If your Texas electrician license is coming up for renewal, the continuing education requirement is straightforward: 4 hours per year, from a TDLR-approved provider. But there are details worth knowing — what topics are required, what doesn’t count, and how TDLR tracks your completion.
The Short Version
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Hours required | 4 hours per renewal year |
| Renewal cycle | Annual (every 12 months) |
| Who must complete it | All active license holders — Journeyman, Master, Residential Wireman, Maintenance Electrician |
| Who approves courses | Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) |
| When reporting happens | Provider reports directly to TDLR within 10 business days of completion |
| Can you self-report? | No — your provider must report for you |
Who Is Required to Complete CE
CE is required for every active Texas electrician license holder. This includes:
- Journeyman Electricians (including Linemen and Wiremen)
- Master Electricians
- Residential Wiremen
- Maintenance Electricians
If your license is currently inactive or expired, you do not need to complete CE — but you will need to meet CE requirements before reactivating or renewing.
Apprentice Electricians are not yet licensed and therefore are not subject to the CE requirement.
What the 4 Hours Must Cover
TDLR-approved electrician CE courses are built around four topic categories. Most 4-hour renewal courses bundle all four into a single course:
| Topic Category | Typical Hours |
|---|---|
| Texas State Laws and Rules | 1 hour |
| National Electrical Code (NEC) | 1–2 hours |
| Safety | 0.5–1 hour |
| NFPA Standards | 0.5–1 hour |
The exact breakdown varies by provider and course. What matters is that the course is TDLR-approved and totals 4 hours. You can verify a course’s approval status by checking the state approval ID on your provider’s site against the TDLR database.
How to Find an Approved Course
TDLR maintains the official list of approved CE providers. As of 2026, there are 136 approved providers for Texas electricians, offering courses in formats ranging from fully online self-paced to live classroom instruction.
Browse all 136 approved Texas electrician CE providers →
When choosing a course, check:
- Price — online self-paced courses range from $5 to $49. There is no quality difference between a $5 course and a $49 course for license renewal purposes; both satisfy the same TDLR requirement.
- Format — most providers offer 100% online, self-paced delivery. A small number offer in-person or live online options.
- Reporting speed — most providers report to TDLR within 24 hours of completion. A few take up to 10 business days. If your renewal deadline is close, ask before you buy.
How Reporting Works
Unlike some states where you self-report CE, Texas requires your CE provider to report your completion directly to TDLR. You do not submit anything yourself. Once your provider reports, your completion will appear in TDLR’s system.
Most online providers report automatically upon course completion. You should receive a certificate by email for your own records.
If your provider has not reported after 10 business days, contact them directly. You can also check your license status and CE record through the TDLR License Search.
Deadlines and Renewal Timing
Your Texas electrician license renews annually on its expiration date. CE must be completed before you renew — you cannot renew without TDLR showing your CE on file.
Most electricians complete their CE in the month or two before their renewal date. Because online courses can be finished in under two hours and most providers report within 24 hours, there is no reason to rush or pay expedited fees.
What happens if you renew without CE? TDLR will not process your renewal until CE is on file. If you let your license expire, you will need to meet additional requirements to reinstate it, potentially including late fees.
Do You Need to Pass a Test?
No. The vast majority of TDLR-approved electrician CE courses require no exam, no quiz, and no proctoring. You complete the course material at your own pace, and your provider sends TDLR your completion record.
A handful of providers do include optional quizzes as a learning tool, but they are not required to receive credit.
Key Takeaways
- 4 hours per year, TDLR-approved provider only
- Your provider reports for you — no self-submission
- Online courses start at $5 and can be completed in one sitting
- Finish before your annual renewal date to avoid complications
Compare all approved Texas electrician CE providers and prices →