How to Get an Electrical Journeyman's License

Electrical journeymen fuse, wire and cut instruments that allow electricity to flow into homes, schools and business organizations. According to the United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of electrical journeymen work in the construction industry. Many states require electricians to be licensed before they can perform electrical work. Additionally, before journeymen can apply for membership with local unions and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) they must gain a license.

Instructions

1. Gain employment at an electrical or construction firm. Shadow an on-site master electrician. Complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.

2. Participate in the Apprenticeship Program
   Identify the program classification you want to receive training for including commercial/industrial, residential or sound and communication if you have not already completed 8,000 hours of hands-on work as an electrician. Register with an apprenticeship program that is accredited by the United States Department of Labor. Sign up with the Independent Contractors Apprenticeship Program located at 1931 Hereford Drive in Dallas. Apply to attend the apprenticeship program in person Monday through Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. Bring your Social Security card, a valid driver's license, and letter of recommendation from your employer. Bring transcripts to confirm that you graduated from high school or have earned a GED. Note that you must be at least 18 years old to participate in the program.

3. Complete the Journeyman Electrician License application (see resources). Supply your name, address, telephone and Social Security numbers, date of birth and gender. Note: If you have previously held an electrical journeyman's license, include issue and expiration dates of that license. Provide the name and address of your current employer. Describe your current job duties. Pay applicable licensing fees. Sign, date and mail the completed form to Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, P. O. Box 13489, Austin, Texas 78711. Call 800-803-9202 if you have questions or concerns about your application.

4. Study and take the examination. Get a study guide (see resources). Give yourself ample time to study for the examination. Contact a Texas Standard Program Examination site to schedule your in-person licensing test. Register for the "Contractor/Trade License" examination. Bring a valid driver's license, paper, pencil and a standard four function calculator to the testing center. Contact Pearson (see resources) if you want to take your test online. Create a login and password to access Pearson's testing center website. Pay the applicable test fee. Note that whether taken in person or electronically, the test must be completed within four hours. Receive a score of 70 percent to pass the exam. Keep in mind that cell phones, recorders, MP3 players and pagers are not allowed in the testing room.

Tips & Warnings

• License process is for the State of Texas, and other states' processes may vary. See the Resources section for information about other states.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Electrical Journeyman Application
• Pearson
• Study Guide
• Apprenticeship Program
• Licensing Procedures in All 50 States