Board for Licensing Contractors
How to Become a Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP)
The Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) license is required for projects less than $25,000 in municipalities where there are no local plumbing licensing agencies and inspections (except for the 15 *exempt counties listed below under "Exemptions"). It is best to check with the local government before performing any work. The LLP license requirement became effective on January 1, 2006.
Plumbing work is defined as the construction, alteration, repair, improvement, movement, demolition, putting up, tearing down, or furnishing labor to install material or equipment within any residential or commercial building of all piping, fixtures, and appliances for the supply of gas, water, liquids or disposal of waster water or sewage; provided, that there is no intent to require licensure under this part for plumbing work performed outside a residential or commercial building, including but not limited to utility connections or irrigation systems.
For questions concerning obtaining a LLP license, you may call the staff at: (615) 532-3994 or by email at: LLP Section.
LLP License Package
LLP License Application [pdf]
LLP Exam Information [pdf]
IMPORTANT NOTICE! Effective January 1, 2010, those doing business within the Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County, must display on both sides of their vehicle with the full name of the firm to which the vehicle belongs, in lettering of at least three (3) inches; include the registration number of the plumber; and the wording "Nashville, Tennessee".
Exemptions from LLP License
- A State licensed plumbing contractor, with a CMC-A, MC-A, CMC, or MC classification is exempt from the LLP requirement;
- Modular home installer or retailer licensees performing plumbing work on a modular unit, in connection with a manufacturer’s warranty;
- Employed as a plumber with a State licensed plumber or contractor;
- Licensed as a plumber within the county or municipality where performing plumbing work;
- Projects $25,000 or more must obtain a Contractor's license with a CMC-A or CMC classification;
- Municipalities with their own plumber license may not accept the LLP;
- Appliance installation for projects less than $500 in LLP counties (see law for specific details);
- Homeowner may perform plumbing on their own residence; or
- Working in any of the 15 exempt *counties where the LLP is not required
*Exempt Counties: Benton, Decatur, Dickson, Giles, Henderson, Henry, Hickman,
Humphreys, Lake, Lawrence, Lewis, Obion, Perry, Stewart and Weakley
Note: A limited licensed plumber (LLP) may not use the appellation term "contractor" unless they hold a contractor's license! Application
PLUMBING LICENSING
Plumbing is licensed at various levels in Tennessee; there is a state Contractor's license with a plumbing (CMC-A) classification; or a state Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP); and also the local government's license (journeyman/master) requirements.
Contractor (CMC-A)
This state contractor's license is required for plumbing work as a prime or subcontractor, where the total cost is $25,000 or more. The "CMC-A" or "CMC" plumbing/mechanical classification is accepted statewide, and additional exams are not required in each county or municipality. However, you must adhere to their local permit, licensing rules and inspections within their jurisdiction and pay local fees. Contractors with a CMC or CMC-A classification are exempt from the Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) license, but still required to obtain local license, permits and inspections. Click onto "Contractor" for licensing steps and information. To take the plumbing contractor's exam, the law requires pre-approval by the Board and this form is available from the exam and contractor's license application.
Local License (City/County from each municipality)
The local license is required regardless of the amount of the project, in areas where there is a codes office. This type of licensing is referred to as journeyman/master, etc. Every jurisdiction is different, and you must adhere to their local requirements. If you have a state contractors CMC or CMC-A license, you will not be required to take their local plumbing exam, but will need to pay their fees. Click onto local government for their contact information.
Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP)
This state license is only required for plumbers where the total cost is LESS THAN $25,000 and they are working in a municipality where there is not a local license agency for inspections. If they have a contractor’s license with a CMC or CMC-A classification, they are exempt from the LLP; but not exempt from local license or inspections. Note: Plumbing Inspections for LLP's will be in place by the Board before January 1, 2011, for areas without codes offices.
To make sure of the type of license needed for projects less than $25,000, you must check with the local government, where you plan to work, for their local licensing, permit and inspection requirements. Some may require you to take their plumbing exam, unless you have a CMC or CMC-A contractor's license. The LLP is not accepted where the local jurisdiction has their own licensing and inspections already in place or the 15 exempt counties listed above.
LLP (Limited Licensed Plumber) Licensing Process
Must submit the LLP application and sign before a notary. Attach proof of one (1) year plumbing experience, or a local license and/or wallet card or notarized verification from past client, employer or official with permit agency); and attach a copy of LLP exam score. The law allows waiver of the 40 question plumbing exam with PSI, only if submitting proof of a prior local plumbing license in Tennessee or exam score from any county or municipality in Tennessee (there are no out of state exam waivers). The fee is $75.00 for a two (2) year license (fee is nonrefundable). An incomplete application and failure to submit attachments of required information will delay issuance of license. When mailing an LLP application, please allow 5 to 7 business days for application receipt. If hand delivering or sending by express mail, it takes the Cashier's office approximately 2 business days to forward the application to the Board's office. The Board cannot accept fees at their physical location and must be delivered at the mailing address listed on the application.
LLP applicants are approved by the Board's office staff, unless there are felony or complaints. Those with felony or complaints will require full Board approval at their regularly scheduled meetings (see Calendar for schedule). Those without proof of one (1) year experience cannot be issued.
LLP License Package
LLP License Application [pdf]
LLP Exam Information [pdf]
PSI Exam Vendor Website (Online registration available)
Checklist for Completing LLP Licensing Process
1. Register with PSI for the LLP Exam (or supply Tennessee local plumbing licenses or exam scores)
2. Complete LLP application, sign and have notarized
3. Provide proof of a minimum of one (1) year plumbing experience
4. Attach scores, proof of experience, completed LLP application with $75.00 fee (two year license) and mail to: Contractor's Board - LLP; 500 James Robertson Pkwy., Nashville, TN 37243-1150.
5. You may check receipt and issuance from the "License Search" of the website at: http://licsrch.state.tn.us/
Felony Conviction/ Judgements / Complaints / Disclosure
Felony convictions do not automatically preclude someone from licensing, however, it does require the Board's approval. If you have been convicted of a felony in any jurisdiction (Tennessee or any state), you must attach a statement explaining the details of the conviction, charging document, the disposition and proof of any sentence or court order and release of probation. In addition, the Board requires the applicant to submit a criminal background check (such as from the TBI (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation) showing criminal history and timeline. Before a license is granted to anyone with a conviction, they may be required to appear before the Board and they meet at least six (6) times annually. Failure to supply all the documentation relative to a conviction will cause a delay in getting the application reviewed.
If you have court judgements, complaints with the Board or if you have had disciplinary action against another professional license (in any state), you are required to disclose. Failure to disclose may result into a complaint reported, where the Board has been notified from a consumer of false information supplied resulting in misrepresentation for the purposes of obtaining a license.
The Board is charged with protecting the safety and welfare of the public and they will judge each individual case on it's own merit (type of offense and relation to industry; clean criminal history timeline since conviction, character references, etc.). The law requires disclosure of felonies, as well as any court litigation and judgements. A license is not automatically denied due to judgements and convictions, however, failure to disclose is a violation of law and a civil penalty may be assessed for not providing true and correct information, such as the license denied or revoked.
Review the LLP License Law, Rules and Regulation
It is very important to ensure you are knowledgeable with the license laws, rules and regulations. These may be reviewed from our website at the "Laws, Rules and Regulations".
Failing to be familiar with the law could cause violations affecting your license. For example, Limited Licensed Plumbers (LLP) licensees cannot use the term or advertise as a "Contractor". Never allow another individual to use your license (considered aiding in unlicensed activity). If you perform work in an area regulated by another state agency (such as the Fire Sprinkler section with the Division of Fire Prevention), be sure to obtain their required licenses. In addition, a LLP licensee cannot perform work where the total plumbing on a project or contract is $25,000 or more; contracts cannot be split into phases to circumvent the contractor licensing law. If you want to be licensed to perform projects $25,000 or more, you'll need to obtain a "Contractor's" license with a CMC-A plumbing classification. Also, be sure to notify the Board's office of any change in mailing address. When using a P.O. Box for mail, you must also supply a physical address.
Always check with the local municipality for permits and inspections, as well as, for their own plumber license requirements. In areas where there is not a codes office, the state will be implementing inspections by January 1, 2011.
Downloads
Application - Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) [pdf]
Address Change Request Form Law [pdf]
County and City Contact Information
Exam - LLP Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) [pdf]
Plumbing Association (NAPMA - Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors of Middle TN)
Plumbing Association (TPHCC - TN Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors)
License Search - Tips, Reports and Downloads Guide [pdf]
LLP - 2006 Licensing Guide [pdf]
Law - LLP Amended May, 2006 Law [pdf]
Law - LLP Amended July 1, 2007 [pdf]
National Licensing Information
Renewal Form [pdf]
Revenue Division/Tax Information
Well Driller Licenses - Department of Environment and Conservation
Workers Compensation Information
Note: A limited licensed plumber (LLP) may not use the appellation term "contractor" unless they hold a contractor's license!
NEW! Effective January 1, 2010, Metro Nashville-Davidson County will be enforcing the requirement for plumbing license numbers to be on vehicles.
Fire Protection
Those performing work on fire protection and fire sprinkler systems, must register with
the Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office, Permits and Licenses Unit. More information may be
obtained from their website or contact them at: (615) 741-1322.
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For information regarding small, minority or woman owned businesses, check with the Governor's Office of Diversity Enterprise!
Notice: The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance is committed to principles of equal access and affirmation action. Contact the EEO or ADA Coordinator at (615) 741-2177.
