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 |
| Est. Initial Total | $132 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| CMC-A application | $250 |
| CMC-A exam (2 parts) | $114 |
| CMC-A renewal | $200 |
Renewal: $75 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
LLP Exam
CMC-A Business & Law
CMC-A Plumbing 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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Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredPlumber's Exam Secrets Study GuideCovers plumbing code, systems, and installation for the journeyman and master plumber exams — organized topic reviews plus practice questions for a first-try pass.See the study guide →
Mometrix · SponsoredPlumber's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency plumber-exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling code references and terms on the go.See the flashcards →Set up the business before you apply in Tennessee
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Tennessee. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→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. 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 LLP tier
- LLP exam waiver available for holders of a prior local TN plumbing license
- No out-of-state exam waivers for LLP
You're licensed in Tennessee as a plumber — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors / LLP Board issues the LLP (Limited) / CMC-A (Mechanical - Plumbing); the business that invoices Tennessee customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Bond: none required by the state.
Tennessee does not require a surety bond for this license — LLP: not required. CMC-A: may be required based on financial statement.
Carry general liability insurance.
Tennessee does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. LLP: no state insurance requirement. CMC-A: GL required. Workers comp for 1+ construction employees. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck plumber businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 2 years at $75.
Other licenses in Tennessee
- General Contractor license in Tennessee
Statewide license required · $364 in initial government fees · BLC
- Electrician license in Tennessee
Statewide license required · $107 in initial government fees · BLC/LLE
- HVAC Technician license in Tennessee
Statewide license required · $364 in initial government fees · BLC
- Roofing Contractor license in Tennessee
Statewide license required · $307 in initial government fees · BLC
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.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Tennessee?
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.
What exams are required for a plumber license in Tennessee?
You must pass the LLP Exam and CMC-A Business & Law and CMC-A Plumbing Trade exams. A passing score of 73% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Does Tennessee have plumber license reciprocity?
Yes, Tennessee has reciprocity agreements with 9 states that may apply to plumbers. 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 plumber license in Tennessee?
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks (LLP) / 4-6 weeks (CMC-A) after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Tennessee?
No, Tennessee does not currently require continuing education for plumber license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in Tennessee— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: BLC/LLP