Browse Texas Contractor Classifications
Exam prep for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
Getting your Texas contractor license? Contractor Pathway gives you an original, exam-focused study guide and four full-length practice exams for each Texas trade classification that requires a state board exam — built to match the exam the state actually gives. Choose your classification below to start studying today, with 30-, 60-, and 90-day access at $99, $129, and $169.
Who licenses contractors in Texas
Texas does not license general “building” contractors at the state level, but it does license the skilled trades that protect health and safety, each through its own board:
| Trade | Licensing authority | Exam basis |
|---|---|---|
| Electricians (Journeyman, Master) | Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) | National Electrical Code (NEC) |
| Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC) | Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) | Mechanical & fuel-gas codes, EPA 608 |
| Plumbers (Journeyman, Master) | Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) | Adopted plumbing & fuel-gas codes |
Always confirm the current code edition, experience requirements, fees, and the passing score with the board and testing vendor before you schedule — Contractor Pathway is an independent exam-prep provider and is not affiliated with TDLR, the TSBPE, or any testing vendor.
How to get licensed in Texas
- Meet the experience requirement. Each classification requires documented on-the-job hours (and, for senior licenses, time as a licensed journeyman). Many candidates accumulate hours through a registered apprenticeship.
- Apply to the board for your trade (TDLR or TSBPE), submit fees and proof of experience, and get approved to test.
- Pass the exam. Texas trade exams are typically open-book against the adopted code, with a passing score commonly around 70%. Speed at finding and applying the right code section is what separates passers from re-testers.
- Hold and renew the license on its cycle, including any continuing-education and code-update hours.
Choose your Texas classification
Each course below includes a comprehensive 5,000-plus-word study guide (worked calculations, code-section breakdowns, common exam traps, a glossary, and a 30/60/90-day study plan) plus four full-length practice exams matched to the topic weightings of the Texas test.
Texas contractor licensing — FAQ
Does Texas license general contractors?
Not at the state level for general building work. Texas licenses the electrical, HVAC/refrigeration, and plumbing trades through TDLR and the TSBPE; general construction is regulated mainly at the local level. We build courses only for classifications that require a state board exam.
Are the Texas trade exams open book?
Yes, the trade exams are normally open book against the adopted code. You may bring a clean, tabbed copy of the code — which is why our guides teach you exactly what to tab and how to find a section fast.
What score do I need to pass?
The passing score is commonly around 70%, but confirm the current cut score, question count, and time limit on the candidate bulletin for your classification before you test.
How long should I study?
Most candidates do well on a 30-, 60-, or 90-day plan depending on their experience — which is why we offer access at all three terms ($99 / $129 / $169). Each guide includes a day-by-day study plan for whichever term you choose.
What experience do I need for a Texas trade license?
Each classification requires documented on-the-job hours, and senior licenses (such as Master Electrician or Master Plumber) require time first held as a licensed journeyman. Many candidates build their hours through a registered apprenticeship. Confirm the exact hour and tenure requirements with TDLR or the TSBPE for your classification.
What happens if I fail a Texas trade exam?
You can reschedule and retake the exam through the testing vendor after paying the exam fee again; you do not restart your license application. Reviewing which code areas you missed and drilling fast code navigation is the quickest route to passing the retake.