Roofing Contractor License Requirements in Tennessee
| Licensing Authority | Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (BLC) |
| License Type | BC (General Contractor — Roofing classification) |
| Experience Required | 3 years of verifiable roofing/construction experience. 1 reference letter required. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Business & Law |
| Bond Required | Yes — $10,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 8 hours every 2 years (BC-A residential roofing only) |
| Processing Time | 4-6 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $250 |
| Exam Fee | $57 |
| Est. Initial Total | $307 |
Renewal: $200 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Business & Law
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.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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 · SponsoredContractor's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling terms and code references 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 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
- No separate trade exam required for roofing — Business & Law only
- License required for projects $25,000+
- Home Improvement License required in select counties (Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, Shelby, etc.) for roofing $3,000-$25,000
You're licensed in Tennessee as a roofing contractor — 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 issues the BC (General Contractor — Roofing classification); 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.
Post the bond.
Tennessee requires a $10,000 surety bond. $10,000 financial responsibility required (surety bond, cash bond, property bond, or letter of credit). How contractor bonds work→
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Tennessee requires general liability insurance for this license. GL minimum $100,000 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 roofing contractor 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 $200. Continuing education: 8 hours every 2 years (BC-A residential roofing only)
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
- Plumber license in Tennessee
Statewide license required · $132 in initial government fees · BLC/LLP
- HVAC Technician license in Tennessee
Statewide license required · $364 in initial government fees · BLC
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a roofing contractor license in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee requires a statewide roofing contractor license through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
How much does a roofing contractor license cost in Tennessee?
The estimated initial cost is $307, including application, exam, and license fees. A $10,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for a roofing contractor license in Tennessee?
3 years of verifiable roofing/construction experience. 1 reference letter required.
What exams are required for a roofing contractor license in Tennessee?
You must pass the Business & Law exam. A passing score of 73% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Do I need a bond for a roofing contractor license in Tennessee?
Yes, a $10,000 surety bond is required. $10,000 financial responsibility required (surety bond, cash bond, property bond, or letter of credit).
Does Tennessee have roofing contractor license reciprocity?
Yes, Tennessee has reciprocity agreements with 9 states that may apply to roofing 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 roofing contractor license in Tennessee?
Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for roofing contractors in Tennessee?
Yes, 8 hours per every 2 years (BC-A residential roofing only) is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for roofing contractors in Tennessee— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: BLC