. Check its official status and eligibility, explore suggested skills, then follow an existing guide or workbook. Keep what you have studied separate from actual supervised experience, verified skills and an issued license.
Related free resources: Texas license types, Texas guide library, and six broader learning paths. You can also compare current membership benefits. No membership grants a state license or replaces approved field experience.
Primary sources: TDLR licensing categories, O*NET Electricians, O*NET Cost Estimators and O*NET Construction Managers. Reviewed November 9, 2026. Independent navigation aid, not an agency endorsement.
