Tennessee doesn't license general contractors at the state level—but if you inspect elevators, escalators, or dumbwaiters, you do need a specific Elevator Inspector License from the Tennessee Elevator and Amusement Device Safety Board. This guide details exactly how to obtain your license, what it costs, and the requirements to keep it active, based on the state's official statutes and rules.
Do you need a license to inspect elevators in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee requires a state-issued license for any person inspecting elevators, escalators, and dumbwaiters, as mandated by Tenn. Code § 68-121-110. The license is a specialized credential issued by the Tennessee Elevator and Amusement Device Safety Board. Unlike many states, Tennessee does not have a statewide general contractor license, making this specific inspector license a critical requirement for professional practice in this field.
Who issues elevator inspector licenses in Tennessee?
The Tennessee Elevator and Amusement Device Safety Board
The Tennessee Elevator and Amusement Device Safety Board is the state entity responsible for creating the rules, setting standards, and issuing licenses for elevator inspectors.
Authority under Tenn. Code § 68-121-110
The board's authority to license and regulate inspectors is granted by Tenn. Code § 68-121-110. This statute outlines the qualifications, examination requirements, and grounds for license revocation.
Where to apply — Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Elevator Unit
Applications and administrative support are handled by the Elevator Unit within the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. This unit acts as the operational arm of the board.
What are the requirements for a Tennessee elevator inspector license?
To qualify for an Elevator Inspector License in Tennessee, you must meet the board's standards for experience and pass a written examination.
- Qualifying Inspection Experience: The applicant must satisfy the board that they have "experience in inspecting elevators, escalators and dumbwaiters" per Tenn. Code § 68-121-110. The board has the discretion to determine if an applicant's background meets this standard.
- Written Examination: Applicants must pass a written exam administered by the board. The exam tests your knowledge of state law (Tenn. Code Ann. Title 68, Chapter 121) and the board's administrative rules (Chapter 0800-03-04).
- Application and Fees: A complete application must be submitted along with the required license and examination fees.
- Grounds for Revocation: Per Tenn. Code § 68-121-110, the board may revoke a license for incompetence, untrustworthiness, or the willful falsification of any matter or statement in an application or inspection report.
How do you apply for a Tennessee elevator inspector license (step by step)?
Follow these steps to obtain your Tennessee Elevator Inspector License:
- Obtain the Application: Contact the Department of Labor and Workforce Development's Elevator Unit to request the official application form and instructions. The current application channel is published by the Elevator Unit; confirm with the unit before applying.
- Document Your Experience: Compile detailed records of your professional experience inspecting elevators, escalators, and dumbwaiters to demonstrate you meet the qualifying standard.
- Submit the Application and Fees: Complete the application and submit it to the Elevator Unit with the non-refundable license fee of $5.00 and examination fee of $5.00.
- Schedule and Pass the Exam: Once your application is approved, you will be scheduled to sit for the board-administered written exam. If you fail, a subsequent examination fee of $5.00 applies for each re-test.
- Receive Your License: Upon successfully passing the exam, the board will issue your Elevator Inspector License.
- Renew Annually: Your license must be renewed each year to remain active. The annual renewal fee is $2.00.
How much does the Tennessee elevator inspector license cost?
The fees for obtaining and maintaining an elevator inspector license are set by statute.
- Inspector Examination Fee: $5.00
- Inspector License Fee: $5.00
- Subsequent Examination Fee: $5.00
- Annual License Renewal Fee: $2.00
Does Tennessee offer reciprocity for elevator inspector licenses?
Tennessee offers a waiver for its examination requirement but does not have automatic license reciprocity or endorsement. The board may license an inspector without examination if that person holds a valid inspector license from another state or city with examination standards "substantially equal" to Tennessee's, per Tenn. Code § 68-121-110.
"Substantially Equal" Standard
The board determines if another jurisdiction's licensing and testing standards are equivalent to Tennessee's requirements. Applicants seeking an exam waiver must provide documentation of their out-of-state license and the examination they passed to obtain it. Tennessee does not mention acceptance of NASCLA accreditation for this license in the official sources.
How long does it take to get an elevator inspector license in Tennessee?
The time required to get your license depends on the board's application review process and exam scheduling. Current application-processing and exam-scheduling timelines vary; confirm with the Elevator Unit for the most up-to-date estimates.
How do you renew a Tennessee elevator inspector license?
The Tennessee Elevator Inspector License must be renewed annually for a fee of $2.00 to remain in good standing.
Renewal Cycle and Fee
- Renewal Period: Annual
- Renewal Fee: $2.00
Continuing Education
No state-level continuing education requirement for elevator inspectors was identified in the rules and statutes reviewed.
Does Tennessee require a bond or insurance for elevator inspectors?
No bond, insurance, net worth, or financial statement requirement for elevator inspectors was identified in the official sources reviewed.
What elevator permits exist in Tennessee (and who pays)?
The following fees are paid by conveyance owners or contractors, not individual inspectors, and are required for the legal operation of elevators and related devices in Tennessee.
- Construction / Alteration Permit: $200.00
- Acceptance Inspection: $200.00 for elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, and moving walks; $150.00 for aerial passenger tramways.
- Prepaid Combined Permit: $400.00 per conveyance for a combined Construction/Alteration Permit and Acceptance Inspection.
- Annual Operating Permit: $55.00 annually for all conveyances.
- Periodic Inspection: $60.00 every six months for all conveyances.
- Temporary Operating Permit: $200.00 per month for construction use.
- Special Inspection: $200.00
- Red Tag Removal: $200.00 for unsafe conveyances.
- Failure to File Report Inspection: $50.00
- Unscheduled Follow-up Inspection: $200.00
- Annual Amusement Device Permit: $150.00 for the owner.
Who enforces the Tennessee Elevator Code?
The Tennessee Elevator and Amusement Device Safety Board, operating under the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, enforces the state's elevator code.
Board Authority and Rule Chapter
The board's rules are codified in the Rules of the Tennessee Elevator and Amusement Device Safety Board, Chapter 0800-03-04. These regulations, along with state statutes, provide the legal framework for all elevator inspections and safety standards.
Adopted Code Edition
The board adopts and enforces specific editions of national safety codes. The specific edition of the ASME A17.1 / CSA B44 code is set by rule in Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0800-03-04-.11; confirm the current adopted edition with the Elevator Unit before performing inspections.