Board for Licensing Contractors
How to Become a Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE)
ELECTRICAL LICENSING
Electrical work is licensed at various levels in Tennessee; there is a state Contractor's license with an electrical (CE) classification; or a state Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE); and also the local government's license (journeyman/master) requirements. The Division of Fire Prevention adopts codes and their law covers electrical installations and inspections.
After reviewing the information below on all types of electrical licensing, the LLE application package consists of the following:
The LLE Licensing Package (for projects less than $25,000)
LLE Application [pdf]
LLE Exam - Candidate Information Bulletin [pdf]
PSI - Exam Online Registration [pdf]
The following describes each electrical license:
Contractor (CE)
This state contractor's license is required for electrical work as a prime or subcontractor, where the total cost is $25,000 or more. The "CE" electrical 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 and pay local fees. Contractors with a CE are exempt from the Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE) license, but still required to obtain local license, permits and inspections. Click onto "Contractor" for licensing steps and information.
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 referred to as journeyman/master, etc. Every jurisdiction is different, and you must adhere to their local requirements. If you have a state contractors CE license, you will not be required to take their local electrical exam, but will need to pay their fees. Click onto local government for their contact information.
Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE)
This state license is only required for electricians where the total cost is LESS THAN $25,000 and they are working in a municipality where there is not a local license agency for inspections; the Division of Fire Protection performs these inspections. If they have a contractor’s license with a CE classification, they are exempt from the LLE; but not exempt from local license or inspections.
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 electrical exam, unless you have a CE contractor's license. The LLE is not accepted where the local jurisdiction has their own licensing and inspections already in place.
The following is more information for LLE licensing and the licensing process:
Electrical contractors licensed with the Contractor’s Board, with an "E" or "E-B" or "CE" or "CE-B" classification, are exempt from the LLE license requirements. An LLE cannot use the term "Contractor"!
Those who work in counties having a codes office which performs their own inspections (such as Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, Shelby, etc.), licensing and testing, the LLE is not accepted. Please contact your local codes for their requirements.
LLE Licensing Process
In order to obtain the Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE) license, the LLE trade exam is required. Submit a copy of your passing exam score with your completed LLE License Application, with the two year license fee of $50.00. These license applications may be approved by the Board staff and are not required for full Board approval, unless there is a felony conviction or complaint.
Please allow 5 to 7 business days for the Board office to receive your application. If you hand deliver or express mail, these must be delivered to the Cashier's Office located at our mailing address and it takes approximately two (2) days for the application to be validated and forwarded to our office. The Board office cannot accept fees at their physical location. To check the receipt or issuance of the license, you may check at the "License Search" of the website at: http://licsrch.state.tn.us/
Download Applications and Forms Here:
- LLE License Application [pdf]
- LLE Exam Information [pdf]
- LLE Renewal Form [pdf]
- *Change of Address [pdf]
*Be sure to change address prior to renewing license!
Felony Convictions / Complaints / Judgements
A felony conviction does 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, supply a copy of the charging document, the disposition and proof of any sentence or court order, and release of probation. Before a license is granted to anyone with a conviction, the Board requires review of the criminal background documents for the complete criminal history and timeline.
In addition, if you have had disciplinary action against another professional license or a complaint history you may be required to appear before the Board which meets at least six (6) times annually.
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. 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 also being denied or revoked. Consumers or licensees may report known violations to the Board anonymously.
Review the LLE License Law, Rules and Regulation
It is very important to ensure you are knowledgeable with the license laws, rules and regulations. These laws are covered in both the Contractor's law and the Division of Fire Prevention's law. 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 Electricians (LLE) 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 Alarm Systems Board), be sure to obtain their required licenses. In addition, a LLE licensee cannot perform work where the total electrical 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 CE (electrical) 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 electrical license requirements. In areas where there is not a codes office, the state's Fire Marshal performs inspections.
Renewal Tips
- Renew license before it expires (to prevent working unlicensed)
- Renewal fee must be received within 90 days (this is not a grace period) or you must reinstate license
- If the renewal is received by our office past the expiration date, it will not get issued without the late fees.
- Do not photocopy a renewal form with a bar code assisgned to another electrician. Doing so will cause fees to be placed in the other licensee's account!
- Online renewal process is NOT available at this time.
- Mail takes 5 to 7 business days
Reinstatement
If a license is expired 90 days or more, you cannot renew and must submit a license application for reinstatement with a fee of $80.00 ($50.00 renewal fee and $30.00 late penalty fee). A wavier exam request form; experience form; and a copy of identification, such as a driver's license.
Address Changes
Address changes are not processed on the renewal forms, since these are sent directly to the Department of Revenue and not our office. It is best to fax, e-mail or mail in the address change. If an address change is made from a renewal notice, it does not get processed until after the license has been issued and mailed. You may check the "License Search" of the website to ensure your address is correct with our Board.
Other Resources
Consumer and Complaint Resources
County and City Contact Information
Electrical Installation Law (Division of Fire Prevention, TCA 68-102)
Electrical Installation Rules (Division of Fire Prevention - See SOS Publications)
FAQ's [pdf]
Fire Marshal (Electrical Section of the Law - TCA 68, Part 102)
License Search - Tips, Reports and Download Guide
Message Signs - June 1, 2008: PC1155
Municipality - City and County Information
State Inspections (Division of Fire Prevention/Fire Marshal)
UL (Underwriters Laboratory) Guidance
For more information, you may contact the LLE section at 1-800-544-7693 or (615) 253-2144. A 40-question exam is required and the license application fee is $50.00 for two years. LLE's cannot advertise or use the term "Contractor" unless they hold a contractor's license.
To register online for the exam, go to: http://candidate.psiexams.com/
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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