Texas · Trade Licensing

Texas Contractor & Trade Exam Study Plan

Texas does not license general contractors at the state level — but TDLR administers statewide exams for electrical, HVAC, and other trades through PSI. Plumbers follow TSBPE. Business/law content is commonly embedded in TDLR trade exams; plumbers take a separate law-and-rules exam. Coastal windstorm certification adds another layer for some counties.

Format: Open-book (verify) Provider: PSI / TSBPE Authority: TDLR / TSBPE NASCLA: Not accepted
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Reference list (confirm by trade and bulletin)

Book List Confidence: Medium — Texas references vary by trade and municipality. Pull the bulletin for YOUR license type before buying books.

Topic emphasis

  • NEC 2023 and Texas amendments — electrical licensing paths
  • IMC and fuel gas codes — HVAC and mechanical paths
  • Texas Plumbing License Law — TSBPE law-and-rules exam
  • Windstorm certification — coastal counties under TDI
  • Embedded business/law — lien law, payroll, licensing statutes in TDLR exams

Suggested 30-day study plan

  1. Week 1 — Confirm your trade and jurisdiction (TDLR vs TSBPE vs local registration); acquire references; tab high-frequency sections.
  2. Week 2 — Code chapters for your trade with daily timed lookup drills.
  3. Week 3 — Business/law scenarios embedded in your trade exam; windstorm rules if coastal.
  4. Week 4 — Full timed simulation; review repeat misses; confirm PSI/TSBPE authorization.

Common Texas confusion

  • No statewide GC license. General contracting is regulated locally — confirm whether you need a municipal registration or a trade license.
  • Trade-specific boards. Electrical/HVAC (TDLR) and plumbing (TSBPE) use different exams and reference lists.
  • Business/law is usually embedded. TDLR trade exams commonly include business/law content — plumbers often take a separate law exam. Use the B&L checker for your path.
  • Windstorm counties. Coastal work may require TDI windstorm certification in addition to your trade license.

Practice exams

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Generate your personalized Texas plan

Pre-fills Texas and your trade. Add exam date and weekly hours for a code lookup schedule matched to TDLR or TSBPE requirements.

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