Board for Licensing Contractors
How to Become a Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP)
NEW! Updated Codes for Exams (Eff. March 15, 2012)
PLUMBING LICENSING
This section primiarly covers obtaining a Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) license, to perform work less than $25,000 (per project), for those without a contractor's state mechanical CMC or CMC-A license. Always check with the local government municipality's office to ensure they accept the LLP, as some require obtaining their local plumbing license and taking their trade exam. The following describes all areas of plumbing regulations:
Plumbing is licensed at various levels in Tennessee; there is a state Contractor's license with a plumbing (CMC-A or CMC) classification; or a state Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP); and also the Local Government's license (journeyman/master) requirements. A contractor with a state CMC-A or CMC license is not required to obtain a state LLP license. Note: The LLP license exam is not reciprocal with other states; only the state contractor's CMC classifications are typically accepted by other states.
Plumbing Contractor's License (CMC-A)
This state contractor's license is issued to an entity (sole proprietor, corporation, partnership, LLC) in order for their business to perform plumbing work as a prime (general) or subcontractor, where the total cost is $25,000 or more. A contractor's license with the "CMC-A" or "CMC" plumbing/mechanical classification is accepted statewide, and additional exams are not required in each county or municipality. However, you must adhere to their local permit, licensing rules and inspections within their jurisdiction, including paying local fees. In addition to the classification on the plumbing contractor's license, a monetary limit is also designated. Contracts/projects cannot be split into phases to circumvent the law. Contractors with a CMC or CMC-A classification are exempt from the Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) license, but still required to obtain local license, permits and inspections. Click onto "Contractor" for licensing steps and information. To take the plumbing contractor's exam, the law requires pre-approval by the Contractor's Board and this form is available from both the exam and contractor's license application. See reciprocation information for a list of states accepting this trade exam with Tennessee. (See important Exam Changes coming after July 1, 2011.)
Local License (City/County from each municipality)
The local license is required regardless of the amount of the project, in areas where there is a codes office. This type of licensing is often referred to as journeyman/master, etc. issued to individuals and/or businesses. Every jurisdiction is different, and you must adhere to their local requirements. If you have a state contractors CMC or CMC-A license, you will not be required to take their local plumbing exam, but will need to pay their fees. Click onto local government for their contact information. You may also need a "Business" license or federal employee identification number from the IRS or check with the State Department of Revenue.
Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP)
This state LLP license is issued to individuals and requires passing a 40 question exam (exam pre-approval is not required for the LLP) and only required for plumbers where the total cost is LESS THAN $25,000; working in a municipality where there is not a local license agency for inspections; not in one of the 15 *exempt counties; and does not fall within the other *exemptions by law (see below). In addition, if a person or contractor has a contractor’s license with a CMC or CMC-A classification, they are exempt from the LLP; but not exempt from local license or inspections. Note: Plumbing Inspections for LLP's will be formulated by January 1, 2011 and in line with the new Residential Building Code Program with the Division of Fire Prevention for areas without codes offices. The LLP license requirement became effective on January 1, 2006.
To make sure of the type of license needed for projects less than $25,000, you must check with the local government where you plan to work, for their local licensing, permit and inspection requirements. Some may require you to take their plumbing exam, unless you have a CMC or CMC-A Contractor's license. The LLP is not accepted where the local jurisdiction has their own licensing and inspections already in place or in one of the 15 *exempt counties (Benton, Decatur, Dickson, Giles, Henderson, Henry, Hickman,
Humphreys, Lake, Lawrence, Lewis, Obion, Perry, Stewart and Weakley). For example, the LLP would not be accepted in Nashville (Davidson County - Metro Codes Office).
Plumbing work is defined as the construction, alteration, repair, improvement, movement, demolition, putting up, tearing down, or furnishing labor to install material or equipment within any residential or commercial building of all piping, fixtures, and *appliances for the supply of gas, water, liquids or disposal of waster water or sewage; provided, that there is no intent to require licensure under this part for plumbing work performed outside a residential or commercial building, including but not limited to utility connections or irrigation systems.
For questions concerning obtaining a LLP license, you may call the staff at: (615) 532-3994 or by email at: LLP Section.
LLP (Limited Licensed Plumber) Licensing Process
In order to obtain a LLP license, complete the LLP application and sign before a notary. Attach proof of one (1) year plumbing experience, or proof of a local license (wallet card, certificate or notarized verification from past client, employer or official with permit agency); and attach a copy of the LLP exam score. The law allows waiver of the 40 question plumbing exam with PSI, only if submitting proof of a prior local plumbing license in Tennessee or exam score from any county or municipality in Tennessee (there are no out of state exam waivers). The fee is $75.00 for a two (2) year license (fee is nonrefundable). An incomplete application and failure to submit attachments of required information will delay issuance of license. When mailing an LLP application, please allow 5 to 7 business days for application receipt. If hand delivering or sending by express mail, it takes the Cashier's office approximately 2 business days to forward the application to the Board's office. The Board cannot accept fees at their physical location and must be delivered at the mailing address listed on the application.
LLP applicants are approved by the Board's office staff, unless there are felony or complaints. Those with felony or complaints will require full Board approval at their regularly scheduled meetings (see Public Meetings Calendar for schedule). Those without proof of one (1) year experience cannot be issued.
LLP License Package
LLP License Application [pdf]
LLP Exam Information (Eff. March 15, 2012, updated codes for exams)
Exam Registration (Online with PSI)
Tax/Business License Information
Checklist for Completing LLP Licensing Process
1. Register with PSI for the LLP Exam (or supply Tennessee local plumbing licenses or exam scores)
2. Complete LLP application, sign and have notarized
3. Provide proof of a minimum of one (1) year plumbing experience
4. Attach scores, proof of experience, completed LLP application with $75.00 fee (two year license), check payable to Contractor's Board - LLP, and mail to: Contractor's Board - LLP; 500 James Robertson Pkwy., Nashville, TN 37243-1150.
5. You may check status of issuance from the "License Search" of the website showing an active expiration date.
6. Always obtain a permit for inspections (check with local government for issuing agents; Tennessee Division of Fire Prevention provides inspections for LLP licensees in counties without a code inspector).
IMPORTANT NOTICE! Effective January 1, 2010, those doing business within the Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County, must display on both sides of their vehicle with the full name of the firm to which the vehicle belongs, in lettering of at least three (3) inches; include the registration number of the plumber; and the wording "Nashville, Tennessee".
*Exemptions from LLP License
- A State licensed plumbing contractor, with a CMC-A, MC-A, CMC, or MC classification is exempt from the LLP requirement;
- Modular home installer or retailer licensees performing plumbing work on a modular unit, in connection with a manufacturer’s warranty;
- Employed as a plumber with a State licensed plumber or contractor;
- Licensed as a plumber within the county or municipality where performing plumbing work;
- Projects $25,000 or more must obtain a Contractor's license with a CMC-A or CMC classification;
- Municipalities with their own plumber license may not accept the LLP;
- Appliance installation for projects less than $500 in LLP counties (see law for specific details);
- Homeowner may perform plumbing on their own residence; or
- Working in any of the 15 exempt *counties where the LLP is not required
*Exempt Counties: Benton, Decatur, Dickson, Giles, Henderson, Henry, Hickman,
Humphreys, Lake, Lawrence, Lewis, Obion, Perry, Stewart and Weakley
Note: A limited licensed plumber (LLP) may NOT use the appellation term "contractor" unless they hold a contractor's license with a CMC or CMC-A!
Felony Conviction/ Judgements / Complaints / Disclosure
Felony convictions do not automatically preclude someone from licensing, however, it does require the Board's approval. If you have been convicted of a felony in any jurisdiction (Tennessee or any state), you must attach a statement explaining the details of the conviction, charging document, the disposition and proof of any sentence or court order and release of probation. In addition, the Board requires the applicant to submit a criminal background check (such as from the TBI (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation) showing criminal history and timeline. Before a license is granted to anyone with a conviction, they may be required to appear before the Board and they meet at least six (6) times annually. Failure to supply all the documentation relative to a conviction will cause a delay in getting the application reviewed.
If you have court judgements, complaints with the Board or if you have had disciplinary action against another professional license (in any state), you are required to disclose. Failure to disclose may result into a complaint reported, where the Board has been notified from a consumer of false information supplied resulting in misrepresentation for the purposes of obtaining a license.
The Board is charged with protecting the safety and welfare of the public and they will judge each individual case on it's own merit (type of offense and relation to industry; clean criminal history timeline since conviction, character references, etc.). The law requires disclosure of felonies, as well as any court litigation and judgements. A license is not automatically denied due to judgements and convictions, however, failure to disclose is a violation of law and a civil penalty may be assessed for not providing true and correct information, such as the license denied or revoked.
Review the LLP License Law, Rules and Regulation
It is very important to ensure you are knowledgeable with the license laws, rules and regulations. These may be reviewed from our website at the "Laws, Rules and Regulations".
Failing to be familiar with the law could cause violations affecting your license. For example, Limited Licensed Plumbers (LLP) licensees cannot use the term or advertise as a "Contractor". Never allow another individual to use your license (considered aiding in unlicensed activity). If you perform work in an area regulated by another state agency (such as the Fire Sprinkler section with the Division of Fire Prevention), be sure to obtain their required licenses. In addition, a LLP licensee cannot perform work where the total plumbing on a project or contract is $25,000 or more; contracts cannot be split into phases to circumvent the contractor licensing law. If you want to be licensed to perform projects $25,000 or more, you'll need to obtain a "Contractor's" license with a CMC-A plumbing classification. Also, be sure to notify the Board's office of any change in mailing address. When using a P.O. Box for mail, you must also supply a physical address.
Always check with the local municipality for permits and inspections, as well as, for their own plumber license requirements. In areas where there is not a codes office, the state will be implementing inspections by January 1, 2011.
RENEWAL/REINSTATEMENT OF EXPIRED LLP LICENSE
The LLP renewal should be submitted 30 days prior to the expiration date to prevent working unlicensed. Renewal rights are 12 months after the LLP expires; more than 12 months requires reinstatement through the new application process.
Downloads
Application - Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) [pdf]
Address Change Request Form Law [pdf]
Code - State Residential Building (Eff. October 1, 2010)
County and City Contact Information
Exam Information
>>Exam - LLP Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) (Updated Codes Eff. March 15, 2012)
>>Exam Registration with PSI (Online)
FAQs for LLP - Effective May 1, 2006 - Amended [pdf]
Inspections and Permits (See also "Local Government" below)
>>Statewide Building Codes - http://www.tn.gov/commerce/sfm/homebuilding/index.shtml
>>Residential Building Code Program
Note: Proof of Insurance is not required for licensing, however, it is required by law if you have one or more employees, as an employer!
Plumbing Association (NAPMA - Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors of Middle TN)
Plumbing Association (TPHCC - TN Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors)
License Search - Tips, Reports and Downloads Guide [pdf]
Local Government (Note: Check with the Local Goverment before obtaining LLP!)
>>Nashville - Davidson County Department of Codes
>>Knox County Code Enforcement (Knoxville)
>>Knoxville City Code Enforcement
>>Hamilton County Code Enforcement (Chattanooga)
>>Chattanooga City Code Enforcement
>>Memphis - Shelby County Code Enforcement
>>Other Local Government Contact Information (Over 95 counties)
Law - LLP Amended May, 2006 Law [pdf]
Law - LLP Amended July 1, 2007 (Maintenance and Home Appliances) [pdf]
National Licensing Information
Renewal Form [pdf]
Revenue Division/Tax Information
Sprinkler Licenses with Divison of Fire Prevention
Well Driller Licenses - Department of Environment and Conservation
Workers Compensation Information
Note: A limited licensed plumber (LLP) may not use the appellation term "contractor" unless they hold a contractor's license!
NOTE: Effective January 1, 2010, Metro Nashville-Davidson County will be enforcing the requirement for plumbing license numbers to be on vehicles.
Fire Protection /Sprinkler Systems
Those performing work on fire protection and fire sprinkler systems, must register with
the Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office, Permits and Licenses Unit. More information may be
obtained from their website or contact them at: (615) 741-1322.
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For information regarding small, minority or woman owned businesses, check with the Governor's Office of Diversity Enterprise!
Notice: The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance is committed to principles of equal access and affirmation action. Contact the EEO or ADA Coordinator at (615) 741-2177.
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