Plumber License Requirements in Tennessee
| Licensing Authority | Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors / LLP Board (BLC/LLP) |
| License Type | LLP (Limited) / CMC-A (Mechanical - Plumbing) |
| Experience Required | LLP: 1 year verifiable experience OR proof of local TN plumbing license. CMC-A: 3 years verifiable plumbing experience with Board pre-approval before exam. |
| Education Substitute | Apprenticeship program (4 years / 8,000 hours) satisfies CMC-A experience. |
| Exam Required | Yes — LLP Exam + CMC-A Business & Law + CMC-A Plumbing Trade |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks (LLP) / 4-6 weeks (CMC-A) |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $75 |
| Exam Fee | $57 |
| CMC-A application | $250 |
| CMC-A exam (2 parts) | $114 |
| CMC-A renewal | $200 |
| Est. Initial Total | $696 |
Renewal: $75 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
LLP Exam
40 questions2 hoursPass: 73%
CMC-A Business & Law
50 questions3 hoursPass: 73%
CMC-A Plumbing Trade
100 questions5 hoursPass: 73%
Exam provider: PSI
License Tiers
LLP (Limited Licensed Plumber)
Projects under $25,000. 1 year verifiable plumbing experience or local TN plumbing license.
Exam: Required
CMC-A (Mechanical - Plumbing)
Projects $25,000+. 3 years verifiable experience. Board pre-approval required.
Exam: Required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 9 states. You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
alabamaTrade exam waiver for General, Electrical, Residential, HVAC. Must pass TN Business & Law exam.
arkansasTrade exam waiver for Commercial Building only. Must pass TN Business & Law exam.
georgiaTrade exam waiver for Commercial and Electrical. Must pass TN Business & Law exam.
louisianaTrade exam waiver. Must pass TN Business & Law exam.
mississippiTrade exam waiver. Must pass TN Business & Law exam.
north carolinaTrade exam waiver for Residential, Commercial, Electrical. Must pass TN Business & Law exam.
south carolinaTrade exam waiver for General. Must pass TN Business & Law exam.
virginiaTrade exam waiver. Must pass TN Business & Law exam.
west virginiaTrade exam waiver. Must pass TN Business & Law exam.
Notes
- Fees shown are for LLP tier
- LLP exam waiver available for holders of a prior local TN plumbing license
- No out-of-state exam waivers for LLP
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee requires a statewide plumber license through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors / LLP Board.
How much does a plumber license cost in Tennessee?
The estimated initial cost is $132, including application, exam, and license fees.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: BLC/LLP