Article Index
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:
- Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
- State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE)
- State Fire Marshal Office (SFMO)
- Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
- Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
- Department of Agriculture (TDA)
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
- Details
- Written by Aengels G.