Licensing Guides
Tennessee Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in Tennessee
Plumbing, TN
Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Tennessee
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Tennessee?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Tennessee?
Does My Tennessee Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Tennessee?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Tennessee?
You can’t rush through the training it takes to become a plumber, but that time and effort can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. Almost every state requires licensure to work in the plumbing trade because it’s complicated work that affects the health and safety of our society.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 504,500 plumbers nationwide, and Tennessee employs 8,810 of them. The national number is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, adding 44,000 plumbers to the ranks across the country. In Tennessee, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is slightly higher, at 9% for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Tennessee in July 2025 totaled 162,000, a decrease of 2,500 (-1.5%) from July 2024 and an increase of 29,800 or 23% from February 2020.” If you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
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License requirements for plumbers vary from state to state and in some cases, as in Tennessee, from locality to locality. It’s important to know what is required where you intend to work before you get started.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in Tennessee
Is a license required for plumbers in the state of Tennessee? Yes.
Licenses are issued at both the state and local level. Cities and counties throughout the state issue traditional journeyman or master contractor local licenses, while the state issues a contractor license with a Plumber Classification (CMC or CMC-A) and a Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) license.
The state-level licenses are issued by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
A Tennessee contractor license is required before bidding or offering a price for projects $25,000 and up (including materials and labor) as a prime (general) contractor. Subcontractors performing electrical, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, and masonry are also required to be licensed as a contractor, when the total portion on the project is $25,000 or more, or $100,000 or more for masonry.
Local jurisdictions also have their own licenses for plumbers, but those who have a full Certified Mechanical Contractor (CMC) license or a Contractor Plumbing and Gas Piping (CMC-A) license through the state are not required to test with local governments.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Tennessee
What are the types of plumber licenses in Tennessee?
There are three statewide license classifications for plumbers in Tennessee. Two of them are contractor licenses needed for jobs of $25,000 or more:
CMC — Full Mechanical Contractor: Qualifies an individual to perform mechanical work, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and fire protection systems.
CMC-A — Plumbing and Gas Piping Contractor: Allows for the installation, alteration, remodeling, or repair of plumbing systems and non-medical gas piping.
The third license is intended to regulate those professionals doing plumbing jobs of less than $25,000.
LLP — Limited Licensed Plumber: An LLP License is meant to ensure that plumbers throughout the state meet a minimum standard of excellence in the field.
Many cities and counties have licensing that supersedes an LLP. Check with the local government in the city and county's Local Codes Enforcement office to see if the LLP is accepted for permits and inspections, or if they have their own local plumbing journeyman/master license required. Also, there are 15 counties that are exempt from an LLP license requirement. Those are Benton, Decatur, Dickson, Giles, Henderson, Henry, Hickman, Humphreys, Lake, Lawrence, Lewis, Obion, Perry, Stewart, and Weakley.
Each license has specific requirements.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
The requirements are roughly the same for CMC — Full Mechanical Contractor and CMC-A — Plumbing and Gas Piping Contractor, though the contents of the trade exam vary:
Must have three years of verifiable plumbing (CMC-A) or plumbing and HVAC (CMC) experience or an engineering degree in the plumbing or mechanical field.
Requires pre-approval to take the exam.
Take and pass Business and Law and Trade exams.
Submit a reviewed (required for a monetary limit of $3,000,000 or less) or audited (required for a monetary limit exceeding $3,000,000) financial statement.
Bond or guaranty agreement is required if the financial report shows deficiencies.
Letter of reference is required.
Obtain general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
Submit application and pay fee.
The requirements for a Limited License Plumber include:
Must have one year of plumbing experience.
Pass LLP exam, which incurs a fee.
Requires workers’ compensation insurance or an exemption.
Submit application and pay fee.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Tennessee
The licensing process includes:
You must be at least 18 years of age.
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Gain work experience and get classroom instruction either through an apprenticeship or technical college program.
Once you’ve gained enough knowledge/experience through apprenticeship or employment, you will likely take a locally mandated exam and apply for a journeyman license in the jurisdiction where you intend to work or take the LLP exam and apply for a state-level LLP, allowing you to work on projects valuing less than $25,000.
If you decide you want to bid on projects of greater value than $25,000, you’ll need to take the statewide Trade exam and Business and Law exam to apply to become a licensed contractor. For either a CMC-A License or for the full CMC, you must be pre-approved to take the trade exam.
After receiving passing grades on both of the exams, you will need to complete the contractor’s license application package, including a financial statement either reviewed or audited by a Certified Public Accountant and proof of general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Tennessee
There are many benefits to getting your Tennessee plumbing license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in Tennessee to be licensed through the state to legally perform any plumbing work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed plumbing contractors can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market and increases your earning potential as you acquire more experience.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Plumber in Tennessee?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in Tennessee is $59,430, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase as you acquire more experience. A plumbing salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median plumber salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.65% for entry-level workers, and 3.55% for both intermediate and senior level plumbers. In Tennessee those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $51,400
Intermediate (2-4 years): $66,800
Senior (4-7 years): $72,400
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
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Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Tennessee?
There are different fees associated with the many different plumbing licenses in Tennessee.
If you choose to start with some sort of technical or vocational school education, you can expect to pay $4,000 to $5,500 per year for in-state tuition. Apprentice programs have different tuition costs associated with them. All have some fees for books and tools, but much of the cost is absorbed by your employer or the union.
Licensing application fees and exams at the local level vary. The statewide business and law exam costs $53; the statewide trade exam costs $106. To earn a full Mechanical Contractor (CMC) license or a Plumbing & Gas Piping (CMC-A) license, the application fee is $250. For a Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) license, the exam fee is $53; the application fee is $75.
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How to Get a Plumbers License in Tennessee
The steps to get a plumbing license vary depending on the state or local license type. But in general, the process includes:
WORK EXPERIENCE: Plumbers in Tennessee begin as either an entry-level worker, an apprentice, or a student to gain the necessary experience to apply for state or local licensing. You must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. Then you will need to acquire some combination of formal education and practical experience. There are a couple of ways you can satisfy these two components. The requirements vary in cities and counties throughout the state. For specific details, contact your local licensing board.
In many cases, you need a minimum of 8,000 hours (or four years) of work experience and anywhere from 576 to 900 hours of classroom-based instruction to be eligible to apply for your local level journeyman plumber license. This can be done through completing a degree at a technical college and then working for a licensed plumber, or through a registered apprenticeship.
APPLY TO TAKE EXAMINATION: Once you’ve fulfilled the work experience requirements, you may apply to take the local plumbing exam. After passing the exam and providing any other documentation the local jurisdiction requires, you will be issued a journeyman or master license as appropriate.
Chattanooga, Tennessee, for example, has a Board of Plumbing Examiners to oversee the examination and licensing of master and journeyman plumbers. You also must register first as a helper, so the board can document your hours to be applied toward the five years of experience required for the master license.
Memphis/Shelby County, Tennessee, also issues both journeyman and master licenses through the Shelby County Plumbing Code Board, and requires all apprentices to be registered. Before applying to the Plumbing Code Board to take the examination for licensing as a master plumber, each applicant must provide proof that they have an engineering degree from an accredited college or university with at least four years of experience in the design and installation of plumbing systems or that they are a licensed journeyman plumber with a minimum of four years of experience in the installation of plumbing systems.
Before applying to the Board to take the journeyman plumber exam, each applicant must provide proof of three years of plumbing experience.
STATE CONTRACTOR LICENSE: If you choose to work on projects valuing $25,000 or more, you will need your Tennessee contractor’s license. Also, in certain municipalities, even on plumbing projects valued at less than $25,000, you may be required to obtain a Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP).
To obtain either a Full Mechanical or Plumbing and Gas Piping contractor license, you must pass a business and law exam and a trade exam, submit the appropriate application and supporting documentation, which includes financial statements either reviewed or audited by a Certified Public Accountant, and proof of workers’ compensation and general liability insurance.
All state contractors licenses are issued with a classification, such as CMC for full mechanical contractor, and a monetary limit. The monetary limit is an amount approved for contracting/bidding, and this is based upon your financial statement prepared by a CPA, and experience. A reviewed financial statement is required to obtain a monetary limit of $3,000,000 or less; an audit is required to obtain a monetary limit more than $3,000,001 to unlimited. Financial statements must be prepared by a properly licensed CPA.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Tennessee?
It will typically take four to five years to complete a plumbing apprenticeship in Tennessee. Most of the certificate or degree programs through technical school take a year or two, and then you would need a minimum of a year of experience working for a licensed plumber before qualifying for the LLP.
You need at least three years of documented experience to be eligible to test for either of the contractor-level licenses and sufficient time to prepare for the statewide law and business and trade exam and meet the other rigorous financial and insurance mandates.
Tennessee Plumber Training Programs and Schools
Plumbers are responsible for a lot more than just fixing leaks or clogs. They design, install, and renovate systems that carry liquids or gasses, so they must know more than just the mechanics. They must know plumbing code. For the most part, there are two ways to get the practical experience and the formal education you need to qualify to take any mandated plumber license exam at the state or local level. You can either go to college or technical school and then get an entry-level job to gain practical experience, or you can join an approved apprenticeship program.
There are many programs to get the training you need to become a plumbing professional in Tennessee and they are located all over the state. A certificate program can take a matter of months, or you can get a one- or two-year degree at a technical or community college.
You may also choose to gain the necessary experience through a registered apprenticeship program. The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development maintains a statewide list of eligible training providers, and registered apprenticeships are allowed automatic inclusion on that list.
You’ll learn about plumbing systems including:
Underground water supply systems
Stormwater
Sewer drainage
Fixture installation
Waste and vent piping both inside and outside of buildings
Residential and service plumbing
Any program should also cover OSHA safety training, detailed instruction in chemistry, mathematics, physics, blueprint reading and drafting, in-depth examination of state codes, and advanced training about water treatment systems, water heaters, plumbing appliances, and plumbing fixtures.
Tennessee College of Applied Technology offers degrees and certificates at many of its campuses statewide, including TCAT Knoxville, TCAT Morristown, TCAT Crump, TCAT Nashville, TCAT Dickson, TCAT Murfreesboro, and TCAT Elizabethton. Its online catalog of courses has one program designed specifically to help prepare you for the LLP, and another that covers electrical to prepare you for the full mechanical contractor (CMC) license.
Niche provides a list of the best trade schools with plumbing degree programs in Tennessee.
Tuition: The cost of tuition depends on the program you choose and varies widely. Most of the programs offered through TCAT take about one year of full-time enrollment and cost around $4,000. The cost of online training programs can be significantly less.
Apprenticeship: If you choose to forgo a more traditional college degree, a formal apprenticeship can give you the hands-on and classroom instruction you need. The downside of this approach is the time commitment. Most apprenticeships take about four to five years, while a certificate program and one year of experience is enough to earn your LLP.
However, many local jurisdictions require at least three years of experience to be eligible for a license. Apprentice positions are listed on job sites like Indeed, and offered through unions like UA Local 572 in Nashville, UA Local 43 in Chattanooga, and UA Local 614 in Memphis.
Non-union-based apprenticeship programs are offered by the Tennessee Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors, with a school in Knoxville, and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Greater Tennessee.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have mechanical capability, and be physically fit, because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about plumbing school options in Tennessee, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in Tennessee.
Tennessee Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
Local-level licensing exams vary by city and county. Check with the local licensing board for those details.
The state has contracted with PSI Testing services for all Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractor exams. The Tennessee Contractors Candidate Information Bulletin describes the exam and the process.
The Business and Law Management exam has 50 questions and a time limit of 140 minutes. It covers:
Licensing requirements
Estimating and bidding
Business organization and financial management
Tax laws
Labor laws
Project management and lien law
Contracts
Risk management
Environmental and safety
The CMC exam requires pre-approval from the Licensing Board. It consists of 120 questions, and you are allowed a maximum of 325 minutes. It covers:
Electrical knowledge, motors, and controls
Piping - refrigeration, hydronic, steam, and process
Heating and cooling principles and theory
Heating and cooling equipment and components
Refrigerants and refrigeration
Fuel and LP gas
Combustion air, chimneys, flues, and vents
Ducts, ventilation, and exhaust
Plumbing
Load calculation
Safety, fire, and smoke protection
Fire sprinkler
The CMC-A – Mechanical Plumbing Contractor exam requires pre-approval from the Licensing Board. It consists of 110 questions, and you are allowed a maximum of 295 minutes. It covers:
General knowledge and math
General requirements (not including gas) - administrative, structural, backflow, materials and supports, joints and connections, storm drains, and testing
Water supply and distribution
Fixtures, including water heaters
Drain, waste, and vent systems, including indirect and special waste
Traps, cleanouts, and interceptors
Isometric analysis
Gas appliances and piping
OSHA safety
The LLP — Limited Licensed Plumber exam does not require pre-approval from the Licensing Board. The test consists of 40 questions, and you are allowed a maximum of 135 minutes. It covers:
General knowledge and math
General requirements (not including gas) - administrative, structural, backflow, materials and supports, joints and connections, storm drains, and testing
Water supply and distribution
Fixtures, including water heaters
Drain, waste, and vent systems, including indirect and special waste
Traps, cleanouts, and interceptors
Isometric analysis
Gas appliances and piping
OSHA safety
All exams are open book, using the reference materials listed in the Candidate Bulletin. Only those items listed may be used, and there are specific rules about how you can mark them using permanent tabs, highlighters, and pen only—not pencil. Be sure to read all the information carefully and follow it closely.
Exams are administered in PSI examination centers in Chattanooga, Jackson, Johnson City, Knoxville, Memphis, and Nashville.
All questions and requests for information pertaining to the examination should be directed to PSI.
PSI 3210 E Tropicana Las Vegas, NV 89121 855-746-8173 www.psiexams.com
All questions and requests for information pertaining to licensure should be directed to the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors 500 James Robertson Parkway Nashville, TN 37243-1150 615-741-8307 https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html
Who Issues Plumbing Contractors Licenses in Tennessee?
Plumbing licenses are issued by cities and counties throughout Tennessee. Statewide contractor licenses are issued by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
Does My Tennessee Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
While Tennessee doesn’t have direct reciprocity agreements with other states, there are trade exam waiver agreements, which simplify the path to licensure in Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, and West Virginia.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Tennessee?
Tennessee has trade exam waiver agreements with several other states, but still requires out-of-state contractors to take the Business and Law exam before practicing in Tennessee. The process to obtain a Tennessee license without retaking the trade exam can be found here.
The states with this limited exam waiver reciprocity for plumbing licenses include Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, and West Virginia.
Plumbing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. National Inspection Testing and Certification (NITC), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (ASSE Certifications) and other professional certifications are not required but may make you a more attractive hire to prospective employers or can increase your marketability to customers.
Other Requirements Unique to Tennessee
To keep your state-issued contractor license current, Tennessee requires you to renew it every two years. The renewal fee is $200.
The LLP also needs to be renewed every two years, but only costs $50.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in Tennessee?
Yes, there are plumbing scholarships in Tennessee. The Tennessee Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors offers scholarships for HVAC or plumbing education to family members of Tennessee PHCC members.
In addition to this scholarship, plumbing students in Tennessee can explore financial aid opportunities by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submitting the FAFSA gives you access to federal grants like the Pell Grant, subsidized student loans, and work-study programs—all of which can help cover tuition, tools, and other training costs. Many Tennessee community colleges and trade programs also use FAFSA data to award institutional aid or state-based grants.
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in Tennessee?
Local licensing must be verified with each overseeing jurisdiction. For state licenses, the state offers a verification tool, which allows users to search by company name, plumber name, license number, and license type.
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in Tennessee?
A suspended plumber’s license means that the plumber is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that a Tennessee plumbing license can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Criminal convictions
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing plumbing professionals
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Tennessee plumbing license regulations, you can refer to Tennessee Code.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Tennessee?
Performing unlicensed plumbing work in Tennessee is a misdemeanor. The Board may impose a penalty of up to $5,000 per violation. In addition, unlicensed contractors face legal liability in civil lawsuits for damages or breach of contract, and in some cases, possible criminal charges.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Tennessee plumbing license regulations, you can refer to Tennessee Code.
Continuing Education
There is no continuing education requirement for licensed plumbing contractors in Tennessee at this time.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all plumbing industry news in several ways:
Check top plumbing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top plumbing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s Toolbox for the Trades podcast.
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