How to Become a Plumber in Tennessee

If you want to become a plumber in Tennessee, there are some requirements you need to fulfill.

The first thing you need to do is get the training you need.

So, read in for information and advice.

Plumber Job Description and Requirements

The plumber job requires a variety of daily duties.

These include the following:

• Reading or drafting blueprints
• Installing the piping system
• Maintaining the water system
• Repairing the system whenever needed
• Ensuring the safety standards
• Meeting building regulations
• Using the appropriate devices to measure or solder

In South Carolina, there are 3 different licenses you can receive:

• Apprentice
• Journeyman plumber
• Contractor Plumber

How to become an Apprentice in Tennessee

The first step you need to take is getting into an apprenticeship program.

The apprenticeships are generally provided through trade schools or colleges.

These programs result in a diploma and do not last for longer than 5 years.

Another way in which you can get trained is by attending a university and getting an associate’s degree.

No matter what program you choose, you can attend classes either online or in person.

Attending classes online is a better idea for students who are already employed.

During your training, you will get to attend theory classes but also practice hours that will give you the required experience.

Some of the subjects available in the theory classes will include:

• Drafting,
• Mathematics,
• Science,
• Sprinkler installation,
• Pipefitting
• Reading blueprints

Before you can attend a program, you need to submit some paperwork that showcases the following:

• 18 years of age
• High-school diploma or equivalent
• Driver’s license
• Birth certificate copy
• Proof of being a citizen of the US
• A processing fee
• Pass a drug test
• Understand written and spoken English
• One year of algebra

In Tennessee, you will also have to register your apprenticeship with the state board.

Before you choose a school to train, make sure it is also accredited by the board.

While you are an apprentice, you can perform plumbing work under supervision.

How to get a Journeyman License in Tennessee

In Tennessee, the journeyman license is called a CMC-A license.

This is the license you can apply for after you completed your apprenticeship.

By getting this license you will be able to perform plumbing work without supervision.

In order to get a CMC-A license, you have to:

• Be 18 years old
• Comply with the required training
• Have a social security number
• Show proof of experience
• Show the training program certificate
• Take and pass an exam

In Tennessee, you can also apply for an LLP license as well.

However, this license will only allow you to do limited plumbing work.

To apply for an LLP license, you have to:

• Pass a background check and have a clean criminal record
• One year of experience at the minimum
• Pass the required exam and pay a $55 fee
• Submit a completed and legalized LLP application
• Pay the $75 application fee

The exam includes the following topics:

• Plumbing fundamentals and safety;
• Materials used, and specifications;
• Traps, interceptors, and backwater valves;
• Plumbing fixtures, fixture fittings, and plumbing appliances;
• Water supply systems;
• Backflow preventions;
• Gas appliances and piping;
• Plumbing mathematics.

The exams are different for each license you apply for.

To get a CMC-A license, you have to pass:

• Tennessee Business and Law Exam
• CMC-A Mechanical Plumbing Exam

To get an LLP license, you need to pass the Limited License Plumbing Exam.

How to Get a Contractor Plumber License in Tennessee

To become a contractor in Tennessee, you must fulfill the next criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Comply with the required training
• Have a social security number
• Show proof of 3 years of experience
• Have a training program certificate
• Have a business structure
• Pass the required exams
• Have a qualifying agent
• Submit a financial statement
• Proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance
• Application fee of $250

You have to apply for the contractor’s license on the 20th day of any month.

To get the contractor license, you have to take the Tennessee Business and Law Exam.

You will also have to take the Mechanical Plumbing Exam.

The contractor test features questions on:

• Plumbing fundamentals and safety;
• Materials used, and specifications;
• Traps, interceptors, and backwater valves;
• Plumbing fixtures, fixture fittings, and plumbing appliances;
• Water supply systems;
• Backflow preventions;
• Gas appliances and piping;
• Plumbing mathematics.

Plumber Employment and Salary Information

In Tennessee, licensed plumbers have many job opportunities.

The salary is generally higher in more populated and larger areas.

Regional Salary in Tennessee

Additional Information

Tennessee has reciprocity agreements with the following states:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Georgia
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Ohio

However, the reciprocity only applies to the CMC-A plumbing license and not to the LLP license.

The reciprocity agreements also only apply to the trade exam.

In order to get a license in Tennessee, you will still need to meet the rest of the criteria.

Schools Offering Plumbing Programs in Tennessee

Plumbing License by City

Plumbing License by State