Tennessee Contractor License FAQ
An unlicensed contractor can only perform projects up to $25,000 in Tennessee.
A commercial building contractor has authorization to bid on and contract for use and occupancy by the general public for commercial use. This also includes residential construction with more than 4 units or greater than 3 stories.
The NASCLA exam can be used as the trades exam for the commercial contractor license (BC-B) in TN.
The application fee is $250 and is issued for 2 years.
It takes the Tennessee contractor board approximately 4 to 6 weeks to grant a license.
On the Tennessee contractor license application a CPA/LPA must prepare an audited or reviewed financial statement.
The monetary limit is based on 10 times the lesser of both working capital and net worth (plus experience).
Only one letter of reference is a is necessary, but should be submitted with your contractor license application in TN.
General liability insurance is a required based on the monetary limit of a contractor in TN.
Workers compensation insurance is required or you may supply proof of exemption.
If you plan to operate your business as an entity you should form that entity before completing the TN contractor license application.
You will complete the application as the entity. The qualifying agent will be the individual from the entity that takes the exam(s).
The TN Business, Law and Project Management exam is required to obtain your contractor license. You will take this exam after you pass the trades exam.
