General Contractor License Requirements in Tennessee
| Licensing Authority | Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (BLC) |
| License Type | BC-A (Residential) / BC-B (Commercial) / BC-C (Industrial) |
| Experience Required | Minimum 3 years of verifiable construction experience in the classification applied for. Must provide at least 1 reference letter. |
| Education Substitute | Engineering degree may reduce experience at Board's discretion. Limited License course available through TN community colleges for residential under $125,000. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Business & Law + Trade Exam (classification-specific) |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 8 hours every 2 years (BC-A residential only) |
| Processing Time | 4-6 weeks (Board meets every other month) |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $250 |
| Exam Fee | $114 |
| Est. Initial Total | $364 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Business & Law exam | $57 |
| Trade exam | $57 |
Renewal: $200 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Business & Law
Trade Exam (classification-specific)
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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BC-A (Residential)
Single-family, up to 4 units, up to 3 stories
Exam: Required
BC-B (Commercial)
Commercial and public buildings
Exam: Required
BC-C (Industrial)
Industrial construction
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
- License required for projects $25,000+
- Financial statement required: reviewed CPA (under $1.5M) or audited CPA (over $1.5M)
- Monetary limit = 10x working capital or 10% of net worth (whichever is less)
- NASCLA exam scores accepted
Local requirements on top of your Tennessee license
The BLC general contractor license is the credential that lets you work anywhere in Tennessee. On top of it, most Tennessee cities and counties require a local business license (a tax registration) to operate, and a few add their own contractor registration or permit. These are in addition to your state license, not a replacement — always confirm the rules with the city or county where the job is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor license in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee requires a statewide general contractor license through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
How much does a general contractor license cost in Tennessee?
The estimated initial cost is $364, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a general contractor license in Tennessee?
Minimum 3 years of verifiable construction experience in the classification applied for. Must provide at least 1 reference letter. Education substitute: Engineering degree may reduce experience at Board's discretion. Limited License course available through TN community colleges for residential under $125,000.
What exams are required for a general contractor license in Tennessee?
You must pass the Business & Law and Trade Exam (classification-specific) exams. A passing score of 73% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Does Tennessee have general contractor license reciprocity?
Yes, Tennessee has reciprocity agreements with 9 states that may apply to general contractors. 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 a general contractor license in Tennessee?
Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks (Board meets every other month) after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for general contractors in Tennessee?
Yes, 8 hours per every 2 years (BC-A residential only) is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for general contractors in Tennessee— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: BLC