How to Get a Tennessee Electrical License

Tennessee has two state options: the Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE) license for jobs under $25,000, and the Electrical Contractor (CE) license for jobs of $25,000 or more. Both exams use the 2017 NEC.

Choose LLE or CE

LLE: a license for you as an electrician, for jobs under $25,000. Job value includes labor and materials. No experience is required. The LLE is not a journeyman, master, or contractor license. You can't advertise as a contractor or split a job to stay under $25,000.

The LLE only works where the state runs electrical permits. Memphis and Shelby County don't accept it. They use their own local license and ICC exams on the 2020 NEC. Other cities and counties may too, so check the state's local permitting list before you pick an exam.

CE: a company license for electrical jobs of $25,000 or more. The Board sets each company's monetary limit from its financial documents. Your company names a qualifying agent, who takes the exams. That person must be an owner, officer, or full-time employee.

Tennessee doesn't set a fixed number of years for CE. The Board reviews the qualifying agent's electrical experience and prefers 3 years. List your experience on the application and attach a letter of reference from a past client, employer, or code official.

One exam for LLE, two for a new CE license

The LLE takes one electrical exam. A new CE Electrical Contractor license takes the electrical trade exam plus Tennessee Contractor Business and Law. Calculations are part of the trade exam, not a third test. You don't need Board approval to schedule these exams.

Book your exam through Prov, the state's testing company. You can test at a center or from home. The August 18, 2026 Prov bulletin lists the 2017 NEC for both LLE and CE. Prov doesn't name an OSHA edition. Older or newer editions are allowed, but questions are scored against the listed edition.

Through January 1, 2027, CE also allows these older references: NFPA 70E (2017), the Handbook for Electrical Safety in the Workplace (2017), and the International Building Code (2021).

Prov's book rules allow highlighting and permanent tabs. Handwritten notes, removable tabs, Post-it notes, photocopies, added sheets, and study guides are not allowed. Bring a simple four-function calculator, or use the one on screen. Scientific, graphing, and programmable calculators are not allowed.

If you fail, you can retest with no waiting period and no attempt limit. Each attempt costs $53.

Other ways to meet the CE trade exam

An approved out-of-state trade-exam waiver or the NASCLA Electrical Contractor exam can replace the CE trade exam. You still take Business and Law and file the company application. The waiver chart lists the licenses that qualify.

The LLE has no out-of-state waiver. A passing CE trade score can be used to apply for the LLE, but an LLE score won't get you a CE license.

Apply after testing

LLE: follow the LLE application instructions and pay the $50 fee through CORE.

CE: follow the contractor application steps. Send the qualifying agent's records, a reviewed or audited financial statement (or the Board's surety-bond option), insurance, company documents, and the $250 fee. Don't bid a $25,000+ job until your license is issued with its monetary limit.

Both licenses renew every two years, with no statewide continuing education. Local licensing and permit rules still apply.