State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Tennessee

Table of Contents

1. Roofing License Requirements in Tennessee

2. Types of Roofing Licenses in Tennessee

3. Steps to Get a Roofing License in Tennessee

4. Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Tennessee

5. What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Tennessee?

6. How Much Does it Cost to Get a Roofing License in Tennessee?

7. How to Get a Roofing License in Tennessee

8. How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Tennessee?

9. Tennessee Roofer Training Programs and Schools

10. Tennessee Roofing Licensing Exam Details

11. Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Tennessee?

12. Do I Need to Renew My Tennessee Roofing License?

13. Continuing Education

14. Does Tennessee Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

15. Does My Tennessee Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?

16. National Roofing Certifications

17. Other Requirements Unique to Tennessee

We all need a good roof over our heads, so the people who build and maintain that part of our homes need to know what they’re doing. Many states require roofers to be licensed. Others simply require proof of insurance coverage to back up that essential work. 

There are 135,140 roofers nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Tennessee employs 2,140 of them. The national number is projected to grow  6% from 2023 to 2033, adding more than 13,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. According to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate in Tennessee is more than twice the average at 14% for roofers. 

If you’re thinking about starting a roofing contracting business or you want a job in the field, you need to know the requirements and licensing process in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need to get started in the state of Tennessee.

Roofing License Requirements in Tennessee

While Tennessee doesn’t offer a roofing-specific state license, a  contractor’s license is required in order to bid on jobs worth $25,000 or more. All general contractors and subcontractors who perform electrical, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, and masonry work must obtain a contractor’s license from the  Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.

According to the Board for Licensing Contractors, “All contractors licenses are assigned a monetary limit and also a classification, such as: Building (Residential, Commercial and Industrial); Electrical; Mechanical (Plumbing and HVAC); Heavy Construction; Highway, Railroad & Airport; Masonry; Municipal Utility; Environmental; and Specialties (landscaping, excavation, roofing, cell towers, solar panels, audio visual).”

A Home Improvement license is required for residential remodeling projects costing $3,000 to less than $25,000 (total cost or contract, including materials and labor), for the following counties: Bradley, Davidson, Hamilton, Haywood, Knox, Marion, Robertson, Rutherford, and Shelby.

For projects under $25,000, Tennessee also offers the following license classifications:

• Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE)

• Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP)

Types of Roofing Licenses in Tennessee

There are several levels of roofing licenses available in Tennessee. — requiring a contractor’s license to bid on jobs worth $25,000 or more. 

The state offers the following  license classifications for the contractor’s license:

• BC

• Residential (BC-A)

• Limited Residential (BC-A/r) 

• Limited Residential (BC-A/r)

• Commercial (BC-B)

• Small Commercial (BC-b(sm)

• Industrial (BC-C)

The Home Improvement license is required for residential remodeling projects costing $3,000 to less than $25,000, excluding electrical, plumbing, or HVAC. Those trades have their own limited license classification.

Steps to Get a Roofing License in Tennessee

Complete the following steps to apply for a contractor’s license.

1. Complete the Contractor’s license application.

2. Include a Statement of Experience or resume detailing previous experience.

3. Submit the Contractor’s Affidavit form detailing any previous criminal convictions.

4. Include a letter of reference.

5. Include Power of Attorney form if another person has more than a 20% stake in ownership of the business.

6. Verify citizenship.

7. Include a Financial Statement prepared by a licensed CPA.

8. Attach proof of active registration with the Tennessee Secretary of State’s Office.

9. Include exam scores for the Tennessee Business and Law exam and applicable trade exam.

10. Pay the $250 application fee.

Complete the following steps to apply for a Home Improvement license.

1. Complete the Home Improvement license application.

2. Submit the Contractor’s Affidavit detailing any previous criminal convictions.

3. Attach proof of active registration with the Tennessee Secretary of State’s Office.

4. Include proof of financial responsibility in the amount of $10,000 in one of the following forms: surety bond, cash bond, property bond, or irrevocable letter of credit..

5. Supply proof of general liability insurance in the minimum amount of $100,000 and workers’ compensation insurance for every employee.

6. Pay the $250 application fee.

Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Tennessee

There are many benefits to getting a contractor license in Tennessee.

• First, and most important, the state requires a  license to legally bid on and perform roofing services.

• A license is proof of your experience and skill in the roofing industry.

• In many municipalities, only licensed contractors can operate a business and advertise roofing services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits, pass inspections, and bid on public and government projects.

• Having a license protects your company and customers.

• Licensing gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.

• It also increases your earning potential.

What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Tennessee?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean pay for roofers nationally as $50,030, and $43,430 for those in Tennessee. As you might expect, salaries increase as you acquire more experience.

According to Indeed, the average hourly wage for roofers in Tennessee is $25.01 with $6,375 of overtime per year. The average annual salary is $58,324.

Pay ranges can vary widely, depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your years of experience. 

What Business Owners Need to Know

Getting the most out of a roofing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based,  all-in-one roofing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly. 

ServiceTitan features:

• SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit

• 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 the average ticket

• Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow

To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in Tennessee?

Getting started in the roofing field in Tennessee is relatively affordable. Since there is no requirement for higher education, people entering the field can learn on the job.

Tennessee requires the following application fees:

• Contractor’s license: $250

• Home Improvement license: $250

Additional costs for working as a Tennessee roofer may include:

• The average cost of workers’ compensation coverage in Tennessee is  $0.68 per $100 of payroll.

• The average cost of general liability insurance is  $504 per year.

• Surety bonds average between 1% and 15% of the total bond amount.

How to Get a Roofing License in Tennessee

Tennessee doesn’t require a roofing license at the state level. However, a   contractor’s license is required to bid on jobs, including roofing, worth $25,000 or more. You will need to complete the contractor’s license application, submit the required documentation, and pass the Tennessee Business and Law exam.

To perform roofing work on projects between $3,000 and $25,000 in Bradley, Davidson, Hamilton, Haywood, Knox, Marion, Robertson, Rutherford, and Shelby counties, you need to complete the Home Improvement license application and submit the required documentation. That includes an affidavit detailing any previous criminal convictions,  and proof of active registration with the Tennessee Secretary of State’s Office.  You’ll also need proof of financial responsibility in the form of either a surety bond, cash bond, property bond, or irrevocable letter of credit in the amount of $10,000., and at least $100,000 in general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance .

How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in Tennessee?

Neither license requires demonstrating previous work experience, and only the contractor’s license requires passing an exam, so candidates typically receive licensure in a matter of weeks.

Tennessee Roofer Training Programs and Schools

If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering. There are many higher-education options throughout Tennessee that offer these types of programs.

Here are a few options:

• The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture | Knoxville BS in Construction Science and Management — 4 years

• The University of Tennessee at Martin | Martin BS in Construction Management — 4 years

• Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro BS in Commercial Construction Management — 4 years

• The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga | Chattanooga BS in Construction Management — 4 years

• The University of Tennessee at Knoxville | Knoxville BS in Construction Science and Management — 4 years

• Tennessee Tech | Cookeville BS in Construction Engineering and Management— 4 years

Tennessee Roofing Licensing Exam Details

To earn a Tennessee contractor’s license, candidates must pass the licensing exam for their license classification. All contractor exams are administered via  PSI, a third party testing service.

After passing the exam, candidates need to attach a photocopy of their exam scores to the license application and complete all the licensing requirements.

Additionally, contractors also need to pass the Tennessee Business and Law Exam to receive licensure. There is detailed information about each exam in the Candidate Information Bulletin.

There are no exam requirements for the Home Improvement Contractor license. 

Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Tennessee?

The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors  issues Contractors and Home Improvement licenses. The Board is a part of the Tennessee Department of Commerce. 

Do I Need to Renew My Tennessee Roofing License?

Contractors must renew their licenses annually and pay a $200 fee. Notices to renew online are mailed to licensees 90 days prior to expiration date with online renewal instructions. There’s a $20 penalty for every month past the renewal period. Contractors who fail to renew their licenses within 12 months must retake the contractor’s exam.

Continuing Education

Tennessee contractors must complete eight hours of  board-approved continuing education every two years. 

Does Tennessee Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

While Tennessee doesn’t allow one-to-one license reciprocity, the state does offer a trade exam waiver reciprocal agreement with the following states:

• Alabama

• Arkansas

• Georgia

• Louisiana

• Mississippi

• North Carolina

• Ohio

• South Carolina

Does My Tennessee Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?

The following states permit a trade exam waiver with a valid Tennessee Contractor’s license, according to the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors..

• Alabama 

• Arkansas 

• Georgia 

• Louisiana 

• Mississippi 

• North Carolina 

• Ohio 

• South Carolina 

• West Virginia 

National Roofing Certifications

Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Roofing Contractors offers certification. Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money. 

You can also learn more about certification and roofing in Tennessee through one of the industry associations in the state. They include:

• Tennessee Association of Roofing Contractors

Other Requirements Unique to Tennessee

Asbestos was banned nationwide in 1989 because of the health hazard posed by the material. It is often found in old roofing materials like shingles, roofing felt and tar, and siding and panels.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation  mandates Asbestos Accreditation Requirements “for all persons and firms who perform asbestos activities in schools or public and commercial buildings, and training providers who offer asbestos training courses.”

Proper roofing is meant to ensure that buildings can withstand extreme weather conditions. Roofing contractors need to be constantly updating their knowledge of the roofing trade. They need to stay current on building codes, new roofing systems, and best practices to stay compliant and ensure excellence in their work.

Resources

You can stay up to date on all roofing industry news several ways:

• Check top roofing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.

• Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your roofing business.

• Listen to top roofing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.