Navigating plumbing licensure in Tennessee requires understanding a two-tier system administered by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors, which has distinct pathways for smaller projects versus larger, statewide work. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step path for obtaining both the Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) and the full Mechanical Contractor (CMC) license. We'll cover the specific requirements, fees, and exams you'll need to work legally and professionally in the state.
Do You Need a Plumbing License in Tennessee?
Yes, a state-issued license is required to perform plumbing work in Tennessee. The specific license you need depends on the monetary value and location of your projects. The two primary tiers are the Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) for projects under $25,000 in certain municipalities, and the Mechanical Contractor (CMC/CMC-C) license for projects exceeding that threshold anywhere in the state.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Tennessee
The Tennessee licensing system distinguishes between licenses for individuals performing smaller-scale work and licenses for business entities undertaking larger plumbing contracts.
Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP)
- Scope of Work: The LLP license authorizes plumbing work on projects where the total cost is less than $25,000 (per T.C.A. § 62-6-403). This license is typically required only in municipalities that use the state's Division of Fire Prevention for permitting and inspections.
- Authority: This is a state-level individual license, but its necessity is often tied to local government requirements.
Mechanical Contractor (CMC / CMC-C)
- Scope of Work: This license is required for all plumbing projects valued at $25,000 or more and is valid for work statewide. The "CMC" classification covers mechanical contracting, which includes plumbing, while "CMC-C" is a sub-classification specifically for plumbing.
- Authority: This is a full contractor license issued to a business entity. The business must designate a qualifying agent who has passed the required exams and meets the Board's experience standards.
How to Get a Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) License in Tennessee
Follow these steps to obtain your LLP license in Tennessee.
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Meet the Eligibility Requirements While the Board does not specify a minimum number of experience hours for the LLP license, you must be able to pass the trade exam. To apply, you will need:
- A current, government-issued photo ID
- A Social Security Number (SSN)
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Pass the LLP Trade Exam You must pass the state-approved trade examination for Limited Licensed Plumbers. As of now, the exam is administered by a testing service approved by the board. The Board has announced that a new provider, Prov, will begin administering trade exams on July 1, 2026.
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Submit Your LLP License Application After passing the exam, you can submit your complete application package to the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
- Application Checklist:
- Completed LLP application form
- Proof of passing the exam
- Copy of your photo ID and SSN
- Application Fee: The initial application and reinstatement fee is $75.
- Submission: Submit your application and fee to the Board for review.
- Application Checklist:
How to Get a Mechanical Contractor (CMC / CMC-C) License in Tennessee
Obtaining a contractor license is a multi-step process that involves qualifying an individual agent, securing insurance, and registering your business entity.
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Understand the Qualifying Agent Role Every licensed contractor entity must have a designated qualifying agent (QA). This is the individual who has passed the required exams and meets the Board's experience requirements. The QA must be a sole proprietor, partner, corporate officer, member/manager, or a full-time employee of the licensed company, as defined in rule 0680-01-.10(1).
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Meet Qualifying Agent Experience & Education Requirements The Board for Licensing Contractors sets experience and education standards for qualifying agents per T.C.A. § 62-6-102 and Chapter 0680-01 of their rules. You must provide verifiable proof of your work history.
- Experience: The specific number of required experience hours is set by the Board; confirm the current requirements with the Board before applying.
- Documentation: Be prepared to submit detailed work history, references, and potentially tax forms or transcripts to verify your background.
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Pass the Required Exams A qualifying agent must pass two separate exams:
- Business and Law Exam: This exam is required for all contractor licenses in Tennessee and covers business management, laws, and regulations.
- Trade Exam (CMC - Plumbing): This exam covers technical knowledge specific to the plumbing trade.
- Exam Provider: The exams are currently administered by PSI. The Board has announced that Prov will take over trade exam administration on July 1, 2026.
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Secure Required Insurance Before a license can be issued, you must provide proof of active insurance coverage.
- General Liability Insurance: Minimum coverage is based on your license's monetary limit.
- Workers' Compensation Insurance: Required for any business with employees. Exemptions are available for owners and corporate officers who opt out of coverage.
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Submit Your Contractor License Application Once your qualifying agent is approved and you have secured insurance, you can submit the full contractor license application.
- Application Checklist:
- Completed contractor license application
- A reviewed or audited financial statement prepared by a CPA
- Proof of general liability and workers' compensation insurance
- Copy of your business registration documents (e.g., Articles of Incorporation, LLC charter)
- Reference letters
- Proof that your qualifying agent has passed all required exams
- Application Fee: The initial application, reinstatement, or ownership change fee is $250.
- Application Checklist:
Tennessee Plumbing License Exams
Plumbing license exams in Tennessee are administered by a state-approved testing service and cover trade knowledge and, for contractor licenses, business and law principles.
LLP Exam Details
The specific content, number of questions, and time limits for the Limited Licensed Plumber exam are published by the testing service; confirm the current exam content, question count, time limit, and passing score with the Board or its approved testing provider.
CMC / CMC-C Exam Details
- Business & Law Exam: This exam covers topics like licensing laws, estimating, bidding, lien laws, financial management, tax laws, labor laws, and project management. Confirm the current number of questions, time limit, and passing score with the approved testing provider.
- Plumbing Trade Exam: This exam covers technical aspects of plumbing, including codes, installation, design, and safety. Confirm the current number of questions, time limit, and passing score with the approved testing provider.
To schedule your exams, you must first be approved by the Board. Once approved, you can register and pay for the exams directly with the testing provider (currently PSI).
Tennessee Plumbing License Fees
Obtaining a plumbing license in Tennessee involves specific application and renewal fees payable to the Board, in addition to separate exam fees paid to the testing provider.
LLP Fees
- Initial Application / Reinstatement: $75
- Biennial Renewal: $50
- Late Renewal Penalty: $10 per month (up to 3 months)
- Duplicate License: $5
CMC / CMC-C Fees
- Initial Application / Reinstatement / Ownership Change: $250
- Biennial Renewal: $200
- Late Renewal Penalty: $20 per month (up to 12 months)
Exam fees are set by and paid directly to the testing provider at the time of scheduling.
Insurance Requirements for Tennessee Plumbing Licenses
Tennessee requires licensed plumbing contractors to carry both general liability and workers' compensation insurance.
General Liability Insurance
The minimum required general liability coverage depends on the monetary limit assigned to your contractor license, as established in Board Rule 0680-6-.02.
- Monetary Limit up to $500,000: $100,000 minimum coverage
- Monetary Limit from $500,001 to $1,500,000: $500,000 minimum coverage
- Monetary Limit over $1,500,000 / Unlimited: $1,000,000 minimum coverage
Workers' Compensation Insurance
You must carry workers' compensation insurance if you have any employees. Owners and corporate officers may be eligible for an exemption, which must be filed with the Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation.
Renewing Your Tennessee Plumbing License
Both Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) and Mechanical Contractor (CMC/CMC-C) licenses in Tennessee must be renewed every two years.
- LLP Renewal Cycle: LLP licenses renew on a biennial cycle.
- CMC / CMC-C Renewal Cycle: Contractor licenses also renew on a biennial cycle.
- Process: The Board sends out renewal notices prior to the expiration date. Renewals can typically be completed online. Confirm the exact renewal deadline for your license with the Board.
- Late Renewal: Failing to renew on time will result in late fees ($10/month for LLP, $20/month for Contractor) and potential license suspension.
Continuing Education (CE) for Tennessee Plumbers
No continuing education requirement for the renewal of Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) or Mechanical Contractor (CMC/CMC-C) licenses was identified in the sources reviewed. Confirm current CE requirements directly with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors before renewing.
The only exception is for contractors holding certain residential building classifications (BC-A, BC-Ab) who were licensed after January 1, 2009; they are required to complete 8 hours of CE. This requirement does not apply to plumbing classifications.
Reciprocity and Endorsement for Tennessee Plumbing Licenses
Tennessee offers trade-exam waiver agreements with several states for contractor licenses, but the Tennessee Business & Law exam is always required for licensure.
- CMC / CMC-C Reciprocity: If you hold a plumbing contractor license in a state with a reciprocal agreement, you may be able to waive the Tennessee trade exam. You must still pass the Tennessee Business and Law exam and meet all other application requirements, including submitting a financial statement and proof of insurance. The Board publishes a current list of states with which it holds reciprocity agreements on its website.
- LLP Reciprocity / Endorsement: The cited state sources do not indicate any reciprocity or endorsement agreements for the Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) license. Confirm any potential for endorsement directly with the Board.