Tennessee Contractor Classification Outline
This guide provides an organized overview of Tennessee contractor license classifications and related examination requirements. It is intended to assist applicants in identifying the applicable major license categories, understanding when trade examinations are required, and locating the specialty classifications recognized by the Board. New license applicants must pass the Tennessee Business and Law exam, in addition to any applicable trade exam requirements listed in this guide; however, the BC-A/r restricted residential license uses an approved course in lieu of the residential trade exam.
The classification outline is compiled from T.C.A. § 62-6-112, Rule 0680-01-.12 and also Rule 0680-01-.16 of Appendix A.
Content
- General Licensing Framework
- Building Construction (BC)
- Building Categories (BC-1 through BC-34)
- Masonry (LMC)
- Specialty Classifications (S)
- Heavy Construction (HC)
- Highway, Railroad and Airport Construction (HRA)
- Municipal and Utility Construction (MU)
- Mechanical Contracting (CMC)
- Electrical Contracting (CE)
- Medical Gas Piping
1. General Licensing Framework
Each contractor license is issued with both a classification and a monetary limit. Classification defines the type of work the licensee may bid and perform. Monetary limit sets a maximum project amount authorized under the license. All new license applicants must pass the Business and Law exam. Some classifications also require a trade exam.
2. Building Construction (BC)
The BC family covers building construction work across residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Any type of BC classification covers all 34 building sub-categories.
| Classification | Exam | Description |
|---|---|---|
BC | Required | Full building construction; covers BC-A, B, C and all 34 building categories for residential, commercial, and industrial work, plus MU-B-related utility and sewer system work. |
BC-A | Required | Residential work limited to one-, two-, three-, and four-family residences not exceeding three stories, plus accessory use structures. |
| BC-A/r | Approved course from a state community college in lieu of exam | Restricted single-family residential license. Monetary limit cannot exceed $125,000. No 10% bid tolerance. No joint ventures. Exams required to increase limit or add classifications. |
BC-B | Required | Commercial work, including buildings for public use and occupancy, residential construction with more than four units, or buildings exceeding three stories. |
BC-b(sm) | Required | Small commercial work, subject to a monetary limit not exceeding $1,500,000. Full BC-B exam required to move above that cap. |
BC-C | Required | Industrial buildings and structures used for industrial production and service, such as manufacturing plants. |
3. Building Construction Sub-Categories
For up to five (5) building categories, no trade exam is required; however, the Business and Law exam and experience are still required. A subcontractor license is not required for the work listed below, except for roofing at $25K and above or masonry at $100K and above. Roofing (BC-21) and Masonry (BC-9) are notable exceptions when the portion of the project reaches the statutory threshold, licensing requirements may apply to both the prime contractor and the roofing subcontractor.
| Building Sub-Categories | Building Categories |
|---|---|
| BC-1 Acoustical Treatments | BC-18 Erection and Fabrication of Structural Steel |
| BC-2 Carpentry, Framing and Millwork | BC-19 Concrete |
| BC-3 Drywall | BC-20 Sheet Metal |
| BC-4 Floor Covering | BC-21 Roofing over $25K, including gutters and vinyl siding |
| BC-5 Foundations | BC-22 Conveyors |
| BC-6 Glass, Window and Door Construction | BC-23 Sandblasting |
| BC-7 Institutional and Recreational Equipment | BC-24 Golf Course |
| BC-8 Lath, Plaster, Stucco and Aluminum Siding | BC-25 Tennis Courts |
| BC-9 Masonry under $100K (see Masonry Section) | BC-26 Swimming Pools |
| BC-10 Ornamental and Miscellaneous Metal | BC-27 Outdoor Advertising |
| BC-11 Painting and Interior Decorating | BC-28 Excavation |
| BC-12 Roof Decks | BC-29 Landscaping |
| BC-13 Site and Subdivision Development | BC-30 Fencing |
| BC-14 Special Coatings and Waterproofing | BC-31 Demolition |
| BC-15 Tile, Terrazzo and Marble | BC-32 Millwright |
| BC-16 Insulation | BC-33 Irrigation |
| BC-17 Elevators, Escalators and Dumbwaiters | BC-34 Scaffolding |
4. Masonry (LMC)
The Licensed Masonry Contractor classification requires a trade exam. BC-9 may be used for masonry work below $100,000, including materials and labor. When the masonry portion exceeds $100,000, the contractor performing that work must hold a masonry license, including when the work is performed as a subcontractor.
5. Specialty Classifications (S)
Specialty classifications do not require a trade exam and are intended for work that does not fall within the standard building, utility, mechanical, electrical, or heavy construction categories.
Agricultural / Environmental Specialty
S-A Asbestos Material Handling / Removing
S-B Underground Storage Tank
S-C Lead-Based Paint Abatement
S-D Hazardous Waste Removal
S-E Air, Water or Soil Remediation
S-F Mold Remediation
S-Agricultural Building
S-Air Pollution Monitoring
S-Greenhouses
S-Lagoon Air Diffusion
S-Lagoon Baffle
S-Landfill Gas
S-Methane Gas Recovery Systems
S-Non-Hazardous Waste Removal
S-Pole Barn
S-Poultry Equipment
S-Swine Houses
S-Solid Waste
Architectural / Building
S-Awning & Canopy Installation
S-Code Shoring
S-Concrete Restoration
S-Curtain Wall
S-Granite / Limestone / Monuments
S-Green Building Initiative Restoration
S-Interior Protection
S-Locker Installation
S-Metal Building
S-Partitions
S-Photo Luminescent Egress
S-Rack/Pallet
S-Shelving
S-Skylights
S-Window Tinting
S-Window Treatment
Civil / Site / Utilities
S-Boring/Directional/Tunneling
S-Dewatering
S-Directional Drilling
S-Dredging
S-Drill Methane
S-Drill Natural Gas
S-Dry Stone Wall
S-Erosion Control
S-Ground Application
S-Hardscapes
S-Meter Installation
S-Hauling
S-Leach Field Install
S-Leak Detection Systems
S-Manhole Rehabilitation
S-Oil Water Separator
S-Parking Lot Equipment
S-Pipeline Coating/Rehabilitation
S-Pipelines
S-Pond Restoration
S-Retaining Wall
S-Right of Way
S-Site Prep
S-Slope Stabilization
S-Storm Water Rehabilitation
S-Stream Restoration
S-Tree Light Maintenance
S-Tree Trimming
S-Utility Poles
S-Water & Wastewater Control
S-Water Meter Installation
S-Water Tanks
S-Watershed System
Coatings / Linings / Waterproofing / Surface Treatment
S-Acid Resistant/Acid Proof
S-Caulking
S-Cathodic Protection
S-Chemical Resistant
S-Chemical Cleaning
S-Epoxy Clad HT
S-Fiberglass Plastic
S-Fire Stopping
S-Geosynthetic Fabric Installation
S-Hydro Blasting
S-Leak Sealing
S-Liners
S-Pit Cleaning / Seal / Waterproofing
S-Polymer Lining
S-Seal High Pressure
S-Tank Coating
Electrical / Low Voltage / Communications / Controls
S-Aerial Cabling
S-Audio Visual Systems
S-Building Automation
S-Communication/Cell Towers
S-Communication Systems
S-Data Cable/Line
S-Earth Satellite
S-GPS GIS Underground
S-Emergency Warning Systems
S-Lightning Protection
S-Navigational Equipment Aid
S-Network Systems
S-Outdoor Lighting
S-Radio Systems
S-Satellite Installation
S-Utility Instrumentation
Equipment / Specialty Systems / Miscellaneous
S-Cold Storage & Refrigeration
S-Detention Equipment
S-Equipment Installation
S-Floating Dock
S-Food Service Equipment
S-Furniture/Fixture Install
S-Generator Equipment Install
S-Handicap Lift
S-Kilns
S-Laboratory Equipment
S-Light Rail Installation
S-Mass Transit Equipment
S-Overhead Crane
S-Robotic Equipment
S-Scale System
S-Solar Panel Installation
S-Warehouse Storage
Mechanical / Process / Industrial
S-Above Ground Tanks
S-Aviation Fuel Storage
S-Dust Collection
S-Elevated Water
S-Fall Protection Systems
S-Flammable Liquid Storage
S-Fuel Tank Installation
S-Furnace/Incinerators
S-Heat Treat Metal
S-Industrial Machinery
S-Machinery Moving
S-Manufacturing Systems
S-Marine Construction
S-Material Handling
S-Precipitators
S-Pressure Vessel
S-Pressure Wash
S-Refinery Maintenance
S-Refractory
S-Steam / Condensate & Heat
S-Steel Tanks
S-Stress Relief
S-Vehicle Exhaust
Recreation / Athletic / Amenity Systems
S-Athletic Facilities Construction
S-Outdoor Running Track
S-Synthetic Turf
S-Indoor Gym Floors
S-Netting
S-Playground Equipment
S-Skatepark Construction
S-Sports Arena
S-Theater/Stage
S-Ziplines/Rope Systems
6. Heavy Construction (HC)
This section provides an overview of the Heavy Construction (HC) classifications for large-scale civil, industrial, and infrastructure projects, along with the Heavy Construction Subcategories that apply across all HC areas for specific types of work. No trade exam is required for HC classifications.
| Classification | Description |
|---|---|
| HC-A | Marine: wharves, docks, harbor improvements and terminals |
| HC-B | Tunnel and shaft |
| HC-C | Energy and power plants |
| HC-D | Dams, dikes, levees and canals |
| HC-E | Mining surface and underground |
| HC-F | Oil field construction |
| HC-G | Oil refineries |
| HC-H | Storm damage cleanup |
| HC-I | Landfill construction |
Heavy Construction Sub-Categories
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| HC-1 | Structural Steel Erection |
| HC-2 | Tower and Stack Construction |
| HC-3 | Foundation Construction, Pile Driving, Foundation Drilling and Stabilization |
| HC-4 | Demolition and Movement of Structures |
| HC-5 | Clearing, Grubbing, Snagging and Rip Rap |
| HC-6 | Slipform Concrete Structures |
| HC-7 | Rigging and Crane Rigging |
| HC-8 | Welding |
7. Highway, Railroad and Airport Construction (HRA)
Highway, Railroad and Airport Construction (HRA) classifications do not require a trade exam. The family is organized by grading, paving, bridge work, railroad work, and miscellaneous highway specialties.
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| HRA-A | Grading and Drainage |
| HRA-B | Base and Paving |
| HRA-B.1 | Base Construction |
| HRA-B.2 | Hot and Cold Mix Asphalt |
| HRA-B.3 | Surface Treatment Asphalt |
| HRA-B.4 | Concrete Paving |
| HRA-C | Bridges and Culverts |
| HRA-C.1 | Painting |
| HRA-C.2 | Repair |
| HRA-C.3 | Demolition |
| HRA-C.4 | Bridge Deck Overlay (Sealant) |
| HRA-C.5 | Gunite |
| HRA-C.6 | Cofferdam |
| HRA-C.7 | Steel Erection |
| HRA-D | Railroad Construction and Related Items |
| HRA-E | Miscellaneous and Specialty Items |
| HRA-E.1 | Traffic Safety |
| HRA-E.1(a) | Pavement Markers |
| HRA-E.1(b) | Signing |
| HRA-E.1(c) | Guardrail and Fencing |
| HRA-E.1(d) | Attenuators, Signalization and Roadway Lighting |
| HRA-E.2 | Landscaping |
| HRA-E.3 | Pavement Rehabilitation |
| HRA-E.4 | Well Drilling |
| HRA-E.5 | Miscellaneous Concrete |
8. Municipal and Utility Construction (MU)
Municipal and Utility Construction (MU) covers underground piping, water and sewer systems, grading and drainage, and paving. A BC-B or full BC classification is considered acceptable for full MU work, including MU-B.
| Classification | Exam | Description |
|---|---|---|
| MU | BC-B or BC exam for full MU / MU-B | Municipal and utility construction generally, including underground piping, water and sewer plants and disposal, grading, drainage, and paving. |
| MU-A | No exam | Underground piping |
| MU-A.1 | No exam | Gas distribution and transmission lines |
| MU-A.2 | No exam | Sewer lines, storm drains, rehabilitation and structures |
| MU-A.3 | No exam | Waterlines |
| MU-A.4 | No exam | Underground conduit |
| MU-B | BC-B or BC exam | Water and sewer systems |
| MU-C | No exam | Grading and drainage |
| MU-D | No exam | Base and paving |
| MU-D-1 | No exam | Base construction |
| MU-D-2 | No exam | Hot and Cold Mix Asphalt |
| MU-D-3 | No exam | Surface Treatment Asphalt |
| MU-D-4 | No exam | Concrete Pavement |
| MU-D-5 | No exam | Miscellaneous Concrete including sidewalks, driveways, curb, gutter and box culverts |
9. Mechanical Contracting (CMC)
Mechanical contracting (CMC) requires a trade exam for the full CMC classification. Certain subcategories also require a trade exam as indicated in the table below.
| Code | Exam | Description |
|---|---|---|
| CMC | Required | Full mechanical contracting classification |
| CMC-A | Required | Plumbing and Gas Piping |
| CMC-B | No exam | Process Piping |
| CMC-C | Required | HVAC, Refrigeration and Gas Piping; Solar HVAC (Geothermal) |
| CMC-D | Required | Sprinklers and Fire Protection |
| CMC-E | No exam | Insulation of Mechanical Work |
| CMC-F | No exam | Pollution Control |
| CMC-G | No exam | Pneumatic Tube Systems |
| CMC-H | No exam | Temperature Controls (Pneumatic) |
| CMC-I | No exam | Boiler Construction and Repairs |
| CMC-J | No exam | Fuel Gas Piping and Systems |
- Mechanical subcontractors performing mechanical work over $25K must be licensed as contractors.
10. Electrical Contracting (CE)
The full CE classification requires a trade exam and covers all electrical categories. Certain subcategories also require a trade exam as indicated in the table below.
| Code | Exam | Description |
|---|---|---|
| CE | Required | Electrical work for buildings and structures; full electrical classification |
| CE-A | Required | Electrical transmission lines |
| CE-B | Required | Electrical Work for Buildings and Structures |
| CE-C | No exam | Underground electrical conduit installation |
| CE-D | No exam | Sound and intercom systems, fire detection, signal and burglar alarm systems, and security systems up to 70 volts |
| CE-E | No exam | Electrical signs |
| CE-F | No exam | Telephone lines and ducts |
| CE-G | No exam | Cable TV |
| CE-H | Required | Substations |
| CE-I | No exam | Electrical temperature controls |
| CE-J | Required | Fire detection, signal and burglar alarm, and security systems with conduit and wiring above 70 volts |
| CE-K | Required | Roadway lighting, attenuators and signalization |
| CE-L | Required | Electric meter installation |
- Electrical prime and subcontractors must be licensed as contractors to perform electrical work.
- Separate alarm-system regulation may apply in some circumstances.
Medical gas piping is a specialty classification for installation, maintenance, and repair work regulated under T.C.A.§ 68-11-253. This classification does not require a trade exam; however, board certification is required. The minimum certification qualifications are those established by the American Medical Gas Institute (AMGI) or the Piping Industry Progress and Education Trust Fund (PIPE). Certification requires at least thirty-two (32) hours of training, including eight (8) hours in brazing, and must include training based on the most current edition of NFPA 99C for gas and vacuum systems.