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How to get a plumber license in Tennessee

Requirements, license levels, and the issuing authority — sourced from Tennessee's official board.

CORRECTION: The '4yr/8,000hr + business/law exam' in current data does not apply to the LLP - the LLP requires only the trade exam. Business & Law and larger experience apply at the contractor (CMC/CMC-A) level. LLP experience specifics were not stated on the official page (secondary sources cite ~1 year).

Issuing authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (Dept. of Commerce & Insurance). Official page: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/license/get/llp.html

License levels in Tennessee

Tennessee plumber licensing at a glance

RequirementsLLP: issued to an individual who passes the LLP trade exam only (no Business & Law exam required); covers plumbing work under $25,000 per project (general maintenance under $500 is exempt). Contractor (CMC/CMC-A): required for projects of $25,000+, issued to a business entity, and requires the Business & Law exam plus a trade exam and greater documented experience.
ReciprocityNot established statewide; LLP acceptance also depends on local jurisdiction.
RenewalTwo-year renewal (renew at least 30 days before the date on the license; notices mailed 90 days prior). No active continuing-education requirement for plumbers.
NotesCORRECTION: The '4yr/8,000hr + business/law exam' in current data does not apply to the LLP - the LLP requires only the trade exam. Business & Law and larger experience apply at the contractor (CMC/CMC-A) level. LLP experience specifics were not stated on the official page (secondary sources cite ~1 year).

Questions

Do you need a license to work as a plumber in Tennessee?
CORRECTION: The '4yr/8,000hr + business/law exam' in current data does not apply to the LLP - the LLP requires only the trade exam. Business & Law and larger experience apply at the contractor (CMC/CMC-A) level. LLP experience specifics were not stated on the official page (secondary sources cite ~1 year).
What plumber license levels does Tennessee have?
The levels are Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP, projects under $25,000), Mechanical/Plumbing Contractor (CMC / CMC-A, projects $25,000 and above).
How do you get licensed as a plumber in Tennessee?
LLP: issued to an individual who passes the LLP trade exam only (no Business & Law exam required); covers plumbing work under $25,000 per project (general maintenance under $500 is exempt). Contractor (CMC/CMC-A): required for projects of $25,000+, issued to a business entity, and requires the Business & Law exam plus a trade exam and greater documented experience.
Does Tennessee have plumber license reciprocity?
Not established statewide; LLP acceptance also depends on local jurisdiction.

Related

Supply
How many plumbers in TennesseeHub
All Tennessee trades pages

Sources: www.tn.gov · www.tn.gov. Always confirm current requirements with the issuing authority.

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