SPEC SHEET · TN · PLUMBER
Tennessee plumber license requirements
The answer
Tennessee licenses plumbing work at the CONTRACTOR level: any plumbing project of $25,000 or more requires the state contractor license (Business & Law exam + trade exam via Prov, open-book). Smaller jobs (under $25,000) need the Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) card in municipalities using the state inspection program; maintenance under $500 is exempt.Your paths to the license
Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) for small jobs
For projects under $25,000 in jurisdictions relying on the state Division of Fire Prevention, pass the Limited Licensed Plumber trade exam (administered by Prov) and pay $75. Always check whether your city runs its own licensing instead.
Contractor license at $25,000+
For $25,000+ work: pass the Tennessee Business & Law exam plus the trade exam (Prov; open-book; valid 2 years), submit a financial statement setting your monetary limit, and pay $250. A Qualifying Agent (owner/officer/full-time employee) takes the exams for the company.
Trade-exam waiver from 2 states
You cannot operate on another state's license, but Tennessee WAIVES the trade exam for active licensees from: Ohio (Plumbing), South Carolina (Commercial Plumbing). NASCLA National Commercial exam is also accepted. (Waivers apply to Contractors only — not LLE/LLP.)
License levels in Tennessee
| Level | What it takes | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice / technician | No state license for employees; train through apprenticeships or on the job. | — |
| Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) | For work under $25,000 in municipalities using the state Division of Fire Prevention for permits; exam-based; $75 initial. | $75 |
| Licensed Contractor (plumbing) | Required at $25,000+ (prime or subcontract); Business & Law + trade exam, financial statement, $250 initial / $200 renewal. | $250 |
Published fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Contractor initial / renewal | $250 / $200 |
| Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) initial / renewal | $75 / $50 |
The exam
| Provider | Prov (from July 2026; previously PSI) |
| Open book | Yes |
| Fees | Exam fees paid to Prov; CMC/CMC-A mechanical-plumbing exams need $50 Board pre-approval |
| Notes | Exams valid 2 years; up to 2 people may test per company. |
Moving here with a license? Renewal? The rest of the picture
Reciprocity: Trade-exam waiver only — you still apply for the Tennessee license with Business & Law exam and financials. Check your exact state pair →
Renewal & continuing education: Contractor licenses renew at $200 (late penalty $20/month); LLE/LLP renew at $50.
Watch out: Cities may run their own licensing instead of the state LLE/LLP program — always check locally. · Your monetary limit is set by your financial statement; exceeding it is a violation.
Official sources for this page
Tennessee plumber licensing FAQ
How many hours do you need to become a licensed plumber in Tennessee?
Tennessee licenses plumbing work at the CONTRACTOR level: any plumbing project of $25,000 or more requires the state contractor license (Business & Law exam + trade exam via Prov, open-book). Smaller jobs (under $25,000) need the Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) card in municipalities using the state inspection program; maintenance under $500 is exempt.
What does the Tennessee plumber license cost?
Published fees: Contractor initial / renewal $250 · Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) initial / renewal $75. Exam-vendor fees may be extra — see the sources below.
Does Tennessee have plumber license reciprocity?
Yes — verified agreements cover licensees from: Ohio, South Carolina. Trade-exam waiver only — you still apply for the Tennessee license with Business & Law exam and financials.
How often does the license renew?
Contractor licenses renew at $200 (late penalty $20/month); LLE/LLP renew at $50.
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