Electrician License Requirements in Tennessee
| Licensing Authority | Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors / LLE Board (BLC/LLE) |
| License Type | LLE (Limited) / CE (Electrical Contractor) |
| Experience Required | LLE: No formal minimum (exam-based). CE: 3 years verifiable electrical experience + 1 reference letter. Apprenticeship (4 years / 8,000 hours + 576 classroom hours) satisfies CE experience. |
| Exam Required | Yes — LLE Exam + CE Business & Law + CE Electrical Trade |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks (LLE) / 4-6 weeks (CE) |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Exam Fee | $57 |
| Est. Initial Total | $107 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| CE application | $250 |
| CE exam (2 parts) | $114 |
| CE renewal | $200 |
Renewal: $50 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
LLE Exam
CE Business & Law
CE Electrical Trade
Exam provider: PSI
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
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LLE (Limited Licensed Electrician)
Projects under $25,000. No formal minimum experience required — exam serves as competency gate.
Exam: Required
CE (Electrical Contractor)
Projects $25,000+. 3 years verifiable experience required.
Exam: Required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 9 states. View full reciprocity details — You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
Notes
- Fees shown are for LLE tier — CE tier costs significantly more
- LLE is unique to Tennessee — allows electrical work under $25K without full contractor license
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an electrician license in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee requires a statewide electrician license through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors / LLE Board.
How much does an electrician license cost in Tennessee?
The estimated initial cost is $107, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for an electrician license in Tennessee?
LLE: No formal minimum (exam-based). CE: 3 years verifiable electrical experience + 1 reference letter. Apprenticeship (4 years / 8,000 hours + 576 classroom hours) satisfies CE experience.
What exams are required for an electrician license in Tennessee?
You must pass the LLE Exam and CE Business & Law and CE Electrical Trade exams. A passing score of 73% (CE) / 72.5% (LLE) is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Does Tennessee have electrician license reciprocity?
Yes, Tennessee has reciprocity agreements with 9 states that may apply to electricians. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
How long does it take to get an electrician license in Tennessee?
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks (LLE) / 4-6 weeks (CE) after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for electricians in Tennessee?
No, Tennessee does not currently require continuing education for electrician license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for electricians in Tennessee— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: BLC/LLE