Texas journeyman exam day at a PSI test center

Before you leave home

• Name. The name on your PSI account must match your ID and the record TDLR holds. TDLR says it will not let anyone other than the person in its database test.
• ID. One valid government-issued ID, such as a driver's license, state ID or passport. The bulletin says it must show your printed name, photograph, signature or fingerprint, date of birth and expiration date, and must match what TDLR gave PSI. A digital copy is taken at check-in.
• Expired license. An expired driver's license is accepted only with a valid Texas Department of Public Safety temporary permit, and the permit must come with the expired license.
• Cannot meet the ID rule? Call PSI at (833) 333-4741 at least 3 weeks before your appointment. Arriving without the right ID and no notice counts as a missed appointment, and you forfeit the fee.
• Book. A compliant soft-bound 2026 NEC. See the NEC book rules guide.
• Calculator. Non-programmable, silent and battery-operated, with no paper tape printing and no keyboard containing the alphabet.

Arrival and check-in

Arrive 30 minutes early for sign-in and ID checks. If you arrive after the start time, you are not admitted and you forfeit your fee. Once you enter the examination area, no conversation or other communication among candidates is allowed.

At check-in you are asked whether you have prohibited items. You may be asked to empty and turn out your pockets, lift sleeve ends and pant legs, and let the proctor inspect eyeglass frames and similar items. Personal belongings go in the secure storage at the site before you enter the exam room. The bulletin names:

• Phones, smart watches, cameras, tablets and any other electronic device
• Coats, vests, open sweaters, scarves and other bulky outerwear
• Hats or headgear that are not religious apparel
• Purses, notebooks, briefcases, backpacks, wallets, pens, pencils, food, drinks and good luck items

PSI is not responsible for the security of anything you bring. Guests may not wait in the center, inside the building or on its property, and that includes drivers, family, colleagues and instructors. No smoking, eating or drinking is allowed in the center. Possessing a prohibited item in the exam room invalidates your result.

At the computer

You test on a computer with a mouse and keyboard, at a semi-private station. You confirm your name, ID number and exam, then see an introductory tutorial. The time you spend on the tutorial, up to 15 minutes, does not count against your exam time, and sample questions follow it so you can practice the controls.

One question shows at a time, and the minutes remaining appear at the top of the screen. You can return to any question and change your answer until time runs out. The bulletin says electronic notepads are provided, and that pens and pencils stay in storage.

Your exam includes non-scored questions. They are not counted, and the time to answer them is already in your clock: 59 items on NEC Knowledge (130 minutes, 3 non-scored) and 26 on Calculations (110 minutes, 2 non-scored). Time does not roll over from one portion to the next, so practice each on its own clock.

Breaks

Once you are seated and the exam begins, you may leave the room only to use the restroom, and only with the proctor's permission. You do not get extra time.

Comments and results

A Comments button on the question screen lets you flag a question. PSI reviews substantive comments, does not reply to individuals, and calls this the only review of the exam available to candidates.

Your score appears on screen at the end, and an official report prints at the site. If you pass a portion you see a pass notice. If you do not, the score report includes a diagnostic of strengths and weaknesses. You need 70% on each portion, and you can print a duplicate from your PSI account. PSI sends results to TDLR electronically, so you do not send them yourself. For retake fees and cancellation rules, see the cost and scheduling guide.

Walk in knowing your weak spots

Take the free 10-question check to see which subject areas to work on. It needs no signup, and every answer is explained.

Not affiliated with or endorsed by TDLR, PSI or NFPA. NEC and National Electrical Code are registered trademarks of NFPA.

Sources

Show the list

• Candidate Information Bulletin, Texas electricians (updated 9/15/2026), PSI for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Read 24 Oct 2026.
• Electrician exam information, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Read 24 Oct 2026.