Plumber license requirements in Tennessee.
Tennessee licenses plumbing through the Board for Licensing Contractors, and which credential you need depends on the size of the job and where it is. The Limited Licensed Plumber covers work under $25,000 in jurisdictions that use the Division of Fire Prevention; larger projects call for a contractor license with a plumbing classification.
What Tennessee requires.
Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP)
Required for plumbers working in municipalities that use the Division of Fire Prevention for permits or inspections. Covers work under $25,000 per project.
Contractor license with plumbing classification
For larger projects, or in counties that do not accept the LLP. The mechanical/plumbing and gas piping classifications sit here.
Getting the Limited Licensed Plumber
- LLP: be at least 18, legally able to work in the US, and have a year of plumbing experience
- LLP: pass the open-book plumbing exam — 40 questions, 29 correct for the required 73%
- LLP: apply online through the state’s licensing portal; the initial application fee is $75
- Contractor license: pass a business and law exam plus a trade exam, and submit financial statements reviewed or audited by a CPA, along with proof of workers’ compensation and general liability insurance
- · General maintenance work under $500 is exempt from the LLP requirement.
- · The LLP is not accepted everywhere — some counties require the contractor license instead, so confirm before you bid.
The official board
Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Department of Commerce and Insurance
Visit the boardVerified 2026-08 against the sources below. Licensing rules change — confirm with the board before relying on this page.
Tennessee plumbing licensing FAQ.
Do you need a license to do plumbing work in Tennessee?
Usually yes, but which license depends on the job and the jurisdiction. The Limited Licensed Plumber covers work under $25,000 in municipalities that use the Division of Fire Prevention for permits and inspections. Larger projects, or counties that do not accept the LLP, require a contractor license with a plumbing classification. General maintenance under $500 is exempt.
What is a Limited Licensed Plumber in Tennessee?
The LLP is Tennessee’s entry plumbing credential, issued by the Board for Licensing Contractors. It covers plumbing work under $25,000 per project in jurisdictions that use the Division of Fire Prevention, and requires a year of experience plus a passing exam score.
How hard is the Tennessee LLP plumbing exam?
It is open book, 40 questions, and you need 29 correct — a 73%. Scheduling runs through the state’s testing vendor, and the initial application fee is $75.
When does a Tennessee plumber need a full contractor license?
For projects above the LLP’s $25,000 ceiling, or in counties that do not accept the LLP. That path requires a business and law exam, a trade exam, CPA-reviewed or audited financial statements, and proof of workers’ compensation and general liability insurance.
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