Tennessee Plumbing License Requirements

If you are planning to perform plumbing work in the state of Tennessee, it is important to obtain a Tennessee plumbing license. The licensing requirements ensure that plumbers have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality plumbing services.

Exemption for Tennessee Homeowners

It's worth noting that Tennessee homeowners who wish to perform plumbing work on their own residences are exempt from licensing requirements. This exemption allows homeowners to carry out plumbing tasks for their personal properties without the need for a license.

However, if you are not a homeowner and want to work as a plumber in Tennessee, obtaining a plumbing license is crucial. This will not only enhance your credibility but also demonstrate your commitment to professionalism and adhere to industry standards.

To become a licensed plumber in Tennessee, there are several paths you can take:

1. Apprenticeship: The most common way to start is by getting an apprenticeship. These are typically sponsored by professional plumbing companies, local unions, or trade and building alliances. Apprenticeships can take four to five years to complete, but you get paid while you learn. Requirements for a plumbing apprenticeship include being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma or GED, and showing an aptitude for math.
2. Formal Education: Another option is to learn the plumbing trade through formal education. For example, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology offers a 12-month certificate program in pipefitting and plumbing technology. The cost for this program is approximately $5,300, which includes tuition, textbooks, and supplies. Scholarships and financial assistance may be available, such as the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Educational Foundation scholarship for apprentices.
3. Licensing: After completing an apprenticeship or formal education program, you can work as a plumber without a license as long as you are employed by a state licensed plumber or contractor. However, if you wish to work independently, you will need to obtain a limited licensed plumber's (LLP) or CMC-A mechanical plumbing contractor license. The requirements for each are as follows:

Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) License Requirements:

• Complete the LLP application and have it notarized.
• Pay a $75 fee.
• Provide proof of one year of plumbing experience.
• Pass the open book LLP exam, which consists of 40 multiple-choice questions covering various subjects such as math, drainage waste and vents, and water supply and distribution. The passing score is 73% or higher, and the exam fee is $57.

If you have a local license, such as in Knoxville, you can submit a copy of this license to satisfy the experience requirement.

Applicants with criminal backgrounds will need approval from the full Board at one of their scheduled meetings. You must undergo a criminal background check and submit a detailed statement about your conviction and court disposition.

CMC-A Mechanical Plumbing Contractor License Requirements:

• Provide documentation of three years of plumbing experience through the Plumbing Exam Pre-Approval Request form.
• Once approved, schedule and pass the CMC-A exam. This open book exam consists of 110 trade knowledge questions and 50 business and law questions. The trade knowledge portion covers topics such as OSHA safety, gas appliances and piping, water supply and distribution, and traps, cleanouts, and interceptors. The business and law portion focuses on labor laws, bidding, and risk management. The passing score is 73% or higher, and the exam fee is $114.
• Complete the application, including a letter of reference and exam scores.
• Submit a financial statement prepared by a CPA or licensed PA to assign a monetary limit to your license for bidding and contracting projects. The limit is ten times the lesser of your net worth and working capital.
• Provide proof of workers' compensation insurance and liability insurance.
• Pay a $250 fee.

If you have a felony conviction or complaint history, you must submit an explanation to the Board and schedule an interview.

For exam preparation, PSI is the examination vendor for licensing tests in Tennessee. You can review PSI's Candidate Information Bulletins and purchase exam subject books from the PSI online bookstore or the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) online bookstore.

Benefits of Joining a Union in the Plumbing Occupation in Tennessee

1. Employment Hubs: Unions act as employment hubs, providing more secure job opportunities.

2. Continuing Education: Union jobs offer the opportunity for members to hone their trade through continuing education programs.

3. Access to Health Insurance: Joining a union can provide increased access to health insurance and other benefits.

Considerations of Joining a Union in the Plumbing Occupation in Tennessee

1. Union Dues: Members are required to pay union dues and possibly initiation fees.

2. Seniority Considerations: Senior members usually have more job security and promotional opportunities, which may frustrate new members.

As a plumbing professional in Tennessee, it is important to be aware of the following information:

1. Workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory for CMC-A licensing.
2. If you operate as an LLP and have employees, you fall under the category of an employer and must also have workers' compensation insurance.
3. The minimum amount of general liability insurance required depends on the monetary limit stated on your contractor’s license.
4. For example, if your monetary limit is $500,000, you must carry a minimum coverage of $100,000.

To find a Tennessee apprenticeship in plumbing, you can utilize online job boards. Here is a helpful link to the CareerOneStop website which provides a comprehensive list of apprenticeship opportunities in Tennessee.

Additionally, you may consider reaching out to potential sponsors directly for apprenticeship opportunities.

Once you have identified potential apprenticeships, inquire about their application criteria and be prepared for any necessary interviews. During the interview, expect questions about your education background and previous work experience in the plumbing field.

Plumbing License Reciprocity and Trade Exam Waiver in Tennessee and Ohio

If you are a licensed plumber in Tennessee and are interested in working in Ohio, there is some good news for you. Tennessee has a reciprocity agreement with Ohio, allowing you to skip the trade exam portion of any Ohio licensing requirement.

While your CMC-A license from Tennessee may not be directly valid in Ohio, this trade exam waiver can save you time and effort. You will still need to fulfill all other Ohio licensing requirements, but the exam portion will be waived if you hold a valid plumbing license in Tennessee.

This reciprocity agreement facilitates your transition to Ohio and makes it easier for you to continue your plumbing career in a new state without having to prove your trade knowledge again.

Please note that it is essential to check with the licensing authorities in both Tennessee and Ohio to ensure the most up-to-date information regarding the reciprocity agreement and any additional requirements you might need to meet.

If you are interested in plumbing and reside in Tennessee, you can visit the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s website to find a list of courses covering plumbing codes. This website also provides information about the costs associated with these courses.

Looking to network and learn more about the plumbing industry in Tennessee? Don't miss the Tennessee PHCC Annual Convention & Trade Show in Knoxville. It's a great opportunity to connect with professionals in the field and stay up-to-date on industry trends. If you're looking for additional resources, check out these helpful plumbing blogs: 11 Best Plumbing Blogs. Want to specialize in a specific area of plumbing? Consider exploring the top plumbing specialties in 2019 for potential career growth: Top Plumbing Specialties in 2019.