Have you been thinking about getting your Tennessee Electrical Contractor License (TN CE)?
An electrical contractor services include low voltage, fire detection, sign wiring, and all residential, commercial and industrial building or structural wiring.
To bid or offer a price on a Tennessee project $25,000 and up (includes materials and labor), a contractor’s license is required before doing so. If you are a contractor, you must first obtain a contractor’s license before advertising or offering a price. Even though the definition of contractor includes a wide range of works, we will focus on construction, installation, movement, repair, etc. All contractors’ licenses are assigned a monetary limit and a classification.
Requirements for Obtaining Your License
Anyone seeking to become a contractor in Tennessee is required to sit for two exams, the business and law exam and the specific trade exam (In this case, Tennessee Electrical Contractor License (TN CE).) You must also provide proof of insurance. Tennessee contractors must carry- Workers Compensation or be exempt
- General liability insurance requirements based on your monetary limit:
- If your monetary limit is up to $500,000, you will need to provide $100,000 coverage.
- If your monetary limit is $500,001 – $1,500,000, you will need to provide $500,000 coverage.
- If your monetary limit is greater than $1,500,000 you will need to provide $1,000,000 coverage.
Applying For Your License
The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance website provides resources and information about obtaining a Tennessee Electrical Contractor License (TN CE). They provide a “Contractor’s License Application Package”. This is a bulleted list of the things you need to apply for your license. From the link to the online application page to exam information and many other resources, you will find most of the things you need here. In addition to listing and linking to the things you will need to get your license, they also offer the following step-by-step guide on their site. Licensing Steps Click on the following links to review the step-by-step process or you may simply print the application form above:- Step 1 (Testing – Exam and Reciprocal Information) [All must pass the “Business and Law” exam]
- Step 2 (Financial Statement)
- Step 3 (Reference Letter and Insurance)
- Step 4 (Corporations. LLC’s and Partnerships – Registration with Secretary of State)
- Step 5 (Application, Signatures, and Notarize)
- Step 6 (Submit Application & $250 fee)
- Step 7 (Board Review Required – Allow 4 to 6 weeks)
- Step 8 (Issuance of License)
Testing
Exam Details
- The testing company is PSI (1-800-733-9267)
- 100 questions and a 260 minute time limit
- 73% is required to pass the exam
- Topics on the exam include general knowledge and electrical installation requirements; building code requirements; services, feeders, and branch circuits; overcurrent protection; grounding and bonding; conductors and cables; raceways and boxes; hazardous locations, special occupancies, and special equipment; low voltage, alarms, signaling systems, and communications; lighting, signs and general use equipment; and OSHA/NFPA 70E safety.
Books and References for the Exam
The following references are permitted to be taken into the examination. These references may be tabbed (with a permanent index tab) and highlighted. They are available for purchase from our online contractor’s bookstore or by calling our office at 1-800-952-0910.- 2017 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70)
- 2012 International Building Code
- OSHA Code of Federal Regulations Part 1926
- NFPA 70E – Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace
- NFPA 70E – Handbook for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, 2012
- Ugly’s Electrical References
Using Online Course for Exam Prep
Tennessee regulates schools providing licensing exam prep courses. They must be licensed with the Board for Licensing Contractors as a Pre-Licensing Contractor Exam Provider before offering prep courses online or workshops. You can rest assured that your course from @HomePrep, a division of Stautzenberger College, is recognized as an Approved Pre-Licensed Exam Course Provider (License #: 1) by the Board for Licensing Contractors. Using online courses for exam prep couldn’t be easier or more convenient for Tennessee Electrical Contractor License (TN CE) students. The Tennessee Electrical Contractor License (TN CE) Exam Prep has everything you need to be ready for your exam. This course covers information regarding the National Electrical Code and other material used for your state exam. In this course you will find:- Highlighting guides
- Practice quizzes
- Math, Calculations and Theory (This includes additional NEC practice, electrical theory, calculations and transformer information)
- Instructor Support
- Test Taking Tips
Tips to Use Online Courses Effectively
Here are 5 study tip to help you succeed:- Set up a realistic schedule. With two exams and so much material to cover, you don’t want to rush yourself.
- Prepare a quiet study space. Most people study their best in a quiet environment, but you know yourself best so create the environment that works best for you..
- Keep healthy. Eat well, sleep, and exercise. If you’re exhausted, stressed, and not eating well, your brain will not function optimally.
- Minimize distractions such as family, friends, pets, televisions… the list of potential distractions is a long one. Be sure that everyone in your life knows how important your study time is.
- Take breaks for your wellbeing. Ultra long study sessions are counterproductive. Take your prep seriously, but be sure that you have time for other things you enjoy.
