Tennessee plumbing license: Complete 2026 Guide

Official-source review: August 24, 2026

Tennessee plumbing license: The state contractor route generally applies when the plumbing portion reaches $25,000. The Limited Licensed Plumber credential applies below $25,000 in municipalities where the state performs plumbing inspections; other jurisdictions control their own local credential.

Fast answer: Confirm the plumbing portion and inspection authority, select CMC-A for covered large work or LLP/local licensing below the threshold, pass the required examination, file the application and obtain permits.

Tennessee plumbing license authority eligibility application fees insurance renewal — Tennessee requirements summarized from the responsible agencies. Local permits, employers and certifying bodies may impose additional conditions.

What the Tennessee plumbing license covers

The state contractor route generally applies when the plumbing portion reaches $25,000. The Limited Licensed Plumber credential applies below $25,000 in municipalities where the state performs plumbing inspections; other jurisdictions control their own local credential.

Plumbing and gas-piping work under the contractor, limited or local route triggered by project value and jurisdiction.
Work only within the classification issued.
Obtain every local permit and inspection.

Compare related occupations and states in the License Finder.

Tennessee plumbing license requirements at a glance

Requirement	Current rule or route
Route	CMC-A Plumbing and Gas Piping contractor classification for covered projects; Limited Licensed Plumber or local credential below $25,000
Experience	Contractor qualifying agents document relevant experience; LLP applicants qualify through the limited-license process.
Exam	Contractor: Business and Law plus CMC-A trade exam unless waived. LLP: Prov limited-plumber examination.
Fees	Initial contractor application fee: $250. LLP initial fee: $75. Exams, insurance and permits are separate.
Insurance or bond	Meet applicable contractor financial, liability and workers-compensation requirements.
Renewal	Renew the contractor or LLP credential on the published cycle.

Do not treat this table as an approval notice. The agency, certification organization or local jurisdiction makes the final eligibility decision and may request additional evidence.

How to complete the Tennessee plumbing license process

Classify the work, project value and destination jurisdiction.
Complete the required training and experience.
Obtain approval and pass each required examination.
Submit the application, supporting records and current fee.
Complete insurance, business and local permit requirements.
Renew on time and retain compliance records.

Keep copies of every experience certificate, examination result, bond or insurance filing and payment receipt. Names and business entities should match across the application and supporting documents.

Important Tennessee rules and boundaries

LLP is for work below $25,000 in qualifying jurisdictions.
General plumbing maintenance under $500 may be exempt from LLP, but local rules still apply.
Gas, medical-gas and specialty scopes can trigger additional requirements.
Permits and inspections remain separate.

Tennessee may separate the credential held by a worker from the contractor license held by the business, while preserving local authority over permits and inspections. Confirm every applicable layer before bidding, advertising or beginning regulated work.

Tennessee plumbing license cost and renewal

Budget separately for applications, examinations, training, insurance, business filings and local permits.

Renew each individual, company and specialty credential separately and confirm current fees before filing.

Government charges are only part of the expected cost. Training, examination preparation, fingerprints, surety premiums, insurance, equipment calibration and local permits can add to the total.

Tennessee plumbing license checklist

Confirm that this credential matches the exact work you will perform.
Check whether the applicant is an individual, sole owner or separate business entity.
Collect experience and training records before submitting the application.
Use the current official form and fee schedule.
Complete every required examination or approved certification route.
File bonds, insurance and fingerprints when applicable.
Check county, city, water supplier and building-permit rules.
Save the expiration date and renewal requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Is this credential statewide?

The principal credential is statewide, but local licensing, permits and inspections may still apply.

Is an exam required?

Contractor: Business and Law plus CMC-A trade exam unless waived. LLP: Prov limited-plumber examination.

When does it renew?

Renew the contractor or LLP credential on the published cycle.

Are local permits separate?

Yes.

Official sources used

Verified licensing details

Jurisdiction: state license, certification or registration plus local permits, depending on scope and project value
Licensing authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
Fees: Initial contractor application fee: $250. LLP initial fee: $75. Exams, insurance and permits are separate.
Experience: Contractor qualifying agents document relevant experience; LLP applicants qualify through the limited-license process.
Exams: Contractor: Business and Law plus CMC-A trade exam unless waived. LLP: Prov limited-plumber examination.
Insurance or bond: Meet applicable contractor financial, liability and workers-compensation requirements.
Continuing education: Maintain plumbing-code competence and any local training requirements.
Renewal period: Renew the contractor or LLP credential on the published cycle.

Official sources

Official sources last checked August 23, 2026.

Requirements can change and local rules may apply. Confirm the current requirements with the official authority before paying a fee or beginning work.