Licensing Guides
Tennessee Electrical License: How to Become an Electrician in Tennessee
Electrical, TN
May 26th, 2026
Joanne Bratton
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Tennessee
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Tennessee?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Tennessee?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Tennessee?
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Tennessee?
Does My Tennessee Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Tennessee?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in Tennessee?
Working with electricity is a dangerous and demanding job, but with the right education and training you can learn how to do it right and become an electrical professional in Tennessee.
Everyone needs an electrician at some point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 818,700 electricians nationwide and 17,070 in Tennessee.
The national number is predicted to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, adding more than 80,000 to the ranks of this important workforce. In Tennessee, that growth rate is projected at 13%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC or mechanical professionals, while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, construction employment in Tennessee in July 2025 totaled 162,000, a decrease of 2,500 (-1.5%) from July 2024 and an increase of 29,800 (23%) from February 2020. If you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from.
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Tennessee
Is a license required for electricians in Tennessee? Yes. In Tennessee, both the state and local jurisdictions issue licenses for electrical work.
The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors within the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance licenses electrical contractors performing work costing $25,000 or more. The state’s limited electrician license is for electricians who perform less than $25,000 worth of work in specific municipalities that accept the license.
Cities and counties in Tennessee may set their own licensing requirements. For instance, in the Nashville area, state-licensed electrical contractors must register with the Metro Nashville and Davidson County Department of Codes Administration. Journeyman and master electricians, as well as appliance, sign, and low-voltage installers, must pass an exam to obtain a local license.
It’s important for contractors and electricians to check with the local jurisdictions where they plan to work — even if they hold a state license — to make sure they meet all the local licensing requirements.
Steps to Get an Electrical License in Tennessee
In Tennessee, electricians are licensed at both the state and local level. The licensing process varies based on local licensing requirements. To obtain a statewide electrical license, follow these steps:
Be at least 18 years old.
Meet work experience requirements, if applicable.
Pass an exam.
Apply for the license.
Pay all applicable fees.
How to Become an Electrician in Tennessee
To recap, the state licenses electrical contractors and electricians, but local jurisdictions may set additional licensing requirements. To become an electrician in Tennessee you must:
Be at least 18 years old.
Meet work experience requirements, if applicable.
Pass an electrical exam.
Pay all applicable fees.
Check with all local jurisdictions to ensure you meet licensing requirements. This may require passing an exam before you obtain your license.
Below are the specifics for the two statewide licenses.
LIMITED LICENSED ELECTRICIAN (LLE)
Work experience: The state does not mandate a specific number of years of experience for limited licensed electricians.
Pass exam: Limited licensed applicants must pass the limited licensed electrician exam administered by PSI Exams before applying for the license. The exam does not require board preappoval. The cost is $53. PSI provides a candidate information bulletin with detailed exam information.
Apply for license: Once you’ve passed the LLE exam, apply online or download, complete, and submit a paper application to the Board for Licensing Contractors. The board lists the application process on its LLE licensing process page.
Pay fees: Pay the $50 initial license fee for the two-year license.
Note: This license is for electricians who perform less than $25,000 worth of work in specific municipalities. This is not a contractor license. Cities or counties may set their own licensing requirements, so electricians will need to check with the local jurisdiction where they plan to work to make sure they meet all the licensing requirements.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR LICENSE (CE)
Work experience: Contractors with less than three years of experience must be interviewed by a board member during the application process. Those who need to interview with the board will receive notification after they submit their application.
Pass exam: The qualifying party must pass two state exams administered by PSI, the Tennessee business and law exam and a trade exam. The exams do not require board preapproval. The cost is $106 for two exams. The board provides additional exam information on its licensing process page. PSI also provides a candidate information bulletin with detailed exam information.
Prepare financial statement: Applicants must submit a reviewed or audited financial statement prepared by a certified public accountant or a licensed public accountant. The type of financial statement is based on the monetary limit of the license.
Show proof of insurance: Obtain general liability insurance based on the monetary limit of the license. Contractors must also meet workers’ compensation insurance requirements.
Submit business registration: Show business registration documents based on your business structure.
Apply for license: Apply online for the license. The board provides a how to become a contractor resource and a step-by-step list of the contractor license application process. It also has a forms and downloads page with additional information.
Pay fees: Pay the $250 application fee.
Increased authority: Electrical contractors may own their own electrical contracting businesses. Those with the CE designation are permitted to perform any type of electrical work.
The board also provides a FAQ page for answers to commonly asked contractor licensing questions.
Types of Electrical Licenses in Tennessee
What are the different types of electrician licenses in Tennessee? Electrical licenses are issued at both the state and local level, so types of licenses vary based on the jurisdiction.
The state offers two types of licenses, which are based on the cost of electrical work.
Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE)
A statewide Limited Electrician license is for those performing electrical work costing less than $25,000 for labor and materials. Electricians with this license must follow the licensing requirements of local jurisdictions, which may require you to also pass a local exam. An LLE license is not a contractor license.
Electrical Contractor License (CE)
A statewide Electrical Contractor license with an electrical classification permits a contractor or subcontractor to perform electrical work costing $25,000 or more for labor and materials. The CE classification is unlimited and permits the licensee to perform all types of electrical contracting work. Contractors with this license do not need to take contractor exams in local jurisdictions, but they must follow local licensing requirements and pay local fees.
The state has several electrical contractor classifications for specific types of electrical work:
Electrical Transmission Lines (CE-A,H), exam required
Underground Electrical Conduit Installation (CE-C), exam not required
Sound and Intercom Systems, Fire Detection Systems, Signal and Burglar Alarm Systems, and Security Systems up to 70 volts (CE-D), exam not required.
Electrical Signs (CE-E), exam not required
Telephone Lines and Ducts (CE-F), exam not required
Cable TV (CE-G), exam not required
Substations (CE-A,H), exam required
Electrical Temperature Controls (CE-I), exam not required
Fire Detection Systems, Signal and Burglar Alarm Systems and Security Systems with conduit and wiring higher than 70 volts (CE-J), exam required
Roadway Lighting, Attenuators and Signalization (CE-K), exam required
Electric Meter Installation (CE-L), exam required
Note: Alarm system licenses also require a license issued by the Tennessee Alarm Systems Contractors Board.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in Tennessee
There are many benefits to obtaining a Tennessee electrical license.
First and most importantly, cities and counties in Tennessee require electricians to obtain a state or local license to legally perform any electrical work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
You begin earning money from the start as an electrical apprentice.
It protects your company and customers.
It gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
As you build on your expertise, your earning potential increases and you have more authority to pull building permits and bid on projects.
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Tennessee?
The annual mean wage for electricians in Tennessee is $63,540 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. That salary can increase as you acquire more experience.
An electrician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median electrician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.59% for entry-level workers, 3.24% for intermediate level, and 3.15% for senior level electricians. In Tennessee those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $57,800
Intermediate (2-4 years): $67,900
Senior (4-7 years): $73,100
Salaries can vary widely, depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an electrical business, this blog can give you an idea of how to improve your profit margins.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an electrical technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one electrician software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
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Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
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How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Tennessee?
The cost of an electrical license in Tennessee varies, depending on the type of license and the local jurisdiction. These are the costs of the statewide electrician licenses.
Limited Licensed Electrician: $50 initial fee. The renewal fee is $50 for a two-year license.
Electrical Contractor license: $250 initial fee. The renewal fee is $200 for a two-year license.
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How Long Does it Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Tennessee?
The minimum amount of time it takes to get electrical licensure depends on the licensing regulations of the local jurisdiction. For instance, in the Nashville area, you must complete an apprenticeship to become a Journeyman Electrician, or have six years of experience to obtain a Master Electrician license.
For the statewide limited electrician license, which permits electrical work costing less than $25,000, applicants do not need a minimum amount of work experience but must pass an exam. Those applying for an electrical contractor license must show at least three years of experience to submit their application without interviewing with the board (unless other factors require an interview).
The great news is that as an apprentice, you begin earning a wage from the very beginning. Compensation increases each year as you acquire more training and knowledge, until you become a licensed electrician. As a licensed contractor, you can start your own electrical business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want. And we have a tool to help you.
Tennessee Electrician Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an electrician in the state of Tennessee. Electrical licenses are issued at both the state and local levels. The state doesn’t mandate specific experience to become a limited licensed electrician. However, many local jurisdictions require journeyman electricians to complete an apprenticeship and pass an exam.
Apprenticeship TN lists approved apprenticeship programs throughout the state. In addition, there are a number of programs offering an electrical apprenticeship. These include:
Chattanooga Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Center, sponsored by the National Electrical Contractors Association and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 175
Independent Electrical Contractors Middle Tennessee and Mid-South IEC
Nashville Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, sponsored by the East Tennessee Chapter of the NECA and IBEW Local 429
A number of colleges and universities offer an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in electrical engineering technology. These include:
Tuition: Tuition cost depends on the program you choose. Some apprenticeships are fully paid by your employer with required good grades. A Tennessee state resident can expect to pay about $5,176 per year in tuition at a community college.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to use good customer service skills, possess mechanical capability, pay attention to detail, and be physically fit. The job typically includes hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces, and includes some heavy lifting.
For more detailed information about electrical school options in Tennessee, check out our post — Electrician Schools in Tennessee: The Ultimate Guide.
Tennessee Electrician Licensing Exam Details
Licensing exam requirements vary based on the city or county where you seek licensing. The statewide limited licensed electrician and electrical contractor license require applicants to pass an exam administered by PSI before submitting a license application.
The limited licensed electrician exam consists of 40 questions and has a 130-minute time limit. The exam costs $53. The exam is open-book, and a passing score is 72.5% or higher. PSI provides more information in the limited licensed electrician candidate information bulletin.
The electrical contractor trade exam consists of 100 questions and has a 260-minute time limit. The business and law management exam has 50 questions and a 140-minute time limit. The cost for both exams is $106. The exams are open-book, and a passing score is 73% or higher. PSI provides more information in the contractor candidate information bulletin.
Topics for the LLE and contractor trade exams include:
General knowledge and electrical installation
Services, feeders, and branch circuits
Overcurrent protection
Grounding and bonding
Conductors and cables
Raceways and boxes
Hazardous locations, special occupancies, and special equipment
Low voltage, alarms, signaling systems, and communications
Lighting, signs, and general use equipment
The contractor exam also includes the topics of motors, transformers, and generators; and electrical safety.
Topics for the business and law management exam include licensing requirements, estimating and bidding, contracts, financial management, tax and labor laws, project management and lien law, and safety.
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Tennessee?
Whether you need to pass an electrician exam depends on the license and the regulations of the city or county. Those who complete an apprenticeship will receive the work experience, training, and knowledge necessary to take a licensing exam.
PSI provides candidate information bulletins for the state’s limited licensed electrician exam and the electrical contractor exam, which list approved references for each exam.
References include the NFPA 70-National Electrical Code (NEC) 2017, by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926. Another reference for contractors includes the NFPA 70E - Handbook for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, 2012, by the NFPA.
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in Tennessee?
The Board for Licensing Contractors within the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance issues limited licensed electrician and electrical contractor licenses.
The Department of Commerce and Insurance is located at 500 James Robertson Parkway, Davy Crockett Tower, Nashville, Tennessee 37243-0565. The department may be contacted by phone at (615) 741-2241. The Board for Licensing Contractors may be contacted by phone at (615) 741-8307 or by email at Contractors.Home-Improvement@tn.gov.
Cities and counties in Tennessee also issue electrical licenses. The licensing agencies vary depending on the local jurisdiction.
Does My Tennessee Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
Yes, Tennessee has reciprocity agreements with several states for electrical contractor licenses (listed in detail below). This means if you hold a Tennessee electrical contractor license, you may be eligible for an exam waiver in another state. You’ll still need to apply for the license and meet the state’s licensing requirements.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Tennessee?
Tennessee has reciprocity agreements with several states for contractor licenses, which permits trade exam waivers for contractors licensed in another state. The applicant still must apply for their Tennessee contractor license and meet all licensing requirements. The state lists more information on its contractor reciprocity page.
Tennessee has reciprocity agreements with the following states for electrical contractor licenses:
Alabama
Georgia
Louisiana
Mississippi
North Carolina
Ohio
South Carolina
West Virginia
Tennessee also accepts National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) electrical exams. The state does not have reciprocal agreements for limited licensed electricians. Cities or counties in Tennessee may also issue licenses by reciprocity, but it depends on the local licensing regulations.
National Electrical Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The main national electrical certifications are:
Independent Electrical Contractors certification
National Fire Protection Association certification
Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Are There Electrician Scholarships in Tennessee?
Yes, there are electrical scholarships in Tennessee. Scholarships are awarded through the state, trade schools, trade organizations, and colleges.
Tennessee Promise enables high school graduates to attend a community or technical college free of tuition and mandatory fees. The Tennessee Reconnect Grant pays the remaining balance of tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students pursuing an associate degree, technical degree, or technical diploma at a state community or technical college after the application of other state and federal financial aid.
Other scholarship opportunities for trade or technical education include:
Home Builders Association of Tennessee — David Stauffer Scholarship
How Can Someone Verify My Electrician License in Tennessee?
Potential clients and employees may verify your statewide electrical contractor license using the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance license verification page. Verification also depends on the systems of local jurisdictions.
Search by:
License type
Name
License number
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in Tennessee?
A suspended electrical license means the licensee is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. An electrical contractor license may be suspended or revoked in Tennessee for the following reasons:
Damaging or injuring a person, firm, or corporation by gross negligence, incompetency, fraud, dishonest dealing, or misconduct in the practice of contracting.
Failing to observe terms and conditions of license or renewal.
Violating any terms of the license.
For a limited licensed electrician, performing faulty electrical work.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information about Tennessee electrical license regulations, refer to Tennessee Code or local codes and regulations.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrician Work in Tennessee?
Those who perform $25,000 or more of work without an electrical contractor license face a Class A misdemeanor in Tennessee. Those who work as an unlicensed contractor may face a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for each offense.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information about Tennessee electrical license regulations, refer to Tennessee Code or the local codes and regulations.
Continuing Education
Whether your license requires continuing education before renewal depends on the local licensing requirements. Tennessee does not require continuing education for limited licensed electricians or electrical contractors.
Those with statewide electrical licenses renew their licenses every two years. Limited licensed electricians renew online or download, complete, and submit a renewal form. The license renewal fee is $50. The board lists more information on its LLE renewal tips page.
Electrical contractors renew online. The renewal fee is $200. The board lists more information on its renewal page.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all electrical industry news in several ways:
Check top electrician blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your electrical business.
Listen to top electrician podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive electrician business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
