Electrical Contractor
An Electrical Contractor (TECL) license authorizes the business to bid, contract for, and perform electrical work in Texas. Every TECL must designate a qualifying Master Electrician whose individual license backs the contractor license, must carry general liability insurance, and is renewed annually. The TECL is the license a homeowner verifies when hiring a company; the named Master Electrician is the individual whose qualifications support the contractor's authority. Some Texas cities require additional local registration before pulling permits.
HVAC Contractor
An HVAC Contractor license authorizes a business to install, alter, repair, and service air conditioning and refrigeration equipment in Texas. A Class A license covers equipment over 25 tons; Class B covers under 25 tons. The contractor must designate a Responsible A/C Contractor whose name backs the license and is named on every contract. The license does not cover gas-fired equipment outside the HVAC system, electrical work beyond the unit disconnect, or refrigerant handling for technicians, which requires federal EPA Section 608 certification.
A/C Technician
An A/C Technician license authorizes a person to perform HVAC installation, alteration, and service work in Texas under the direct authority of a licensed HVAC Contractor. A Certified (CER) technician has passed the TDLR exam and accumulated verifiable field experience; a Registered (REG) technician is in the entry pathway. Neither status authorizes contracting for work independently — only a licensed contractor may bid and contract. Refrigerant handling additionally requires federal EPA Section 608 certification.
Master Electrician
A Master Electrician license authorizes the holder to design, install, alter, and supervise all classes of electrical work in Texas, including the authority to qualify an Electrical Contractor business. The license is the highest individual electrical tier issued by TDLR. To qualify, an applicant must hold a Journeyman Electrician license, accumulate two years of journeyman experience, and pass the master exam. Annual renewal requires four hours of continuing education on the current National Electrical Code.