Quick Reference Table
Label | Value |
|---|---|
License Type(s) | CMC‑A (Plumbing), CMC (Mechanical: Plumbing & HVAC), LLP (Limited Licensed Plumber) |
Regulating Agency | Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (TDCI) |
Experience Requirement | Written reference and financial documentation required; specific years not stated |
Required Exam | Yes, Business & Law (all), Plumbing trade (CMC/CMC‑A); pre-approval required (see Exams section) |
Exam Provider | Prov (after July 1, 2026); PSI until September 2026 |
Renewal Cycle | Annual renewal (implied, fees due annually) |
Continuing Education | Not specified by Board (verify at official Board site) |
Application Fee (Contractor, CMC/CMC‑A) | $250 (as of May 2026, official fee schedule) |
Renewal Fee (Contractor) | $200 (as of May 2026, official fee schedule) |
LLP Initial Fee | $75 (as of May 2026, official fee schedule) |
Bond Amount | $500,000 or $1,000,000 for monetary/unlimited limit (see Board requirements) |
Board Homepage | |
Apply/Renew | How to Get a License, Renewal & Fees |
Forms | Forms and Downloads |
License Lookup | License Search |
Who Needs a License in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, you need a plumbing contractor license if the total value of your plumbing work is $25,000 or more, including materials, labor, and profit, on any residential, commercial, or industrial project. This rule covers general contractors, prime contractors, and subcontractors who seek to bid or perform such work anywhere in the state.
According to plumbing license requirements in Tennessee, plumbing work involves the installation, alteration, or repair of piping, fixtures, appliances, and appurtenances for water, gas, and waste systems inside buildings. It does not include outside utility or irrigation lines. If you are an employee performing plumbing work only for your W-2 employer and not offering services directly to the public, you are generally not required to hold a contractor license yourself, but your employer must be properly licensed for relevant jobs.
Subcontractors must hold the appropriate plumbing license if their portion of the contract meets or exceeds the $25,000 threshold, regardless of whether the overall contract is larger or smaller. In contrast, if all of your plumbing work on a given project remains under $25,000, you may use a Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) credential as long as you comply with local permit authority rules. LLPs do not have statewide contractor status, cannot advertise as plumbing contractors, and may not perform work above the $25,000 limit. There is no broad “owner‑builder” or unlicensed handyman exemption for plumbing work in Tennessee at the state level, so you must consult with your municipality for any local exceptions.
Plumbing License Types
There are three main types of plumbing licenses in Tennessee: CMC‑A, CMC, and LLP. Each allows a different scope of work, and each comes with specific requirements under plumbing license requirements in Tennessee. Understanding which classification covers your business activities is key to staying compliant.
CMC‑A – Plumbing Contractor: This is the primary state-level plumbing license. It allows you to contract for, supervise, and perform plumbing work statewide on projects at or above $25,000. You must pass the trade exam (for plumbing) and the Business & Law exam; pre-approval is required.
CMC – Full Mechanical (Plumbing & HVAC): This license allows you to contract and perform both plumbing and HVAC (mechanical) work. The same exams as CMC‑A are required. Opt for this structure if you plan to offer both mechanical and plumbing services.
Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP): This credential is for individuals performing plumbing work on single projects with values under $25,000. It does not equate to a full contractor license. You must follow local rules, cannot advertise as a statewide plumbing contractor, and must not combine projects to avoid the limit. State-licensed CMC/CMC‑A holders are exempt from the LLP requirement.
Contractors with a CMC or CMC‑A license can work on projects of any size and are not subject to municipal LLP limitations. If you want to perform plumbing in multiple counties or cities, especially on larger jobs, the CMC‑A or CMC license is required. Review all license scopes before you apply because the Board enforces these distinctions strictly.
Plumbing License Requirements in Tennessee: How to Get Licensed
There are several steps to legally obtain a plumbing license in Tennessee. The plumbing license requirements in Tennessee set forth both documentation and exam obligations. Follow these steps to ensure you meet every statutory and procedural rule.
Preparing Your Business
Register Your Business: First, register your business entity with the Tennessee Secretary of State, including charter, partnership, or articles of incorporation as required by law. This formalizes your business structure and is mandatory for license creation.
Prepare Financial Documentation: Next, organize a financial statement. If you plan for a monetary limit of $3 million or less, you must provide a reviewed financial statement. For larger limits, submit an audited financial statement as per GAAP standards. Your statement must be less than twelve months old.
Obtain a Letter of Reference: The Board requires at least one completed Letter of Reference, typically from a past client or qualified professional familiar with your plumbing experience and integrity.
Insurance and Pre-Approvals
Secure Required Insurance: You must maintain general liability insurance coverage (amount tied to your monetary limit) and, unless you qualify for exemption, Workers’ Compensation coverage. Provide the Contractor’s Affidavit and Insurance certificates with your application.
Apply for Exam Pre-Approval: CMC‑A and CMC applicants must complete the Plumbing Pre-Approval Request Form and submit it to the Board. Do not attempt to schedule your exam until this step is complete and the Board has authorized you.
Exams, Application, and Board Review
Schedule and Take Required Exams: After Board pre-approval, schedule the Tennessee Business & Law exam and the Plumbing trade exam. Exams are open-book and, starting July 1, 2026, administered by Prov (PSI through September 2026). Passing both exams is mandatory for licensure.
Submit Full Application via CORE Portal: Access the online application through the CORE portal. You must complete the application, upload supporting forms (reference, insurance, affidavit, financial statement, pre-approval), and pay the required fees. Your application remains valid in process for six months, so collect all documents in advance.
Post a Bond (If Needed): If your monetary limit requires, have your insurance agent or surety submit the correct bond: $500,000 (reviewed/audited statement) or $1,000,000 (unlimited limit).
Board Review and Approval: The Board reviews applications at meetings held six times per year. Some approvals may take until the next scheduled meeting unless you request hardship processing for special cases.
Obtain Your License: Once approved, you will be issued your contractor's license and can lawfully begin advertising, bidding, or working on qualifying plumbing projects in Tennessee.
Processing Times and Practical Tips
Typically, processing from complete submission to Board approval depends on the meeting schedule. The Board does not perform routine background checks or fingerprinting as part of the general plumbing licensing process. However, you must answer all application questions honestly and provide up-to-date, valid documentation at every step. For more on document requirements, see the official Forms and Downloads page.
Application Requirements
Plumbing license requirements in Tennessee focus on financial responsibility, reference checks, and proof of insurance rather than narrowly defined years of experience or apprenticeship. However, you must still demonstrate real competence and business viability through required documentation.
Experience and Age Requirements
No specific minimum years of experience, age, or citizenship requirements appear in Board rules. However, every applicant must provide a Letter of Reference from a qualified individual who can attest to their plumbing competence and reliability. This is required regardless of which license level you seek.
Financial Statement and Bond
Licensed plumbing contractors must supply a financial statement prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). If your requested monetary limit is $3 million or less, submit a reviewed financial statement. For higher limits, an audited statement is mandatory. Statements must be less than twelve months old at the time of submission. To raise your monetary limit beyond financial document support, you must post a surety bond: $500,000 for a reviewed/audited supplement or $1,000,000 for unlimited license limits.
Insurance
General liability insurance is required, with coverage minimums based on your chosen license monetary limit. In addition, Tennessee law generally requires contractors to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance unless they can claim an allowable exemption. Submit all proof of insurance and related affidavits with your application package.
Background Checking and Federal Certifications
Currently, the Board does not ask for fingerprints or background checks for plumbing contractors. No federal or EPA certifications are explicitly required for state licensure. However, you must answer any Board application questions regarding criminal history truthfully, as omission or falsification can jeopardize your license. Always review Board forms or contact the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors for any changes before submitting your application.
Exams
For all contractor plumbing licenses in Tennessee, you must pass two exams: the Tennessee Business & Law exam and the appropriate Plumbing trade exam. Passing these is a core part of plumbing license requirements in Tennessee.
Required Exam Names and Structure
Tennessee Business & Law Exam: Mandatory for all CMC‑A and CMC contractor applicants.
Plumbing Trade Exam: Specific to the plumbing classification you seek (CMC‑A or CMC). Pre-approval is required before you can schedule.
Beginning July 1, 2026, all contractor exams will be offered exclusively via Prov (PSI remains available until September 2026). The exams are open-book, meaning you may use approved reference materials while testing. Details on question count, time limit, or passing score are not provided online. Verify directly with the official exam bulletin.
Exam Scheduling and Retakes
After your Pre-Approval Request Form is approved, you will schedule both the Business & Law and the trade exam via Prov (or through PSI until September 2026). Follow the exam provider's instructions for the latest rules on test center locations, permitted materials, fees, and retake policies. All exam fees must be paid directly to the provider. For the most current exam content and requirements, always use the official Board and Prov bulletins and avoid third-party outlines.
Fees
A key aspect of plumbing license requirements in Tennessee is the payment of Board-regulated fees. These fees depend upon your chosen license, class, and any late or reinstatement needs. The following are as listed on the official Board fee schedule (as of May 2026):
Contractor (CMC‑A or CMC) initial/reinstatement/ownership change: $250
Contractor license annual renewal: $200
Contractor late renewal: $20 per month, up to 12 months
LLP (Limited Licensed Plumber) initial/reinstatement: $75
LLP renewal: $50
LLP late renewal: $10 per month, up to 3 months
Pre-approval fee for trade exam: $50
Bond: $500,000 (for reviewed/audited financial statement supplements), or $1,000,000 for unlimited monetary limit
Exam provider fees are not published on the Board site. Always verify the latest exam payment and Board fees at the official schedule before budgeting your application process.
Renewal and Continuing Education
Plumbing contractor licenses in Tennessee renew annually according to plumbing license requirements in Tennessee. There is a structured late penalty for renewals, but the Board currently lists no mandatory continuing education (CE) for plumbing contractors or LLPs.
Renewal Cycle, Deadlines, and Lapses
You must renew your CMC‑A or CMC contractor license every year and pay the $200 renewal fee. If you miss the deadline, a $20 per month late penalty accrues for up to twelve months. For LLP licenses, the renewal fee is $50; late penalties are $10 per month, with a maximum of three months before reinstatement is required. If your license lapses beyond the acceptable time period, you must reapply as a new applicant and may be required to resubmit full documentation (including financials and insurance).
Continuing Education (CE)
The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors does not list any required CE hours or approved CE providers for plumbing license renewal. Verify at the Board’s site for updates or local implementation in certain cities or counties, as these requirements can change and may be added in the future.
Reciprocity
Tennessee recognizes trade exam waivers (but not full mutual recognition) with several other states for plumbing contractor license applicants. Under plumbing license requirements in Tennessee, this allows qualified out-of-state licensees to skip the plumbing trade exam, but you must still apply for and obtain a Tennessee license by meeting all other requirements.
Trade exam waiver states (includes plumbing): Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and West Virginia. Some agreements apply to specific classifications; full details are on the Board's reciprocity info.
Tennessee also accepts the NASCLA accredited National Commercial exam in place of its trade test for eligible applicants.
However, reciprocity does not allow a contractor to operate in Tennessee on their out-of-state license alone. You must complete Tennessee’s full application, pass the Business & Law exam, submit a financial statement, references, insurance, and pay all applicable fees. Documentation proving status in your home state is required for the exam waiver pathway.
Official Links
Forms and Downloads
Fees and Renewal
License Search/Consumer Tools
