The path
How to get your Tennessee LLE license
The Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE) credential is Tennessee's entry-level electrical license. There is no experience requirement, no pre-approval, and no continuing education — the path really is this short: pass the exam, apply, get licensed.
Confirm you actually need it — and where
The LLE is required for electricians doing work in a municipality that uses the state's Division of Fire Prevention for permits and inspections. Many of Tennessee's larger cities and counties run their own electrical licensing and inspections (Nashville/Davidson, Chattanooga/Hamilton, Knoxville/Knox, Memphis/Shelby and others) and do not accept the state LLE — those require a local license. Check with your local government first. See Requirements & scope.
Study for the LLE exam
It's an open-book exam on the 2017 NEC and a short list of allowed references. Speed matters more than memorization. Work the practice bank, run a full timed simulation, and drill the code-locator until you can find an article fast. Start practicing →
Register and sit the exam with Prov
Tennessee's contractor and electrician exams are administered by Prov. Register through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors portal, schedule a seat, and take the exam. See Exam info for what you may bring and what's allowed inside the room.
Apply to the state with your passing score
Once you pass, submit the LLE application to the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors with your passing score attached. The initial fee is $50. You can apply online through the state's CORE licensing system (no extra online fee) or by mail. See The application for the full document list.
Get your local business tax license
Separate from the state license, Tennessee requires a local business tax license (through the Department of Revenue / your county or city) to operate. Line this up so you're ready to work the day your LLE is issued.
Work — and pull your own permits
As the licensee, you pull the permits and call the inspections, not the property owner. Your scope is any single project under $25,000. When you're ready to lift that cap, there's a clear upgrade path to the CE Electrical Contractor license — see Employees & insurance.
Quick checklist
- ✓Confirm the LLE is accepted where you'll work (or get the local license instead).
- ✓Study the 2017 NEC + allowed references; tab and highlight your books.
- ✓Register & pass the LLE exam with Prov (40 questions, 2 hours, open book).
- ✓Submit the state application with your passing score — $50 initial fee.
- ✓Get your local business tax license.
- ✓Add workers' comp if you'll have employees — or file a WC exemption if you're a sole owner.