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Tennessee Residential/Small Commercial Contractor License (TN BC-A, b)

RequirementsServicesApplicationReciprocityContinuing EducationExamBooksExam Review

License Requirements

Requirements to Obtaining your License.

A Residential/Small Commercial Contractors License (General Contractor) is required in Tennessee when the project exceeds $25,000.

  • Anyone seeking to become a contractor in Tennessee is required to sit for two exams, business and law and the trade.
  • Workers Compensation is required
General liability insurance requirements are based on your monetary limit.
  • If your monetary limit is up to $500,000, you will need to provide $100,000 coverage.
  • If your monetary limit is $500,001 - $1,500,000, you will need to provide $500,000 coverage.
  • If your monetary limit is greater than $1,500,000 you will need to provide $1,000,000 coverage.

Work Under this License

Work that can be Done Under this License

A residential/small commercial contractor’s services are limited to construction, remodeling, repair, or improvement of one, two, three, or four family unit residences that do not exceed three stories in height and to the construction, erection, alteration, repair or demolition of any building or structure for use and occupancy by the general public including residential construction with more than 4 units or great than 3 stories in height where the project does not exceed $750,000. This license excludes all electrical, HVAC, and plumbing work.

Applications for a License

Applying to get your License

An application for licensure can be obtained from the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors by calling 1-800-544-7693. The licensing and application fee is $250.00.

Reciprocity

Reciprocity Agreements

Tennessee has limited reciprocity agreement with the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Continuing Education

Continuing Education

There are no requirements for continuing education as of this time.

Examination

Exam Details

  • The testing company is PSI (1-800-733-9267)
  • 100 questions and an 4 1/2-hour time limit
  • 73% is required to pass the exam
  • The exam fee is $38.
  • Topics on the exam include sitework, footings, and foundation; concrete and concrete reinforcement; masonry; carpentry; metals; roofing; associated trades; general code, plan reading and estimating; and OSHA safety

References

Books and References for the Exam

The following references are permitted to be taken into the examination. These references may be tabbed (with a permanent index tab) and highlighted. They are available for purchase from our online contractor’s bookstore or by calling our office at 1-800-952-0910.

  • 2003 International Building Code
  • 2003 International Residential Code
  • OSHA Code of Federal Regulations Part 1926
  • Carpentry and Building Construction
  • Guide to Good Practice for Wood Trusses
  • Contractors Guide to Quality Concrete
  • Roofing Construction and Estimating
  • Modern Masonry
  • Pipe and Excavation Contracting
  • Gypsum Construction Handbook
  • Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders
  • Manual of Construction with Steel Deck

Exam Review and Education

Exam Review, Training, Education

Live Seminar: The seminar is 1 day and the fee is $445. At class, students will receive a study guide includes sample questions, practice math problems, sample blueprints, and a highlighting guide for the approved references. For more information on either attending a seminar, or to order, contact our office at 1-800-952-0910. Our online training is now included with every seminar.

Online Training: The program takes you through each one of the reference books that the exam is based on showing you exactly what to highlight. After your highlighting is completed with each book, you have the option take an online practice test to reinforce concepts presented. Also, there is an extensive math and plans analysis portion. The program narrated and animated. Now includes the Business and Law Review.

Reference Books: Having the right references for the test is just as important as having the right tools on the job. We offer the best pricing for the state approved references, click the link below to order or call 1-800-952-0910.

Online Class Price: $139
Seminar Price: $445

Buy Now, Online Training Buy Now, Reference Books

Seminar Schedule

Sevierville, TN
July 12th
Nashville, TN
July 14th
Sevierville, TN
August 9th
Nashville, TN
August 12th
Sevierville, TN
September 13th
Nashville, TN
September 15th
Sevierville, TN
October 12th
Nashville, TN
October 14th
Sevierville, TN
November 15th
Nashville, TN
November 17th
Sevierville, TN
December 6th
Nashville, TN
December 9th

Course Samples

Click the link to take a free sample course to see how we can help you pass your exam.

Permanent Tabs

To help you on your exam, you are allowed to place permanent tabs on your text books.  We offer:

  • Pre-Printed Tabs
  • Blank Tabs

Reference Books

Our online store offers hundreds of books at the best pricing possible.

To find books for your exam, click here and then click "State Exam".

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