Guide · Updated 2026-11-12
Is the Texas Electrician Exam Open Book? What You Can Bring
Yes. The Texas electrician examination is open book, and the book is the 2026 edition of the National Electrical Code. You bring your own copy. It has to be a soft-bound edition, and what you may write in it or attach to it is limited by the rules below.
Which book is allowed
TDLR states that the examination is open book and that you will be allowed to reference the National Electrical Code, 2026 edition. The questions are based on the bound edition that TDLR has adopted.
You are responsible for bringing your own code book to the examination site. The test center does not lend one. It does provide an electronic notepad for your work.
- Allowed: any soft-bound edition of the National Electrical Code.
- Not allowed: loose-leaf, spiral-bound or ring-bound copies of the code book.
What you may mark before the exam
Your code book may be highlighted, underlined and contain notes, as long as you did it before the examination session. This is worth using. A book you have worked through, with the tables you use most marked, is faster than a clean one.
During the session the rule reverses. You may not write, highlight, underline, index or mark your code book while you are testing.
Tabs
Tabs are allowed only in one form: permanent index tabs manufactured or provided by the publisher of the code book. Homemade tabs, do-it-yourself tabs and any tabs that are not the publisher's are not permitted.
No extra paper may go into the room with the book, whether it is loose, taped, glued or stapled.
If your book does not comply
The bulletin describes what happens when a candidate arrives with a book that breaks these rules. You are given a choice: test without the book, remove the homemade tabs yourself and test, or give up your examination fee and test another day with a book that complies.
A violation during the session is treated more seriously. It is reported to TDLR and can end with your score being invalidated.
Calculators
A calculator is allowed if it is non-programmable, silent and battery-operated, has no paper tape and has no keyboard with the alphabet. A phone is not a calculator for this purpose: electronic devices stay in the secure storage outside the room.
How to prepare your book
Buy the soft-bound 2026 edition early and study with the same copy you will take to the test center. Add the publisher's tabs, highlight as you practice, and write your notes in the margins before exam day. Then practice with the clock running, because an open book only helps if you can find the section fast.
Common questions
Can I bring the NEC Handbook instead of the code book?
The reference listed for the examination is the National Electrical Code, 2026 edition, in a soft-bound copy. Bring that book.
Can I highlight my code book?
Yes, before the examination session. You may not highlight, underline or write in it during the session.
Are homemade tabs allowed?
No. Only permanent index tabs manufactured or provided by the publisher of the code book are allowed.
Does the test center provide a code book?
No. Candidates are responsible for bringing their own code book. The center provides an electronic notepad.
Official sources
Facts checked against these sources on 2026-11-12.
This guide explains official rules in plain English. For your own case, rely on the licensing board and the exam provider.