73% Passing Score

40-Question LLP Exam

2-Hour Open-Book Exam

Projects Under $25,000

Important LLP licensing fact: a Tennessee Limited Licensed Plumber is not considered a contractor merely because the license is regulated by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. The LLP holder may not advertise or represent themselves as a plumbing contractor unless they separately hold the appropriate Tennessee contractor license.

What Is the Tennessee Limited Licensed Plumber License?

The Limited Licensed Plumber license is Tennessee's state-level limited plumbing credential for qualifying smaller projects. It is issued to an individual rather than to a contracting company.

The license generally applies when plumbing work costs less than $25,000 per project and the municipality uses the Tennessee Division of Fire Prevention for plumbing permits or inspections.

Covered plumbing work can involve piping, fixtures, and appliances inside residential or commercial buildings for supplying water, gas, or other liquids and for disposing of wastewater or sewage.

Tennessee specifically warns applicants that local jurisdictions can have their own plumbing licensing, permit, inspection, testing, fee, and experience requirements. Always check the jurisdiction before beginning work.

Official exam: LLP - Limited Licensed Plumber Theory.

Provider: Prov.

Questions: 40.

Time: 120 minutes / 2 hours.

Passing score: 73 percent.

Format: open book and computer based.

Exam fee: $53 per attempt.

Initial state license fee: $75.

Renewal fee: $50.

Business and Law exam: not part of the LLP licensing path.

The Tennessee LLP Prov Online Practice Questions help candidates practice plumbing code, drainage, venting, water distribution, plumbing calculations, isometrics, fixtures, and practical plumbing concepts.

Tennessee Limited Licensed Plumber Licensing Path

The LLP path is simpler than a full Tennessee contractor-license path, but the exam, experience, state application, and local rules still matter.

Step Authority / Requirement What to Verify
License Type Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors LLP is the correct license for your project size and local jurisdiction
Experience Tennessee LLP application Document at least one year of plumbing experience using accepted proof
Identification Tennessee Board Photo identification and Social Security number
Trade Exam Prov LLP Limited Licensed Plumber Theory, 40 questions, 120 minutes, 73% passing
Business & Law Not required for LLP Do not confuse the LLP path with a Tennessee contractor-license application
State Application CORE / Tennessee Board Complete the Initial Limited Licensed Plumber application
Initial Fee Tennessee Board Current initial LLP fee is $75
Local Approval City / County / Codes Office Local license, permit, inspection, testing, and experience requirements before beginning work

Research Authority and 2026 Verification

Tennessee moved newly scheduled trade examinations to Prov beginning July 1, 2026. The current LLP examination information below reflects the live Prov program and current Tennessee LLP pages.

Verified Point Authority Current Result
License type Tennessee Board Individual Limited Licensed Plumber credential
Project limit Tennessee Board Qualifying plumbing work under $25,000 per project
Where LLP applies Tennessee Board Municipalities using the Division of Fire Prevention for plumbing permits or inspections
Maintenance exemption Tennessee Board General maintenance work under $500 is exempt from the state LLP license requirement
Exam provider Tennessee Board / Prov Prov
LLP examination Current Prov listing 40 questions, 120 minutes, open book
Passing standard Prov 73%
Exam fee Prov $53 per attempt
Initial LLP fee Tennessee Board $75
Renewal fee Tennessee Board $50
Renewal grace period Tennessee Board 3 months with a current $10 per month late fee

Local-rule warning: the state LLP credential does not automatically override a municipality or county's own plumbing requirements. A local jurisdiction may require its own license, test, experience standard, permit, inspection, or fee.

Tennessee Limited Licensed Plumber Exam Breakdown

The current Prov LLP examination contains 40 questions across 10 subject areas.

Drain, Waste, and Vent Systems is the largest category with 10 questions. That is one-quarter of the entire examination.

Isometrics is the second-largest area with 7 questions. These questions can require you to visualize how drainage, waste, vent, and fixture piping fit together.

Code Requirements, Water Supply and Distribution, and Fuel Gas Systems contain 4 questions each. General Knowledge contains 3.

Plumbing Math, Water Heaters, Fixtures and Fittings, and OSHA Safety contain 2 questions each.

This exam is small enough that every question matters. With only 40 questions, dropping a few points because you ignored a "small" two-question category can become an expensive lesson in arithmetic.

Primary SEO Target Tennessee Limited Licensed Plumber Contractor Exam Prep
License LLP - Limited Licensed Plumber
Licensing Authority Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
License Holder Individual plumber
Contractor License? No • LLP alone does not make the holder a Tennessee contractor
Project Scope Qualifying plumbing work under $25,000 where the state LLP framework applies
Exam Provider Prov
Trade Questions 40
Time 120 minutes / 2 hours
Passing Score 73%
Format Open book • Computer based
Exam Fee $53 per attempt
Primary Code International Plumbing Code, 2021
Math Reference Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, 8th Edition
Trade Reference Plumbing Basics for Contractors, 4th Edition, 2021
Business & Law Not required for the LLP credential
Initial License Fee $75
Renewal Fee $50

How to Study for the Tennessee Limited Licensed Plumber Exam

Study by the Prov question weighting and by reference. The exam gives you about three minutes per question, but plumbing math and isometric problems can use more time than a simple code lookup.

Drain, Waste, and Vent Systems: review sanitary drainage, drainage fittings, traps, cleanouts, vents, pipe sizing, materials, slopes, connections, and IPC navigation.

Isometrics: practice reading and visualizing three-dimensional plumbing layouts, fixture connections, drain lines, vent lines, branches, stacks, and piping relationships.

Water Supply and Distribution: review water piping, sizing concepts, materials, valves, pressure, backflow concepts, and distribution layouts.

Code Requirements: learn IPC definitions, chapter organization, tables, exceptions, materials, testing, and common index terms.

Fuel Gas: review gas piping, sizing, materials, appliance connections, combustion air, venting, and system safety.

Plumbing Math: practice measurements, fractions, decimals, offsets, grade, area, volume, angles, conversions, and pipe-related calculations.

The Tennessee Limited Licensed Plumber Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package helps organize plumbing code, trade mathematics, practical plumbing, fuel gas, and safety study materials.

Drainage, Venting, Isometrics, Water Supply, and Plumbing Math Strategy

A strong LLP strategy begins by recognizing what kind of plumbing problem is in front of you. A drainage question, water-distribution question, math problem, fuel-gas question, and isometric drawing often need different tools.

DWV ISO WATER MATH drainage • vents • isometrics • water • math • fuel gas • safety

Tennessee LLP exam-prep illustration for drainage, waste and vent systems, isometrics, water supply, plumbing math, fuel gas, and safety.

  • DWV: practice traps, cleanouts, drainage pipe, vents, slopes, materials, sizing, and fitting requirements
  • Isometrics: follow vertical and horizontal piping, fixtures, branches, stacks, vents, and drainage flow through drawings
  • Water Distribution: review piping, sizing concepts, pressure, valves, materials, fittings, and backflow awareness
  • Plumbing Math: work measurements, grade, offsets, angles, area, volume, conversions, and practical pipe calculations
  • Fuel Gas: review piping, materials, sizing, appliances, combustion air, venting, and safe installation
  • Fixtures: study fixture requirements, fittings, traps, connections, clearances, and practical installation concepts
  • Safety: review ladders, excavations, PPE, tools, electrical hazards, material handling, and jobsite safety

Your Tennessee Limited Licensed Plumber Licensing Roadmap

Move from confirming that the LLP applies to documenting experience, preparing for Prov, passing the exam, submitting the state application, and checking local requirements.

1

Confirm the LLP applies where you plan to work

Check the municipality or county first. The Tennessee LLP is used where the state LLP framework applies, but local governments may have their own plumbing licensing rules.

2

Confirm your project size fits the LLP

The LLP covers qualifying plumbing work costing less than $25,000 per project. Larger qualifying projects can require a Tennessee contractor-level plumbing classification.

3

Document plumbing experience

Prepare proof of at least one year of plumbing experience in the format accepted by the current Tennessee LLP application.

4

Prepare the current Prov references

Study the 2021 International Plumbing Code, Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, and Plumbing Basics for Contractors. Use additional fuel-gas and OSHA material for broader study.

5

Practice the 10 exam subject areas

Give the most time to DWV, isometrics, plumbing code, water supply, and fuel gas, then close the gaps in every smaller category.

6

Pass the LLP examination

Prepare for 40 questions, 120 minutes, open-book testing, and a 73 percent passing score.

7

Complete the Tennessee LLP application

Apply through CORE, provide the required identification, experience, and exam information, and pay the current $75 initial license fee.

8

Check local permits and licensing before starting work

Your state LLP does not erase local requirements. Confirm permits, inspections, local licensing, fees, and any additional testing or experience requirements.

Tennessee Limited Licensed Plumber Exam Topic Weighting

The current Prov LLP outline assigns all 40 questions across these 10 subject areas.

Drain, Waste, and Vent Systems 10 questions

Isometrics 7 questions

Code Requirements 4 questions

Water Supply and Distribution 4 questions

Fuel Gas Systems 4 questions

General Knowledge 3 questions

Plumbing Math 2 questions

Water Heaters 2 questions

Fixtures & Fittings 2 questions

OSHA Safety 2 questions

Study priority: Drain, Waste, and Vent Systems plus Isometrics combine for 17 of the 40 questions. Add Code Requirements, Water Supply and Distribution, and Fuel Gas Systems, and those five subjects account for 29 of 40 questions, or more than 70 percent of the exam.

Tennessee Limited Licensed Plumber Exam References

Separate Prov's current authorized LLP exam-room references from additional books that are useful for study. Do not assume every book in a preparation package is automatically permitted at the testing station.

Reference Primary Study Use 2026 Status
International Plumbing Code, 2021 Plumbing definitions, fixtures, water supply, sanitary drainage, vents, traps, materials, water heaters, indirect waste, and code navigation Current Prov LLP authorized exam reference
Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, 8th Edition Measurements, fractions, decimals, geometry, offsets, grade, formulas, areas, volumes, and practical trade calculations Current Prov LLP authorized exam reference
Plumbing Basics for Contractors, 4th Edition, 2021 Practical plumbing knowledge, piping, fixtures, drainage, venting, water systems, installation concepts, and general trade knowledge Current Prov LLP authorized exam reference
International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 Fuel-gas piping, sizing, materials, appliances, combustion air, venting, chimneys, and gas-system preparation Additional study reference in current 1 Exam Prep LLP packages; verify exam-room authorization before testing
Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 Construction safety, PPE, ladders, excavation, scaffolds, tools, electrical hazards, and jobsite safety Additional study reference in current 1 Exam Prep LLP packages; verify exam-room authorization before testing

Reference warning: the International Fuel Gas Code and OSHA reference can be valuable for studying Fuel Gas Systems and OSHA Safety, but Prov's current primary LLP exam-room list identifies the International Plumbing Code, Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, and Plumbing Basics for Contractors. Always use the current Prov list when deciding what enters the testing room.

How to Prepare for the Open-Book Tennessee LLP Exam

Build these exam-prep habits

  • Practice with the exact authorized references you plan to bring
  • Learn the 2021 IPC chapter structure
  • Practice IPC index terminology
  • Work plumbing math problems instead of only reading examples
  • Draw and interpret plumbing isometrics regularly
  • Practice DWV lookups until they become routine
  • Use permanent tabs that follow current Prov rules
  • Complete full 40-question two-hour simulations

Avoid these exam-prep mistakes

  • Looking up every question from scratch
  • Ignoring isometrics because they look intimidating
  • Using moveable tabs or Post-it notes
  • Bringing unauthorized notes or loose papers
  • Assuming every study-package book is exam-room approved
  • Skipping fuel gas or OSHA because the categories are smaller
  • Waiting until exam day to learn the IPC index
  • Confusing LLP with the CMC-A contractor exam

Current Prov book rules: authorized references may be highlighted and may use permanent tabs. Moveable tabs and Post-it notes are not permitted, and candidates may not mark their references during testing. Check the current provider instructions before your appointment.

What Work Does the Tennessee LLP License Cover?

The Tennessee LLP covers qualifying plumbing work inside residential or commercial buildings when the state limited-plumber framework applies and the total project is less than $25,000.

The plumbing scope can include construction, alteration, repair, improvement, movement, demolition, installation, or furnishing labor for piping, fixtures, and appliances used to supply gas, water, or other liquids, or to dispose of wastewater or sewage.

Tennessee's LLP framework does not automatically extend to plumbing work outside residential or commercial buildings, such as certain utility connections or irrigation-system work.

The state also identifies general maintenance work under $500 as exempt from the LLP license requirement. That does not necessarily remove local permit or other legal requirements.

Most important scope rule: LLP is for qualifying projects under $25,000. If your plumbing project reaches the Tennessee contractor threshold, you may need a contractor-level plumbing classification such as CMC-A Plumbing and Gas Piping or Full Mechanical CMC instead.

Tennessee LLP vs Contractor-Level Plumbing Licenses

The project amount and scope determine whether a limited plumbing credential or contractor-level classification makes sense.

License / Classification Main Scope Project Level Important Difference
LLP Limited Licensed Plumber Qualifying plumbing work under $25,000 Individual limited license; holder is not considered a Tennessee contractor based on LLP alone
CMC-A Plumbing and Gas Piping Contractor Contractor-level projects subject to assigned monetary limit Requires contractor licensing process and Board pre-approval before the trade exam
CMC Full Mechanical Contractor Broader contractor-level mechanical work subject to monetary limit Includes plumbing plus HVAC, refrigeration, process piping, fire protection, boilers, controls, and other mechanical categories
Local Plumbing License Varies by city or county Local rules control A jurisdiction may impose separate or stricter license, test, experience, permit, or inspection requirements

Tennessee LLP Experience, Application, and Renewal Requirements

Individual Applicant

Personal Plumbing License
  • LLP is issued to an individual
  • Provide required photo identification
  • Provide Social Security number
  • Document qualifying plumbing experience
  • Current application calls for at least one year of plumbing experience
  • Pass the LLP trade examination or satisfy an applicable accepted exam route

Renewal and Local Compliance

Keep the License Current
  • Current LLP renewal fee is $50
  • Renew through CORE when eligible
  • Current grace period is three months
  • Current late fee is $10 per month during the grace period
  • After three months expired, a new application is required
  • Always verify local licensing requirements
  • Obtain required permits and inspections before regulated work

No contractor financial package: the LLP is not the same as a Tennessee contractor license. The standard contractor financial statement, monetary-limit calculation, contractor Business and Law exam, and Qualifying Agent structure do not form part of the ordinary LLP licensing path.

Six-Week Tennessee LLP Exam Prep Plan

Build plumbing knowledge and reference speed together, with extra practice on DWV and isometric drawings.

Week 1

Books + Exam Map

  • Verify current Prov exam information
  • Organize the three primary exam references
  • Review all 10 subject areas
  • Learn the IPC table of contents and index
  • Take a baseline practice test
Week 2

Drain, Waste, and Vent

  • Sanitary drainage
  • Drainage fittings
  • Traps and cleanouts
  • Vent systems
  • Pipe sizing and materials
Week 3

Isometrics

  • Read plumbing diagrams
  • Trace drain and vent piping
  • Identify stacks and branches
  • Visualize fixture connections
  • Practice illustrated questions
Week 4

Water + Code

  • Water supply and distribution
  • Code definitions
  • IPC tables
  • Pipe materials and joints
  • Fixtures and water heaters
Week 5

Math + Gas + Safety

  • Plumbing mathematics
  • Offsets and grade
  • Fuel gas concepts
  • General plumbing knowledge
  • OSHA safety review
Week 6

Full Prov Simulation

  • 40-question mixed practice
  • 2-hour timer
  • Three-minute average pacing
  • Reference-selection drills
  • Review every missed question

How Hard Is the Tennessee Limited Licensed Plumber Exam?

The LLP exam is shorter than many Tennessee trade exams, but that does not make it a free pass. With only 40 questions, each mistake represents a meaningful piece of your score.

Drain, Waste, and Vent Systems accounts for one-quarter of the exam. Candidates who are weak on drainage, venting, traps, fittings, or code navigation can lose points quickly.

Isometrics can also surprise candidates. Reading about a vent system is one thing. Following it through a drawing while the clock is moving is another.

The two-hour time limit gives you about three minutes per question. That is enough time when you know which reference to use, but not enough time to learn the IPC from page one while sitting at the testing center.

The best preparation combines real plumbing knowledge, code familiarity, math practice, isometric practice, and quick reference navigation.

Tennessee Limited Licensed Plumber Exam Day Checklist

Do this

  • Confirm the LLP Limited Licensed Plumber Theory exam
  • Verify your current Prov appointment
  • Bring valid government-issued identification
  • Bring only currently authorized references
  • Use permanent tabs that follow Prov rules
  • Complete allowed highlighting before test day
  • Arrange references in a consistent order
  • Know where DWV and water-supply chapters are located
  • Save extra time for isometrics and math

Do not do this

  • Register for CMC-A when you intend to take LLP
  • Bring every study book without checking authorization
  • Bring moveable tabs or Post-it notes
  • Bring unauthorized loose notes
  • Mark your references during testing
  • Spend ten minutes on one isometric question
  • Ignore local licensing requirements after passing
  • Advertise as a contractor based only on the LLP credential

Pacing tip: 40 questions in 120 minutes gives you an average of 3 minutes per question. Answer straightforward code and trade questions efficiently so you have extra time available for isometrics, math, and more involved code searches.

Tennessee Limited Licensed Plumber Exam Prep Options

Highlighted & Tabbed LLP Books

Organized Plumbing References
  • International Plumbing Code, 2021
  • Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters
  • Plumbing Basics for Contractors
  • International Fuel Gas Code study support
  • OSHA construction safety study support
  • Highlighted study sections
  • Permanent navigation tabs
View Highlighted & Tabbed Books

LLP Books & Courses Rental

Books + Course Access
  • Highlighted and tabbed rental references
  • IPC plumbing-code preparation
  • Trade mathematics reference
  • Plumbing Basics reference
  • Fuel-gas study material
  • OSHA safety study material
  • 6 months of course access
View Books & Courses Rental

Want focused practice? The Tennessee LLP Prov Online Practice Questions provide three months of online reference-based plumbing practice.

Need broader support? The All-Inclusive Tennessee LLP Package combines exam preparation, references, application support, and business-setup services.

Tennessee Limited Licensed Plumber Online Exam Prep Course by 1 Exam Prep

Tennessee Limited Licensed Plumber Exam Prep

This Tennessee-specific 1 Exam Prep image is directly related to the Limited Licensed Plumber examination.

• Tennessee LLP individual plumbing license

• 40-question current Prov examination

• 120-minute / 2-hour testing period

• 73% passing score

• Open-book computer examination

• Drain, Waste, and Vent Systems

• Plumbing isometrics and trade mathematics

• Water supply, fixtures, water heaters, and fuel gas

• Qualifying plumbing projects under $25,000 where the LLP framework applies

Know the plumbing and know the books. The LLP exam is short enough that every point counts. A strong candidate can recognize the subject, choose the correct reference, find the rule, work the problem, and keep moving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tennessee LLP Licensing

The LLP is an individual Tennessee plumbing license for qualifying plumbing work under the state's limited-plumber framework. It is regulated by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
No. Tennessee specifically states that a Limited Licensed Plumber is not considered a contractor based on the LLP license alone. A person may not represent themselves as a plumbing contractor unless they separately hold the appropriate contractor license.
The state LLP applies to qualifying plumbing work costing less than $25,000 per project. Projects at or above the contractor threshold may require the appropriate Tennessee contractor classification.
No. Tennessee advises plumbers to check the local government before working. The state LLP is required where the applicable municipality uses the Division of Fire Prevention for plumbing permits or inspections, while other jurisdictions may maintain their own plumbing licensing requirements.
Yes. Local governments may impose their own or stricter testing, experience, licensing, permit, inspection, and fee requirements.
Tennessee's current LLP guidance states that general maintenance work costing less than $500 is exempt from the state LLP license requirement. Other local requirements may still apply.
The current Tennessee LLP application calls for proof of at least one year of plumbing experience. Review the current application instructions for acceptable verification.

LLP Exam Basics

Prov administers the current Tennessee Limited Licensed Plumber examination.
The current Prov LLP examination contains 40 questions.
The current exam allows 120 minutes, or two hours.
The current Prov passing score is 73 percent.
Yes. The current Prov LLP examination is open book using authorized references.
The current Prov exam fee is $53 per attempt.
Forty questions in 120 minutes gives you an average of three minutes per question. Save time on easy questions for isometrics, calculations, and deeper code lookups.

Exam Topics

Drain, Waste, and Vent Systems is the largest category with 10 questions.
Isometrics currently contains 7 questions, making it the second-largest LLP exam category.
Yes. Plumbing Math currently contains 2 questions. Candidates should still practice mathematics carefully because calculations can also support other plumbing topics.
Yes. Fuel Gas Systems currently contains 4 questions.
Yes. Water Supply and Distribution currently contains 4 questions.
Yes. OSHA Safety currently contains 2 questions.

References and Open-Book Rules

Prov currently lists the 2021 International Plumbing Code as an authorized LLP exam reference.
Prov currently lists Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, 8th Edition, as an LLP reference.
Yes. The current LLP reference information identifies Plumbing Basics for Contractors, 4th Edition, 2021, as a primary exam reference.
It is useful study material for Fuel Gas Systems and is included in current 1 Exam Prep LLP packages, but Prov's current primary LLP exam-room list identifies the three plumbing references listed above. Always verify the live reference list before testing.
Yes. Current Prov rules allow highlighting in authorized references before testing.
Yes. Permanent tabs are allowed. Moveable tabs and Post-it notes are not permitted.
No. Current Prov instructions do not permit candidates to mark reference materials during testing.

Application and Renewal

No. Tennessee Contractor Business and Law is part of the contractor-license process, not the ordinary Limited Licensed Plumber path. The LLP requires its plumbing trade examination and applicable state licensing requirements.
No. The standard contractor monetary-limit and CPA financial-statement process does not apply to the ordinary LLP credential.
The current Tennessee initial LLP fee is $75.
The current LLP renewal fee is $50.
Yes. Tennessee currently provides a three-month LLP renewal grace period with a $10-per-month late fee. After the license has been expired for three months or longer, the state requires a new license application.
No. You must still obtain the state license and comply with the local jurisdiction's licensing, permit, inspection, testing, fee, and experience requirements.

1 Exam Prep

Yes. 1 Exam Prep offers an LLP online course, Prov online practice questions, book packages, highlighted and tabbed references, rental packages, an Ultimate package, and an all-inclusive licensing and business-setup solution.
Yes. The Tennessee LLP Prov Online Practice Questions provide three months of online access with plumbing-code, drainage, venting, water distribution, math, fixture, and practical plumbing review.
Yes. 1 Exam Prep offers a Tennessee Limited Licensed Plumber highlighted and tabbed book package for organized plumbing reference study.
Yes. The Tennessee LLP Books & Courses Rental Package combines highlighted and tabbed rental books with six months of online course access.

Watch: How to Pass the Tennessee Limited Licensed Plumber LLP Exam

Watch this directly related 1 Exam Prep video focused on the Tennessee Limited Licensed Plumber exam. Use it to reinforce plumbing exam strategy, reference navigation, code preparation, and the Tennessee LLP licensing path.

Study tip: watch the video with your plumbing references nearby. When drainage, venting, water distribution, math, isometrics, fixtures, or code navigation comes up, practice locating that subject in the reference you would use during the real exam.

Ready for Tennessee Limited Licensed Plumber Exam Prep?

Build faster plumbing-code navigation, stronger drain, waste, and vent knowledge, better isometric-reading skills, confidence with water distribution, fixtures, water heaters, plumbing math, fuel gas, OSHA safety, and Tennessee's Limited Licensed Plumber licensing process.

Questions? Call 877-775-9400
or email sales@1examprep.com

Tennessee LLP Exam Prep