Tennessee Contractor Licenses: Updated Requirements Guide
Tennessee licenses contractors at the state level through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. If you plan to contract on projects with a total cost of $25,000 or more (labor, materials, and profit combined), you must hold the appropriate state contractor’s license and classification before you bid, offer a price, or sign a contract.
Electrical work is typically covered under the Electrical (CE) contractor classification, HVAC and related mechanical systems under the Mechanical (CMC) classification, and building work under the Building (BC) classification. Tennessee also issues Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE) and Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) credentials that are used for smaller-scope work under $25,000 in jurisdictions that accept them. Local building departments enforce permits and verify state licensing at the job level, but the core licensing is handled by the state.
This guide spotlights several common licenses and authorities to help you get oriented; we update it periodically. Always cross-check key items like classifications, exams, financial statement format, and insurance with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors and your local permitting office before you apply.
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Overview of Tennessee Contractor Licensing
The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors regulates contractor licensing statewide, including the primary contractor classifications and the Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE) and Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) credentials. A contractor’s license is required before bidding, negotiating, or contracting when the total project value is $25,000 or more. Examinations are administered by PSI Services LLC for contractor licenses and classifications; applicants typically complete examinations prior to submitting the license application package.
Local government building and codes departments review permit applications and enforce the state’s licensing requirements on individual projects. Examples from county and city guidance confirm reliance on the state’s $25,000 threshold and on the relevant state classifications such as Building (BC), Electrical (CE), and Mechanical (CMC). Some jurisdictions also recognize the LLE and LLP for work under $25,000, consistent with Board oversight of these limited credentials.
Browse all Tennessee contractor license practice tests →
Electrician Licenses in Tennessee
Tennessee regulates electrical work with 2 license types.
Contractor’s License – Electrical (CE)
Regulatory authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html
Who needs this license
Firms and individuals contracting to perform electrical work where the total project cost is $25,000 or more must hold a Tennessee Contractor’s License with the Electrical (CE) classification before bidding or contracting. This applies to the full scope of electrical contracting consistent with the CE trade exam and Board classification framework.
Core requirements
- Pass the Tennessee Business and Law exam and the Electrical (CE) trade exam administered by PSI Services LLC.
- Provide a reference letter from a past client, employer, or codes official; some applicants may be interviewed by the Board.
- Submit a current CPA-prepared financial statement (GAAP), reviewed or audited based on your requested monetary limit.
- Provide proof of general liability insurance tied to your monetary limit and workers’ compensation insurance (or exemption).
- Register your business entity with the Tennessee Secretary of State if applicable (corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships).
Exams
Provider: PSI Services LLC
Exams required: Tennessee Business and Law; Electrical (CE) trade exam.
Fees
- Application fee: $250 (paid with the Initial New Contractor Application via CORE).
Insurance
General liability in an amount aligned to the requested monetary limit and workers’ compensation (or exemption) are required.
Renewal
Renewal frequency and continuing education requirements are not specified in the provided references.
Contact the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors to confirm fees, insurance minimums, experience requirements, and renewal details before applying.
Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE)
Regulatory authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html
Scope and typical use
The Board oversees the state-issued LLE credential, which is used in jurisdictions that accept it for electrical projects under $25,000. This credential is limited in scope compared to the full CE contractor classification and is designed for smaller projects within accepting jurisdictions.
Requirements and exam
- An examination is required; applicants should verify the current exam provider and structure with the Board.
- Experience hour specifics and statewide insurance minimums for LLE holders are not specified in the provided references.
Insurance
No explicit statewide insurance requirement for the LLE is stated in the provided sources; however, business structure and local permitting may necessitate coverage.
Renewal
Renewal cycle and continuing education requirements are not specified in the provided references.
Contact the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors to confirm fees, insurance minimums, experience requirements, and renewal details before applying.
Need a broader overview of exam prep options? Browse Tennessee contractor license practice tests and study material.
Plumbing Licenses in Tennessee
Tennessee regulates plumbing work with 1 license type.
Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP)
Regulatory authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html
Scope and typical use
The LLP is a state-administered limited credential used in jurisdictions that accept it for plumbing projects under $25,000. For projects at or above $25,000, plumbing work falls under a full contractor’s license with an appropriate classification (commonly the Mechanical—CMC—or Building—BC—depending on scope).
Requirements and exam
- An examination is required; applicants should verify the current exam provider and content outline directly with the Board.
- Specific experience-hour requirements are not detailed in the provided references.
Insurance
No explicit statewide insurance requirement is listed for the LLP in the provided sources. Contractors performing work at $25,000 or more must meet the contractor license insurance requirements.
Renewal
Renewal cycle and continuing education requirements are not specified in the provided references.
Contact the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors to confirm fees, insurance minimums, experience requirements, and renewal details before applying.
HVAC Licenses in Tennessee
Tennessee regulates HVAC contractors with 1 license type.
Contractor’s License – Mechanical (CMC)
Regulatory authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html
Who needs this license
Contractors performing HVAC and broader mechanical work (e.g., process piping, sprinklers, boilers, and related systems as defined for the CMC classification) on projects totaling $25,000 or more must hold a Tennessee Contractor’s License with the Mechanical (CMC) classification.
Core requirements
- Pass the Tennessee Business and Law exam and the Mechanical (CMC) trade exam through PSI.
- Provide a trade-appropriate reference and demonstrate relevant mechanical/HVAC experience.
- Submit a current GAAP financial statement prepared by a CPA (reviewed or audited per requested monetary limit).
- Maintain general liability coverage commensurate with your monetary limit and carry workers’ compensation (or file an exemption, if eligible).
- Register your business with the Tennessee Secretary of State if applicable.
Exams
Provider: PSI Services LLC
Exams required: Tennessee Business and Law; Mechanical (CMC) trade exam.
Fees
- Application fee: $250 (submitted with the Initial New Contractor Application via CORE).
Insurance
General liability based on the requested monetary limit and workers’ compensation (or exemption) are required.
Renewal
Renewal frequency and continuing education details are not specified in the provided references.
Contact the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors to confirm fees, insurance minimums, experience requirements, and renewal details before applying.
📍 Permitting Is Local in Tennessee
While licensing is administered by the state, permits are issued by city and county building departments. Expect local officials to verify your state license, monetary limit, insurance, and project scope during permitting.
To prep efficiently for trade exams tied to your classification, use code-focused, downloadable PDFs with detailed reference locators. Browse Tennessee contractor license practice tests and study material.
General Contractor Licenses in Tennessee
Tennessee general contractor licensing includes 2 types.
Contractor’s License (General Contractor)
Regulatory authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html
Who needs this license
A Tennessee Contractor’s License is required prior to contracting (bidding, negotiating, or signing) when the total cost of a project is $25,000 or more. Applicants select the appropriate classification(s) that match their scope of work and request a monetary limit supported by their financial statement.
Core requirements
- Pass the Tennessee Business and Law exam and any required trade exam(s) for your chosen classification(s) via PSI.
- Provide a reference letter from a past client, employer, or codes official; an informal Board interview may be requested.
- Submit a current GAAP financial statement prepared by a CPA (reviewed or audited depending on monetary limit).
- Provide proof of general liability insurance aligned with your monetary limit and workers’ compensation (or exemption).
- Submit business entity documentation (if applicable) and complete the Initial New Contractor Application via CORE.
Exams
Provider: PSI Services LLC
Exams required: Tennessee Business and Law; trade exam(s) for the requested classification(s).
Fees
- Application fee: $250 (non-refundable; paid with the Initial New Contractor Application in CORE).
Insurance
General liability and workers’ compensation (or exemption) are required. Liability minimums are tied to the license’s requested monetary limit.
Renewal
Renewal frequency and continuing education details are not specified in the provided references.
Contact the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors to confirm fees, insurance minimums, experience requirements, and renewal details before applying.
Building (BC) — Contractor Classification
Regulatory authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html
Who needs this classification
The BC classification covers residential, commercial, and industrial building construction. It is selected within the Tennessee Contractor’s License when the scope of work includes building construction consistent with BC coverage.
Core requirements
- Pass the Tennessee Business and Law exam and the BC trade exam through PSI.
- Meet contractor licensure requirements for experience, reference letter, and financial responsibility with a CPA-prepared statement.
- Provide insurance as required for the monetary limit requested and workers’ compensation (or exemption).
Exams
Provider: PSI Services LLC
Exams required: Tennessee Business and Law; Building (BC) trade exam.
Fees
- Application fee: $250 (submitted via CORE with your Initial New Contractor Application).
Insurance
General liability and workers’ compensation (or exemption) are required under contractor licensing rules.
Renewal
Renewal timing and any continuing education obligations are not specified in the provided references.
Contact the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors to confirm fees, insurance minimums, experience requirements, and renewal details before applying.
Exploring other Tennessee classifications? Browse Tennessee contractor license practice tests and study material.
Roofing Licenses in Tennessee
There is no separate, statewide roofing-only license in the provided references. Roofing work on projects of $25,000 or more falls under the state Contractor’s License with an appropriate classification (often Building—BC—or another Board-recognized classification consistent with scope). For smaller roofing projects, verify permit and credential expectations with your local building department while ensuring your state licensing aligns with project scope.
Specialty Trade Licenses in Tennessee
Specialty work in Tennessee is generally covered under the appropriate contractor classification(s) issued by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors—for example, Electrical (CE) for electrical systems and Mechanical (CMC) for HVAC/mechanical systems. Additional specialized scopes (such as fire protection or other regulated activities) may involve coordination with other state divisions while still tying back to Board-issued contractor licensing for contracting above the $25,000 threshold.
Application Process
- Determine whether your work requires a state contractor’s license (projects with a total cost of $25,000 or more, including labor and materials, for construction, repair, installation, and similar work).[5][9]
- Obtain pre‑approval where required and pass the Tennessee Business and Law exam and any required trade exam through the Board’s exam provider (PSI). Applicants generally must pass exams before submitting the license application.[10][6][4]
- Prepare a financial statement following GAAP, less than 12 months old, reviewed or audited by a CPA depending on the requested monetary limit.[5][2]
- Gather required documents, including exam score reports, financial statement, reference letter, proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance (or exemption), and business registration documents from the Tennessee Secretary of State for corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships.[5][2]
- Complete the Initial New Contractor Application online via CORE (Comprehensive Online Regulatory & Enforcement System) at core.tn.gov and pay the $250 non‑refundable application fee.[5][8][1]
- Submit the complete application and supporting documents by the 20th of the month prior to the Board’s meeting date to be considered at that meeting.[5][7]
- Await Board review; in some cases an informal interview with the Board may be required before approval.[4][7]
Timeline: Applications are processed in the order received, with a stated goal of about 30 days; other sources indicate total time from submission to license issuance is often around 4–6 weeks, depending on when the application falls in the Board’s meeting cycle.[5][2][7]
Reciprocity
Overview: The Board recognizes certain reciprocity arrangements that may allow qualified out-of-state contractors to obtain a Tennessee contractor license without retaking the trade exam. All applicants must still pass the Tennessee Business and Law exam and meet financial, insurance, and application requirements.[4]
Important: Reciprocity typically applies only to the trade exam and does not waive Business and Law, monetary limit documentation, insurance, or Board approval. Confirm current eligibility and any classification-specific conditions directly with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a contractor license in Tennessee?
Applications are processed in the order received, with a stated goal of about 30 days; other sources indicate total time from submission to license issuance is often around 4–6 weeks, depending on when the application falls in the Board’s meeting cycle.[5][2][7]
Can I transfer my license from another state to Tennessee?
Tennessee offers reciprocity pathways in some cases that may waive the trade exam for qualified out-of-state licensees, but the Tennessee Business and Law exam is still required, along with meeting all financial, insurance, and application standards. Always verify current reciprocity options with the Board.[4]
What happens if I fail the exam?
PSI administers Tennessee’s contractor examinations; review PSI’s current candidate information for retake policies and waiting periods. For LLE/LLP examination logistics, confirm the latest procedures with the Board.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. For contractor licenses, general liability (tied to your monetary limit) and workers’ compensation (or an approved exemption) are required. LLE/LLP holders may not have a separate statewide insurance mandate in the provided references, but you should verify expectations tied to your business structure and local permitting.
How do I renew my license?
Renewal timelines and continuing education expectations vary by credential and are managed by the Board. Check the latest renewal instructions and any CE updates on the Board’s site.
What if my city has different requirements than what’s shown here?
Licensing is administered by the state, but local building departments handle permitting and may request additional documentation at the project level. Always verify permit submittal requirements and license verification procedures with your local codes office before scheduling work.
Where can I find practice tests for Tennessee exams?
We offer comprehensive PDF practice tests for Tennessee contractor license exams. Each set typically includes 1,500–2,500 code-relevant questions, answer keys, and precise reference locators. 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 – Contractor License Overview
https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/license/get/contractor.html
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-05-30 -
Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors – Main Board Page
https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-05-30 -
Contractor’s License Application Package (PDF)
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/commerce/documents/regboards/contractors/forms/ContLicenseApplicationWeb.pdf
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-05-30 -
Madison County, TN – License Requirements
https://madisoncountytn.gov/572/License-Requirements
County Government Site | Accessed: 2026-05-30 -
Cleveland, TN – Contractor Licensing Requirements
https://clevelandtn.gov/271/Contractor-Licensing-Requirements
City Government Site | Accessed: 2026-05-30
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:
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 Process: Licensing is state-level; permits are issued locally by city and county building departments, which may request additional documentation during plan review.