Tennessee Contractor Licenses: Updated Requirements Guide
Tennessee regulates contractors through a combination of statewide licensing and locally administered trade licenses and registrations. The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (TBLC) sets statewide requirements for contractor classifications, monetary limits, and examinations, while cities and counties may require local licenses or registrations for certain scopes or projects below state thresholds.
We highlight several representative licenses and authorities for Tennessee below; this guide is updated periodically as additional jurisdictions are researched or requested. Use the State-Level Licenses section to understand TBLC-issued credentials and exams, then review the per-trade sections for local licensing examples and links to city/county requirements.
Beginning July 1, 2026, TBLC examinations are administered by ProV in computer-based, open-book format. Local building departments continue to handle permits and local licensing or registration where required, such as the City of Cleveland’s electrical, plumbing, and mechanical licensing prior to permit issuance.
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Overview of Tennessee Contractor Licensing
The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (TBLC), part of the Department of Commerce & Insurance, regulates statewide contractor licenses, home improvement contractors, limited licensed electricians (LLE), and limited licensed plumbers (LLP). TBLC establishes monetary limits, classification scopes, insurance, financial statement requirements, and examination standards for contractors performing projects at or above statutory thresholds. Subcontractors in key trades—electrical, mechanical/HVAC, plumbing, roofing, and masonry—are also subject to licensing when their trade portion of a project meets or exceeds the applicable threshold.[1][2][3][11][17]
Local building and codes departments enforce permitting and may require local licenses or registrations, especially for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical/HVAC work and for commercial projects under the statewide thresholds. The City of Cleveland is one example, requiring local licenses before permits are issued for these trades.[15] Counties such as Madison County reinforce the state thresholds and licensing rules for projects within the county.[11] Major Tennessee cities—Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Clarksville—likewise administer permits and typically require proof of state licensure where applicable.
As of July 1, 2026, all TBLC exams, including Business and Law and applicable trade exams, are delivered by ProV as computer-based, open-book tests.[1][19] The State-Level Licenses section below outlines the primary statewide credentials by trade; the per-trade sections that follow provide local licensing examples and guidance.
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State-Level Licenses in Tennessee
State-level licensing in Tennessee is administered by the TBLC. These credentials are required for prime contracts of $25,000 or more and for certain subcontracted trades when the trade portion reaches the applicable monetary threshold (e.g., electrical, mechanical/HVAC, plumbing, roofing at $25,000; masonry at $100,000).[1][3][11][17] All new contractor applicants must pass the Tennessee Business and Law exam, and most classifications also require a trade exam.[3][17][19]
Below are the principal state-level licenses by trade. Exams are administered by ProV in an open-book, computer-based format, with a $53 fee per exam as of July 1, 2026.[1][19]
State-Level Electrician Licenses
Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE)
Regulatory Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (TBLC) — Official Site
Requirements: LLE applicants take a trade exam only; the Business and Law exam is not required for LLE. Exams are open-book, computer-based, administered by ProV.[12][19]
Exams: Trade exam via ProV; $53 per exam.[1][19]
Fees: Application $250; Examination $53.[12][19]
Renewal: Biennial.
Contractor License – Electrical Classification (E)
Regulatory Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (TBLC) — Official Site
Requirements: For electrical work meeting or exceeding the $25,000 threshold, applicants must pass the Tennessee Business and Law exam and an Electrical trade exam. Monetary limits are set based on a CPA-prepared financial statement.[1][3][17]
Exams: Business and Law + Electrical trade exam; open-book, computer-based via ProV; $53 per exam.[1][19]
Fees: Application $250; Examination $53.[1][19]
Insurance: General liability and workers’ compensation (or exemption) per TBLC requirements.[3][4][10]
Renewal: Biennial.
State-Level Plumbing Licenses
Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP)
Regulatory Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (TBLC) — Official Site
Requirements: LLP applicants take a plumbing trade exam only; the Business and Law exam is not required for LLP. Exams are delivered by ProV in open-book format.[12][19]
Exams: Plumbing trade exam via ProV; $53 per exam.[1][19]
Contact the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors to confirm application fees, insurance minimums, and renewal details before applying.
Mechanical Contractor License – Plumbing (CMC-A)
Regulatory Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (TBLC) — Official Site
Requirements: TBLC pre-approval is required to take the CMC-A plumbing trade exam for work at or above the $25,000 threshold. New contractor applicants must also pass the Tennessee Business and Law exam; monetary limits are based on a CPA-prepared financial statement.[1][3][17]
Exams: CMC-A trade exam via ProV; $53 per exam; Business and Law via ProV; $53.[1][19]
Fees: Application $250; Examination $53 per exam.[1][19]
Insurance: General liability and workers’ compensation consistent with contractor licensing requirements.[3][4][10]
State-Level HVAC Licenses
Mechanical Contractor License – Full Mechanical (CMC)
Regulatory Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (TBLC) — Official Site
Requirements: Board pre-approval is required to take the full mechanical (CMC) trade exam for HVAC/mechanical work at or above the $25,000 threshold. The Tennessee Business and Law exam is also required for new contractor applicants.[1][3][17]
Exams: CMC trade exam via ProV; $53; Business and Law via ProV; $53. Exams are open-book and computer-based.[1][19]
Fees: Application $250; Examination $53 per exam.[1][19]
Insurance: General liability and workers’ compensation per TBLC rules.[3][4][10]
Contractor License – Mechanical/HVAC Classification
Regulatory Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (TBLC) — Official Site
Requirements: For HVAC/mechanical scopes exceeding $25,000, contractors must hold an appropriate mechanical classification and pass both the Business and Law exam and the relevant mechanical trade exam.[1][3][17]
Exams: Business and Law + applicable mechanical trade exam via ProV; $53 per exam; open-book and computer-based.[1][19]
Fees: Application $250; Examination $53 per exam.[1][19]
State-Level General Contractor Licenses
Contractor License – Building (BC-A)
Regulatory Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (TBLC) — License Overview
Requirements: Applicants document building construction experience (references and project history), submit a CPA-prepared financial statement supporting the requested monetary limit, provide insurance, and pass the Business and Law exam plus the Building trade exam.[3][4][17][19]
Exams: Business and Law + BC-A trade exam via ProV; $53 per exam; open-book, computer-based.[1][19]
Fees: Application $250; Examination $53 per exam; Renewal $200.[3]
Insurance: General liability and workers’ compensation (or exemption).[3][4][10]
Renewal: Biennial. Certain residential classifications require continuing education (commonly noted as 8 hours every 2 years).[5]
Contractor License – Small Commercial (BC-B)
Regulatory Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (TBLC) — Official Site
Requirements: Applicants document commercial construction experience, submit references and a CPA-prepared financial statement, provide insurance, and pass the Business and Law exam plus the BC-B trade exam.[3][4][17][19]
Exams: Business and Law + BC-B trade exam via ProV; $53 per exam; open-book, computer-based. Historical PSI details (question counts) may differ.[1][19][18]
Fees: Application $250; Examination $53 per exam.[1][19]
Insurance: General liability and workers’ compensation per TBLC.[3][4][10]
Renewal: Biennial.
Restricted Residential Contractor License (BC-A/r)
Regulatory Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (TBLC) — License Overview
Requirements: The BC-A/r residential classification allows residential construction up to a monetary limit (commonly noted as $125,000). Only the Business and Law exam is required; no trade exam is required for this restricted residential license. Financial statement and insurance apply.[1][3][5][12]
Exams: Business and Law via ProV; $53; open-book, computer-based.[1][19]
Fees: Application $250; Examination $53.[1][19]
Insurance: General liability and workers’ compensation per TBLC.[3][4][10]
Renewal: Biennial. Certain residential classifications require continuing education (commonly 8 hours every 2 years).[5]
Home Improvement Contractor License
Regulatory Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (TBLC) — Official Site
Scope & Requirements: Required for residential remodeling projects from $3,000 to under $25,000. Applicants must pass the Tennessee Business and Law exam and provide a $10,000 bond or other proof of financial responsibility, along with required insurance.[12][15][19]
Exams: Business and Law via ProV; $53; open-book, computer-based.[1][19]
Fees: Application $250; Examination $53.[1][19]
Insurance/Bond: $10,000 bond plus general liability and workers’ compensation coverage per TBLC rules.[12]
Renewal: Biennial.
State-Level Roofing Licenses
Contractor License – Roofing Classification
Regulatory Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (TBLC) — License Overview
Requirements: Roofing subcontractors must be licensed when the roofing portion of a project is $25,000 or more. Training sources note that certain roofing-only paths may involve passing only the Business and Law exam without a separate trade exam; verify classification requirements with TBLC materials.[1][12][17][19]
Exams: Business and Law via ProV; $53; open-book, computer-based.[1][19]
Fees: Application $250; Examination $53.[1][19]
Insurance: General liability and workers’ compensation consistent with contractor licensing.[3][4][10]
State-Level Specialty Licenses
Fire Sprinkler Contractor License
Regulatory Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (TBLC) — Classification Outline
Requirements: Contractors must hold an appropriate fire sprinkler specialty classification, pass the Tennessee Business and Law exam and a Fire Sprinkler trade exam, and meet financial and insurance requirements.[17][18][19]
Exams: Business and Law + Fire Sprinkler trade exam via ProV; $53 per exam; open-book, computer-based.[1][19]
Fees: Application $250; Examination $53 per exam.[1][19]
Insurance: General liability and workers’ compensation per TBLC.[3][4][10]
Masonry Contractor License
Regulatory Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (TBLC) — License Overview
Requirements: Masonry subcontractors must be licensed when the masonry portion of a project is $100,000 or more. Applicants typically pass the Tennessee Business and Law exam and a masonry trade exam and meet monetary limit and insurance requirements.[1][17][18]
Exams: Business and Law + masonry trade exam via ProV; $53 per exam; open-book, computer-based.[1][19]
Fees: Application $250; Examination $53 per exam.[1][19]
Insurance: General liability and workers’ compensation per TBLC.[3][4][10]
Tennessee Contractor Business and Law Exam
Regulatory Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (TBLC) — Candidate Information (PSI version; see ProV CIB for current details)
Scope: Mandatory for all new contractor license applicants. Topics include licensing law, labor and lien laws, insurance, taxes, and business practices.[3][4][17]
Exam Delivery & Fee: Administered by ProV; open-book, computer-based; $53 per exam.[1][19]
Electrician Licenses in Tennessee
Local jurisdictions in Tennessee that issue their own electrician licenses are listed below. State-level electrician licenses are covered in the State-Level Licenses section above.
City of Cleveland Electrical License (Local Jurisdiction)
Authority: City of Cleveland – Building/Development Services — Local Requirements
Requirements: A City of Cleveland electrical license must be obtained before purchasing an electrical permit. Homeowners may perform work on their own residence without a license; all other electrical work requires a licensed contractor or a local electrical license.[15]
Contact the City of Cleveland to confirm fees, insurance minimums, experience requirements, and renewal details before applying.
Plumbing Licenses in Tennessee
Local jurisdictions in Tennessee that issue their own plumbing licenses are listed below.
City of Cleveland Plumbing License (Local Jurisdiction)
Authority: City of Cleveland – Building/Development Services — Local Requirements
Requirements: A City of Cleveland plumbing license is required prior to purchasing a permit for plumbing work, with limited exceptions for homeowners acting as contractor on their own residence and for certain low-value residential work.[15]
Contact the City of Cleveland to confirm fees, insurance minimums, experience requirements, and renewal details before applying.
HVAC Licenses in Tennessee
Local jurisdictions in Tennessee that issue their own HVAC licenses are listed below.
City of Cleveland Mechanical/HVAC License (Local Jurisdiction)
Authority: City of Cleveland – Building/Development Services — Local Requirements
Requirements: A local license is required before purchasing a permit for any mechanical (HVAC) work. Licensed mechanical contractors are not required for mechanical jobs under $25,000; however, the city still requires its license for permit issuance. The city also licenses certain non-licensed commercial contractors under $25,000.[15]
Contact the City of Cleveland to confirm fees, insurance minimums, experience requirements, and renewal details before applying.
📍 Tennessee Uses Local Licensing
Some contractor licensing in Tennessee is handled by individual cities and counties rather than solely by the state board. As a result, application forms, insurance minimums, exams, and renewal cycles can vary between jurisdictions.
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 continuing education (if any) 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
State-level general contractor licensing is administered by the TBLC and is covered in the State-Level Licenses section above. Some cities and counties also require local registrations or contractor records to be on file before permits are issued. When planning local work, verify any jurisdiction-specific steps in addition to your TBLC credential.
Local Licensing Requirements
Major Cities with Local Requirements:
- City of Cleveland, Tennessee – Building/Development Services: Local permitting authority; contractors should verify whether a local registration or contractor license is needed before permit issuance and confirm insurance documentation and any competency criteria with the city. Registration information: https://clevelandtn.gov/271/Contractor-Licensing-Requirements
Note: Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Always confirm with your local building department before applying.
Roofing Licenses in Tennessee
Roofing contractors performing work at or above applicable thresholds must hold the appropriate TBLC classification (see State-Level Licenses). Some jurisdictions may also require a local registration before issuing permits.
Local Licensing Requirements
Major Cities with Local Requirements:
- City of Cleveland, Tennessee – Building/Development Services: Local permitting authority; confirm whether roofing contractors must register locally for permit issuance and verify insurance documentation and any local competency requirements. Registration information: https://clevelandtn.gov/271/Contractor-Licensing-Requirements
Note: Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Always confirm with your local building department before applying.
Specialty Trade Licenses in Tennessee
Specialty trades such as fire sprinklers and masonry are licensed at the state level by TBLC (see State-Level Licenses). Some niche activities may also be regulated by other Tennessee state agencies, and cities/counties may impose local registrations related to permitting.
Local Licensing Requirements
Major Cities with Local Requirements:
- City of Cleveland, Tennessee – Building/Development Services: Local permitting authority; verify whether specialty contractors must register locally prior to permits and confirm documentation (insurance, scope classification) with the city. Registration information: https://clevelandtn.gov/271/Contractor-Licensing-Requirements
Note: Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Always confirm with your local building department before applying.
Application Process
- Determine the appropriate contractor license classification (e.g., BC-A, BC-B, mechanical, plumbing, roofing, fire sprinkler) and the monetary limit for projects, using the TBLC classification outline and guidance.[1][17]
- Obtain Board approval where required and pass the mandatory Tennessee Business and Law exam plus any required trade exam for the chosen classification; exams are scheduled and taken through ProV.[1][3][4][19]
- Prepare a CPA-reviewed or audited financial statement that supports the requested monetary limit, following TBLC financial statement requirements.[3][4][12]
- Gather reference letters (from past clients, employers, or codes officials) and proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance or exemption.[3][4][10]
- Register the business entity (corporation, LLC, partnership) with the Tennessee Secretary of State before applying, if applicable.[4][10]
- Create an account in the state’s CORE online licensing system and complete the contractor license application (or use paper forms), selecting the correct license type and classification.[3][4][13]
- Submit the completed application, supporting documents, and the $250 application fee to the TBLC by the published deadline for Board review, and allow approximately 4–6 weeks for processing and Board approval.[3][4][18]
- Upon Board approval, receive the contractor license and ensure ongoing compliance with renewal, continuing education (for residential classifications), and insurance requirements.[3][4][5]
Timeline: Approximately 4 to 6 weeks from submission of a complete application to license issuance after Board review.[3][4][18]
Reciprocity
Tennessee has reciprocity with: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina
Requirements: Reciprocity is available through agreements with certain states for contractor classifications where equivalent licensing and trade examination standards exist; applicants must hold an active license in good standing in the reciprocal state and typically must still pass the Tennessee Business and Law exam. Detailed reciprocal information is provided in TBLC testing and candidate materials.[4][23][8]
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a contractor license in Tennessee?
Approximately 4 to 6 weeks from submission of a complete application to license issuance after Board review.[3][4][18]
Can I transfer my license from another state to Tennessee?
Tennessee has reciprocity with Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Reciprocity may waive or reduce certain trade exam requirements for specific classifications, but applicants typically must pass the Tennessee Business and Law exam and obtain a Tennessee license with a monetary limit.[4][23][8]
What happens if I fail the exam?
Retake policies are set by the exam provider. Contact ProV for current retest procedures, waiting periods, and fees.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. TBLC requires general liability and workers’ compensation insurance (or an approved exemption) for contractor licenses. Local jurisdictions may also require proof of insurance for permit issuance.[3][4][10]
How do I renew my license?
Most TBLC-issued contractor licenses renew biennially. Residential classifications may have continuing education requirements; verify details for your classification and track any local registration renewals separately.[3][5]
What if my city has different requirements than what’s shown here?
Some contractor licensing steps vary by jurisdiction. Always verify local requirements with your building department, as local regulations and permit procedures govern project approvals in your city or county.
Where can I find practice tests for Tennessee exams?
We offer comprehensive PDF practice tests for Tennessee contractor license exams. Each study guide typically includes 1,500 to 2,500 questions with complete answer keys and reference locators pointing to exact code sections. 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:
-
Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors – Contractor License Overview
https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/license/get/contractor.html
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-08-13 -
Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors – Main Page
https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-08-13 -
Contractor’s License Application Package
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/commerce/documents/regboards/contractors/forms/ContLicenseApplicationWeb.pdf
Official Board Form | Accessed: 2026-08-13 -
How to Become a Licensed Contractor
https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractor/how-to-become-a-licensed-contractor.html
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-08-13 -
TBLC Online Application Resource
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/commerce/documents/regboards/contractors/forms/BLC-OnlineApplicationResource.pdf
Official Board Form | Accessed: 2026-08-13 -
Classification Outline with Trade Exam Requirements
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/commerce/documents/regboards/contractors/forms/ClassificationOutlineWeb.pdf
Official Board Document | Accessed: 2026-08-13 -
Tennessee Contractors Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI version)
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/commerce/documents/regboards/contractors/forms/ContCIBWeb.pdf
Official Board Document | Accessed: 2026-08-13 -
City of Cleveland Contractor Licensing Requirements
https://clevelandtn.gov/271/Contractor-Licensing-Requirements
Local Government Site | Accessed: 2026-08-13 -
Madison County License Requirements
https://madisoncountytn.gov/572/License-Requirements
Local Government Site | Accessed: 2026-08-13
Important Disclaimer
Information Currency: This guide reflects licensing information as available in 2026. Licensing requirements are subject to change without notice. Always verify current requirements with official sources.
Official Source: For current information, contact Multiple Authorities – See research notes:
- Website: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html
- Phone: 615-741-8307
No Legal Advice: This guide provides general information only. Consult with the licensing board or a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Local Requirements: Some licensing in Tennessee is handled at the city or county level. Always verify requirements with your local building department.