Tennessee Contractor Licenses: Updated Requirements Guide
Contractor licensing in Tennessee is administered primarily at the state level by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. The Board oversees general contractors and a wide range of trade classifications, along with Limited Licensed Electricians (LLE) and Limited Licensed Plumbers (LLP). For most contractor classifications, pre-approval, exams, financial statements, and insurance are part of the process, and licenses typically renew every two years.
Electrical and plumbing work may also intersect with local permitting and inspections. In counties or municipalities that rely on the Tennessee Division of Fire Prevention for permits and inspections, the state’s LLE and LLP credentials are commonly used; in other areas, local journeyman or master credentials may be required for permits. This guide spotlights several common licenses and authorities to help you get oriented; we update it periodically.
If you plan to build in major metropolitan areas such as Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, or Clarksville, always align your Board-issued license with the permit office’s requirements in the city or county where the work will occur. The sections below break down Tennessee’s primary license types by trade and summarize when each is required, exam providers, fees, and renewal expectations.
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Overview of Tennessee Contractor Licensing
The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors regulates general contractors and a broad set of trade classifications that include building, electrical, mechanical, heavy construction, highway, masonry, municipal utility, environmental, and various specialties. The Board also administers Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE) and Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) programs for smaller-scope work. For contractor classifications (for example, BC Building, CE Electrical, CMC/CMC-A Mechanical/Plumbing, and specialty categories like roofing and masonry), applicants typically must pass a trade exam and the Tennessee Business and Law exam.
In Tennessee, state contractor licensing is generally triggered for projects valued at $25,000 or more, whether you act as a prime, a qualifying subcontractor, or a construction manager. Contractor examinations (including the Business and Law exam and classification-specific trade exams) are administered by Prov beginning July 1, 2026. LLE and LLP are individual, state-issued credentials that are widely recognized for smaller projects and in jurisdictions that use the Division of Fire Prevention for permits and inspections.
Local building departments and codes offices remain central to permitting and inspections. In many areas, local authorities decide whether to accept the state LLE/LLP for permits or require local journeyman/master credentials. Always coordinate Board licensing with the permit office in each jurisdiction where you intend to work to avoid delays at plan review or inspection.
Browse all Tennessee contractor license practice tests →
Electrician Licenses in Tennessee
Tennessee regulates electrical work with 2 license types.
Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE)
Regulatory Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Board website
Scope and When It’s Required
The LLE is an individual license for small-scope electrical work. It is commonly required for projects where the total cost of the electrical portion is less than $25,000, particularly in jurisdictions that use the Tennessee Division of Fire Prevention for electrical permits and inspections. For electrical work at or above $25,000 total project cost, a contractor’s license with the CE (Electrical) classification is required instead of the LLE.
Exam and Eligibility
- Exam required: Yes (trade exam).
- Exam provider: Contact the licensing board to verify the current LLE exam provider.
- Applicants submit exam scores with the LLE application and provide a government-issued photo ID as directed by the Board.
Fees
- Initial license fee: $50 (two-year license term).
Insurance
Insurance requirements for the LLE are not detailed in the Board’s summary resources. Local permit offices may have additional expectations for permit issuance.
Renewal
Term: Two years (biennial).
Contact the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors to confirm any additional fees, insurance minimums, experience requirements, and detailed renewal procedures before applying.
Contractor’s License with Electrical (CE) Classification
Regulatory Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Board website
Scope and When It’s Required
A state contractor’s license with the CE Electrical classification is required for electrical projects of $25,000 or more. This classification functions at the contractor level and is comparable to a master-level electrical contracting credential for bidding, contracting, and pulling permits on larger projects.
Exam and Eligibility
- Exams required: Tennessee Business and Law exam and the CE trade exam.
- Exam provider: Prov (effective July 1, 2026).
- Exam results are generally recognized by the Board for a limited window (the Board notes a typical two-year validity period for exams).
Fees
- Application fee: $250 (submitted with the contractor application).
Insurance
Contractor applicants must meet financial responsibility standards and provide proof of insurance, including general liability and, when applicable, workers’ compensation.
Renewal
Term: Two years (biennial) for contractor licenses.
Contact the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors to confirm full fee schedules, required insurance minimums, and any additional eligibility or renewal requirements tied to your monetary limit and business structure.
Plumbing Licenses in Tennessee
Tennessee regulates plumbing work with 2 license types.
Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP)
Regulatory Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Board website
Scope and When It’s Required
The LLP is an individual credential designed for plumbing projects where the plumbing portion totals less than $25,000. It is commonly required in jurisdictions that use the Tennessee Division of Fire Prevention for permits and inspections. Local governments may accept the LLP for permit issuance or may require a separate local journeyman/master license—verify locally before you bid or pull permits.
Exam and Eligibility
- Exam required: Yes. The LLP exam is a 40-question test.
- Exam provider: PSI.
- Experience: At least one year of plumbing experience acceptable to the Board.
- An exam waiver may be available based on prior Tennessee local plumbing licensure or qualifying local exam results (when documented to Board standards).
Fees
- Application fee: $75
- Initial license fee: $75 (two years)
- Renewal: $50 (two years)
Insurance
Insurance requirements are not detailed in the Board’s summary for LLP. Local permit offices may set additional expectations prior to permit issuance.
Renewal
Term: Two years (biennial).
Contact the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors to confirm insurance minimums, documentation for any exam waiver, and any additional renewal details that may apply.
Contractor’s License with Plumbing (CMC-A) Classification
Regulatory Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Board website
Scope and When It’s Required
A contractor’s license with the CMC-A Plumbing classification (or the broader CMC Mechanical classification) is required when the plumbing portion of the project is $25,000 or more. The CMC-A classification is recognized statewide for contracting, bidding, and permitting on larger plumbing projects.
Exam and Eligibility
- Pre-approval: Required by the Board before scheduling the plumbing trade exam.
- Exams required: Tennessee Business and Law exam and the CMC-A plumbing trade exam.
- Exam provider: Prov (effective July 1, 2026).
Fees
- Application fee: $250 (submitted with the contractor application).
Insurance
Contractor applicants must meet financial responsibility standards and provide insurance per Board requirements.
Renewal
Term: Two years (biennial) for contractor licenses.
Contact the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors to confirm fee schedules beyond the application fee, insurance minimums, and all renewal requirements tied to your monetary limit and business entity.
HVAC Licenses in Tennessee
Tennessee regulates HVAC contractors with 2 license types.
Contractor’s License with Mechanical (CMC) Classification
Regulatory Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Board website
Scope and When It’s Required
The CMC Mechanical classification covers mechanical work that can include HVAC, plumbing, and fire sprinkler systems. Contractor licensing is generally required prior to bidding or contracting for projects with a total cost of $25,000 or more, and the CMC classification offers broad coverage for mechanical scopes on qualifying projects.
Exam and Eligibility
- Exams required: Tennessee Business and Law exam and any required mechanical trade exam based on the classification sought.
- Exam provider: Prov.
Fees
- Application fee: $250 (submitted with the contractor application).
Insurance
Applicants must satisfy Board financial responsibility standards and provide proof of insurance consistent with contractor requirements.
Renewal
Term: Two years (biennial) for contractor licenses.
Contact the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors to confirm all fee components, insurance minimums, and trade exam details associated with the CMC classification.
Contractor’s License with HVAC (CMC-C) Classification
Regulatory Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Board website
Scope and When It’s Required
The CMC-C HVAC classification specifically covers heating, ventilation, and air conditioning work at the contractor level. A state HVAC contractor license is generally required when the HVAC portion of a project is $25,000 or more.
Exam and Eligibility
- Exams required: Tennessee Business and Law exam and any required HVAC trade exam.
- Exam provider: Prov.
Fees
- Application fee: $250 (submitted with the contractor application).
Insurance
HVAC contractor applicants must meet standard financial and insurance requirements for contractors.
Renewal
Term: Two years (biennial) for contractor licenses.
Contact the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors to confirm fee schedules, insurance minimums, exam content, and renewal requirements for the CMC-C classification.
📍 Tennessee Uses Local Licensing
Some contractor licensing in Tennessee is handled by individual cities and counties rather than a state board. As a result, application forms, insurance minimums, exams, and renewal cycles can vary from one jurisdiction to another.
What this means for you:
- Contact the specific city or county where you will perform work to confirm current requirements.
- Expect to maintain multiple licenses if you work across different municipalities.
- Insurance certificates may need to name each city/county individually.
- Renewal cycles and CE requirements vary — track each separately.
To prepare efficiently for any required local competency exams, use code-focused study materials matching the code editions used by your jurisdiction.
General Contractor Licenses in Tennessee
Tennessee general contractor licensing includes 2 types.
Contractor’s License with Building (BC) Classification
Regulatory Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Board website
Scope and When It’s Required
The BC Building classification authorizes contracting for building work across residential, commercial, and industrial structures. A contractor’s license is required before bidding, contracting, or offering to engage in projects valued at $25,000 or more when acting as a prime contractor, qualifying subcontractor, or construction manager.
Exam and Eligibility
- Exams required: Tennessee Business and Law exam and the BC trade exam (for the full BC classification).
- Exam provider: Prov (effective July 1, 2026).
- Applicants submit a financial statement appropriate to the requested monetary limit and provide references as part of the application.
Fees
- Application fee: $250 (submitted with the contractor application).
Insurance
Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility and provide proof of insurance as part of the Board’s application review.
Renewal
Term: Two years (biennial) for contractor licenses.
Contact the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors to confirm fee schedules, insurance minimums, and renewal documentation requirements aligned to your monetary limit and entity type.
Contractor’s License with Restricted Residential (BC-A/r) Classification
Regulatory Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Board website
Scope and When It’s Required
The BC-A/r Restricted Residential classification is a limited building credential focused on residential projects. It uses an approved course in lieu of a residential trade exam but still requires the Tennessee Business and Law exam for licensure.
Exam and Eligibility
- Exams required: Tennessee Business and Law exam (course replaces the trade exam for the restricted residential path).
- Exam provider: Prov (Business and Law exam).
- Applicants follow standard contractor application steps, including financials, references, and Board review.
Fees
- Application fee: $250 (submitted with the contractor application).
Insurance
BC-A/r applicants must meet standard contractor insurance and financial responsibility requirements.
Renewal
Term: Two years (biennial) for contractor licenses.
Contact the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors to confirm fee schedules, insurance minimums, course approval details, and renewal documentation requirements.
Roofing Licenses in Tennessee
Tennessee regulates roofing contractors with 1 license type.
Contractor’s License with Roofing Specialty Classification
Regulatory Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Board website
Scope and When It’s Required
Roofing is recognized as a specialty classification under Tennessee’s contractor licensing system. Subcontractors performing roofing work must be licensed when contracting directly with a licensed contractor for roofing portions of a project valued at $25,000 or more.
Exam and Eligibility
- Exams required: Tennessee Business and Law exam and any applicable roofing trade exam based on the specialty classification sought.
- Exam provider: Prov (effective July 1, 2026).
Fees
- Application fee: $250 (submitted with the contractor application).
Insurance
Roofing specialty applicants must meet the same financial and insurance standards that apply to other contractor classifications.
Renewal
Term: Two years (biennial) for contractor licenses.
Contact the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors to confirm fee schedules, insurance minimums, and renewal requirements for the roofing specialty classification.
Specialty Trade Licenses in Tennessee
Tennessee regulates specialty trades with 3 license types.
Home Improvement Contractor License
Regulatory Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Board website
Scope and When It’s Required
The Board regulates Home Improvement Contractors along with general contractors and limited licensed trades. Home Improvement applicants follow contractor-style standards, which typically include testing, insurance, and financial responsibility.
Exam and Eligibility
- Exam required: Tennessee Business and Law exam (administered by Prov).
- Applicants complete the online application, submit supporting documentation, and undergo Board review.
Fees
- Application fee: $250 (submitted with the application).
Insurance
Applicants must provide proof of insurance and demonstrate financial responsibility consistent with Board requirements.
Renewal
Term: Two years (biennial).
Contact the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors to confirm the complete fee schedule, insurance minimums, and renewal requirements applicable to Home Improvement contractors.
Tennessee Contractor Business and Law Exam
Regulatory Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Board website
Purpose and When It’s Required
The Tennessee Business and Law exam is required for all new contractor license applicants, except those seeking the BC-A/r Restricted Residential license (which uses an approved course in lieu of a trade exam but still requires Business and Law). This exam covers business practices, contracting regulations, and legal compliance applicable to licensed contractors.
Delivery
- Exam provider: Prov (effective July 1, 2026).
Contractor’s License with Masonry (LMC) Classification
Regulatory Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Board website
Scope and When It’s Required
The LMC Masonry classification authorizes masonry contracting work within Tennessee’s contractor licensing framework. As with other contractor classifications, licensing is generally required to bid or contract for qualifying projects at or above the state’s monetary threshold.
Exam and Eligibility
- Exams required: Tennessee Business and Law exam and a masonry trade exam, as applicable.
- Exam provider: Prov (effective July 1, 2026).
Fees
- Application fee: $250 (submitted with the contractor application).
Insurance
Masonry applicants must meet standard contractor insurance and financial responsibility requirements.
Renewal
Term: Two years (biennial) for contractor licenses.
Contact the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors to confirm insurance minimums, fee details beyond the application fee, and renewal documentation requirements for the LMC classification.
Application Process
- Apply online through the CORE licensing portal at https://core.tn.gov for initial contractor license applications.
- Complete testing requirements, including the Tennessee Business and Law exam and any required trade exam; if applicable, review current information about testing and any available reciprocal pathways.
- Submit a financial statement appropriate to the monetary limit you are requesting.
- Provide reference letters and proof of insurance coverage.
- Ensure corporations, LLCs, and partnerships are properly registered with the Tennessee Secretary of State before applying.
- Complete the application, obtain all required signatures, have the forms notarized, and submit with the $250 application fee to the Board.
- Allow approximately 4 to 6 weeks for Board review and approval once a complete application and passing exam scores are on file.
- Upon approval, the contractor license is issued for a two-year term.
Timeline: Plan for about 4 to 6 weeks from submission of a complete application to issuance of the license, assuming all exam and documentation requirements are satisfied.
Important: Do not bid, contract, or offer to perform work on projects of $25,000 or more until your contractor license is issued.
Reciprocity
Some reciprocity or exam waivers may be available for select classifications. Availability, conditions, and participating jurisdictions can change, and details vary by trade. Consult the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors for current reciprocal options, documentation requirements, and limitations before you apply or schedule exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a contractor license in Tennessee?
Typical processing time is about 4 to 6 weeks from the date the Board receives a complete application with passing exam scores and all required documentation. Submitting a clear financial statement and proof of insurance helps avoid delays.
Can I transfer my license from another state to Tennessee?
In some cases, reciprocity or exam waivers may be available depending on the classification and current agreements. Always verify the latest reciprocity policies directly with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors before applying.
What happens if I fail the exam?
Retake policies and waiting periods are set by the exam provider. For contractor classifications, exams are administered by Prov; the LLP plumbing exam is administered by PSI. Refer to your exam registration or candidate bulletin for retake rules and any rescheduling fees.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. Contractor classifications (BC, CE, CMC/CMC-A/CMC-C, and specialties such as roofing and masonry) require proof of financial responsibility and insurance as part of licensure. Requirements for LLE/LLP are more limited at the state level, but local permit offices may set additional expectations for permit issuance—confirm with the Board and your local jurisdiction.
How do I renew my license?
Most Tennessee contractor and limited licenses renew every two years. Examples: contractor classifications (two-year term), LLE (two-year term), and LLP ($50 for a two-year renewal). Renewal windows, fees, and any continuing obligations are posted by the Board for each credential type.
What if my city has different requirements than what’s shown here?
This guide summarizes statewide licensing. Local building departments may require additional steps—especially for permits, inspections, or local journeyman/master cards in the electrical and plumbing trades. Always verify with your city or county permit office before you bid or schedule work.
Where can I find practice tests for Tennessee exams?
We offer comprehensive PDF practice test study guides for Tennessee contractor licensing exams. Each guide typically includes 1,500–2,500 questions with answer keys and reference locators pointing to exact code sections, so you can study offline at your own pace with no time or use limits. Browse Tennessee contractor practice tests.
Tennessee · Practice tests
Tennessee contractor license practice tests
The Tennessee practice tests we publish today: comprehensive PDF guides, typically 1,500 to 2,500 questions each, with full answer keys and reference locators to the exact code sections. We add new tests regularly, so if your license isn’t listed here, contact us and we’ll build it.
- Business, Law, and Project Management (NASCLA) Reference Practice Test
- Installing Hardwood Flooring NOFMA - Reference Practice Test
- National Electrical Code (NEC) 2017 Practice Test
- Tennessee (Memphis/Shelby County) Supervising Sign Electrician License Practice Test
Related Official Resources
Official Sources for Further Details:
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Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors – Home Page
https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-10-06 -
Contractor License Requirements – Projects $25,000 or More
https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/license/get/contractor.html
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-10-06 -
How to Become a Licensed Contractor
https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractor/how-to-become-a-licensed-contractor.html
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-10-06 -
Electrical Licensing Overview
https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/lle/electrical-licensing.html
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-10-06 -
Limited Licensed Electricians – Program Page
https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/lle.html
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-10-06 -
Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) License Page
https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/license/get/llp.html
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-10-06 -
Tennessee Plumbing Frequently Asked Questions
https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/llp/plumbing-faq.html
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-10-06 -
LLP License Process
https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/llp/llp-license-process.html
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-10-06 -
Limited Licensed Plumbers – Program Page
https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/llp.html
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-10-06 -
Tennessee Contractor Classification Outline
https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/license/classification-outline.html
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-10-06 -
Tennessee Electrical Permits Frequently Asked Questions
https://www.tn.gov/commerce/fire/permit/electrical/faq.html
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-10-06 -
LLE License Process
https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/lle/lle-license-process.html
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-10-06 -
Limited Licensed Electrician Initial Application (ContLLEApp.pdf)
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/commerce/documents/regboards/contractors/forms/ContLLEApp.pdf
Official Form | Accessed: 2026-10-06 -
Licensee and Applicant Resources
https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/license.html
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-10-06
Important Disclaimer
Information Currency: This guide reflects licensing information as available in 2026. Licensing requirements can change. Always verify current requirements with official sources before applying or bidding.
Official Source: For up-to-date information, contact the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors:
- Website: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html
- Phone: (615) 741-2241
No Legal Advice: This guide provides general information. Consult the Board or a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Local Requirements: Some permitting and trade credentialing are handled by local authorities. Always confirm with your city or county building department.