Tennessee Electrical Exam: LLE and CE Tests With Prov (2026)

Tennessee has two electrical exams, both on the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) and both now given by Prov instead of PSI. The Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE) exam is 40 questions in 2 hours. The CE Electrical Contractor exam is 100 questions in 5 hours. Each needs a 73% score and costs $53 a try.

LLE or CE: which Tennessee exam do you need?

It depends on job size, under the Board for Licensing Contractors.

• LLE: a personal license for jobs under $25,000, where the state's Division of Fire Prevention handles permits or inspections.
• CE: a company license for jobs of $25,000 or more. A qualifying agent (an owner, officer or full-time employee who qualifies the company) takes the exams for the company.

For experience rules and applications, see JCR's Tennessee license guide. For the LLE alone, see Tennessee LLE license: cost, requirements and where it works.

What changed when Tennessee moved from PSI to Prov?

Book at provexam.com/scheduler under the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. Prov's candidate bulletin (October 20, 2026) sets the rules below.

You can also test from home through Examroom at any time.

LLE exam in Tennessee: what's on it?

The LLE has no business and law test. Its 40 questions:

• Services, feeders and branch circuits: 7
• Grounding and bonding: 5
• Raceways and boxes: 5
• Hazardous locations and special occupancies: 5
• General knowledge: 4
• Conductors and cables: 4
• Installation requirements: 3
• Lighting, signs and equipment: 3
• Overcurrent protection: 2
• Low-voltage alarm and communications: 2

Allowed books: the 2017 NEC, Ugly's Electrical References (2020) and OSHA 29 CFR 1926. To practice 2017 NEC lookups, try this free 2017 NEC practice test.

Tennessee CE electrical contractor exam: what's on it?

The 100 questions cover 12 topics:

• Wiring and protection: 23
• Wiring methods and materials: 15
• General electrical knowledge: 14
• Motors and controls: 10
• Communication systems: 7
• Equipment for general use: 6
• OSHA safety: 6
• Code reading: 5
• Special occupancy: 4
• Special equipment: 4
• Hazardous locations: 4
• Plan reading: 2

Allowed books: the 2017 NEC, Ugly's (2020), OSHA 29 CFR 1926 and the American Electrician's Handbook, 17th edition. Until January 1, 2027, you may also bring NFPA 70E (2017), its 2017 Handbook and the 2021 International Building Code.

A new CE license also needs the Tennessee Business and Law exam. A passing NASCLA electrical contractor score can replace the CE trade exam. At Prov, NASCLA is 110 questions (10 unscored) in 4.5 hours, on the 2020 or 2023 NEC.

Which test-day rules catch people?

• Books: highlighting and permanent tabs only. No handwritten notes, movable tabs, sticky notes, photocopies, added pages, study guides or practice exams.
• Editions: a newer or older book is allowed, but answers are scored on the listed edition.
• Calculator: simple 4-function only, or use the one built into the test.
• ID: a current government photo ID that matches your registration. Paper or temporary licenses aren't accepted.
• Arrival: doors open at least 15 minutes early. Arrive after testing starts, and you lose your seat and fee.
• Breaks: the clock keeps running, and every question you saw before the break locks, answered or not.

Fees, scheduling and retakes

• No Board approval is needed to book the LLE or CE exams. Pay Prov when you register.
• Change or cancel at least 3 days ahead, or you forfeit the fee.
• Results are scored as soon as you finish, and Prov sends them straight to the Board.
• Score life: the Board typically accepts exam results for 2 years.
• Test centers: Chattanooga, Greeneville, Knoxville, Memphis, Murfreesboro and Nashville, or any Prov center in the country.

Do Memphis and Shelby County have their own rules?

Yes. These areas run their own electrical permits:

• All of Shelby County, including Memphis
• Nashville/Davidson County and Knoxville
• All of Hamilton County, including Chattanooga

The state LLE is tied to the state permit program, so local licensing rules apply there. In Shelby County, read JCR's Memphis/Shelby County license guide and see the Memphis exam prep.

How to pass the Tennessee electrical exam

• Never leave a blank. Prov doesn't take points off for wrong answers.
• Flag slow questions and finish them before any break.
• Spend most CE study time on wiring. Wiring and protection plus wiring methods are 38 of 100 questions.
• Give yourself 6–8 weeks, about an hour a night, with timed practice tests near the end.

Tennessee electrical exam FAQ

Is the Tennessee electrical exam open book?

Yes. Bring the references listed in Prov's bulletin. They can be highlighted and permanently tabbed, but not handwritten in.

Does the LLE require the business and law exam?

No. The LLE needs only the LLE trade exam. Business and Law is for contractor licenses such as the CE.

Can I take the Tennessee electrical exam at home?

Yes, through Prov's Examroom with a live remote proctor. You need a recent computer, Chrome or Firefox, a webcam, a microphone and the ProvLock extension. Run Prov's system check before you book.

How soon can I retake the TN LLE or CE exam?

After a 1-day wait. There's no cap on attempts, and each try costs $53.