Plumber / Tennessee
2026 data Tennessee board official source

Tennessee Plumber License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Installs and repairs pipes and plumbing systems. Requires apprenticeship.

What the Tennessee data shows for Plumbers

Tennessee's path to plumber licensure runs through 5,514 hours of approved instruction, 4 years of supervised work experience, and a passing score on State Journeyman Plumber Exam, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Tennessee folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Apprenticeship Program".

Budget $132 to get started, plus $113 at each renewal on a 1-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 8 hours of continuing education are due every 1-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Journeyman licenses rarely reciprocal — check state board.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
22/100
Plumber · Tennessee

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
5,514 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$132
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$113/yr
$113 every 1 year
Continuing Education C+
8.0 hrs/yr
8 hours every 1 year
Experience Required F
4 years
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Tennessee

Education / Training Hours
Apprenticeship Program
5,514 hours
Exam Requirement
State Journeyman Plumber Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$132
Renewal Fee
$113
Renewal Cycle
Every 1 year
Continuing Education
8 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
4 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Plumber All Tennessee licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Tennessee licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Plumber in Tennessee? ▼
In Tennessee, the license path calls for 5514 education/training hours, a passing score on State Journeyman Plumber Exam, and a $132 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Plumber in Tennessee? ▼
To become a licensed plumber in Tennessee, you must meet the state's requirements including 5514 hours of education and 4 years of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Tennessee licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Plumber license to Tennessee from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for plumbers: Journeyman licenses rarely reciprocal — check state board. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Tennessee licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Tennessee require a background check for Plumber licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for plumber licensing in Tennessee. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Plumber in Tennessee? ▼
To stay licensed as a plumber in Tennessee, plan on 8 hours of continuing education per 1-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $113.

Related Guides

What to do with this plumber license

Plumber in Tennessee, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a plumber-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Tennessee's plumber requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Plumber in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state plumber license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Tennessee's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Tennessee overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Tennessee licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.