Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors: Verify, Apply, Permit & Resolve
Tennessee contractor licensing is more than a $25,000 threshold. A useful check has to connect the licensed entity, classification, monetary limit, qualifying agent, insurance, project location, permit authority and actual person taking payment.
Applicants also have to navigate CORE, Prov testing, financial qualification, the new 2026 surety-bond option, entity documents and local permit rules in the correct order.
Tennessee Contractor License: The Answer Changes by Project
A Tennessee contractor license is generally required before bidding, offering to engage, negotiating a price or contracting when a prime contract is $25,000 or more. Electrical, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC and roofing subcontractors generally use a $25,000 threshold for their portion, while the masonry subcontractor threshold is generally $100,000.
Official Tennessee Contractor Action Center
These are not just links. Each card explains what to do after the official page opens, what evidence to collect, and which next action should follow.
1. Verify a contractor
Use when: you have a contractor name or license number.
- Open Tennessee’s official Public Search.
- Search the exact license number first when available.
- If necessary, repeat the search using the legal business name.
- Open the exact record instead of relying on a search-results row.
- Record the status and expiration date.
- Compare the licensed entity with the bid, contract and requested payment name.
- Then open the separate QA dashboard to connect the company with its qualifying agent.
2. Verify the Qualifying Agent
Use when: the contractor’s classification depends on a QA or you need to connect an exam qualifier with the licensed company.
- Open the official Contractor & Qualifying Agent Data dashboard.
- Use the dashboard filters to narrow to the contractor or QA.
- Click the relevant chart/record.
- Select View Data for the underlying record.
- Sort or search the table if several rows appear.
- Download the underlying data if you need a dated project file.
3. Start a contractor application
Use when: exams and supporting documents are already being prepared.
- Open CORE and create an account or sign in.
- Select the application/start-action option.
- Choose the Tennessee contractor credential that matches your intended work.
- Enter the legal entity exactly as supported by your financial/entity documents.
- Upload each requested attachment into its proper document category.
- Review the application before paying the nonrefundable $250 contractor fee.
- Save the submission confirmation and monitor CORE for deficiencies.
4. Schedule a Prov contractor exam
Use when: you know the correct exam and do not require Board preapproval.
- Open the Prov scheduler.
- Select SELF REGISTRATION.
- Under Certifying Body select Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
- Select the exact License/Certificate examination.
- Enter the candidate identity and contact information exactly.
- Choose the date, time and testing location or eligible remote option.
- Add the appointment to cart.
- Complete payment within the 10-minute reservation period or the slot can be released.
- Save the emailed invoice and appointment confirmation.
5. Determine the residential permit authority
Use when: building or adding to a Tennessee one- or two-family residence or townhouse.
- Open the State Residential Building Program jurisdiction page.
- Search the county and incorporated city separately.
- Read the status: SRBP, EXEMPT or OPT OUT.
- If the state program controls, use CORE to purchase/service the residential permit.
- If locally exempt, contact the local codes/building office instead.
- Separately check zoning, septic/sewer, floodplain and electrical approvals—they are not automatically included in the building permit.
6. File a contractor complaint
Use when: you believe there is unlicensed activity, misconduct or a contractor-law/rule violation.
- Collect the contract, changes, invoices, payments, photographs, permits and communications first.
- Open the official Board complaint page.
- Follow its formal complaint link.
- Select the contractor-related program/profession when prompted.
- Identify the respondent with the exact licensed/legal name and license number.
- Describe events chronologically rather than submitting only conclusions.
- Upload supporting evidence.
- Submit and save the confirmation email and complaint number.
Who Needs a Tennessee Contractor License?
| Role / work | Current state trigger | What is counted | What to do before pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prime / general contractor | $25,000 or more. | Total project cost. | Have the proper contractor license before bidding, offering or negotiating the covered project. |
| Construction manager / consultant | $25,000 or more total project value. | Project being managed. | Do not assume “consultant” avoids contractor licensing. |
| Electrical subcontractor | $25,000 or more for its portion. | Labor, materials and equipment. | Check CE classification and project monetary limit. |
| Mechanical / HVAC / plumbing subcontractor | $25,000 or more for its regulated portion. | Labor, materials and equipment. | Identify the exact CMC classification and any exam preapproval. |
| Roofing subcontractor | $25,000 or more for its portion. | Labor, materials and equipment. | Check the contractor classification covering roofing. |
| Masonry subcontractor | $100,000 or more for masonry portion. | Masonry portion of project. | Check the Licensed Masonry Contractor route. |
How to Read a Tennessee Contractor Record Without Missing the Important Parts
TDCI says its public license search is updated daily and can show status, expiration and public disciplinary information. A serious contractor check should then connect that result with classification, monetary authority, qualifying-agent information and project permits.
Start with the license number
Copy it from the written proposal rather than from memory. Search the legal name separately if the number produces an unexpected record.
Match the licensed entity
Compare the state record with the entity named on the estimate, contract, invoice, insurance certificate and payment instructions.
Record status and expiration
Do not accept “renewal is pending” as the same thing as an active license. Recheck if the project starts later or the license is close to expiration.
Check the classification
A contractor may be legitimately licensed yet still hold a classification that does not cover the principal work being sold.
Check monetary authority
Compare the licensed monetary limit with the complete project or contract. Tennessee generally provides a 10% tolerance, except for restricted residential BC-A/r.
Connect the qualifying agent
Use Tennessee’s separate QA dashboard when the qualifying individual matters to the classification or permit file.
Review public discipline
Read dates, disposition and the exact licensed entity. Do not confuse a complaint allegation with a final disciplinary finding.
Verify the permit separately
The state contractor license does not prove that a building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, zoning, sewer/septic or other project approval has been obtained.
Tennessee Qualifying Agent: What the QA Does—and Does Not Prove
The license belongs to the entity
The qualifying agent is not automatically the owner of the license. Tennessee issues the contractor license to the business entity meeting the application requirements.
QA can be owner, officer or employee
The current contractor page allows a QA to be an owner, full-time employee or officer. A QA without ownership must use the Board’s Power of Attorney process.
One person need not take both exams
Tennessee says the same person who takes Business and Law does not have to take the trade exam. Up to two people may take each exam for the company.
QA departure is time-sensitive
When a QA leaves, the current renewal/revision guidance says a replacement must be designated within three months or the affected classification becomes invalid until a replacement is added.
Contractor vs Home Improvement vs LLE vs LLP
| Credential | Typical Tennessee use | Initial fee | Critical local check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contractor | Covered prime contracts of $25,000+; certain regulated subs; construction managers/consultants. | $250 | Project permits and local business/trade requirements remain separate. |
| Home Improvement | Covered residential remodeling from $3,000–$24,999 in adopting counties. | $250 | Only nine Tennessee counties currently use this state program. |
| LLE | Electrical work below $25,000 where the local jurisdiction accepts the state Limited Licensed Electrician route. | $50 | Always ask city/county codes whether LLE is accepted. |
| LLP | Plumbing work below $25,000 where the local jurisdiction uses/accepts the state LLP. | $75 | General maintenance below $500 is exempt from LLP, but local requirements may remain. |
Home Improvement license counties
For qualifying residential remodeling from $3,000 through $24,999, the Tennessee Home Improvement license currently applies in:
- Bradley County
- Davidson County
- Hamilton County
- Haywood County
- Knox County
- Marion County
- Robertson County
- Rutherford County
- Shelby County
Tennessee Credential Route Helper
This independent tool provides a starting route only. It does not determine legal eligibility or query government systems.
Tennessee Contractor Application: Prepare This Before Opening CORE
The easiest way to make CORE feel difficult is to open it before classification, QA, examination, financial, insurance and entity decisions are settled.
Decide the licensed entity
Use one exact legal name and mode of operation across the application, financial documentation, Secretary of State record, insurance, bond/guaranty/LOC documents and affidavit.
Choose classification before the exam
Use the official Classification Outline to identify whether the requested scope requires Business and Law only or Business and Law plus a trade exam.
Choose a monetary limit
Do not automatically request “unlimited.” The requested limit controls financial qualification, insurance minimums and—if using the 2026 surety-bond route—the required bond amount.
Designate the qualifying agent
Decide who will provide qualifying examinations and experience. Prepare the Power of Attorney when the QA relationship requires it.
Complete required examinations
Business and Law is required for new contractor applicants unless a specific Board-approved alternative applies. Take the appropriate trade test when the classification requires it.
Prepare financial qualification
Choose between the current CPA financial-statement route and the July 2026 Contractors’ Surety Bond alternative. Do not confuse the new bond with a line of credit or guaranty agreement.
Get a qualifying reference
The Board says the reference may come from a past client/employer who can speak to construction experience or a code official who inspected the work. It does not have to be a Tennessee resident and cannot be a family member.
Prepare insurance evidence
Obtain the correct general-liability certificate and workers’ compensation evidence or valid exemption documentation before submission.
Complete the Contractor’s Affidavit
The current Board page says applicable QA, owners, partners, members, primary officers and major stockholders must sign/notarize as required. Check every block and attach explanations where requested.
Prepare entity standing
Corporations, LLCs and other applicable entities should be properly registered with the Tennessee Secretary of State and use the exact same entity name.
Open CORE only after the file is ready
Complete the Initial New Contractor Application, upload the supporting documents, pay the current $250 fee and monitor the account for deficiencies.
Contractor Application File Checker
Check only items already prepared. This does not preapprove an application.
Prov Contractor Exam Playbook: Scheduling, $53 Fee, Books and Test Day
The current Tennessee Prov Candidate Information Bulletin is dated June 15, 2026. It replaces stale PSI-era instructions for new Prov appointments.
$53 per examination
The current Prov bulletin sets the fee at $53 for each examination, whether it is the first attempt or a retake.
Open-book
Tennessee contractor examinations administered through Prov are computerized and open-book, subject to the bulletin’s approved-reference rules.
73% passing standard
The current Prov bulletin states that 73% is the passing standard and results are sent by email after testing.
Before scheduling
- Confirm the exact examination through the Tennessee classification outline.
- Do not ask Prov to choose your license classification; classification questions belong to the Board.
- CMC Full Mechanical and CMC-A Plumbing candidates must obtain Tennessee Board approval first.
- CMC-A applicants must demonstrate at least three years of plumbing experience or qualifying plumbing/mechanical engineering education.
- The Board’s current exam page lists a $50 fee for the CMC/CMC-A preapproval request.
Testing-center and remote options
The June 2026 bulletin lists Tennessee testing locations in Chattanooga, Greenville, Memphis, Murfreesboro and Tullahoma and also offers Examroom remote testing on eligible appointments. Confirm the actual available location/address when scheduling because testing inventory can change.
Test-day rules that can cost you the fee
| Item | Current Prov rule | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival | Centers open at least 15 minutes before appointments. Late candidates may be turned away. | Arrive early enough to complete check-in before the session begins. |
| ID | Current government-issued photo ID. Expired ID, temporary/paper licenses and birth certificates are not accepted. | Make the registration name match the ID. |
| Calculator | Simple four-function calculator permitted; a basic calculator is also built into the test. | Do not bring a programmable calculator. |
| Book highlighting | Allowed. | Use highlighting to speed reference searches. |
| Tabs | Permanent tabs allowed; movable tabs/Post-it notes prohibited. | Prepare books with permanent tabs only. |
| Handwritten notes | Not permitted in reference books. | Remove/erase handwritten notes before test day. |
| Photocopies | Photocopied books/documents are not accepted as approved references. | Bring authorized published references. |
| Cancellation | Cancel/reschedule at least three business days before the test. | Change the appointment before the deadline or risk forfeiting the $53 fee. |
CPA Financial Statement vs 2026 Surety Bond vs LOC vs Guaranty
These documents are not interchangeable. The right document depends on whether you are replacing the basic financial statement or supplementing financial capacity.
| Option | Purpose | Current high-level rule | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reviewed financial statement | Base initial financial qualification. | Requested limits of $3,000,000 or less use an independent CPA/LPA reviewed statement. | Submitting a compiled or tax-basis statement for an initial application. |
| Audited financial statement | Base initial financial qualification for higher limits. | Requested limits above $3,000,000 use an audit. | Assuming a review is sufficient for a higher requested limit. |
| 2026 Contractors’ Surety Bond | Alternative to the CPA-reviewed/audited initial financial statement. | At least 50% of the requested monetary limit using the Board-approved form. | Using an ordinary commercial bond form rather than the Tennessee Board form. |
| Line of Credit | Supplement working capital under the financial-statement route. | Board-form LOC can improve working-capital support; it does not increase net worth. | Treating LOC as the new 2026 financial-statement replacement bond. |
| Guaranty Agreement | Supplement the applicant’s financial position with qualifying supporting financials. | Use the Board’s current agreement/form requirements. | Using a parent/personal guarantee without the required Tennessee format/support. |
| Older guaranty-support bond | Board-format alternative to a Guaranty Agreement in certain situations. | Board material describes $500,000, or $1,000,000 for unlimited, under that separate guaranty-support route. | Confusing this with the new 50%-of-limit Contractors’ Surety Bond. |
How Tennessee calculates a financial-statement monetary limit
Under the traditional route, Tennessee generally starts with 10 times the lesser of working capital or net worth, together with relevant project experience.
- Working capital: current assets minus current liabilities.
- Net worth: total assets minus total liabilities.
- If both are $15,000, the basic calculation can support approximately a $150,000 limit, subject to experience and Board review.
- If working capital is $10,000 but net worth is $200,000, the lesser amount controls the basic calculation, producing approximately a $100,000 limit.
- For an unlimited limit, current Board guidance calls for at least $300,000 in both working capital and net worth plus experience.
Tennessee Contractor Insurance: What the Certificate Should Actually Show
| Contractor monetary limit | Minimum general liability |
|---|---|
| Up to $500,000 | $100,000 |
| $500,001–$1,500,000 | $500,000 |
| $1,500,001–Unlimited | $1,000,000 |
Before uploading the insurance certificate
- The insured entity name should match the contractor application/license name.
- Use a current Certificate of Insurance rather than only an invoice or insurance quote.
- Make sure the policy effective and expiration dates are visible.
- Make sure the required per-occurrence limit meets the monetary-limit tier.
- The Board should be shown as certificate holder where required.
- The Board’s older Insurance Resource PDF specifies “State of Tennessee Contractors License” in the description-of-operations area.
- Workers’ compensation or valid exemption documentation is separate from general liability.
Tennessee Contractor Classifications and Monetary Limits
A Tennessee license has two separate dimensions: classification controls what type of work can be bid/performed, while monetary limit controls the maximum project/contract amount.
| Classification | Practical scope | Special point |
|---|---|---|
| BC | Full building construction across residential, commercial and industrial BC work. | Covers the BC-A/B/C building family and building subcategories identified by the Board. |
| BC-A | Residential one-, two-, three- and four-family residences not exceeding three stories, plus accessory-use structures. | Residential trade exam route. |
| BC-A/r | Restricted single-family residential. | Maximum $125,000; approved course can replace exams; no 10% tolerance or joint ventures. |
| BC-B | Commercial/public-use buildings and larger/higher residential buildings beyond BC-A scope. | Commercial building exam route. |
| BC-b(sm) | Small commercial. | Official current outline caps the classification at $1,500,000. |
| BC-C | Industrial buildings and structures. | Industrial exam route. |
| CE | Electrical contracting. | For contractor-level electrical work; local permits still apply. |
| CMC | Full mechanical. | Board preapproval is required before taking the CMC exam. |
| CMC-A | Plumbing contractor. | Board preapproval + qualifying plumbing experience/education before test scheduling. |
| CMC-C | HVAC / refrigeration. | Separate mechanical trade exam route. |
| LMC | Licensed Masonry Contractor. | Important for masonry subcontract work reaching $100,000. |
| HRA / MU / Specialty | Highway/railroad/airport, municipal/utility and specified specialty construction. | Do not infer exam requirements—use the current classification outline. |
Official Tennessee Contractor PDFs: What Each Form Is For and What to Do Next
Use the Board’s live Forms & Downloads page as the master index. Direct PDF filenames can be replaced; the index is the safest recovery route when an older saved PDF stops working.
Use for: exam fees, scheduling, test centers, remote testing, ID, books, tabs, calculators, cancellations, scores and retesting.
Use for: reference forms, application worksheets and detailed supporting-document context.
Use for: required applicant disclosures and sworn application information.
Use for: a qualifying agent who does not have the ownership relationship required to qualify without the POA.
Use for: obtaining Board approval before Full Mechanical or Plumbing contractor examination scheduling.
Use for: the July 1, 2026 alternative to the otherwise required CPA-reviewed/audited financial statement.
Use for: supplementing working capital under the financial-statement route.
Use for: supplementing an applicant entity’s financial qualification with permitted guarantor support.
Use for: requesting a Tennessee trade-exam waiver based on a participating state’s qualifying license/exam.
Use for: coverage minimums and certificate-format details.
Use for: renewal supporting financial information when required.
Tennessee Local Permits: State Program or City/County Office?
The contractor license is statewide, but permit administration is not. Tennessee’s State Fire Marshal’s Office administers residential and electrical permits in some areas while many cities/counties run their own systems.
Current residential jurisdiction codes
| Status | Meaning | Your next move |
|---|---|---|
| SRBP | Jurisdiction participates in the State Residential Building Program. | Use the state residential permit route/CORE and assigned state-contracted inspectors. |
| EXEMPT | Jurisdiction received an exemption based on its local code-enforcement program. | Contact the local city/county building department. |
| OPT OUT | Jurisdiction voted out of the standard state residential program. | Check local requirements and the separate SFMO voluntary/statewide inspection option when a state CO is useful. |
Unincorporated county areas currently listed for a state residential permit
- Chester County
- Giles County
- Hardeman County
- Hawkins County
- Lauderdale County
- Meigs County
- Smith County
Show the current state-permit city list
As of the current Tennessee state permit page reviewed for this article, a state residential building permit is required within the city limits of the following listed municipalities. Recheck the official page immediately before purchasing a permit because jurisdiction status can change.
Alexandria, Allardt, Bean Station, Benton, Bethel Springs, Blaine, Bluff City, Braden, Clarksburg, Clifton, Collinwood, Copperhill, Cottage Grove, Decatur, Decaturville, Doyle, Dresden, Eastview, Elkton, Englewood, Enville, Etowah, Finger, Friendsville, Gibson, Graysville, Gruetli-Laager, Guys, Halls, Henry, Hickory Valley, Hollow Rock, Hornsby, Iron City, Jellico, Kenton, LaFollette, Lakewood, Liberty, Loretto, Lynnville, Mason, McKenzie, McLemoresville, Middleton, Milledgeville, Mitchellville, Newbern, Niota, Normandy, Orme, Parker’s Crossroads, Parsons, Pikeville, Ramer, Red Boiling Springs, Rutherford, Saulsbury, Saltillo, Scotts Hill, Silerton, Sunbright, Tellico Plains, Tennessee Ridge, Toone, Trimble, Watertown, Waynesboro, Whiteville, Williston, Winfield, Woodbury and Yorkville.
If the State Residential Building Program applies
Purchase the permit
Create/sign into CORE and use the residential permit service, or use an authorized issuing agent where available.
Do not treat the building permit as every approval
The official state permit notice says the residential permit is not zoning approval, grading/fill approval, floodplain compliance, septic/sewer approval or an electrical permit.
Schedule foundation inspection before concrete
Foundation/footing or monolithic-slab inspection occurs before the pour. A separate slab inspection can apply when a living-space slab and footing are poured separately.
Schedule rough-in/framing
Framing, fire/draft stopping, bracing and rough plumbing/mechanical/electrical should be ready at the applicable inspection point.
Request final before occupancy
The final inspection is made when permitted work is complete and before occupancy.
State residential permit cost examples
| Estimated construction cost | Base state residential permit fee | Possible additions |
|---|---|---|
| $0–$5,000 | $100 | $100 plumbing/HVAC inspection where applicable; $100 non-monolithic living-space slab inspection where applicable. |
| $5,001–$100,000 | $350 | Same applicable $100 inspection additions. |
| $100,001–$150,000 | $400 | Same applicable $100 inspection additions. |
| $150,001–$200,000 | $450 | Same applicable $100 inspection additions. |
For higher construction values the official fee table continues in $50 increments for each listed $50,000 construction-cost band. Always use the current state fee schedule for the exact amount.
Electrical permit routing
Tennessee’s State Fire Marshal’s Office operates electrical permitting/inspection across much of the state, but numerous municipalities are exempt and use their own electrical inspection programs.
Examples of exempt/local electrical jurisdictions include Nashville/Davidson County, Knoxville, Kingsport, Clarksville, Cookeville, Franklin, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Murfreesboro, Mt. Juliet, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Jackson and all of Shelby County including Memphis and its listed municipalities.
Which Tennessee Number Should You Call?
| Your question | Office | Current number | Have this ready |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contractor license / classification / QA / LLE / LLP | Board for Licensing Contractors | 615-741-8307 | License/application number, project value, classification and county. |
| Prov scheduling / exam appointment | Prov | 866-720-7768 | Exact Tennessee exam title and candidate identity. |
| State electrical/residential permit or inspection | SFMO Residential/Electrical Contract Inspections | 615-741-7170 | Project address, permit number if issued, inspection type and ready date. |
| Statewide electrical inspection management | SFMO | 615-815-7118 | Project jurisdiction and permit/inspection issue. |
| Middle Tennessee electrical inspection | SFMO regional supervision | 615-947-1204 | County/city, permit number and inspector question. |
| West Tennessee electrical inspection | SFMO regional supervision | 731-333-7011 | County/city, permit number and inspection issue. |
| State residential inspection supervision | SFMO Residential Supervisor | 731-433-9917 | Permit and jurisdiction details. |
| Tennessee Secretary of State business registration | TN Secretary of State | 615-741-2286 | Exact LLC/corporation name. |
| Edison supplier-account access | Edison Help Desk | 615-253-4758 | Supplier/account information. |
For a local permit question in an exempt city or county, the relevant municipal/county codes office controls. Do not call the State Board expecting it to interpret a local zoning or permit ordinance.
Renewal, RCE, Late Renewal, QA Changes and Address Updates
Contractor renewal workflow
- Log into CORE when the renewal option appears within 90 days before expiration.
- Start early; Tennessee recommends submission at least 30 days before expiration.
- Prepare the renewal financial document required for the current monetary limit.
- Upload current general-liability insurance.
- Upload workers’ compensation or qualifying exemption documentation.
- Corporations/LLCs should show active Secretary of State status.
- Upload residential continuing-education evidence when applicable.
- Pay the current $200 contractor renewal fee.
- After processing, verify the new expiration in the public search.
Current renewal financial-document split
Residential Continuing Education
The Board’s current RCE provider page says contractors with BC-A, BC-A/r and BC-A,b(sm) residential classifications who were first licensed after January 1, 2009 must provide eight hours of Board-approved Residential Continuing Education as a condition of renewal.
- The qualifying agent obtains the RCE for the entity.
- When multiple residential QAs exist, only one individual must complete the RCE for the license.
- Attach the completion certificate with the renewal documents in CORE.
- The Board instructs licensees to submit RCE evidence at renewal rather than sending certificates separately in advance.
Late renewal
| Credential | Grace period | Late fee | After grace period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contractor | 12 months | $20 per month | Reapply under current initial/reinstatement requirements. |
| Home Improvement | 3 months | $10 per month | New/reinstatement application route. |
| LLE / LLP | 3 months | $10 per month | Current reinstatement/new application route. |
QA, entity and address changes
- QA replacement generally must be designated within three months when a QA leaves.
- A new QA may need trade-exam scores or reciprocal verification, POA and experience documentation.
- Business and Law is not required again solely because a new QA is being added under the current QA-change guidance.
- A licensee must notify the Board of an address change in writing within 30 days.
- CORE provides an Update License or Permit Quick Actions tile for applicable changes.
- Some ownership or mode-of-operation changes require a revised/new license; do not assume the old entity license transfers automatically.
Tennessee Reciprocity and NASCLA: Trade Exam Waiver, Not a License Transfer
| State | Current TDCI-listed trade-waiver categories |
|---|---|
| Alabama | General, Electrical, Residential, HVAC |
| Arkansas | Commercial/Residential Building only |
| Georgia | Electrical |
| Louisiana | Residential, Commercial, Electrical, Mechanical |
| Mississippi | Residential, Commercial, Electrical, Mechanical (Unlimited) |
| North Carolina | Residential/Commercial Building, Electrical |
| Ohio | Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC |
| South Carolina | Commercial-only Building, Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing under the applicable board |
| West Virginia | Residential, Commercial, Industrial Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Masonry |
NASCLA Commercial and Electrical
TDCI’s reciprocity support article updated April 10, 2026 states that Tennessee accepts the NASCLA National Commercial and Electrical examinations for applicable trade-exam waiver purposes.
Reciprocity workflow
- Identify the Tennessee classification first.
- Confirm that the source-state credential appears in Tennessee’s current waiver list.
- Open the official License Verification and Waiver of Trade Exam form.
- Complete your applicant portion.
- Send the form to the source-state licensing authority for official certification.
- Include the completed verification with the Tennessee application.
- Complete Tennessee Business and Law unless a specific exception applies.
- Complete the remaining Tennessee financial/bond, insurance, entity and affidavit requirements.
- Wait for Tennessee license issuance before covered contracting.
Contractor Benefits, Assistance and Business Opportunities Beyond the License
Licensing is a compliance requirement, but several Tennessee programs can affect project timing, public contracting opportunities or homeowner ability to fund qualifying repairs.
Hardship review for an initial license or limit increase
TDCI’s hardship process is reserved for Initial General Contractor Applications and Monetary Limit Increase Requests. It cannot be used simply to expedite a renewal.
What to do
- Complete the normal application/request first.
- Have the project owner—not the contractor prepare the hardship request.
- Explain the hardship and why accelerated review is necessary.
- Explain why this contractor is needed instead of an already properly licensed contractor.
- Identify the project, location and bid/need date.
- Submit the Board’s hardship form/letter with the complete file.
Military / military-spouse licensing transition
An eligible service member or spouse stationed in Tennessee may qualify for a temporary Regulatory Boards licensure exemption while transitioning to Tennessee licensing.
CORE steps
- Open CORE.
- Create an account or sign in.
- Select Apply.
- Search for Armed Forces.
- Select the profession/license type.
- Upload active-duty orders and a Certificate of Good Standing for the out-of-state license.
The exemption is temporary and eligibility is profession-specific. The individual must apply for Tennessee licensure by the earlier of the out-of-state license expiration or one year after Tennessee registration.
State construction opportunities through STREAM
State of Tennessee Real Estate Asset Management (STREAM) oversees many state capital construction and maintenance projects outside highway work and publishes construction solicitations.
How to use it
- Open the STREAM Contractors page.
- Open the current Construction Bid List or RFP page.
- Read the project scope and license requirement.
- Check pre-bid meeting information.
- Contact the listed designer/procurement officer—not ContractorsBoard.org—for project questions.
- Recheck amendments before bidding.
Register as a Tennessee state supplier
The Central Procurement Office says a supplier can view opportunities without registration, but must be registered through Edison to receive an award and automated solicitation notifications.
After opening Supplier Information
- Follow the supplier-registration job aid.
- Obtain the state Supplier ID.
- Add accurate UNSPSC category codes for your services.
- Complete required Tennessee Department of Revenue registration.
- Maintain the Edison supplier profile; Tennessee recommends reviewing/updating it every 90 days.
- Use Edison and state ITB/RFP pages to monitor solicitations.
Edison account help: 615-253-4758.
GO-BID / small and underutilized business resources
Tennessee connects eligible small, minority-owned, women-owned, disability-owned and service-disabled-veteran businesses with GO-BID certification and contracting resources.
Certification does not replace contractor licensing, but it can help an eligible firm participate in state procurement programs and find contracting resources.
TDOT contractor work
TDOT contracting has requirements in addition to the ordinary state contractor license.
Prime-contractor starting sequence
- Complete TDOT contractor prequalification.
- Maintain prequalification in good standing.
- Review the current bid letting and proposal.
- Use Bid Express for electronic bidding when required.
- Confirm the TDCI contractor classification required by the project.
TDOT DBE technical assistance
TDOT’s Small Business Development Program says certified DBE firms can receive group and individualized training and technical assistance at no cost and can appear in the statewide DBE directory.
Current status warning: the program page reviewed August 31, 2026 states that new DBE applications are temporarily on hold while the program is reevaluated.
Program information: 615-741-3681 or 1-888-370-3647.
Homeowner benefit: THDA Emergency Repair Program
This is not a contractor-board program, but it can matter when a Tennessee homeowner is searching for a contractor because they cannot afford an essential repair.
THDA’s Emergency Repair Program can provide qualifying elderly or disabled low-income homeowners a grant of up to $24,999. The grant does not require repayment or a property lien.
Minimum THDA conditions include
- Age 60+ or disability.
- Principal residence.
- At least three years living in the home.
- Ownership interest.
- Applicable household income limits.
- Current property taxes.
Tennessee Homeowner Contractor Verification Checklist
- Exact license number searched in Tennessee’s live public database.
- Licensed legal entity matches proposal, contract, invoice and payment recipient.
- Current status and expiration checked.
- Classification matches the principal project scope.
- Monetary limit covers the complete project under Tennessee rules.
- Qualifying agent checked where relevant.
- Public disciplinary information reviewed.
- General-liability certificate received and legal entity matched.
- Workers’ compensation/exemption question addressed.
- Building and trade permit responsibility written into the contract.
- Permit authority independently confirmed with city/county or SFMO.
- Written scope identifies materials, exclusions and allowances.
- Payment stages correspond with measurable work/material milestones.
- Change orders require written approval before extra work/cost.
- Relevant project references were checked separately from licensing.
Owner-builder rule is limited
Tennessee’s state residential permit FAQ says an owner may construct one residence for the owner’s own use once every two years without being a licensed contractor, provided the home is not for resale, lease or rent. A hired contractor whose portion reaches $25,000 does not inherit that owner exemption.
Tennessee Contractor Complaint: Build the Evidence File Before Submitting
A chronological, documented complaint is more useful than a long narrative with no contract, permit or payment evidence.
Complaint evidence packet
- Exact respondent legal/business name.
- Tennessee license number if one was represented.
- Dated screenshot/PDF of the official search result.
- Signed contract and proposals.
- Every written change order.
- Invoices and receipts.
- Checks, card records or electronic-payment evidence.
- Dated project photographs/video.
- Building/trade permit and inspection records.
- Correction notices.
- Email/text correspondence.
- Written repair/refund/completion requests.
- Timeline identifying dates money was paid, work began/stopped and problems were reported.
After you click the complaint link
- Open the formal TDCI complaint intake route.
- Select the appropriate contractor-related program when prompted.
- Enter the respondent exactly as shown in the government record.
- Describe what occurred in date order.
- Identify the Tennessee licensing issue separately from workmanship/payment allegations.
- Attach the strongest supporting documents.
- Submit the complaint.
- Save the confirmation email and assigned complaint number.
- Use the complaint number for subsequent communications.
What the Board process can do
It can review allegations within regulatory jurisdiction and pursue discipline or other licensing enforcement when supported.
What it cannot promise
The Board expressly says it cannot provide legal advice or represent a private consumer seeking a refund or reimbursement.
Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors Address, Phone, Email & Map
Contractor licensing phone
Best for classification, contractor/HI/LLE/LLP, QA and licensing-process questions.
contractors.home-improvement@tn.gov
Include the license/application number and concise question. Do not send sensitive documents outside an instructed official route.
Board office / mailing location
Board for Licensing Contractors
500 James Robertson Parkway
Davy Crockett Tower
Nashville, TN 37243-1150
Useful call script
2026 Source Conflicts and Stale-Document Warnings
Use these as current controls
- Live Tennessee Board contractor requirement page.
- Live Tennessee fee page.
- Current CORE system.
- Prov June 15, 2026 Candidate Bulletin.
- Current Board renewal/RCE pages.
- Current SFMO jurisdiction/permit pages.
- Dated April 10, 2026 TDCI reciprocity guidance.
Use older PDFs carefully
- Some application PDFs still reference PSI.
- The CMC/CMC-A preapproval PDF still includes PSI-era wording.
- The Insurance Resource PDF carries an old revision date.
- Older renewal forms may describe paper-mailing procedures that are secondary to current CORE workflow.
Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors FAQs
Where is the official Tennessee contractor license lookup?
The official Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance public license search is at search.cloud.commerce.tn.gov. Search the exact license number when possible, open the record, and compare current status and expiration with the licensed business shown on the project documents.
When does a Tennessee contractor need a license?
A contractor license is generally required before bidding, offering to engage, negotiating a price or contracting on a project of $25,000 or more. Electrical, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC and roofing subcontractors generally use a $25,000 threshold for their portion, while masonry subcontractors generally use a $100,000 threshold.
Does a project below $25,000 require no Tennessee license?
No. A smaller project may still trigger Tennessee Home Improvement licensing, LLE, LLP, a city/county trade license, business license or project permit. The work type and project location must be checked separately.
How much is the Tennessee contractor license application?
The current initial contractor application fee is $250 and the standard contractor renewal fee is $200. Board transaction fees are nonrefundable.
Who administers Tennessee contractor exams in 2026?
Prov became the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors’ new exam provider beginning July 1, 2026 for new scheduling. PSI continues only for previously scheduled appointments during the stated 2026 transition period.
How much does a Tennessee Prov contractor exam cost?
The current June 15, 2026 Prov Candidate Information Bulletin lists a fee of $53 for each examination, including retakes.
What is the passing score for Tennessee Prov contractor exams?
The current Prov Tennessee bulletin uses a 73% passing standard. Passing the examination does not issue the contractor license; the applicant must still satisfy the Tennessee Board’s licensing requirements.
Can I use a surety bond instead of a Tennessee CPA financial statement?
Yes. Beginning July 1, 2026, Tennessee allows the Board-approved Contractors’ Surety Bond as an alternative to the otherwise required CPA-reviewed or CPA-audited financial statement. The bond must be at least 50% of the requested monetary limit.
Which Tennessee counties use the Home Improvement license?
The state Home Improvement program currently applies to qualifying residential remodeling from $3,000 through $24,999 in Bradley, Davidson, Hamilton, Haywood, Knox, Marion, Robertson, Rutherford and Shelby counties.
Does an LLE work everywhere in Tennessee?
No. Tennessee directs electricians to check with the city or county first. The LLE is for electrical projects below $25,000 in jurisdictions that use or accept the state LLE route; some local jurisdictions impose their own licensing and permit requirements.
Does an LLP work everywhere in Tennessee?
No. The Limited Licensed Plumber route applies to qualifying plumbing work below $25,000 in jurisdictions that use or accept the state credential. Local licensing and permit rules still have to be checked.
Does Tennessee accept NASCLA exams?
TDCI’s reciprocity guidance updated April 10, 2026 states that Tennessee accepts the NASCLA National Commercial and Electrical examinations for applicable trade-exam waiver purposes. NASCLA does not replace the Tennessee license or the remaining Tennessee application requirements.
Can I work in Tennessee using another state’s contractor license?
No. Tennessee describes reciprocity as a trade-exam waiver, not authorization to operate on another state’s license. The business must obtain the applicable Tennessee license before covered contracting.
How long does Tennessee contractor renewal stay available after expiration?
The contractor renewal grace period is currently 12 months, with a $20-per-month late fee. After 12 months or more, the licensee must reapply under the current reinstatement/initial requirements. A grace period does not mean the expired license authorizes new contracting.
How many continuing-education hours do Tennessee residential contractors need?
The current Board RCE page requires eight hours of Board-approved Residential Continuing Education for BC-A, BC-A/r and BC-A,b(sm) contractors first licensed after January 1, 2009. The qualifying agent completes the RCE on behalf of the licensed entity.
Who do I call about a Tennessee residential or electrical permit?
For the State Fire Marshal’s Office residential/electrical permit and inspection program, the current contact number is 615-741-7170. If the project is in a locally exempt jurisdiction, contact that city or county’s codes/permit office instead.
Does the Tennessee contractor board guarantee a refund after a complaint?
No. The Board says it cannot provide legal advice or represent private individuals seeking refunds or reimbursements. Its process addresses regulatory jurisdiction and discipline; mediation and private legal remedies can be separate.
Is there Tennessee assistance for an elderly or disabled homeowner who cannot afford an emergency repair?
THDA’s separate Emergency Repair Program can provide eligible elderly or disabled low-income homeowners a grant of up to $24,999 for qualifying essential repairs. Homeowners apply through a local ERP administering agency, not directly through THDA or the Contractors Board.
Tennessee Contractor Check: License + Scope + Limit + Permit
Hiring: search the live license, connect the legal entity and QA, verify classification and monetary limit, then confirm insurance and the permit authority serving the job address.
Applying: resolve classification and monetary limit before buying an exam or CPA service; then build the QA, Prov, financial/bond, insurance, affidavit and entity file before opening CORE.