Tennessee Plumber Licensing FAQs

Getting Licensed

What are the types of plumbing licenses available in Tennessee?

• Limited License Plumber (LLP)
• Contractor-Plumbing
  • CMC-A: Mechanical Plumbing
  • CMC: Full Mechanical

Who needs to be licensed for plumbing in Tennessee?

Individuals who perform any plumbing work in Tennessee must have a license.

Limited License Plumber (LLP)

• The total cost is less than $25,000; (amount includes materials and labor, unless supplied by the owner (cannot be supplied by the prime/general contractor). [See Rule 0680-1-.13]
• Location of the project; check with the local government in the city and county’s Local Codes Enforcement office to see if the LLP is accepted for permits and inspections, or if they have their own local plumbing journeyman/Contractor license required.
  • A “Business” tax license may also be required by local government

A state Contractor license with a plumbing (CMC or CMC-A) classification is required to perform projects $25,000 or more and they would not be required to obtain a separate state license as a LLP. However, they must obtain whatever local licenses are required by local government or the code enforcement, for permits and inspections. The LLP exam is not reciprocal with other states license exams. The Division of Fire Prevention adopts codes and their law covers residential inspections for LLP’s for some local governments without code enforcement agencies.

Contractor

A Contractor’s license is required prior to contracting (bidding, offering to engage, or negotiating a price) for projects $25,000 or more, when acting as one of the following: 

• Prime (General) Contractor – Bidding or contracting directly with the “owner” of the project;
• Subcontractor – Contracting directly with any contractor (not to the owner) to perform projects when the total cost of that portion on the project is *$25,000 or more, for the following (includes all materials, equipment, and labor):
  • Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, HVAC, and **Roofing; and
  • Masonry when *$100,000 and up
• Construction Management – When the value of the total project is $25,000 or more.

The individual passing the exam on behalf of the licensed entity is considered the Qualifying Agent (QA). The license does not necessarily belong to the QA unless they are also the owner of the entity, as the license may be issued to a sole proprietor, corporation, partnership or LLC. The license belongs to the owner of the business entity providing the financial statement, insurance, etc., and the license is issued in the exact name as on the financial statement.

*Masonry subcontractors must be licensed as a contractor when the project is $100,000 or more.

**Roofing subcontractors must be licensed as a contractor, effective January 1, 2014, in addition to performing work currently as a prime, for projects $25,000 or more.

Does Tennessee have reciprocal licensing with other states?

Tennessee has a reciprocal agreement with Ohio for plumbers.

Reciprocal agreements do NOT allow using another state’s license in Tennessee, but provides a trade exam waiver, only.

What fees are associated with becoming a plumber in Tennessee?

LLP

• Application: $75
• Exam: $57
• Renewal: $50

Contractor

• Exam:
  • One Portion: $57
  • Two Portions: $114
• Application: $250
• Renewal: $200

Renewing a License

When do I need to renew my Tennessee plumbing license?

Licenses expire every two years by the date on your license.

You must renew your plumbing contractor license by 30 days prior to the date listed on your license.

Renewals are mailed 90 days prior to expiration date; required to be renewed 30 days prior to expiration.

How do I renew my plumbing license in Tennessee?

To renew your license, you will need to submit an LLP renewal application. This is available to mail to the licensure board or can also be completed online.

Find links to renewal options here.

Do I need continuing education to renew my plumbing license in Tennessee?

At this time, Tennessee doesn’t require continuing education for plumbers.

My Tennessee plumbing license has expired — how do I get it reinstated?

If your license is more than 90 days expired, you will have to submit a new application with the state of Tennessee.