Tennessee BC-A, b (sm) Combined Residential / Small Commercial Contractor Exam Book Package (Prov)

Prepare for the Tennessee BC-A, b(sm) Combined Residential / Small Commercial Contractor examination with a coordinated book package containing five references for residential and small commercial contractor exam preparation.

The Tennessee BC-A, b(sm) examination combines residential construction knowledge with limited small commercial construction knowledge. Candidates are tested across a wide range of building subjects, including estimating and plan reading, building codes, sitework, foundations, concrete, masonry, carpentry, roofing, structural steel, construction systems, finishes, and OSHA safety.

Because this is an open-book contractor examination, having the proper reference materials is an important part of preparation. Candidates must still understand the construction concepts being tested, recognize which reference applies to a question, locate the appropriate section efficiently, interpret the information correctly, and manage their time throughout the examination.

This Tennessee BC-A, b(sm) exam book package provides a coordinated group of references that candidates can use while preparing for the Combined Residential / Small Commercial Contractor examination administered by Prov. The package includes building-code references, residential and commercial contractor study materials, and the OSHA construction safety reference.

The books in this package can be used to build familiarity with the different subjects covered on the examination. Regular reference-navigation practice can help candidates learn which book is most appropriate for residential code questions, commercial construction questions, safety topics, building methods, and other exam subjects.

Exam Details

The Tennessee BC-A, b(sm) Combined Residential / Small Commercial Contractor examination is administered by Prov on behalf of the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. The examination combines residential construction authority with limited small commercial construction knowledge.

The exam contains 100 questions and allows 2 hours for completion. Because candidates must work through a broad range of construction subjects within that period, both trade knowledge and efficient reference navigation are important parts of preparation.

The current examination subject breakdown includes:

• Estimating and Plan Reading: 12 questions
• General Code: 8 questions
• Sitework: 5 questions
• Footings and Foundations: 5 questions
• Concrete and Concrete Reinforcement: 10 questions
• Masonry: 7 questions
• Carpentry: 12 questions
• Doors, Windows, and Stairs: 2 questions
• Interior Finish: 2 questions
• Structural Steel: 6 questions
• Roofing, Siding, and Insulation: 10 questions
• Plumbing Concepts: 3 questions
• HVAC Concepts: 3 questions
• Electrical Concepts: 3 questions
• OSHA Safety: 8 questions
• Exterior Finish: 4 questions

The subject distribution shows why candidates need to prepare across both residential and small commercial construction. Carpentry, estimating, concrete, roofing, code, safety, masonry, structural steel, foundations, and sitework represent substantial portions of the test, while additional questions address building systems and finish work.

Study preparation should therefore include both construction knowledge and practice identifying which reference applies to each subject. A general code question may require a different source than an OSHA safety question, while residential construction questions may direct the candidate toward different material than commercial building questions.

Open Book Test

The Tennessee BC-A, b(sm) Combined Residential / Small Commercial Contractor examination is an open-book test. Candidates are permitted to use authorized references subject to Prov's examination rules.

Open-book testing still requires strong preparation. With 100 questions and a 2-hour examination period, candidates should not expect to research every question from the beginning. A more effective approach is to develop enough construction knowledge to recognize familiar questions quickly and use the references strategically when additional information is needed.

Practice identifying the subject of each question before selecting a book. If a question involves OSHA safety, move to the construction safety reference. If it concerns residential code requirements, determine whether the residential code is the appropriate source. For commercial building-code questions, the International Building Code may be the better starting point.

Reference familiarity can improve efficiency. Spend time learning the general organization of each book, reviewing chapter structures, and locating major topics. The goal is to reduce the amount of time spent deciding where information might be located.

Candidates should also read surrounding information carefully when locating an answer. Definitions, limitations, exceptions, tables, and related provisions may affect how a requirement applies. Understanding the complete concept is more useful than searching only for a matching word or phrase.

All books brought into the examination must comply with Prov's current rules regarding references, markings, notes, attachments, and other examination-room requirements.

Licensing Steps

The BC-A, b(sm) examination is associated with the Tennessee Combined Residential / Small Commercial Contractor classification. Candidates should first determine that this classification matches the type and scope of construction work they intend to perform.

Tennessee contractor applicants pursuing classifications that require a trade examination must complete the applicable testing requirements. New contractor applicants are also required to complete the Tennessee Business and Law examination in addition to applicable trade examination requirements.

The individual designated to take an examination for the contractor entity serves as a qualifying agent for the examination. Tennessee allows the qualifying agent to be associated with the applying entity according to the Board's requirements.

After identifying the appropriate classification, candidates can register for the required examination through Prov and begin preparing with the applicable exam references. Preparing before scheduling or leaving sufficient time between registration and the examination can provide an opportunity to work through each major subject area.

After completing applicable examinations, applicants continue with the Tennessee contractor license application process. Examination completion is one component of licensing and does not by itself issue a contractor license.

Applicants should maintain organized copies of examination records, financial information, application documents, and other materials required during the licensing process. The contractor entity must satisfy the current requirements established by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors before performing work requiring licensure.

State Requirements

Tennessee identifies BC-A as the residential contractor classification. It covers residential construction involving one-, two-, three-, and four-family residences not exceeding three stories, together with applicable accessory structures.

The BC-b(sm) classification applies to small commercial construction. Tennessee currently limits this classification to commercial projects not exceeding $1,500,000, subject to the monetary limit assigned to the contractor based on the applicable licensing requirements.

The BC-A, b(sm) combined classification brings residential and small commercial construction together under a combined examination. Candidates pursuing this classification should therefore be prepared for questions involving residential construction methods as well as limited commercial building work.

Tennessee contractor licensing also uses monetary limits. A contractor's classification establishes the general type of work the license authorizes, while the assigned monetary limit affects the size of projects the contractor is permitted to contract.

Applicants should complete all licensing requirements associated with their business entity and classification before offering or performing work that requires a Tennessee contractor license.

Reference Books

• Included Book: International Building Code, 2021
  The International Building Code provides requirements used for commercial building construction and general building-code subjects. It is one of the current references identified by Prov for the BC-A, b(sm) examination.
• Included Book: International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018
  The International Residential Code addresses residential construction requirements for one- and two-family dwellings. Prov's current Tennessee Candidate Information Bulletin allows the 2018 edition as an alternate reference for the BC-A, b(sm) examination through January 1, 2027.
• Included Book: Study Guide for Commercial Building Contractor, 2024
  This commercial building contractor study guide supports preparation for construction methods and knowledge associated with the small commercial portion of the combined examination.
• Included Book: Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This reference contains federal construction safety standards. OSHA Safety accounts for a specific portion of the Tennessee BC-A, b(sm) examination.
• Included Book: Residential Home Builder Study Guide
  This residential construction study reference supports preparation for residential building methods and contractor knowledge included within the combined examination.

Working with these references during preparation can help candidates become more comfortable moving between residential code, commercial code, construction safety, and building-construction subjects.

Exam Room Approved Books

Prov's current Tennessee Contractor Candidate Information Bulletin identifies the International Building Code, 2021; International Residential Code, 2021; Study Guide for Commercial Building Contractor, 2024; OSHA 29 CFR 1926; and Residential Home Builder Study Guide as references for the BC-A, b(sm) examination.

This package contains the International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018 instead of the 2021 edition. The 2018 International Residential Code is included on Prov's alternate book list and is permitted for the BC-A, b(sm) examination through January 1, 2027.

• International Building Code, 2021
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018 — permitted as an alternate reference through January 1, 2027.
• Study Guide for Commercial Building Contractor, 2024
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
• Residential Home Builder Study Guide

Candidates are responsible for following Prov's examination-room requirements and confirming that their references meet the applicable rules on the date of testing.

Test Information and Study Materials

A productive study plan should combine trade review with repeated use of the books. Begin by learning the purpose of each reference and identifying the subjects most likely to direct you toward that book.

For residential construction questions, practice navigating the International Residential Code and Residential Home Builder Study Guide. For general commercial building-code topics, become familiar with the International Building Code. Use the commercial contractor study guide for construction knowledge related to the small commercial portion of the examination, and practice locating safety requirements in 29 CFR Part 1926.

Estimating and plan reading account for 12 questions, making them an important area of preparation. Carpentry also accounts for 12 questions. Concrete and concrete reinforcement and roofing, siding, and insulation each account for 10 questions. Candidates should allocate study time accordingly while still reviewing every subject in the examination outline.

OSHA Safety represents 8 questions. Become familiar with the organization of the OSHA construction reference so that common topics can be located without spending unnecessary time searching through unrelated sections.

Use mixed-topic practice as your preparation develops. Moving from a code question to carpentry, concrete, OSHA, roofing, electrical concepts, or estimating requires candidates to recognize the topic quickly and change references when necessary.

Timed practice is especially useful because the exam provides 2 hours for 100 questions. Candidates should develop a strategy for answering questions they know efficiently and using their references when a provision, table, requirement, or technical detail needs confirmation.

When you miss a practice question, identify the subject, locate the relevant information in the appropriate book, and review why the correct answer applies. This creates an opportunity to strengthen both subject knowledge and reference-navigation skills at the same time.

Continue reviewing weaker subjects as the examination approaches. If you consistently lose time finding code provisions, devote additional practice to code navigation. If estimating, safety, masonry, carpentry, or roofing questions remain difficult, return to those subjects for focused review.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Tennessee contractor candidates prepare with organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, reference-navigation strategies, and a structured approach to open-book contractor examinations.

This Tennessee BC-A, b(sm) Combined Residential / Small Commercial Contractor Exam Book Package brings together five references candidates can use while preparing for the residential and small commercial trade examination.

Using your books throughout the study process helps you develop familiarity before exam day. Instead of seeing the references for the first time during the test, you can practice identifying the correct book, locating important sections, and understanding how different subjects are organized.

Reference navigation is most effective when combined with construction knowledge. 1 Exam Prep encourages candidates to understand the concepts first and then use the books strategically to confirm requirements, find technical information, and work through unfamiliar questions.

A structured study routine can also help candidates focus on areas that need more attention. Reviewing missed questions, practicing under timed conditions, and working repeatedly with the reference books can provide a more organized path toward examination readiness.

The purpose of the package is to support preparation and give candidates access to the listed books used for their study plan. Examination performance and license issuance depend on satisfying the applicable testing and Tennessee licensing requirements.

What books are included in this package?

The package includes the International Building Code, 2021; International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018; Study Guide for Commercial Building Contractor, 2024; Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA); and Residential Home Builder Study Guide.

Is this a highlighted and tabbed book package?

No. This product is the Tennessee BC-A, b(sm) Combined Residential / Small Commercial Contractor Exam Book Package. It does not state that the books are supplied highlighted or tabbed.

Is the Tennessee BC-A, b(sm) examination open book?

Yes. Tennessee contractor examinations administered by Prov are open book, subject to the testing provider's rules concerning permitted reference materials.

How many questions are on the BC-A, b(sm) exam?

The Tennessee BC-A, b(sm) Combined Residential / Small Commercial Contractor examination contains 100 questions.

How much time is allowed for the exam?

The current Prov examination outline allows 2 hours to complete the BC-A, b(sm) examination.

Can I use the 2018 International Residential Code for the Prov exam?

Yes. Prov's current alternate-reference list permits the International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018 for the Tennessee BC-A, b(sm) examination through January 1, 2027.

What happens to the 2018 IRC after January 1, 2027?

Prov states that references on its alternate book list will no longer be permitted after January 1, 2027. Candidates testing after that date should use the reference editions identified by Prov for their examination.

Does the BC-A, b(sm) exam include both residential and commercial construction?

Yes. The examination combines residential construction with limited small commercial construction and tests candidates on subjects applicable to both areas.

What subjects should I focus on while studying?

The examination covers estimating and plan reading, general code, sitework, footings and foundations, concrete, masonry, carpentry, doors and windows, interior and exterior finishes, structural steel, roofing and insulation, plumbing concepts, HVAC concepts, electrical concepts, and OSHA safety.

Do Tennessee contractor applicants also need a Business and Law exam?

New Tennessee contractor applicants are required to complete the Tennessee Business and Law examination in addition to applicable trade-examination requirements. The Business and Law exam is separate from the BC-A, b(sm) trade examination.

Does purchasing the book package guarantee that I will pass the exam?

No. Examination performance depends on the candidate's preparation, understanding of the subject matter, ability to navigate the references, and performance during the examination. The package provides the listed books for preparation.