Exam Information

Beginning July 1, 2026, Prov will begin administering the exams for the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. Contractor applicants are required to take the Tennessee “Business and Law” exam, and a trade exam is required for certain license classifications. Exams are typically valid for two (2) years by the Board.

Applicants who are already scheduled with PSI for an exam date after July 1 may either keep their existing PSI appointment or schedule through Prov instead. PSI will continue to administer currently scheduled exams through September. New exam scheduling beginning July 1 should be completed through Prov. The exam is open-book.

Pre-approval is required by the Board to take the plumbing CMC-A or full mechanical CMC exam. Request approval by emailing a completed Pre-Approval Request Form to contractors.home-improvement@tn.gov. This form can be found on the Forms and Downloads page. There is a $50 fee associated with this request.

The same person taking the Business and Law exam is not required to take the trade exam, and up to two (2) people may take each exam for the company. The Qualifying Agent (QA) is the person designated to take the exam(s) for the entity obtaining the license and must register with the applicable exam provider. The QA may be an owner, full-time employee, or officer. Those without ownership will need to complete the Power of Attorney form found on the Forms and Downloads page.

The NASCLA Accredited Examination Program was designed to reduce redundant licensing requirements and assist contractors who need to be licensed in multiple jurisdictions. You can find all the information you need from applying to sit for the NASCLA Accredited Examination Program (Commercial General Building Contractors or Electrical), to applying for your license within each accepting regulatory agency here. 

Additional Resources:

- Business & Law Reference Manual – Tennessee Edition
- Tennessee Contractor's Candidate Information Bulletin (Prov)
- Tennessee Contractor's Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)