Tennessee Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the Tennessee electrician license: requirements, exam format, fees, and how to prepare
Note: Our practice questions are based on NEC 2023. The exam format details below are specific to Tennessee.
NEC Edition Notice: Tennessee currently tests on NEC 2017. Questions on this platform are based on NEC 2023. Some provisions added in 2023 (like expanded GFCI/AFCI requirements) may not appear on your exam. Heads up: a state's building code can adopt a different NEC edition than the one its licensing exam tests on, so if this page mentions both, the exam edition shown here is the one that matters for test prep. Always confirm the current exam edition with the Tennessee licensing board before your exam date.
Quick Answer
For the Tennessee electrician license exam, expect 40 questions with a limit of 120 minutes, 73% to pass, open book, aligned to NEC 2017. The exam is delivered by Prov and the fee is $57. Tennessee electricians earn about $47,340 per year ($22.76 per hour), per the BLS.
Last verified: August 13, 2026 • Sources: Tennessee Licensing Board, Prov Testing Portal
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:Prov
- Questions:40
- Time Limit:120 minutes (2 hours)
- Passing Score:73%
- Exam Fee:$57
- Format:Open-book (NEC reference allowed)
What's Covered on the Exam
- Grounding & Bonding (NEC Article 250)
- Wiring Methods (Conduit, Cable, Raceways)
- Load Calculations (Article 220)
- Motors & Controllers (Article 430)
- Box Fill & Conduit Fill
- Overcurrent Protection (Article 240)
- Special Occupancies (Hazardous Locations)
- Services & Feeders (Article 230)
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Detailed Explanations
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Tennessee Electrician License Overview
Tennessee does not issue statewide journeyman or master electrician licenses. The state's individual credential is the Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE) permit for projects under $25,000, administered through the Department of Commerce and Insurance and valid where the state Division of Fire Prevention handles permits and inspections. Electrical work of $25,000 or more requires an electrical contractor license (CE classification) from the Board for Licensing Contractors. Some jurisdictions, such as Memphis and Shelby County, run their own local licensing programs. The state has four major markets, Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, each with active commercial construction. Tennessee's automotive manufacturing sector (multiple assembly plants) and rapidly growing tech and logistics industry create strong industrial electrical demand across the state.
Tennessee Electrician License Types
Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE)
State permit for electrical projects under $25,000, valid in areas where the state Division of Fire Prevention handles permits and inspections. Check local acceptance first, as some cities and counties run their own programs.
Requirements: Documented electrical experience (verify the current requirement with TDCI). Must pass the LLE exam administered by Prov; confirm the current passing score in the Prov candidate bulletin.
Electrical Contractor (CE classification)
Contractor license from the Board for Licensing Contractors, required for electrical projects of $25,000 or more.
Requirements: Pass the required trade exam (Prov) and business and law exam. Meet financial statement, insurance, and application requirements.
Local licenses (e.g. Memphis and Shelby County)
Some jurisdictions issue their own electrician licenses instead of relying on the state LLE system.
Requirements: Set by the local jurisdiction. Contact the local codes or building department where you plan to work.
Experience & Education Requirements
Journeyman Requirements
Tennessee has no statewide journeyman license. For the LLE permit, document your electrical experience and verify the current requirement with TDCI. Local programs (such as Memphis and Shelby County) set their own experience requirements.
Master Requirements
Tennessee has no statewide master license. The contractor-level credential is the CE classification electrical contractor license from the Board for Licensing Contractors.
Apprenticeship Programs
Tennessee has IBEW apprenticeship programs in Nashville (IBEW Local 429), Memphis (IBEW Local 474), Knoxville (IBEW Local 760), and Chattanooga (IBEW Local 175). ABC of Tennessee also operates programs.
License Reciprocity
Tennessee has no statewide journeyman license, so there is no journeyman reciprocity. The Board for Licensing Contractors has trade exam reciprocity arrangements with some states for contractor licensing; contact the board to confirm current eligibility and required documentation.
License Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
1 year (annual)
Continuing Education
Verify current CE requirements at tn.gov/commerce
Renewal Fee
Approximately $50–$100 annual renewal (verify at tn.gov/commerce)
Important Notes
Tennessee electrician licenses renew annually. Working on an expired Tennessee license can result in fines. CE requirements may be updated with each code cycle.
TennesseeElectrician Salary & Job Outlook
Average Salary
$47,340/year
$22.76/hr
Salary Range
Entry-level: $31,010 (10th percentile)
Experienced: $67,080 (90th percentile)
Tennessee employs approximately 21,000 electricians. Nashville's explosive commercial and residential growth, automotive plant expansions (Volkswagen in Chattanooga, Ford BlueOval City in Memphis area), and the state's growing logistics and distribution sector are all driving demand for licensed electricians.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
How to Register for Your Exam
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Check with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors for current requirements (work experience, education, etc.)
- Submit Your Application: Apply through the state licensing board
- Schedule Your Exam: Once approved, register with Prov at https://tnboi.provexam.com/
- Prepare: Use GetLicenseReady to practice with Tennessee-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Official Resources
Tennessee Electrician License FAQ
Does Tennessee have a statewide journeyman license?
No. Tennessee does not issue statewide journeyman or master electrician licenses. The state's individual credential is the Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE) permit for projects under $25,000, and electrical projects of $25,000 or more require an electrical contractor license (CE classification) from the Board for Licensing Contractors. Some jurisdictions, such as Memphis and Shelby County, issue their own local licenses.
What exam do I take for the Tennessee electrician license?
The LLE exam and contractor trade exams are administered by Prov and are open book and NEC-based. Confirm the current passing score and exam format in the Prov candidate bulletin before scheduling.
How much do electricians make in Tennessee?
The statewide average is about $47,340/year. Nashville metro electricians earn more, experienced commercial electricians in the Nashville area regularly earn $60,000–$80,000+, especially on large commercial projects.
Does Tennessee have reciprocity with Kentucky or Georgia?
There is no statewide journeyman license, so there is no journeyman reciprocity. The Board for Licensing Contractors has trade exam reciprocity arrangements with some states for contractor licensing. Contact the board to confirm current eligibility.
How long does it take to get a Tennessee LLE permit?
Document your qualifying electrical experience (verify the current requirement with TDCI), submit your application, and pass the Prov LLE exam. Most candidates build their experience through a structured apprenticeship program and sit for the exam shortly after finishing.
Common Questions About the Tennessee Electrician License
How much does the Tennessee electrician license exam cost?
The Tennessee electrician exam fee is $57, paid to Prov when you register.
Who administers the Tennessee electrician license exam?
The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors oversees electrician licensing in Tennessee, and the exam is delivered by Prov.
How much do electricians make in Tennessee?
Tennessee electricians earn about $47,340 per year ($22.76 per hour). Entry level pay is around $31,010 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $67,080 (90th percentile). Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.
How long does it take to become a licensed electrician in Tennessee?
Tennessee has no statewide journeyman license. For the LLE permit, document your electrical experience and verify the current requirement with TDCI. Local programs (such as Memphis and Shelby County) set their own experience requirements.
Does Tennessee have electrician license reciprocity?
Tennessee has no statewide journeyman license, so there is no journeyman reciprocity. The Board for Licensing Contractors has trade exam reciprocity arrangements with some states for contractor licensing; contact the board to confirm current eligibility and required documentation.
Compare Exam Requirements
See how Tennessee's electrician exam compares to nearby states:
Exam Prep Guides
Tennessee Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Apply (2026)
TDCI requirements, PSI exam, fees, biennial renewal, and Nashville/Memphis market.
What to Expect on the Electrician License Test
Exam format, NEC topics covered, passing scores, and how to prepare.
How to Pass the Electrician Exam on Your First Try
The 10 most-tested NEC topics and a proven 8-week study plan.
NEC Code Study Guides
Deep-dive guides on the NEC articles tested most on the Tennessee exam.
NEC Article 110, Electrical Installations
Working space clearances (Table 110.26), temperature ratings (110.14), interrupting ratings, and workmanlike execution.
NEC Article 210, Branch Circuits
GFCI, AFCI, circuit ratings, outlet spacing, and the continuous load rule.
NEC Article 220, Load Calculations
Step-by-step residential standard and optional methods with worked examples.
NEC Article 230, Services
Overhead clearances, 6-disconnect rule, minimum 100A service, and disconnect location.
NEC Table 310.16, Wire Sizing & Ampacity
Temperature columns, correction factors, adjustment factors, and NEC 240.4(D).
NEC Article 430, Motors
Conductor sizing, SCGF protection at 250%, overload protection, and disconnect rules.
NEC Article 240, Overcurrent Protection
Standard breaker ratings, 240.4(D) small conductors, and the 10-foot and 25-foot tap rules.
NEC Article 250, Grounding & Bonding
Grounding electrode system, bonding jumpers, and equipment grounding conductors.
NEC 314.16, Box Fill Calculations
Five volume categories, cubic-inch table, and exam-style worked examples.
NEC Chapter 9, Conduit Fill
Tables C1–C12, 40% fill rule, and how to size conduit for mixed wire bundles.
Electrician Exam Math: Complete Formula Guide
Ohm's Law, power wheel, voltage drop, three-phase power, and transformer calculations with worked examples.
NEC Article 300, Wiring Methods
Physical protection, burial depths, 6-inch free conductor rule, boxes at splices, and plenum wiring.
NEC Articles 404 & 406, Switches & Receptacles
15A vs 20A receptacle rules, tamper-resistant requirements, wet/damp location covers, and snap switch grounding.
NEC Article 334, NM Cable (Romex)
Permitted uses, 4½-foot support intervals, 12-inch box rule, 1.25-inch edge clearance, and where Romex is prohibited.
NEC 2023 vs NEC 2020, Key Changes
What changed between editions: new AFCI/GFCI locations, EV charging rules, and 2023-specific exam prep notes.
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