PrepPass team · Verified against Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (TBLC) · How we review

How hard is the Tennessee Contractor License exam?

Quick answer

The Tennessee Contractor License exam is a serious, studiable test — its difficulty comes less from any single hard idea than from the breadth of material across 17 weighted content areas. Expect 50 questions in 140 minutes. The passing standard is 73%. PrepPass has 422+ free Tennessee Contractor License practice questions with explanations, organized by topic, plus a full timed mock exam.

How to make the Tennessee Contractor License exam easier

Work through real practice questions until you consistently clear the standard you need. PrepPass has 422+ free Tennessee Contractor License practice questions with answer explanations and a full timed mock exam — no signup required.

The Tennessee Contractor License exam at a glance

50
questions
140 min
time limit
73%
to pass
17
content areas

The 17 content areas on the Tennessee Contractor License exam

The exam is built from weighted content areas — focus your study time where the weight is. These weights are how PrepPass has organized the material; check the exam authority’s own outline for its published breakdown.

Business Organization & Licensing10%
Estimating & Bidding14%
Contracts & Contract Law14%
Project Management & Scheduling12%
Financial Management & Accounting12%
Safety & OSHA14%
Employment & Labor Law12%
Building Codes & Permits12%
Estimating & Bidding14%
Business Organization & Financial14%
Project Management & Lien12%
Contracts12%
Licensing10%
Tax10%
Labor10%
Environmental & Safety10%
Risk Management8%

How the Tennessee Contractor License exam is administered

Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (TBLC), Department of Commerce and Insurance oversees licensing. Confirm the current details with the official authority before you rely on them.

What is the pass rate, and can you retake it?

Wondering about pass rates and what happens if you don't pass the first time?

See Tennessee Contractor Licensepass rate & retake rules →

Frequently asked questions

What score do you need to pass the Tennessee Contractor License exam?+

The passing standard for the Tennessee Contractor License exam is 73%.

How many questions are on the Tennessee Contractor License exam?+

The Tennessee Contractor License exam has 50 questions, with a time limit of 140 minutes.

Does Tennessee require a state contractor license?+

Yes. The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (TBLC) licenses contractors under T.C.A. Title 62, Chapter 6. A license is required before bidding at $25,000 or more for general building work, $3,000 for masonry, and any dollar amount for electrical/plumbing/mechanical.

What is on the Tennessee Business and Law exam?+

The Business and Law exam is 50 questions, 140 minutes, and requires 73% to pass. The monetary limit is the lesser of ten times net worth or ten times working capital; a reviewed or audited CPA financial statement is required for a limit above $1,500,000.

What are Tennessee's bid-law and lien rules?+

Bidders must disclose license information under §62-6-119. Tennessee lien law (T.C.A. §66-11) gives the prime contractor a one-year enforcement period, and there is a 5% retainage-escrow rule (§66-34-104). Tennessee has no state income tax on wages.

How should I study for the Tennessee Contractor License exam?+

Focus your time on the heaviest content areas, then drill practice questions by topic until you consistently clear the standard you need. PrepPass has 422+ free Tennessee Contractor License practice questions with full explanations and a timed mock exam.

Last updated: August 2026