Is the Texas journeyman electrician exam open book?
Yes. You may use the National Electrical Code, 2026 edition. You bring your own book. Since September 1, 2026, the questions are based on the 2026 NEC.
What is allowed
- Any soft-bound edition of the NEC
- Highlighting, underlining and notes you made before the exam
- Permanent index tabs made by the NEC publisher
- A silent, non-programmable, battery calculator without letter keys
What is NOT allowed
- Homemade or DIY tabs, or tabs that aren't from the NEC publisher
- Loose-leaf, spiral-bound or ring-bound copies
- The NEC Handbook
- Any extra paper, loose or taped in
- Writing or marking in your book during the exam
If your book doesn't follow the rules, you can test without it, remove the homemade tabs on the spot, or lose your fee and come back another day. Check your book the week before.
Open book does not mean easy
Only about 28% of journeyman attempts passed in FY2025. With 130 minutes for the knowledge part, you can't look up every question. The people who pass know where things are in the book and only look up what they need to confirm.
Practice tip: when you practice, time yourself finding the section. Under a minute is the goal.
Where do you lose points?
Take the free 5-question check. You see your weak topics and where each answer is in your code book.
Start the free check →
Take the free 5-question check. You see your weak topics and where each answer is in your code book.
Start the free check →
More for your retake
- Failed the exam? 5 steps before your retake
- Texas journeyman exam pass rate
- Retake fee and rules
- Calculations practice
- How many questions?
- Exam topics list
- 2026 NEC: what changed for the exam
Sources: PSI Candidate Information Bulletin, Texas Journeyman Electrician (updated Sept 15, 2026) · TDLR electrician exam information · TDLR electrician exam statistics, FY2025. Rules can change: always check the current bulletin before you book.