TENNESSEE · plumber
Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP)
Tennessee Board for Licensing ContractorsScope of work
Tennessee does not issue a single statewide master plumber credential that applies in every city. Plumbing licensing in Tennessee is split. For plumbing work (including non-medical gas piping) where the total cost is less than $25,000, the Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) credential is issued by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. For plumbing work at or above $25,000, a Tennessee Contractor License with the CMC (Plumbing) classification is required. Source: TN LLP (https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/llp/who-needs-a-limited-licensed-plumber--llp--license-.html); TN Contractors (https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html).
County exemption list
The following Tennessee counties DO NOT require a state LLP license for plumbing work under $25,000 as published by the Board: Benton, Decatur, Dickson, Giles, Henderson, Henry, Hickman, Humphreys, Lake, Lawrence, Lewis, Obion, Perry, Stewart, and Weakley. Local permits are still required. Many other counties and cities operate their own codes office and may not accept the LLP, so applicants must confirm acceptance locally before applying. Source: TN LLP (https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/llp/who-needs-a-limited-licensed-plumber--llp--license-.html).
Experience and training
LLP applicants must document at least 2,000 hours of plumbing experience before the Board will approve the application. Source: TN LLP (https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/llp/who-needs-a-limited-licensed-plumber--llp--license-.html).
Exam
The TN LLP exam has 40 multiple-choice questions, 2-hour time limit, passing score 73 percent. The Business and Law exam is not required for the LLP. Source: TN LLP (https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/llp/who-needs-a-limited-licensed-plumber--llp--license-.html).
Renewal and CE
Biennial renewal cycle; verify current fee and CE requirement with the Board. Source: TN LLP (https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/llp.html).
When you need the CMC Plumbing Contractor License instead
A Tennessee Contractor License with the CMC (Plumbing) classification is required for any plumbing project at or above $25,000. Applicants demonstrate financial capacity through a reviewed financial statement and pass a trade exam plus the Business and Law exam administered by PSI Services. Monetary limits scale with demonstrated net worth. Medical-gas work has additional certification layers. Source: TN Contractors (https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html).
Verified Apr 25, 2026 · compiled from public sources, verify current rules with Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors before acting