Electricians install, maintain, repair, and troubleshoot electrical systems and components. They work with electrical wiring, outlets, switches, lighting fixtures, appliances, and other electrical components in new and existing structures. Electricians read and interpret blueprints and diagrams, and they are expert problem solvers.
To work as an electrician in Tennessee, you’re required to have a license, which can take two to four years to obtain but is well worth the effort. The process to become licensed includes gaining work experience and passing a licensing exam. Some cities and counties have slightly different requirements. This article explains the process to getting your electrical license and offers some valuable resources to start you on your way.
Types of Electrician Licenses in Tennessee
Electrical contractor licenses are issued statewide by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. Tennessee offers three license classifications. Which license you should get depends on your career goals and where you work in the state.
Contractor Electrical License (CE)
A state contractor electrical (CE) license is needed for jobs where the total costs exceed $25,000. This statewide license is accepted in all Tennessee counties; however, you are required to know local permitting, licensing, and inspection rules within the jurisdiction where you work.
Additionally, you may be required to pay additional fees in the local municipality. The Tennessee CE classification is comparable to the master electrician classification nationwide.
Limited License Electrician (LLE)
When the total cost of a project is less than $25,000, only the Limited License Electrician (LLE) is required. Projects cannot be split or phased to keep costs below this threshold.
LLEs are only accepted in areas where local licenses are not required. Licensees should check with their local municipality for the Division of Fire Protection to determine whether an LLE is accepted.
Local License and Business
Counties with a local codes office issue traditional journeyman and master electrician licenses. Those include:
In these jurisdictions, the LLE is not accepted. In this case, you will need to take and pass all licensing requirements within the local municipality. Those with the state CE license are not required to take local licensing exams.
A state-issued LLE is accepted by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance for areas of the state with no licensing regulations.
Steps to Obtain an Electrical License in Tennessee
The requirements to become a licensed electrician in Tennessee vary depending on the city or country where you wish to work, so it’s imperative to contact your local licensing board. Generally, you must have a basic education, on-the-job experience, pass an exam, and pay licensing fees.
Education and Apprenticeship
You need a high school diploma or equivalent to take the exam. You will also be required to have minimum on-the-job experience.
The number of hours of work experience varies. In some counties you will need 8,000 hours (four years) and in others only 4,000 hours (or two years). The number of hours required also depends on the type of license, such as LLE, CE, journeyman, or master electrician. Some municipalities also require between 576 and 900 classroom hours.
While this can seem like a moving target, you can simplify the process through an apprenticeship program. Apprenticeship programs are an excellent way to get the work experience and classroom hours needed to take your exam and become licensed. Tennessee has union and non-union programs. There are five union-based Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees in Tennessee: Chattanooga, Memphis, Knoxville, Nashville, and Oak Ridge.
The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) and the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) trade associations offer non-union based apprenticeships.
Pass the Electrical Licensing Exam
The Business and Law Exam and a trade exam are required for both the CE and LLE licenses. The Business and Law exam has 50 questions and a time limit of 140 minutes. A passing score is 73%.
The Business and Law exam covers:
- Licensing Requirements (5 items)
- Estimating and Bidding (7 items)
- Business Organization and Financial Management (7 items)
- Tax Laws (5 items)
- Labor Laws (5 items)
- Project Management and Lien Law (6 items)
- Contracts (6 items)
- Risk Management (4 items)
- Environmental Safety (5 items)
The CE electrical contractor exam includes 100 questions with a 260-minute time limit and 73% to pass. The exam covers:
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General Knowledge of Electrical Installation Requirements (14 items)
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Building Code Requirements (5 items)
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Services, Feeders, and Branch Circuits (10 items)
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Overcurrent Protection (4 items)
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Grounding and Bonding (10 items)
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Conductors and Cables (8 items)
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Raceways and Boxes (8 items)
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Hazardous Locations, Special Occupancies, and Special Equipment (12 items)
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Low Voltage, Alarms, Signaling Systems, and Communications (7 items)
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Lighting, Signs, and General Use Equipment (6 items)
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OSHA and NFPA 70E Safety (6 items)
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Motors, Transformers, and Generators (10 items)
The LLE exam includes 40 questions with a 130-minute time limit and 75% to pass. The exam covers:
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General Knowledge and Electrical Installation Requirements (7 items)
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Services, Feeders, and Branch Circuits (7 items)
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Overcurrent Protection (2 items)
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Grounding and Bonding (5 items)
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Conductors and Cables (4 items)
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Raceways and Boxes (5 items)
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Hazardous Locations, Special Occupancies, and Special Equipment (5 items)
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Low Voltage, Alarms, Signaling Systems, and Communications (2 items)
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Lighting Signs, and General Use Equipment (3 items)
The NASCLA-Accredited Trade Examination can be taken in lieu of the state exam for CE and LLE licensees. The NASCLA has 100 questions with a passing score of 75%. There is a 270-minute time limit to take the exam, which covers:
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Project Design and Management (8 items)
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Safey (9 items)
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Electrical Theory and Principles (11 items)
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General Code Requirements (17 items)
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Wiring and Protection (17 items)
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Wiring Methods and Materials (16 items)
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General Equipment Use (13 items)
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Special Occupancies, Special Equipment, and Special conditions (8 items)
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Communication Systems (1 items))
The NASCLA is a great option for electrical contractors who wish to work in multiple states or municipalities. Results of this exam are accessed through the National Examination Database (NED) and can be sent electronically to the state or local licensing agency.
While all exams are open book, an exam preparation course is your best bet for passing on the first try. The Contractor Training Center offers a full suite of Tennessee electrical license exam prep coursess. Our courses give you test-taking tools and unlimited simulated practice exams to sharpen your skills for exam day. The reference materials we use are the same pre-tabbed and highlighted reference materials you can bring with you to the open book exam.
Apply for a License
CE and LLE licensees must complete the license application and pay all fees. The state application requires proof of experience, references, financial statement, exam scores, certificates of insurance, and disclosures or letters of explanation. CE licensees are required to carry worker’s compensation insurance if they intend to hire employees.
You will also need to create a business entity and obtain sufficient liability insurance, proof of which will need to be sent to the licensing board.
Continuing Education and License Renewal
Licenses are renewed every two years. There are no continuing education requirements; however, electricians are expected to know current code requirements, rules, and regulations. Continuing education is also an excellent way to set yourself apart from the competition or upskill. Trends in the electrical industry include the internet of things, smart grids, wireless power transfer, and renewable energy.
Why Choose Our Electrician Licensing Exam Prep School?
Tennessee is the fourth fastest-growing state in the US. This is great news for anyone in the construction industry, especially electricians.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the electrician field to grow 11% over the next 10 years—much faster than other trades in the construction industry. In Tennessee, the projected growth rate is 17%, making it one of the best states to become a licensed electrician.
In 2023, the BLS reported an annual average salary of $61,590. According to ZipRecruiter, that number is $64,332 with a range between $34,943 and $97,116.
Tennessee is one of the fastest-growing states in the US, offering incredible opportunities for electrical workers. The steps to become licensed include getting your education, working as an apprentice, and taking and passing your electrical exam. The most important thing to remember is to check with the jurisdiction where you want to work to ensure you meet their requirements.
For more information about taking the next step in your career, explore our NASCLA Residential Electrical courses or if you’re considering expanding your skills beyond electrical work, learn more about how to become a general contractor in Tennessee.
If you have questions, we’re happy to help. Reach out today to get started in this exciting and sustainable career.