• The first step in the licensing process is to pass the exams. You will then submit an application to the state licensing board with required documentation.
• The Business and Law exam is required for licensure in every Contractor classification
• The monetary limit (limit per contract) is based on 10 times the lesser of the net worth or working capital or experience. (Working capital is current assets minus current liabilities and net worth is total assets minus total liabilities).
• A reviewed financial statement is required for monetary requests of $3,000,000 or less.
• A CPA audited financial statement is required for monetary requests exceeding $3,000,000. To obtain an unlimited license, applicants must have over $300,000 in both net worth and working capital.
• All contractors with 1 or more employees are required to carry Worker’s Compensation insurance. Every applicant will be required to provide a certificate of insurance proving an adequate amount of general liability insurance.
The requirements are as follows:
Monetary Limit = Minimum Insurance
Up to $500,000 = $100,000
$501,000 to $1,500,000 = $500,000
$1,501,000 to Unlimited = $1,000,000
This license allows the holder to erect, alter, repair, and demolish buildings or structures used for industrial production and service, such as manufacturing plants. A license is required for jobs over $25,000.
Applications may be obtained by contacting:
Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
500 James Robertson Pkwy, 1st Floor
Nashville, TN 37243-1150
Phone 615-741-8307
- We offer application processing for Tennessee contractors applications for $199.00. The state application fee is $250. Applications must be submitted to the board by the 20th of the month prior to the month in which the board has their next meeting. The Board meets in January, March, May, July, September, and November. For additional information and state and federal requirements please call 1-800-992-1910
Important Contacts
The state of Tennessee has a LIMITED reciprocity agreement for several licenses with the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina will reciprocate for the trade exam. Candidates will still be required to pass the Business and Law Management Exam. Please contact the licensing board in the state you wish to apply in.
Tennessee currently does not have Continuing Education Requirements for Contractors.
• This is an open-book timed test with 72 questions and a 3.5 hour time limit.
• In order to pass you must answer 53 questions correct (73%).
• The exam fee is $57. If the exam is failed three times, the applicant will have to interview with the board before retesting.
• To schedule your exam contact PSI at 1-800-733-9267.
Topics covered on the exam are site-work, footings, foundations, concrete, concrete reinforcement, masonry, carpentry, metals, roofing, associated trades, general code, plan reading, estimating, and OSHA safety.
American Contractors Exam Services offers a seminar to prepare you for the Tennessee Industrial Contractors exam. We also offer a seminar to prepare you for the required Business and Law Management exam. Our courses will help you highlight and tab your book for easy reference during the exam. You can sign up online or by calling our office at 1-800-992-1910.
