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Texas Contractor Licenses

The State of Texas has diverse Boards, Commissions, and Departments that issue individual and business licensure. Different requirements could apply depending on the profession and the type of work to be conducted. Most Texas Licenses stipulate that candidates must take and pass specific tests as part of the application process; each board chooses its own approved testing organization(s). In some situations, the agencies may even provide the examination service themselves. The regulatory entities established by the State are:

Aside from the ones provided by the entities mentioned above, some Contractor Licenses are not required at a State level; each Texas city has distinct registration procedures (both for individuals and businesses) that must be followed before conducting any work. Additionally, some trades do not require an Individual Contractor License but call for a Business Registration as a way of vouching for the worker’s expertise and covering insurance expenses in the case of any eventuality.

Below are the current Texas Licenses and Registrations with their specific scope of work, application procedures, contact details, and valuable educational resources.

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Class A

Engaging with equipment related to air temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and ventilation control on any size units for commercial, residential or environmental use

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Class B

Installation, maintenance, repair and service of equipment related to humidity, cleanliness, air temperature, and ventilation control on units of not more than 25 tons cooling capacity or 1.5 million British Thermal Unit per hour output heating capacity, for commercial, residential or environmental use

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician

Assist and work under the supervision of a Licensed ACR Contractor for equipment maintenance and repair labor

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician Certification

Help with air conditioning and refrigeration tasks while being supervised by a Licensed ACR Contractor

Asbestos Abatement

Engaging and overseeing operations for asbestos abatement activities in a public building

Asbestos Abatement Supervisor

Direct overseeing of personnel, work practices, and procedures during an asbestos abatement activity or project conducted in a public building under the employment of an Asbestos Abatement or Operations and Maintenance Company

Asbestos Abatement Worker

Maintenance, repair, and installation of asbestos abatement related-equipment of asbestos containing material in a public building under the employment and supervision of an Asbestos Operation and Maintenance Company

Asbestos Air Monitoring Technician

Air monitoring and sample taking on asbestos abatement projects or activities under the employment of a Consultant Agency or Laboratory

Asbestos Air Monitoring Technician - Project Monitor

Compliance monitoring for asbestos abatement projects or activities through sample taking, project monitoring and recommendations provision in a public building under the employment of a Licensed Asbestos Consultant Agency

Asbestos Consultant Agency

Employment of Licensed Asbestos Consultants, Monitoring Technicians, Inspectors, and Project Managers

Asbestos Individual Consultant

Provision of asbestos consulting services relating to public buildings, including design, development, monitoring, and recommendations for change of asbestos management plans and projects

Asbestos Individual Management Planner

Development of asbestos management plans for projects in a public building

Asbestos Inspector

Conduction of and reporting on asbestos surveys in public buildings determining the presence, location, and condition of asbestos-containing building material under the employment of a Licensed Asbestos Consultant Agency or a Licensed Asbestos Management Planner Agency

Asbestos Laboratory

Branch certification for providing polarized light microscopy, phase contrast microscopy, or transmission electron microscopy analysis of a bulk or air sample collected in a public building

Asbestos Management Planner Agency

Employment of Licensed Asbestos Management Planners, Consultants, and Inspectors

Asbestos Operations and Maintenance - Restricted

Employment of asbestos operations and maintenance supervisors for activities in a public building owned or managed by an Operations and Maintenance Contractor

Asbestos Operations and Maintenance Supervisor - Restricted

Direct supervision of Registered Asbestos Workers under the employment of a Licensed Asbestos Operations and Maintenance building owner or manager, or a Licensed Asbestos Abatement Contractor

Asbestos Project Manager

Monitoring compliance of asbestos projects in public buildings on behalf of the owners through activities such as change recommendations for the asbestos abatement plans, and assistance in the development of asbestos exposure assessment

Asbestos Training Provider

Offering, scheduling and conducting training for individuals who seek to comply with requirements according to the EPA's Model Accreditation Plan

Asbestos Transporter

Transportation of asbestos containing waste material removed from a public building to a permitted waste disposal facility that accepts it or to temporary storage off-site

Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT)

Repair and testing of backflow prevention assemblies installation and operation at domestic, commercial, industrial, or irrigation level; fireline assemblies require employment by an approved Fireline Contractor

Boiler Inspector

Boiler Inspector authorization to conduct work as such within the State of Texas

Customer Service Inspector (CSI)

Examination of private water distribution facilities limited to the identification and prevention of cross-connections, potential contamination hazards, and illegal lead materials

Electrical

Design and alteration of electrical wires, conductors, machinery, apparatus, or systems used for lighting, heating, powering or signaling purposes

Electrical Apprentice

Electrical work under on-site supervision of a Residential Wireman, a Master or, a Journeyman Electrician

Electrical Sign

Install, reconnect and service cold cathode, neon gas tubing, outline gas tubing or electrical sign, its related wiring and conductors

Electrical Sign Apprentice

Electrical sign work under on-site supervision of a Master Electrician or a Master, or Journeyman Sign Electrician

Elevator

Repairing and maintaining elevators or escalators and any related equipment

Elevator Inspector

Equipment and installation verification of compliance with approved applications and plans

Extinguisher Apprentice Permit (EAP)

Installation of fire extinguishing systems and portable fire extinguishers only under the direct visual supervision of a valid licensee

Extinguisher Type A Fixed System (FEL-A)

Repair and installation supervision of pre-engineered fixed fire extinguishing systems and portable extinguishers

Extinguisher Type B Portable Fire Extinguisher (FEL-B)

Testing of DOT non-specification and specification (per requirements), installation, certification, or repair of portable fire extinguishers

Extinguisher Type K Kitchen Cooking Systems (FEL-K)

Certify, or repair portable extinguishers or any pre-engineered fixed fire extinguisher system used to protect a cooking area

Extinguisher Type PL Planning (EPL)

Planning, installing, and certifying fixed fire extinguisher systems and portable fire extinguishers

Fire Alarm Monitoring Technician (AMT)

Monitor residential or commercial fire alarms or detection devices/systems

Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent (APS)

Selling, planning, and monitoring of all types of fire alarm or detection devices/systems

Fire Alarm Residential Superintendent (RAS)

Plan, certify, service, and monitor all fire alarm or detection devices or systems in one- and two-family dwellings

Fire Alarm Residential Superintendent - Single-Station (RAS-SS)

Servicing single-station heat or smoke detectors that are not connected to any other detection device or system in one- or two-family dwellings

Fire Alarm Residential Technician (RAL)

Inspection, installation, service, and certification of residential single-family, two-family fire alarm or detection systems

Fire Alarm Technician (FAL)

Certify, service, and monitor all types of fire alarm or detection devices or systems

Fireworks Flame Effects Operator

Fabrication, conduction, and supervision of flame effects

Fireworks Pyrotechnic Operator

Assemble, conduct, and supervise public fireworks displays using 1.3G fireworks

Fireworks Pyrotechnic Special Effects Operator

Proximate displays assembly, conduction, and supervision while using 1.3G or 1.4G fireworks

Groundwater Operator Class B

Correction and identification of complex problems in groundwater treatment procedures

Groundwater Operator Class C

Participation in fixing and diagnosing issues related to groundwater remediation processes

Irrigation Inspector (II)

Inspection and certification of the irrigation system, revision of the backflow prevention device installation, test analysis to the water purveyor, and complaints investigation

Irrigation Technician (IT)

Connect a landscape irrigation system to a water supply, install backflow prevention devices, maintain, alter, repair, service, or set up an irrigation system under the supervision of a Licensed Irrigator

Journeyman Electrician

Electrical work performance under the general supervision of a Master Electrician

Journeyman Industrial Electrician

Perform electrical work in chemical plants, petrochemical plants, refineries, natural gas plants, natural gas treating plants, pipelines, or oil and gas exploration and production operations

Journeyman Lineman Electrician

Maintenance and operation of equipment associated with the transmission and distribution of electricity from the electricity’s original source to a substation for further distribution

Journeyman Plumber

Plumbing installation, repair, service, or renovation under the guidance of a Responsible Master Plumber

Journeyman Sign Electrician

Perform any electrical sign work under the general direction of a Master Electrician or a Master Sign Electrician

Landscape Irrigator (LI)

Design, consultation, modification, repair, or service to an irrigation system; connection to the applicable water supply

Lead Business Certification

Certification of companies, contractors, partnerships, corporations, associations, or other business entities that perform or offer lead-based paint services

Lead Individual Inspector Certification

Conduct lead inspections and sample dust or soil for abatement cleanup and clearance testing

Lead Individual Risk Assessor Certification

Conduction of lead risk assessments, inspections, and hazard screens; dust and soil sampling for lead abatement cleanup and clearance testing

Lead Individual Project Designer Certification

Prepare lead abatement project designs, occupant protection plans, and abatement reports

Lead Individual Risk Supervisor Certification

Supervise and conduct lead abatements, and prepare both occupant protection plans and abatement documents

Lead Individual Risk Worker Certification

Perform lead abatements in target housing and child-occupied facilities

Maintenance Electrician

Performance of electrical maintenance work under the general supervision of a Master Electrician

Master Electrician

Maintenance or extension of electrical wiring systems and related equipment used in connection with the use of electrical energy in, on, outside, or attached to a building, structure, or premises, including service entrance conductors

Master Plumber

Plumbing renovation under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber; direct direction of Plumber Apprentices and Limited Tradesman Plumbers

Master Pump Installer

Pump installation and repair, plus on-site and general supervision capabilities

Master Sign Electrician

Reconnecting electrical wiring systems and its related equipment (signs, outline lighting, awnings, signals, light emitting diodes); installation of an electrical service integral to an isolated sign and/or outline lighting installation

Master Well Driller

Drilling and constructing water wells, as well as on-site and general supervision aptitudes

Mold Assessment Company

Provision of pre-remediation mold assessment reports, mold remediation protocols and, when compliance is confirmed, clearance reports

Mold Assessment Consultant

Observe and evaluate conditions for indoor mold presence, extent, or amount; measurement of mold remediation on-site temperature, humidity, and moisture levels

Mold Assessment Technician

Determine the location and extent of mold or suspected mold present in a facility, measure initial or post-remediation mold assessment on-site levels of temperature, humidity, and moisture; prepare mold assessment reports

Mold Remediation Company

Employment of Licensed Mold Remediation Workers and Contractors to assist in the company's mold remediation activities

Mold Remediation

Mold remediation and supervision of Registered Workers performing such activities; preparation of plans to be performed on mold remediation projects

Mold Remediation Worker

Limited mold remediation activities under the supervision of a Licensed Mold Remediation Contractor

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Class A

Managing of landfill mining, storage and processing, energy and material recovery, compost and demonstration of municipal solid waste facilities

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Class B

Supervision and management of facilities for municipal solid refuse storage and processing, energy and material recovery, composting, and demonstration

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Class A Provisional

Provisional authorization for the supervision and managing of landfill mining, storage and processing, energy and material recovery, compost and demonstration (municipal solid waste facilities)

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Class B Provisional

Authorization for the administration of demonstration sites for municipal solid waste, compost, energy and material recovery, and storage and processing

On-Site Sewage Facility System (OSSF) Apprentice

Installation of on-site sewage facility systems under the direct supervision of a Licensed Installer

On-Site Sewage Facility System (OSSF) Designated Representative

Site evaluations, complaint investigations, system evaluations, and on-site sewage facility systems inspections

On-Site Sewage Facility System (OSSF) Installer Class I

Septic tanks, absorptive drainfields, unlined evapotranspiration drainfields, leaching chambers, gravel-less pipe, and pumped effluent drainfields

On-Site Sewage Facility System (OSSF) Installer Class II

Installation of all types of on-site sewage facility systems

On-Site Sewage Facility System (OSSF) Maintenance Technician

Perform services associated with on-site sewage facility system maintenance, but only under the guidance and direction of the Maintenance Provider

On-Site Sewage Facility System (OSSF) Maintenance Provider

Servicing or maintaining on-site disposal systems using aerobic treatment

On-Site Sewage Facility System (OSSF) Site Evaluator

Perform pre-construction site evaluations to determine a site's suitability for a particular on-site sewage facility system

Plumber Apprentice

Assistance with plumbing installation work under direct supervision of a Licensed Plumber

Plumbing Inspector

Inspect plumbing work and provide customer service inspection certification for public drinking water systems

Pump Installer

Repair well pumps and related equipment according to the endorsement type

Pump Installer Apprentice

Installation and repair of well pumps and equipment under the instructions of a Licensed Pump Installer

Residential Appliance Installation

Engage in the business of residential appliance installation, including pool-related electrical installment and maintenance

Residential Appliance Installer

Limited to residential appliance installation, including residential pool-related electrical setup and maintenance

Residential Wireman Electrician

Electrical installations for one- and two-family dwellings, as well as multifamily units up to four stories tall; wiring methods, grounding, circuitry, and other technical aspects of residential electrical systems

Sprinkler Responsible Managing Employee - Dwelling (RME-D)

Manage and supervise the installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of fire sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings, not including commercial or industrial buildings

Sprinkler Responsible Managing Employee - General (RME-G)

Supervise the installation, repair, and maintenance of fire sprinkler systems in buildings

Sprinkler Responsible Managing Employee - General Inspector (RME-I)

Ensure compliance with laws and regulations related to fire sprinkler systems in buildings

Sprinkler Responsible Managing Employee - Underground (RME-U)

Installation, maintenance, service, and certification of all underground water supply piping for any sprinkler system

Structural Pest Control Applicator

Inspection and identification for a Licensed Pest Control Business that provides and solicits pest control services; training, and supervision of Registered Apprentices and Technicians

Structural Pest Control Apprentice

Control of pests in and around homes, businesses, and industries under the supervision of a Licensed Applicator

Structural Pest Control Technician

Pest control services under the direct supervision of a Certified Applicator

Surface Water Operator Class B

Identification and correction of operations applicable to surface water procedures

Surface Water Operator Class C

Surface water procedures such as identifying, correcting, and carrying out control analysis tasks

Tradesman Plumber - Limited

Construct, install, repair, service, or renovate plumbing for one- and two-family dwellings under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber

Underground Storage Tank On-Site Supervisor Class A

Installation and repair of underground storage tank systems

Underground Storage Tank On-Site Supervisor Class B

Removal of underground storage tank systems

Underground Storage Tank On-Site Supervisor Class A+B

Install, repair, or remove underground storage tanks systems

Underground Storage Tank

Remove and/or repair underground storage tanks

Water Distribution Operator Class B

Operational procedures for water distribution, including identifying and fixing problems, as well as performing process control duties

Water Distribution Operator Class C

Monitoring and controlling the production and distribution of water, ensuring that the water systems are correctly treated

Water Operator Class A

Plan, organize, staff, direct and control the operations of a public water system

Water Operator Class D

Implement treatment processes used in treating public water systems

Water Treatment Specialist Class I (WTS)

Exchange and regeneration of portable tanks and regeneration of non-portable tanks

Water Treatment Specialist Class II (WTS)

Perform water treatment installations, exchanges, services, or repairs of equipment

Water Treatment Specialist Class III (WTS)

Installation, exchange, servicing, and repair of water treatment equipment and appliances, including reverse osmosis and deionization equipment

Wastewater Collection System Operator Class I

Identification, general function and proper use of various domestic wastewater collection system facility components

Wastewater Collection System Operator Class II

Maintenance of wastewater collection system equipment, including pumps, motors, construction, inspection, and cleaning equipment

Wastewater Collection System Operator Class III

Wastewater pumps, motors, and pumping installations and maintenance

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Class A

Water utility management and safety, activated sludge treatment process, wastewater treatment, collection, and laboratory analysis

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Class B

Activated sludge treatment process, water utility safety and wastewater treatment, collection, and laboratory analysis

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Class C

Operation and maintenance of a wastewater collection system and various modes of activated sludge treatment processes

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Class D

Basic wastewater collection systems operation

Well Driller

Drill, bore, core, or construct water wells according to their corresponding endorsement type

Well Driller Apprentice

Work under the supervision of, and pursuant to a training program developed by a Licensed Driller