Contractor threshold
$25K+
Contractor license required before bidding or contracting when total project cost reaches $25,000.
Tennessee contractor resource intelligence
Tennessee Contractor License & Trade Guide
A Tennessee-specific resource for contractors, subcontractors, tradespeople and suppliers: licensing thresholds, BC classifications, electrical and mechanical categories, roofing and masonry rules, home-improvement licensing, limited electrical/plumbing licenses, permit signals and project timing.
Tennessee Resource Guide
Home improvement
$3K-$24,999
Applies to residential remodeling in nine counties that have adopted Tennessee's Home Improvement law.
Roofing subcontractor
$25K+
Roofing subcontractors at or above the threshold must be licensed as contractors.
Masonry subcontractor
$100K+
Masonry subcontractors at or above this portion require the LMC lane.
01 · Tennessee licensing model
Start with the $25,000 rule.
Tennessee requires a contractor license before bidding, negotiating price or contracting when the total project cost is $25,000 or more. The license must match the work classification and carry a sufficient monetary limit.
TN
Classification + monetary limit work together.
A Tennessee contractor license is not merely a general credential. It identifies the type of work the business may perform and the maximum project size it may contract. Prime contractors are subject to the statewide threshold, while electrical, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing and masonry subcontractors have specific licensing rules at the trade-package level.
02 · Building construction
Know the BC lane.
Tennessee’s Building Construction family separates residential, commercial, industrial and restricted residential work. The full BC classification spans all three building types and the Board’s building subcategories.
BC
Full Building Construction
Residential, commercial and industrial building construction. The full BC classification covers BC-A, BC-B and BC-C and the Board's 34 building subcategories, subject to the license monetary limit.
BC-A
Residential Contractor
Residential construction for one-, two-, three- and four-family residences not exceeding three stories, plus accessory structures. A trade exam is required.
BC-A/r
Restricted Residential
Restricted single-family residential license using an approved Tennessee course in place of the trade and Business & Law exams. Monetary limit cannot exceed $125,000; no 10% tolerance or joint ventures.
BC-B
Commercial Contractor
Commercial buildings for public use and occupancy, residential projects with more than four units, and buildings exceeding three stories.
BC-b(sm)
Small Commercial
Small commercial classification with a monetary limit capped at $1.5 million. The full BC-B exam is required to exceed that cap.
BC-C
Industrial Contractor
Industrial buildings and structures used for production and service, including manufacturing facilities.
03 · Priority contractor + trade guides
Translate the license into project intelligence.
These sections focus on the contractors and trades most useful to TigerLeads users: electrical, mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, roofing, masonry, painting, concrete, framing and flooring/tile.
CEElectricalElectrical Contractor+
Classification + scope
CE is Tennessee’s statewide electrical contractor classification for projects that require a contractor license. Electrical subcontractors performing a portion of $25,000 or more must be properly licensed before bidding or contracting.
Open official Tennessee source ↗Permit & project signals
service upgradeswitchgear / panelnew commercial electricalEV chargingsolar / storage electricalindustrial power
Opportunity timing
Commercial electrical opportunities can surface early because gear, transformers and utility coordination can have long lead times. Verify the named electrical contractor and project stage before outreach.
Important boundary
For work below $25,000, Tennessee’s Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE) may apply in jurisdictions using the State Fire Marshal permitting/inspection system; some local governments require their own electrical license instead.
CMCMechanicalFull Mechanical Contractor+
Classification + scope
The CMC classification is Tennessee’s full mechanical lane and can encompass plumbing, HVAC/refrigeration, gas piping and other mechanical subcategories reflected on the license.
Open official Tennessee source ↗Permit & project signals
central plantboilerprocess pipinglarge HVACmechanical tenant improvementindustrial mechanical
Opportunity timing
Large mechanical work is often best qualified during design, plan review and equipment release, before rough work and commissioning.
Important boundary
The exact CMC subcategory matters. Separate fire-sprinkler, electrical, alarm, medical-gas and other regulated work may require an additional classification or registration.
CMC-CHVAC / RefrigerationHVAC, Refrigeration & Gas Piping+
Classification + scope
CMC-C covers HVAC, refrigeration and gas piping within Tennessee’s mechanical classification structure and requires a trade exam.
Open official Tennessee source ↗Permit & project signals
HVAC replacementheat pumprooftop unitcommercial refrigerationduct alterationgas-fired equipment
Opportunity timing
Replacement permits can be short-cycle; new construction and tenant-improvement work is more valuable before equipment procurement and rough mechanical.
Important boundary
Do not assume CMC-C authorizes every plumbing, electrical, fire-protection or specialty system. Match the contract to the exact classification and monetary limit.
CMC-APlumbingPlumbing & Gas Piping Contractor+
Classification + scope
CMC-A is Tennessee’s contractor classification for plumbing and gas piping and requires the applicable trade exam for contractor-level work.
Open official Tennessee source ↗Permit & project signals
new plumbingrepipewater heatersewer / water servicecommercial rough plumbinggas piping
Opportunity timing
New-construction plumbing is strongest before underground and rough-in; service and replacement projects can move immediately.
Important boundary
For plumbing work below $25,000, a Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) may apply in jurisdictions without their own local limited plumbing license.
BC-21RoofingRoofing Contractor+
Classification + scope
BC-21 is the building-category classification for roofing, including roofing-related work identified by the Board. Roofing subcontractors must hold a contractor license when the roofing portion is $25,000 or more.
Open official Tennessee source ↗Permit & project signals
reroofcommercial roof replacementmetal roofmembrane roofstorm repairroof coating / restoration
Opportunity timing
Roof projects can move quickly after weather events. Qualification should focus on permit status, named roofer, material selection, insurance-restoration context and procurement timing.
Important boundary
BC, BC-A, BC-B or BC-C may be acceptable for roofing within the corresponding project type, but a roofing subcontractor at the statutory threshold must be licensed.
LMC / BC-9MasonryMasonry Contractor+
Classification + scope
BC-9 covers masonry work below the higher masonry threshold. When the masonry portion exceeds $100,000, the contractor performing that masonry work must hold the LMC classification and pass the masonry trade exam.
Open official Tennessee source ↗Permit & project signals
CMU wallsbrick veneerstructural masonrystone masonrycommercial masonry packageretaining walls
Opportunity timing
Masonry demand is strongest during foundations, structural shell and facade procurement, often well before finish trades.
Important boundary
The $100,000 subcontractor threshold is specific to masonry. Prime-contract licensing rules can still apply at $25,000 and above.
BC-11PaintingPainting & Interior Decorating+
Classification + scope
BC-11 is Tennessee’s building subcategory for painting and interior decorating. It can be added as a building category subject to the Board’s licensing framework and the project role.
Open official Tennessee source ↗Permit & project signals
interior paintexterior coatingtenant improvementcommercial repaintmultifamily turnoverspecial coatings
Opportunity timing
Painting is usually a later-stage opportunity, but large commercial and multifamily packages can be sourced during bidding and finish-schedule development.
Important boundary
A painting subcontractor is not among the specialty subcontractors automatically required to hold a contractor license solely because its portion exceeds $25,000; however, prime-contract rules, home-improvement licensing and local requirements can still trigger licensing obligations.
BC-19ConcreteConcrete Contractor+
Classification + scope
BC-19 is Tennessee’s building category for concrete work. Concrete packages can include slabs, structural concrete and other building-related concrete within the licensed classification and project scope.
Open official Tennessee source ↗Permit & project signals
foundationslabfootingssite concretestructural concretesidewalk / curb
Opportunity timing
Concrete opportunities are early-stage. Suppliers, pump companies, reinforcing providers and concrete contractors benefit from permit and site-work signals before placement starts.
Important boundary
Heavy civil, highway, municipal utility and specialty concrete work may sit under HC, HRA or MU classifications rather than BC-19 alone.
BC-2Framing / CarpentryCarpentry, Framing & Millwork+
Classification + scope
BC-2 is the Tennessee building category covering carpentry, framing and millwork. It is a key project signal on residential, multifamily and commercial shell work.
Open official Tennessee source ↗Permit & project signals
wood framingrough carpentrystructural framingtrussesblockingmillwork package
Opportunity timing
Framing follows foundations quickly, so early permit issuance and foundation activity can provide useful advance notice.
Important boundary
Structural steel, engineered systems and work outside the building category can require other classifications. Prime-contract and home-improvement licensing rules still apply.
BC-4 / BC-15Flooring / TileFloor Covering, Tile, Terrazzo & Marble+
Classification + scope
BC-4 covers floor covering; BC-15 covers tile, terrazzo and marble. These categories are especially relevant to finish contractors, flooring dealers, distributors and installers.
Open official Tennessee source ↗Permit & project signals
carpetLVT / resilient flooringhardwoodceramic tilestone / terrazzotenant finish package
Opportunity timing
Flooring and tile are late-stage installations, but material selection, takeoffs and procurement often occur much earlier during interiors coordination.
Important boundary
Moisture mitigation, structural substrate repair, waterproofing and specialty assemblies can introduce adjacent classifications or manufacturer requirements.
04 · Tennessee building categories
Thirty-four building subcategories.
The Tennessee Board recognizes 34 building subcategories. Up to five may be added without a trade exam, though Business & Law, experience, classification scope and monetary-limit rules still apply. Roofing and masonry have separate subcontractor threshold rules.
BC-1
Acoustical Treatments
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-2
Carpentry, Framing & Millwork
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-3
Drywall
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-4
Floor Covering
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-5
Foundations
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-6
Glass, Window & Door Construction
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-7
Institutional & Recreational Equipment
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-8
Lath, Plaster, Stucco & Aluminum Siding
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-9
Masonry under $100K
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-10
Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metal
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-11
Painting & Interior Decorating
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-12
Roof Decks
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-13
Site & Subdivision Development
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-14
Special Coatings & Waterproofing
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-15
Tile, Terrazzo & Marble
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-16
Insulation
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-17
Elevators, Escalators & Dumbwaiters
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-18
Structural Steel
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-19
Concrete
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-20
Sheet Metal
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-21
Roofing
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-22
Conveyors
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-23
Sandblasting
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-24
Golf Course
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-25
Tennis Courts
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-26
Swimming Pools
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-27
Outdoor Advertising
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-28
Excavation
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-29
Landscaping
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-30
Fencing
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-31
Demolition
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-32
Millwright
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-33
Irrigation
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗BC-34
Scaffolding
Official Tennessee building-category classification. Verify scope, project role and monetary limit before bidding.
Official outline ↗05 · Application + license maintenance
Build the license around the work.
Tennessee’s contractor application combines examinations, experience, financial capacity, a qualifying agent, insurance and Board review. The monetary limit is a core part of the license.
Exams + qualifying agent
New contractor applicants take the Tennessee Business and Law exam and any trade exam required for the requested classification. Beginning July 1, 2026, Prov is the Board’s trade-exam provider. A qualifying agent must qualify the entity for classifications requiring an exam.
Financial statement + monetary limit
Initial applicants generally submit a reviewed financial statement for limits of $3 million or less and an audited statement above $3 million. The monetary limit is generally tied to financial capacity and experience. Since July 1, 2026, the Board also offers a surety-bond option in place of a CPA-reviewed or audited financial statement under its current rule.
General liability
Current Board minimums scale with the monetary limit: up to $500,000 requires at least $100,000 general liability; $500,001-$1.5 million requires $500,000; above $1.5 million through unlimited requires $1 million.
Renewal
Renewal requires current financial information, general liability, workers’ compensation or approved exemption, and active entity status when applicable. Current contractor renewal fee is $200. Verify the current Board instructions before filing.
06 · Operating in Tennessee
State license is only one layer.
Contractors must also navigate home-improvement rules, local permits, limited licenses, workers’ compensation, codes and trade-specific registrations.
Home Improvement license
Residential remodeling from $3,000 to $24,999 requires a Home Improvement license in Bradley, Davidson, Hamilton, Haywood, Knox, Marion, Robertson, Rutherford and Shelby counties. Roofing, painting, landscaping, fences, pools, garages and other residential improvements can fall inside the definition. The current application requires a $10,000 surety bond or approved alternative, insurance and experience.
LLE + LLP
For qualifying electrical or plumbing work below $25,000, Tennessee may require a Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE) or Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) when the local jurisdiction does not issue its own limited trade license. Always verify with the authority issuing the permit.
Workers’ compensation
Construction employers with one or more employees generally must provide workers’ compensation coverage. Eligible owners may exempt themselves through Tennessee’s Workers’ Compensation Exemption Registry, but exempt owners still must cover employees.
Codes + local authority
The State Fire Marshal currently lists the 2021 IBC, 2018 IRC and 2021 editions of the mechanical, plumbing, fuel-gas, fire and property-maintenance codes with Tennessee amendments. Local governments may administer their own permitting, inspection and code-enforcement programs, so verify the authority having jurisdiction for the project address.
07 · Permit-to-opportunity intelligence
Read what the project is telling you.
Permit activity can help contractors, subcontractors, trades and suppliers identify timing, scope and likely demand. It is a signal—not proof that the work is unawarded.
Project signalNew residential construction
Likely lanesBC-A / BC-A/r · BC-2 · BC-19 · MEP trades
Who may careBuilders, framers, concrete, MEP, suppliers
Timing read
Early permit and foundation stages can expose downstream trade and material demand.
Project signalCommercial new / tenant improvement
Likely lanesBC-B / BC-b(sm) · CE · CMC · finish trades
Who may careGCs, MEP subs, drywall, paint, flooring, suppliers
Timing read
Plan review and issuance can be valuable before procurement and rough-in.
Project signalReroof / storm repair
Likely lanesBC-21 / applicable BC class
Who may careRoofers, distributors, sheet metal, dumpsters, lifts
Timing read
Fast-cycle signal. Confirm incumbent roofer and material ordering immediately.
Project signalHVAC / mechanical replacement
Likely lanesCMC-C / CMC
Who may careHVAC contractors, distributors, controls, crane services
Timing read
Replacement work may be immediate; commercial equipment can create early procurement opportunities.
Project signalElectrical service / EV / solar
Likely lanesCE / qualifying LLE context
Who may careElectrical contractors, switchgear, lighting, energy vendors
Timing read
Utility coordination and long-lead equipment can make early filing data especially useful.
Project signalInterior finish package
Likely lanesBC-3 · BC-4 · BC-11 · BC-15
Who may careDrywall, painters, flooring, tile, distributors
Timing read
Install is late-stage, but selections and buying often occur much earlier.
08 · TigerLeads qualification framework
See it. Qualify it. Move.
TigerLeads turns public permit records into trade-matched project intelligence. Tennessee users should qualify each signal against license fit, monetary limit, project stage, territory and the contractor already named on the record.
Permit signal → qualified opportunity
Start with the public record, then decide whether the project belongs in your lane.
01
License fitDoes your Tennessee classification and monetary limit cover the work?
02
Project fitDoes scope, location, value and project type match your business?
03
Timing fitIs the project filed, issued, under rough work, in correction or nearing closeout?
04
Contact contextWho is already named and is outreach appropriate?
09 · Official Tennessee sources
Continue the research at the source.
Licensing rules, exam providers, monetary-limit rules, fees, codes and local practices change. TigerLeads is not the licensing authority; verify the current requirement with Tennessee and the project jurisdiction.
01Tennessee Board for Licensing ContractorsMain Board portal, applications, verification and updates↗02Contractor License RequirementsCurrent $25,000 threshold, exams, financial statement, insurance and application steps↗03Classification OutlineOfficial BC, CMC, CE, MU, HRA, HC, masonry and specialty classification structure↗04Home Improvement ContractorResidential remodeling license rules for $3,000-$24,999 in adopting counties↗05Limited Licensed ElectricianLLE requirements for qualifying sub-$25,000 electrical work↗06Forms and DownloadsApplications, verification forms, insurance resources and Board documents↗07Renewal & ReinstatementCurrent renewal documentation, fees and classification modification guidance↗08Subcontractor LicensingCurrent licensing rules for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing and masonry subcontractors↗09Bidding FAQsLicense-before-bid rules and current Board guidance↗10Workers’ Compensation - ConstructionCoverage requirement for construction employers with employees↗11Workers’ Compensation Exemption RegistryOwner exemption rules for qualifying construction service providers↗12State Fire Marshal Adopted CodesCurrent statewide codes used by the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office↗
10 · Tennessee contractor FAQ
Questions contractors actually search.
Focused answers cover the licensing threshold, BC classifications, specialty trades, home improvement, limited licenses, workers’ compensation and permit intelligence.
01When is a Tennessee contractor license required?+
A Tennessee contractor license is required before bidding, offering a price or contracting when the total project cost is $25,000 or more. The license must contain the correct classification and sufficient monetary limit.
02Does Tennessee have one general contractor license?+
Tennessee uses a classification system. The BC family covers building construction, with residential, commercial, industrial and combined classifications, while heavy, highway, municipal utility, mechanical, electrical, masonry and specialty work have separate classifications.
03What is BC-A?+
BC-A is the residential building classification for one-, two-, three- and four-family residences not exceeding three stories plus accessory structures.
04What is BC-A/r?+
BC-A/r is a restricted residential license for single-family work with a monetary limit no greater than $125,000. It uses an approved Tennessee course in lieu of the residential trade exam and Business & Law exam, but other licensing requirements still apply.
05What is the Tennessee small commercial classification?+
BC-b(sm) is the small commercial classification. Its monetary limit cannot exceed $1.5 million; moving above that cap requires the full BC-B trade exam and an approved increase.
06Are painting contractors licensed in Tennessee?+
Painting is recognized as BC-11 within the building categories. Whether a contractor license is required depends on the contractor’s role, total project cost and other applicable rules. Residential remodeling from $3,000 to $24,999 in an adopting Home Improvement county can also require a Home Improvement license.
07Do framing contractors need a Tennessee license?+
Framing is BC-2. Framing subcontractors are not automatically subject to the special subcontractor licensing threshold that applies to electrical, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing and masonry, but prime-contract, home-improvement, local permit and project-specific rules can still require licensing.
08When does a roofing subcontractor need a Tennessee contractor license?+
A roofing subcontractor must be licensed as a contractor when the roofing portion of the project is $25,000 or more.
09When does a masonry subcontractor need an LMC license?+
The masonry subcontractor threshold is $100,000 for the masonry portion. Above that amount, the contractor performing masonry needs the LMC classification and applicable trade exam.
10What is CE?+
CE is Tennessee’s electrical contractor classification for contractor-level electrical work. For certain electrical work below $25,000, the LLE license or a local electrical license may apply depending on the permitting jurisdiction.
11What is CMC-C?+
CMC-C is the Tennessee mechanical subcategory for HVAC, refrigeration and gas piping.
12What is CMC-A?+
CMC-A is the Tennessee mechanical subcategory for plumbing and gas piping.
13What is the Home Improvement license?+
In Bradley, Davidson, Hamilton, Haywood, Knox, Marion, Robertson, Rutherford and Shelby counties, a Home Improvement license is generally required for residential remodeling projects from $3,000 to $24,999 unless an exemption applies.
14Do Tennessee contractors have monetary limits?+
Yes. Contractor licenses carry a monetary limit for each project or contract. The limit is tied to financial capacity and experience. Most licenses have a 10% tolerance, but BC-A/r does not.
15Does Tennessee require workers’ compensation for construction employers?+
Construction employers with one or more employees generally must carry workers’ compensation. Certain eligible business owners can exempt themselves through the Workers’ Compensation Exemption Registry, but employees still must be covered.
16Which building codes does Tennessee currently use?+
The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office currently lists the 2021 IBC, 2018 IRC, and 2021 editions of the mechanical, plumbing, fuel-gas, fire and property-maintenance codes, with Tennessee amendments. Local jurisdictions may administer their own adopted code and permitting program, so the authority having jurisdiction should be verified.
17Can an out-of-state contractor use its home-state license in Tennessee?+
No. Reciprocity can support a trade-exam waiver in qualifying circumstances, but it does not authorize contracting in Tennessee without a Tennessee license.
18Can a permit record prove that a job is available?+
No. A permit is a public project signal. It may already identify the prime contractor or trade contractor and does not prove that the owner is soliciting bids or vendors.
Chase Tennessee project signals.
Use the licensing guide to understand the lane. Use TigerLeads to preview permit-based project intelligence in the markets and trades you actually serve.
