Tennessee Plumbing License Requirements
Yes. Tennessee licenses plumbers through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. It issues contractor credentials.
State plumber license · By BrazeJobs Team · Updated
License tiers
| Apprentice | No state license |
| Journeyman | No state license; cities license |
| Master | No state license |
| Contractor | CMC-A Plumbing ($25,000+, pre-approval); LLP under $25,000 |
Requirements
| Exam | Business & Law + trade exams |
| Renewal | 2 years |
| Local license | Workers may need local license |
| Board | Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors |
Local licenses in Tennessee
Nashville
Metro governmentMaster, journeyman and apprentice plumber certificates
Metro Nashville Codes, Mechanical/Plumbing/Electrical Examiners Board
Metro Board of Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical Examiners (Metro Code ch. 2.76) examines and issues master mechanical, master plumber, journeyman and apprentice plumber, master electrician, equipment installer and low-voltage wiring installer certificates.
- Source: nashville.gov · checked November 5, 2026
Memphis (Memphis and Shelby County)
City-countyContractor registration (Construction Code Enforcement)
Memphis and Shelby County Construction Code Enforcement
Shelby County also has a Plumbing Code Board.
- Source: develop901.com · checked November 5, 2026
Exam
| Exam provider | Prov (for Board for Licensing Contractors) |
| Format | Open book |
Board for Licensing Contractors: Prov administers exams from July 1, 2026; exams are open book. Covers contractor, limited licensed electrician and plumber exams.
- Source: tn.gov · checked November 6, 2026
Licensed in another state or the military
| Military spouses | Active servicemember or spouse may get recognition of an out-of-state license (Military Families Licensing Recognition Act); SCRA portability for duration of orders |
- Source: tn.gov · checked November 6, 2026
Apprenticeship
| Registering agency | State Apprenticeship Agency (ApprenticeshipTN (TDLWD)) |
- Source: apprenticeship.gov · checked November 6, 2026
- Source: tn.gov · checked November 6, 2026
Plumbing code
| Code in force | 2021 IPC |
Codes adopted by the State Fire Marshal's Office, with amendments; local jurisdictions with their own enforcement may adopt other editions.
- Source: tn.gov · checked November 5, 2026