Do you need a license to be a carpenter in Tennessee?
No. Tennessee doesn't license carpenters as a trade. Contractors need a license from Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
State license · By ChiselJobs Team · Updated
In short
Tennessee does not license carpenters, but contractors on jobs of $25,000 or more need a license from the Board for Licensing Contractors. BC-A covers residential work and BC-B commercial work, and applicants pass a business and law exam plus a trade exam and submit a financial statement. Since July 1, 2026, a surety bond equal to half the monetary limit can replace the statement. Home improvement work from $3,000 to $24,999 needs a home improvement license in nine counties, including Davidson, Knox and Shelby, with a $250 application and a $10,000 surety bond. Licenses renew every two years. Active military members and spouses may get an out-of-state license recognized.
Key facts
| Carpenter license | No |
| Licensing level | State |
| General contractor license | Contractor license (BC-B commercial etc.) |
| Residential contractor license | Contractor license (BC-A residential) |
| Home improvement registration | Home Improvement license (9 counties) |
| When a license is needed | $25,000+; home improvement $3,000-$24,999 in Bradley, Davidson, Hamilton, Haywood, Knox, Marion, Robertson, Rutherford, Shelby |
| Carpentry classification | None |
| Exam | Business & Law + trade |
| Fees | Home improvement application $250 |
| Bond / insurance | Home improvement: $10,000 surety bond; contractor: financial statement |
| Renewal | 2 years |
| Local license | No (state license covers) |
| Board | Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors |
Exam
| Exam provider | Prov (for Board for Licensing Contractors) |
| Format | Open book |
Board for Licensing Contractors: Prov administers exams from July 1, 2026; exams are open book.
- Source: tn.gov · checked November 6, 2026
Bond and insurance
| Bond minimum | Optional: 50% of monetary limit (since July 1, 2026) |
Bond is an alternative to a CPA-reviewed/audited financial statement. Restricted residential limited license (BC-A/r) for work under $125,000.
- Source: tn.gov · checked November 6, 2026
Military and out-of-state licenses
| Military spouses | Active servicemember or spouse may get recognition of an out-of-state license (Military Families Licensing Recognition Act); SCRA portability for duration of orders |
- Source: tn.gov · checked November 6, 2026
Apprenticeship
| Registering agency | State Apprenticeship Agency (ApprenticeshipTN (TDLWD)) |
- Source: apprenticeship.gov · checked November 6, 2026
- Source: tn.gov · checked November 6, 2026
Building code
| Code in force | IRC 2018; IBC 2021 (with state amendments) |
Codes adopted by the State Fire Marshal's Office, with amendments; local jurisdictions with their own enforcement may adopt other editions.
- Source: tn.gov · checked November 5, 2026