LLP License Process

Board for Licensing Contractors

In order to obtain a LLP license, complete the LLP application and sign before a notary. Attach proof of one (1) year plumbing experience, or proof of a local license (wallet card, certificate or notarized verification from past client, employer or official with permit agency); and attach a copy of the 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 Public Meetings Calendar for schedule). Those without proof of one (1) year experience cannot be issued.

LLP License Package

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), check payable to Contractor's Board - LLP, and mail to: Contractor's Board - LLP; 500 James Robertson Pkwy., Nashville, TN 37243-1150.
  5. You may check status of issuance from the "License Search" of the website showing an active expiration date.
  6. Always obtain a permit for inspections (check with local government for issuing agents; Tennessee Division of Fire Prevention provides inspections for LLP licensees in counties without a code inspector).

Felony Conviction/ Judgments / 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 judgments, 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 judgments. A license is not automatically denied due to judgments 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.