Nestled within the scenic landscapes of Tennessee, a state rich in cultural heritage and known for its musical soul, a network of pipelines and
plumbing systems quietly ensure the seamless functioning of communities.
Plumbers in Tennessee play a vital role in upholding the health and well-being of its residents, providing access to clean water, and acting as
guardians against potential plumbing challenges.
If you harbor aspirations of becoming a plumber and proudly call Tennessee home, this article is crafted to be your indispensable guide on
the path to becoming a licensed professional in the plumbing field.
In this article, we’ll share with you everything you need to know on how to become a plumber in Tennessee.
Table of Contents
How to Become a Plumber in Tennessee – Step by Step
To begin your plumbing journey in Tennessee, you must be at least 18 years old.
You must also possess a High School Diploma or the GED equivalent.
To legally work as a plumber in Tennessee, you must get one of the licenses the state offers.
However, before you can get a plumbing license, you must gain at least 1 year of training.
You can gain your training by
- enrolling in an approved apprenticeship program
- working directly under the supervision of an already licensed plumber, who will also be your mentor
- enrolling in a technical or community college/vocational school/plumbing-specific program
The state of Tennessee issues the following plumbing licenses
- Limited Plumber License
- Contractor License
Limited Plumber License
To apply for the Limited Plumber license, you must have at least 1-year of plumbing experience or already possess a Limited Plumber license
(renewing the license).
Submit an application form and pay the $75 application fee.
There is an additional examination fee of $57.
The Tennessee Limited License Plumber exam is an open-book exam that consists of 40 questions and has a 135-minute time limit.
The exam covers topics including
- General knowledge and math
- General requirements
- Water supply and distribution
- Fixtures including water heaters
- Drain, waste, and vent systems, including indirect and special waste
- Traps, cleanouts, and interceptors
- Isometric analysis
- Gas appliances and piping
- OSHA safety
You need a score of 73% or higher to pass the exam.
You will receive your results immediately after completing the exam.
If you have passed the exam you will go on to receive your Limited Plumber License.
If you have failed the exam you can retake the exam, but you will need to pay the $57 examination fee again.
You can ask for a free exam examination.
There isn’t an initial licensure fee, and the regular renewal fee is $50.
Contractor License
To apply for the Plumbing Contractor license you need to submit an application form and pay the $250 application fee.
You will be required to wait anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks before getting your application approved.
After the Board approves your license you will go on to take the Contractor examination.
There is an additional exam fee, $57 per portion or $114 for both portions.
You must take and pass both portions of the exam.
The exam consists of
- CMC-A Exam (Trades Portion)
- Business and Law Management Portion
CMC-A Exam (Trades Portion)
The CMC-A Exam is an open-book exam that consists of 110 questions and has a 295-minute time limit.
The topics on the exam include
- General knowledge and math
- General requirements
- Water supply and distribution
- Fixtures including water heaters
- Drain, waste, and vent systems, including indirect and special waste
- Traps, cleanouts, and interceptors
- Isometric analysis
- Gas appliances and piping
- OSHA safety
You need a score of 73% or higher to pass the exam.
Business and Law Management Portion
The Business and Law Management exam is an open-book exam that consists of 50 questions and has a 140-minute time limit.
Topics on the exam include
- Licensing requirements
- Estimating and bidding
- Business organization and financial management
- Tax laws
- Labor laws
- Project management and lien laws
- Contracts
- Risk management
- Environmental and safety
You need a score of 73% or higher to pass the exam.
You will receive your results immediately after completing both exams, and if you have passed the exams you will receive your Plumbing Contractor License.
There isn’t an initial licensure fee, and a regular renewal fee is $200.
Plumbing Schools in Tennessee
Tennessee offers great institutional training for its aspiring plumbers.
Alpha Tradesmen Academy
Alpha Tradesmen Academy offers an online plumbing course. 
Students of all experience levels can learn the foundational skills of the plumbing trade in this course.
Robert Keith, the lead instructor in this course will cover lessons on a vast range of topics.
Students completing these lessons must complete the corresponding quizzes after each lesson with a perfect score.
A few quick questions covering content related to the lecture comprise each quiz.
The quizzes can be retaken as often as necessary because their purpose is to make sure the students have understood the material.
To learn more about the course’s duration, price, and much more visit their website.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Alpha Tradesmen Academy | 9111 Cross Park Dr D200-225, Knoxville, TN 37923, United States |
Salary
Tennessee pays its plumbers fairly for the hard work they put into ensuring all the plumbing systems throughout the state function smoothly.
The annual wages vary anywhere from $43778 up to $74262.
The current annual average wage is $58962.
The highest estimated annual average wage is $59798 in Nashville.
Franklin, Memphis, and Murfreesboro are following right behind Nashville also with $59k.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Nashville | $59,798 |
| Franklin | $59,589 |
| Memphis | $59,436 |
| Murfreesboro | $59,349 |
| Jackson | $58,987 |
| Knoxville | $58,846 |
| Clarksville | $58,256 |
| Chattanooga | $57,826 |
| Kingsport | $56,031 |
| Johnson City | $55,821 |
Regional Salary in Tennessee
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | 700 | $54,700 | $26.3 | $73,510 | $37,330 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | 210 | $54,200 | $26.06 | $75,070 | $34,190 |
| Cleveland, TN | 170 | $56,870 | $27.34 | $74,020 | $35,040 |
| Jackson, TN | 230 | $52,500 | $25.24 | $67,280 | $37,870 |
| Johnson City, TN | 210 | $48,740 | $23.43 | $65,840 | $33,820 |
| Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA | 400 | $56,190 | $27.02 | $86,980 | $36,400 |
| Knoxville, TN | 1,310 | $52,660 | $25.32 | $70,230 | $36,470 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | 1,700 | $56,320 | $27.08 | $74,280 | $37,090 |
| Morristown, TN | 50 | $49,870 | $23.97 | $76,670 | $36,970 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | 2,880 | $57,920 | $27.85 | $77,160 | $38,690 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I renew my Tennessee plumbing license?
Plumbing licenses in Tennessee expire every 2 years on the date of your initial licensure date, so you should have it
renewed up to that date every 2 years.
Where can I take the plumbing exams in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, all plumbing exams are being taken in the following cities:
- Chattanooga
- Jackson
- Johnson City
- Knoxville
- Memphis
- Nashville
Who is responsible for giving out plumbing licenses in Tennessee?
Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance Contractors & Home Improvement Board is responsible for all
plumbing exams and licensures in Tennessee.
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