Tennessee Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Apply (2026)
Tennessee licenses all electricians through the Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) Electricians Board — a single statewide system that applies whether you're working in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, or anywhere else in the state. Tennessee's licensing structure ensures a consistent standard across the state's booming construction sector. See our Tennessee state exam prep page for practice questions aligned to the Tennessee PSI exam.
This guide covers every requirement, fee, and step for 2026 — verified against the Tennessee TDCI's official licensing information.
Disclaimer: Requirements and fees change. Always verify current details directly with the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance before applying.
Overview: Tennessee Electrical Licensing
Tennessee's electrical licensing program is administered by the TDCI Electricians Board. The state adopted NEC 2023 as its current electrical code, and all PSI exams are based on that edition. Tennessee's largest markets — Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville — offer strong demand for licensed electricians, driven by continued commercial and residential growth.
Types of Tennessee Electrician Licenses
Tennessee issues two primary state electrical license types:
| License | Experience Required | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Journeyman Electrician | 8,000 hours OJT | Perform electrical work under licensed supervision |
| Master Electrician | Hold Journeyman + additional experience | Plan, supervise, and direct electrical installations |
In addition, electrical contractors must obtain a separate Contractor license through the Tennessee Contractors Licensing Board or the Home Improvement Commission, depending on the project type and value.
Journeyman Electrician License Requirements
To qualify for a Tennessee Journeyman Electrician license, you must meet the following requirements:
Work Experience: 8,000 hours (approximately four years) of on-the-job electrical training under the supervision of a licensed electrician. Your experience must be verified by your employer(s) when you apply.
Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Application: Submit a completed application with experience documentation and applicable fees to the TDCI Electricians Board. Applications are processed through the TDCI online portal.
Examination: Pass the PSI Journeyman Electrician exam with a score of at least 70%.
The PSI Exam: Format & Preparation
Tennessee's journeyman exam is administered by PSI Exams at testing centers across the state, including locations in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.
Exam Details:
- Administrator: PSI Exams
- Format: Multiple-choice, open book
- Code Reference: NEC 2023 (bring a tabbed, highlighted copy)
- Passing Score: 70%
- Scheduling: Schedule through PSI at psiexams.com after your application is approved
The open-book format means you can bring your NEC codebook — but finding answers quickly under time pressure is the real challenge. Most candidates who fail do so because they're unfamiliar with the NEC's layout, not because they don't know the material.
Preparation Tips:
- Study NEC Articles 100, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 310, 410, 430, and 700
- Practice time management — aim to answer each question in under 90 seconds
- Use tabbed and highlighted code books; learn table locations (Tables 310.16, 220.12, etc.)
- Take timed practice exams under realistic conditions
Our NEC 2023 practice questions are specifically designed to prepare Tennessee candidates for the PSI exam format.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Accumulate your 8,000 hours of documented OJT under a licensed electrician
- Create an account at the TDCI online portal at tn.gov/commerce
- Submit your application with experience verification and payment
- Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) from TDCI after approval
- Schedule your exam through PSI at psiexams.com
- Pass the PSI journeyman exam (70% or higher)
- Receive your license from TDCI after passing — keep it current with biennial renewals
Fees
All fees should be verified directly with TDCI before submitting:
| Fee | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| License Application Fee | ~$50 (verify at tn.gov/commerce) |
| PSI Exam Fee | ~$65 (verify at psiexams.com) |
| Biennial License Renewal | ~$50 (verify at tn.gov/commerce) |
Fees are subject to change. Always confirm current amounts with TDCI before paying.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Tennessee journeyman and master electrician licenses are renewed on a biennial (2-year) cycle. Renewal requires:
- Payment of the renewal fee through the TDCI portal
- Completion of any required continuing education hours
Verify the current CE hour requirement with TDCI before your renewal date, as requirements can be updated by the board. CE courses must be board-approved.
Master Electrician License
The Master Electrician license allows you to supervise electrical work, pull permits independently, and take on greater project responsibility. Requirements include:
- Hold an active Tennessee Journeyman Electrician license
- Additional documented experience beyond journeyman level
- Pass the PSI Master Electrician exam (open book, NEC 2023)
Verify exact master-level experience and exam requirements with TDCI, as these differ from journeyman-level requirements.
Contractor Licensing
Operating an electrical contracting business in Tennessee requires a separate contractor license. Depending on the project type and dollar value, you may need a license from:
- Tennessee Contractors Licensing Board — for commercial electrical contracting
- Tennessee Home Improvement Commission — for residential projects
Contact TDCI or visit tn.gov/commerce to determine which license applies to your situation.
Reciprocity & Endorsement
Tennessee may grant reciprocity to licensed electricians from other states with comparable licensing requirements. If you hold a journeyman or master electrician license from another state, contact the TDCI Electricians Board to determine whether your license qualifies and what documentation is required for endorsement.
Tennessee Electrical Market Outlook
Tennessee's construction sector has sustained significant growth, driven by major industrial investments in Middle and East Tennessee and continued residential growth in the Nashville metropolitan area. Licensed electricians in Tennessee benefit from:
- Strong residential housing demand in Nashville suburbs
- Major industrial and manufacturing expansions statewide
- Commercial development in Memphis and Knoxville markets
- Infrastructure work along the I-40 and I-65 corridors
Holding a Tennessee state license is the baseline requirement to access this market legally.
Official Resources
- TDCI Electricians Board: tn.gov/commerce/boards/electricians
- PSI Exams (scheduling): psiexams.com
- NEC 2023 Codebook: Available at NFPA.org or major electrical supply houses
Ready to Pass the Tennessee Exam?
GetLicenseReady's NEC 2023 practice questions are aligned to the Tennessee PSI exam format — covering all the articles and calculation types you'll face on test day.
Ready to test your NEC knowledge?
1,600+ practice questions with step-by-step explanations.
Try Free Questions →Related reading: How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician License? | Journeyman vs. Master Electrician: What's the Difference? | How to Pass the Electrician Exam on Your First Try
Ready to Pass Your Electrician Exam?
Prepare for your electrician licensing exam with GetLicenseReady. 1,600+ practice questions with detailed NEC references.
Start Practicing Free