Prov • 100 Questions • 73% Passing • Open Book • BC-A Residential + Full BC-B Commercial • Separate Business and Law Examination
Preparing for Tennessee BC-A, B Combined Residential / Commercial Contractor licensing? This practical guide explains the official classification, current exam provider, trade topics, code references, qualifying-agent rules, and Contractor Exam Preps study materials. It follows a clear path from the first study session through final Board approval.
Tennessee construction licensing is more than an exam score. It is a combination of the correct work classification, trade knowledge, business responsibility, financial qualification, and the right application paperwork. A great builder still needs the correct paperwork. A great spreadsheet cannot build a house. You need both sides working together!
The BC-A, B classification joins two major building categories under one contractor license. BC-A covers eligible residential construction. BC-B covers full commercial building construction. Together, the combination is intended for contractors who want to build homes while also bidding on offices, retail buildings, warehouses, schools, churches, and other qualifying commercial structures. It is not the same as the narrower BC-A,b(sm) classification, and it does not automatically include industrial BC-C. Your license also has a Board-approved monetary limit. Think of classification as the type of work and monetary limit as the size of each job.
Those small letters matter! BC-A,b(sm) adds a restricted small-commercial classification to residential authority. Tennessee limits the small-commercial classification to projects not exceeding $1.5 million. BC-A, B instead combines residential with the full BC-B commercial classification, without that separate small-commercial classification ceiling. However, neither designation allows unlimited project size by itself. If the Board assigns your license a $500,000 monetary limit, you cannot simply advertise an unrestricted $5 million project because your classification includes BC-B. Read the exact classification on your application before booking the exam.
The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors operates within the Department of Commerce and Insurance. It reviews contractor licensing applications, assigns classifications and monetary limits, and regulates qualification for work covered by state law. It is not the same agency as a local building department that reviews a construction plan or issues a permit. Both levels can matter. A contractor may have the right state classification but still need local permit approvals, inspections, zoning review, and trade-specific licensed subcontractors. Confirm that your business and your qualifying agent satisfy the Board rules before bidding.
Tennessee generally requires a state contractor license before bidding, offering, negotiating, or contracting for work with a total value of $25,000 or more when acting as a prime contractor. Special rules apply to certain subcontractors, including roofing and licensed trades. Costs include materials and labor, not simply the part your own crew performs. Breaking one large project into several invoices is not a clever licensing workaround. Smaller jobs can still require local registrations and permits. The safest starting point is to look at the whole project, the building scope, and the dollar value before making a promise to the customer.
A Tennessee contractor business generally designates a qualifying agent, often called a QA, to pass the required examinations and support the requested trade classification. An owner, officer, or qualifying full-time employee may serve in that capacity under the applicable rules. The person who takes the trade examination does not necessarily have to take the separate Business and Law examination. Tennessee permits up to two people to take each required examination for the company. If the QA is not an owner, additional authorization may be needed. Changing the QA later can affect the license, so this is more than simply finding somebody who likes multiple-choice tests.
Prov became the new Tennessee contractor exam provider for newly scheduled appointments beginning July 1, 2026. Older PSI appointments were handled under transition arrangements. This is important when comparing online study advice. A page written before the transition may show an older provider, book edition, testing fee, or format. The current Prov appointment and Candidate Information Bulletin should control what you prepare and bring. Keep a copy of your exact scheduled exam name. The letters BC-A, B should appear, not BC-A, b(sm), BC-A alone, BC-B alone, or the broader BC combined category.
The current published BC-A, B combined trade blueprint contains 100 questions with a 73% passing standard. That means the target is at least 73 correct responses if each scored question is worth one point. The examination is open book, but open book does not mean you have endless time for every answer. You should know basic construction concepts and recognize which reference applies before looking things up. The provider's published duration has differed between some transition materials and live listings, so candidates must verify the exact time in their current Prov scheduling confirmation.
Yes, the Tennessee contractor trade exam is open book with authorized references under the current provider's rules. An allowed codebook can help you find an exact table, definition, or exception. It will not tell you which table to choose unless you understand the topic first. Practice locating important sections of the International Building Code and International Residential Code. You should also become comfortable with construction study guides and OSHA safety standards. Only bring books and markings allowed by the current provider; permitted highlighting and permanent tabs are not the same as permission to bring handwritten notes or loose practice tests.
Most new Tennessee contractor license applicants must pass the separate Contractor Business and Law examination, even after passing the BC-A, B trade exam. Current Prov online information lists 50 Business and Law questions, a 73% passing score, and 150 minutes. This exam covers business organization, licensing, finance, estimating and bidding, contracts, insurance, taxes, labor responsibilities, liens, and project management. Study the Tennessee edition of the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, fourth edition. The two examinations serve different purposes, so passing the construction exam does not erase the business test.
Estimating and Plan Reading is one of the largest current BC-A, B examination topics, with 15 questions. Candidates need to read floor plans, elevations, details, sections, schedules, and specifications. Practice scale measurements, area, volume, unit costs, materials, labor quantities, waste allowances, and drawing symbols. You may be asked to work out quantities from a construction scenario or identify a drawing detail. In the field, a bad estimate can turn a promising job into an expensive hobby. On the exam, a small unit mistake can turn the correct formula into the wrong answer. Set aside several timed sessions for these skills.
General Code accounts for 12 questions in the current outline. Learn how the 2021 International Building Code organizes occupancy classifications, types of construction, building height and area, means of egress, fire resistance, accessibility, and general safety provisions. Residential applicants should also study the approved IRC edition. Code questions often depend on a word or exception buried inside a longer rule. Learn the index, definitions, chapter structure, tables, and footnotes. A good habit is to explain why the answer is correct and where the supporting provision lives. That makes future questions faster to solve.
Concrete and Concrete Reinforcement represents 15 questions, tied for the largest category. Study cementitious materials, aggregate, mix considerations, forms, placement, curing, reinforcement, lap concepts, cover, slabs, footings, foundations, and basic material calculations. Learn the relationships between plans and structural details. Read common reinforcing-bar callouts and understand the purpose of specified concrete strength. The goal is not to become a structural engineer through a multiple-choice test. It is to know the contractor-level materials, procedures, inspection concepts, and reference locations needed to understand and coordinate concrete work correctly.
Masonry supplies 10 questions on the exam. Review concrete masonry units, brick, mortar, grout, reinforcement, movement joints, flashing, control joints, and masonry support concepts. Pay attention to wall connections, openings, bearing areas, and the way masonry interacts with a larger building system. Contractors do not need to memorize every manufacturer's product brochure. They do need to recognize the right construction practice and the correct reference section. Practice distinguishing what is required for a load-bearing wall from what is simply a good finish detail.
Structural Steel also has 10 questions. Learn the basics of beams, columns, connections, bolts, welds, bracing, erection safety, and coordinating structural drawings. Review what a structural steel schedule says and where critical connections appear on plans. Construction sequencing matters because temporary stability can be very different from the final structure's behavior. Do not confuse this with the BC-C industrial classification; structural steel is still tested within the residential and full commercial combined exam. Think in terms of reading details, selecting correct concepts, and understanding safe coordination.
Sitework contributes five questions and Footings and Foundations another five. Review layout, excavation, drainage, soil-related concepts, backfill, compaction, grading, and safe trenches. For foundations, study footing geometry, reinforcement, bearing, moisture control, and the relationship between foundations and structural loads. A foundation that is wrong can spoil everything built above it, so these topics deserve more than a quick glance. Practice reading site plans and distinguishing foundation systems used in residential construction from commercial projects. Remember to apply OSHA excavation safety requirements when relevant.
Carpentry contributes four questions in the current BC-A, B outline. Study floors, walls, roofs, sheathing, framing layout, fasteners, bracing, structural connections, and lumber terminology. On residential jobs you may already know these details from practical work. Use that experience, but make sure it matches the code and reference book. Practice recognizing spans, member sizes, bearing points, and the role of fasteners or connectors. For commercial work, remember that wood framing can appear in some building types but is not the only structural method you'll encounter.
Roofing, Siding, and Insulation contributes six questions. Review roof coverings, underlayment, flashing, drainage, weather barriers, siding installation concepts, thermal insulation, and ventilation. The exam may test both residential and commercial envelope ideas. Understand how water is directed away from openings, penetrations, and joints. Learn the relationship between roofing systems and the building's long-term moisture resistance. OSHA fall protection deserves attention alongside construction methods. A roof is supposed to keep rain out, not provide an exciting surprise during the first thunderstorm.
Doors, Windows, and Stairs has two questions, while Interior Finish has one. Even small categories can contain easy points if you prepare. Review egress door requirements, stair geometry, handrails, guards, safety glazing, window placement, and basic finish and fire-performance concepts. Use the commercial code for public buildings and the residential code for relevant home construction. Practice locating the section rather than assuming residential dimensions always apply to commercial work. Exam subjects can look familiar while using different code language.
The combined exam includes Plumbing Concepts, HVAC Concepts, and Electrical Concepts, with three questions in each area. These are building-contractor overview topics, not a replacement for the separate specialist license exams. Understand how pipes, mechanical systems, electrical distribution, and structural assemblies compete for space and require coordination. Review basic safety, penetrations, equipment clearances, and building-system sequencing. Contractors often supervise teams who know more about a trade's fine details than they do. The exam still expects general knowledge sufficient to coordinate the work responsibly.
OSHA Safety contributes six questions. Use OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 to study fall hazards, ladders, scaffolds, excavation, protective equipment, power tools, material handling, and workplace responsibilities. Safety questions can involve a real-life situation rather than a memorized definition. Learn which hazards require competent-person oversight and which practices help prevent accidents. Remember that safety is not a bonus question at the end of the project. It belongs in planning, scheduling, subcontractor coordination, and everyday decision-making from the first day on site.
Tennessee assigns a monetary limit to each contractor license, even when the classification includes full BC-B commercial authority. Under ordinary financial statement rules, the limit is generally calculated as ten times the lesser of working capital or net worth, subject to experience and Board review. The Board normally requires a reviewed statement for requested limits of $3 million or less and an audited statement for higher limits. Beginning July 1, 2026, eligible applicants can instead use the Board's Contractors' Surety Bond option, generally equal to at least 50% of the requested limit. Read the official application rules closely.
After examinations, applicants must complete the Board's licensing process. This can include financial or approved bond documents, a reference letter, business-entity details, a notarized contractor affidavit, proof of general liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage or acceptable exemption. The current initial application fee is $250. Licenses renew on a two-year cycle, and the current renewal fee is $200. Do not bid or contract on a license-required project before the Board issues the appropriate license. Passing both examinations is a major milestone, but it is not the license itself.
For the BC-A, B combined route, the Tennessee BC-A, B Complete Book Package provides an exam-focused set of references. The BC-A, B Books and Courses Rental Package includes trade and Business and Law preparation with rental reference books. The BC-A, B Ultimate Rental Package adds extended course access and application assistance. If you want focused business preparation, use the Tennessee Business and Law Complete Pass Package. Always check current course inclusions and authorized reference editions on the product page.
During the final week, schedule mixed practice in the same style as your actual examination. Review each missed answer and tag it by subject. Look for patterns: are you losing time finding the right book, misunderstanding an estimating unit, or overlooking an exception? Improve those patterns instead of repeatedly rereading every page. Prepare identification and allowed materials ahead of time. Confirm the current Prov duration, scheduling details, and reference rules. A clear study plan cannot guarantee the outcome, but it can reduce avoidable surprises and give you a stronger chance to show what you know.
Important Tennessee 2026 Update: BC-A, B combines Residential with full Commercial, not BC-A,b(sm) Small Commercial. Prov became the provider for newly scheduled contractor examinations beginning July 1, 2026. The current combined trade outline lists 100 questions, 73% passing, and an open-book format. Published transition materials have differed on the test duration and residential reference edition; confirm the exact time and approved books in your current Prov appointment and candidate bulletin. New contractor applicants also take Tennessee Business and Law. A passing score is not a contractor license. The Board also assigns a monetary project limit, and its new 2026 surety-bond option may replace a CPA-prepared statement when applicable.
A BC-A, B contractor holds Tennessee’s combined residential and full commercial building classification. It allows construction, alteration and repair within the permitted residential and commercial scope, subject to the monetary limit and other applicable requirements.
BC-A covers one- through four-family residences not over three stories and related accessory buildings. BC-B covers commercial buildings for public use and occupancy, including larger multifamily projects. Industrial BC-C requires a broader classification.
Credential: Tennessee Contractor License, BC-A, B Combined Residential / Commercial.
Regulator: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
Trade examination: Prov, 100 questions, 73% passing, open book.
Other examination: Tennessee Contractor Business and Law.
Business authority: Only after license issuance, within classification and monetary limit.
| Requirement | Published Information | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| State | Tennessee | State Board for Licensing Contractors |
| Classification | BC-A, B Combined | Residential + full commercial |
| Not the same as | BC-A,b(sm) | Small-commercial scope is restricted |
| Residential BC-A | One- through four-family | Not more than three stories |
| Commercial BC-B | Full commercial building | Subject to company monetary limit |
| Industrial BC-C | Not included | Compare with broader BC when needed |
| License threshold | $25,000 or more | State prime contractor rules apply |
| Testing company | Prov | New scheduling effective July 1, 2026 |
| Older provider | PSI transition | Follow actual existing appointment |
| Trade questions | 100 | BC-A, B combined outline |
| Passing score | 73% | 73 correct if 100 equally scored questions |
| Format | Open book | Only permitted references |
| Trade duration | Confirm Prov appointment | Transition publications show differences |
| Trade exam fee | $53 listed | Confirm current registration |
| Business and Law | Separate exam | Generally mandatory for new applicants |
| Business Law questions | 50 | Current Prov online listing |
| Business Law time | 150 minutes | Verify current provider listing |
| Business Law passing | 73% | Separate passing requirement |
| Business book | Tennessee NASCLA, 4th Ed. | Project management and law |
| IBC reference | 2021 | Commercial-code study |
| IRC reference | 2021 current Prov list | 2018 edition may be transitional |
| Commercial study guide | 2024 | Trade preparation reference |
| Residential study guide | Current approved edition | Verify provider rules |
| OSHA reference | 29 CFR Part 1926 | Construction safety |
| Qualifying agent | Owner/officer/eligible worker | Check appointment and forms |
| Trade/Business exams | Can use different test-takers | Board rules govern QA |
| Exam results | Normally valid two years | For Board use |
| Financial statement | Reviewed up to $3M | If following statement route |
| Financial statement | Audited above $3M | If following statement route |
| 2026 bond alternative | Generally ≥50% requested limit | Board-approved surety form |
| Monetary limit | Board-determined | Based on finances and experience |
| Usual formula | 10 × lesser of WC or NW | Subject to Board review |
| Unlimited financial benchmark | $300,000 each | Working capital and net worth |
| General liability | Required | Minimum depends on license limit |
| Workers compensation | Required or valid exemption | Per state construction rules |
| Initial application | $250 | Nonrefundable; verify current amount |
| License renewal | Two years | Follow expiration date |
| Renewal fee | $200 | Current published fee |
| Permits | Local requirements apply | Not replaced by state exam |
| Licensing website | Tennessee Board | See official forms and updates |
| Detail | Category | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Trade classification | BC-A, B | Residential + full commercial |
| Provider | Prov | New exams after July 1, 2026 |
| Exam format | Open book | Computer-based testing |
| Question count | 100 | Combined trade |
| Pass mark | 73% | 100-question blueprint |
| Exam time | Check appointment | 2026 transition materials differ |
| Exam fee | $53 listed | Confirm at booking |
| Business and Law | Required | Separate exam for new applicants |
| Business exam | 50 questions | 73% passing |
| Business timing | 150 minutes | Confirm provider |
| Primary code | IBC 2021 | Commercial construction |
| Residential code | IRC, current Prov list | Confirm 2021 versus permitted transitional 2018 |
| Safety | OSHA 1926 | General construction |
| Top topics | Estimating + Concrete | 15 questions each |
| Other large topics | Code, Masonry, Steel | 12 / 10 / 10 questions |
| Temporary references | Through Jan 1, 2027 | Prior PSI-approved where permitted |
| Eligibility | Qualifying Agent | Company exam qualification |
| Application | CORE/Board | Documentary review |
| Financial qualification | Review/audit or approved bond | Board rules |
| License limit | Per-project amount | Separate from classification |
| Insurance | Liability and WC | Or documented WC exemption |
Timing alert: Do not adopt a time limit from an old PSI sheet or an inconsistent Prov listing. Use the official duration confirmed for your scheduled BC-A, B exam.
Passing: The combined trade exam is separate from Tennessee Business and Law.
The Prov outline includes 15 subject areas. Study all of them, but pay special attention to the larger categories. The descriptions below explain what to practice; they are not a replacement for the official bulletin.
Practice takeoffs, scales, areas, volumes, drawing symbols, specifications, sections, elevations and labor or material calculations.
Review mixes, forms, slabs, placement, curing, rebar details, structural notes and reinforcement coordination.
Learn IBC/IRC navigation, occupancy, construction type, egress, fire resistance, building planning and definitions.
Study units, mortar, grout, reinforcement, flashing, joints, bearing, openings and wall details.
Practice interpreting steel plans, members, fasteners, connections, erection sequences, bracing and jobsite safety.
Review roof systems, weather-resistive barriers, siding, thermal insulation, drainage, flashing and fall protection.
Review OSHA 1926 for excavations, ladders, scaffolds, falls, tools, PPE and safe material handling.
Study layout, grading, erosion, soils, compaction, trench work, drainage and excavation safety.
Review bearing, foundation plans, reinforcement, footing dimensions, moisture management and concrete placement.
Review wood framing, floors, roof members, wall bracing, sheathing, connectors and proper load paths.
Understand basic building plumbing coordination, fixtures, drainage and pipe installation concepts.
Understand equipment coordination, ducts, ventilation, mechanical penetrations and construction planning.
Review circuits, services, grounding basics, rough-in coordination and electrical installation safety.
Study emergency egress, door swings, safety glazing, stair provisions, handrails and guards.
Review finish materials, fire performance and basic commercial-versus-residential distinctions.
Study emphasis: Estimating, Concrete, General Code, Masonry, and Structural Steel total 62 of the 100 published trade questions.
Blueprint reminder: These are published subject counts, not guarantees that every individual exam form will look identical.
Begin with the current Prov Candidate Information Bulletin, not an old PSI handout. Confirm BC-A, B and your appointment time, then organize your approved references. Study one large topic each day and practice finding answers using indexes and tables. Keep a log of wrong answers so you can review the rule behind each mistake.
The BC-A, B Complete Book Package groups related reference materials, while the Books and Courses Rental Package combines trade and business preparation. Use the actual edition authorized for your own exam appointment.
Step 1: Confirm your classification, provider, and references.
Step 2: Focus on estimating, concrete, code, masonry and steel.
Step 3: Cover all remaining ten trade topics.
Step 4: Take timed 100-question simulations.
Step 5: Study Business and Law separately and prepare licensing documents.
This educational diagram shows how residential and full commercial work connect to the combined examination and licensing process. It is not a construction drawing or legal scope determination.
Simplified licensing and construction workflow. Official classification, code and Board approval determine actual authority.
Make sure you need BC-A, B Residential / Full Commercial, not BC-A,b(sm), BC-B, or BC Combined with industrial.
Review the Board classification outline, monetary limits, insurance requirements and application steps.
Choose the authorized owner, officer, or eligible employee who will qualify the business and complete required testing.
Follow the current Prov bulletin and confirm the IBC, IRC, study guides and OSHA reference editions.
Cover all 15 categories, putting extra time into estimating, concrete, code, masonry and steel.
Complete BC-A, B and the separate Tennessee Business and Law test as required.
Obtain qualifying financial or approved surety-bond documents, general liability, and workers comp or exemption.
Apply through the Board, receive the correct classification and monetary limit, then track local permits and renewals.
The published blueprint distributes 100 questions among the following 15 subjects. The bars use the same study-chart layout as your reference and are based on question counts, not invented percentages.
Published total: 100 questions across 15 categories.
Top-five total: 62 questions in Estimating, Concrete, General Code, Masonry, and Structural Steel.
Current exam: Follow the latest Prov Candidate Information Bulletin.
| Book or Reference | Edition or Status | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| International Building Code | 2021 | Commercial code, occupancy, fire protection and egress. |
| International Residential Code | 2021 listed by Prov | Residential planning, walls, roofs, stairs and foundations. |
| International Residential Code | 2018 in current store packages | Prior PSI-approved editions may qualify during transition; verify. |
| Study Guide for Commercial Building Contractor | 2024 | Commercial construction trade review. |
| Residential Home Builder Study Guide | Current provider list | Residential construction, methods and materials. |
| OSHA Construction Safety | 29 CFR Part 1926 | Safety, fall protection, excavation and scaffolding. |
| Tennessee NASCLA Contractors Guide | 4th Edition | Separate Tennessee Business and Law exam. |
| Prov Candidate Information Bulletin | Current Tennessee release | Approved books, exam conduct, duration and fees. |
| Tennessee Board Classification Outline | Current state publication | Scope and exam qualification. |
| Contractor Exam Preps Complete Books | BC-A, B edition | Purchase study references. |
| BC-A, B Books and Courses Rental Package | Current listing | Rental references plus trade and business courses. |
Important 2026 reference transition: Current Prov materials list the 2021 IRC, while some store packages still contain the 2018 IRC that may be accepted under the time-limited PSI reference transition. Check the provider bulletin before test day.
Exam rule: Only bring books and markings authorized for your exact scheduled examination.
Open-book testing works best when the topic and its reference are already familiar. Practice using current, authorized books. Study indexing, table notes, exceptions and permitted markings.
BC-A, B combines eligible residential building and full BC-B commercial building construction. Residential work includes one- through four-family dwellings up to three stories. Commercial work includes public-use and occupancy buildings, plus larger multifamily projects. The license does not include the BC-C industrial classification merely because a project is large.
Contractors may only contract within the classification and monetary limit approved by the Tennessee Board. A full BC-B classification does not erase a $500,000 monetary limit. Separate specialty licensing, local permits, and inspections may apply.
Residential: BC-A scope.
Commercial: BC-B full scope.
Industrial: BC-C not automatically included.
Projects: Must fit the assigned monetary limit.
Other rules: Check permits and specialty trades.
| Classification | Scope | Important Difference |
|---|---|---|
| BC-A | Residential building | One- through four-family, maximum three stories |
| BC-A/r | Restricted residential | Different limited route; $125,000 cap |
| BC-A,b(sm) | Residential + small commercial | Small-commercial cap $1.5 million |
| BC-A, B | Residential + full commercial | Combined goal of this blog; license monetary limit applies |
| BC-B | Full commercial | Without the same combined residential designation |
| BC-C | Industrial building | Not included in BC-A, B |
| BC | Full residential + commercial + industrial | Broader combined scope |
| Business and Law | Required contractor business exam | Separate from trade exam |
| NASCLA National Commercial Exam | Possible technical qualification route | Board acceptance does not replace license or Business and Law |
The Tennessee BC-A, B examination is challenging because it combines residential and full commercial building subjects. You may know foundations well but spend extra time on building-code occupancy tables, or know steel work but struggle with an estimating question.
The current Prov trade blueprint includes 100 questions and a 73% passing standard. Estimating and Plan Reading, Concrete and Reinforcement, General Code, Masonry and Structural Steel account for 62 questions. But the remaining questions span roofing, sitework, carpentry, systems and safety, so skipping smaller topics is risky.
A successful open-book approach combines subject recognition, quick index use, regular practice, and disciplined pacing using the time limit provided for your particular appointment. When a reference question feels like a scavenger hunt, practice that book until you know where to start.
These are Tennessee-related listings from ContractorExamPreps.com. Product availability, exact books and course inclusions can change; check each live product page before ordering. Exam-room permission is determined by Prov, not by a sales listing.
Best for: Candidates wanting the exact BC-A, B book collection to study. Confirm the residential reference edition against current Prov rules.
Best for: Students who want rental references and guided preparation for both examinations.
Best for: Candidates seeking longer supported preparation and application assistance.
Separate Business and Law package: Tennessee Business and Law Complete Pass Package includes its own study guide and course components.
Reference-edition note: 2018 IRC appears in some current store listings, while the newer Prov bulletin lists 2021 IRC. Confirm any transitional allowance with Prov.
Correct license: The BC Combined Residential / Commercial / Industrial package is a different, broader trade exam.
Actual ContractorExamPreps.com Tennessee BC-A, B book-package product image.
This image represents a study package, not a state-issued contractor license or official exam certificate. The included reference editions must be checked against the current Prov bulletin.
BC-A Residential + BC-B Full Commercial • Construction Codes • Open-Book Testing • Licensing and Business Law
Tennessee Contractor Licensing
It combines Tennessee BC-A residential construction with full BC-B commercial building authority, subject to the issued license monetary limit.
No. The industrial building category is BC-C. Compare the full BC classification if your work includes industrial buildings.
No. The small-commercial combination is restricted. BC-A, B includes full BC-B commercial classification.
A state license is generally required before bidding or contracting as a prime contractor for projects of $25,000 or more, subject to the applicable rules.
No. You must complete the state application and receive the appropriate contractor license from the Board.
Not unless your issued license monetary limit allows the project. Classification and monetary limit are separate requirements.
The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors within the Department of Commerce and Insurance.
Prov BC-A, B Combined Trade Exam
Prov handles newly scheduled contractor examinations beginning July 1, 2026; older scheduled PSI exams were subject to transition arrangements.
The current published combined trade outline contains 100 questions.
The current published passing standard is 73%.
Yes, with authorized reference materials and current Prov rules.
Some 2026 transition materials show different times. Use the exact duration on your current Prov appointment confirmation and candidate information bulletin.
The current published Prov examination fee is $53 per attempt; confirm when registering.
Prov’s 2026 transition allowed certain prior PSI-approved references through January 1, 2027. Confirm whether your books and editions qualify.
Current rules allow compliant permanent tabs and highlighting, but not movable tabs, Post-it notes or handwritten notes.
Do not bring unapproved practice exams, loose notes or photocopies into the testing room.
Construction Exam Subjects
Estimating and Plan Reading and Concrete and Reinforcement contain 15 each. General Code has 12; Masonry and Structural Steel have 10 each.
Yes. IBC code use, occupancy, egress, construction types, fire resistance and other building topics are important.
Yes. The BC-A part makes residential code, foundations, framing, roofing and home-builder methods important.
Yes. Each is a ten-question topic in the published 100-question outline.
Yes. OSHA Safety currently has six questions, with OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 as an important reference.
Yes. Those three building-systems categories carry three questions each.
Definitely. Quantity takeoffs, unit conversions, plans and specifications are high-value study subjects.
Books and Business and Law
The current Prov reference list includes the 2021 International Building Code.
The current Prov listing includes the 2021 IRC; older 2018 IRC materials may be allowed during the transition. Confirm your exact exam rules.
New contractor applicants generally take Business and Law in addition to the BC-A, B trade exam.
Current Prov information lists 50 questions and a 73% passing standard.
The NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Tennessee, Fourth Edition.
Yes. ContractorExamPreps.com lists a Tennessee BC-A, B Complete Book Package and related rental packages.
Yes. The BC-A, B Book Rental Package lists both exam areas and six months of course access.
No. Books and courses support study but do not guarantee a passing score or state licensing approval.
Application, Finances and Insurance
Normally through financial measures including ten times the lesser of working capital or net worth, along with experience and Board review.
The statement-based route normally requires a CPA-reviewed statement for a requested monetary limit of $3 million or less.
The statement-based route normally requires an audited financial statement for limits above $3 million.
A Board-approved Contractors’ Surety Bond option became available July 1, 2026, generally requiring at least 50% of the requested monetary limit.
Yes. Tennessee requires applicable general liability coverage tied to the monetary limit and other rules.
Generally yes, unless an appropriate Tennessee exemption is documented.
Tennessee currently lists a $250 initial contractor application fee.
The normal term is two years, with a currently published $200 renewal fee.
This related 1ExamPrep video covers commercial building contractor exam preparation, code-study habits, reference navigation and major construction topics. It is a general NASCLA commercial-building preparation video, not an official Tennessee BC-A, B Prov tutorial.
For your Tennessee combined exam, use the state’s current 100-question BC-A, B outline, separate Business and Law requirements, and the references approved for your appointment.
Creator: 1ExamPrep.
Video focus: Commercial building exam study and construction subjects.
Tennessee-specific exam: Prov BC-A, B, 100 questions, 73% passing.
Reminder: Confirm official appointment timing and approved references.
Use Contractor Exam Preps for courses and study materials. Use the Tennessee Board and current Prov instructions for the controlling licensing, exam and reference rules.
Classification: BC-A Residential plus full BC-B Commercial.
Examination: 100 trade questions, 73% passing, open book, current Prov rules.
Licensing: Separate Business and Law, financial or approved bond qualification, insurance and Board approval.
Preparing for the Tennessee BC-A, B Combined Residential / Commercial Contractor exam is a big step for builders who want to take on a wider range of projects. The classification joins BC-A residential building with full BC-B commercial construction. That means you can prepare for homes and qualifying commercial structures under the same combined license category, once Tennessee approves your application. It does not automatically give you industrial BC-C authority, and it does not erase the monetary limit printed on your license. Understanding that difference at the start prevents confusion later.
The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors regulates the license, while Prov now handles newly scheduled contractor examinations. The combined trade exam has 100 questions and a 73 percent passing standard. It is open book, using only approved references. Because testing providers and reference rules changed during 2026, check your exact Prov appointment for the time limit, book editions, and what you may bring. Do not rely on an old instruction sheet simply because it appears at the top of a search result.
Exam preparation should focus on real construction knowledge and fast reference use. Estimating and Plan Reading and Concrete and Concrete Reinforcement are the two largest categories, with 15 questions each. General Code follows with 12. Masonry and Structural Steel contain 10 each. Together, those five topics account for 62 questions in the current outline. They deserve more study time, but the smaller areas still matter. You also need to review sitework, foundations, roofing, carpentry, insulation, building systems, interior finish, and OSHA safety.
Residential and commercial building rules sometimes look similar, but you should not assume they are identical. Learn where the International Building Code covers commercial issues such as occupancy, egress, fire resistance, and types of construction. Study the approved International Residential Code for home-building provisions. Practice working from drawings, checking code tables, finding definitions, and spotting exceptions. Use the OSHA construction reference for jobsite hazards. A book is useful only if you know where to look and how to apply what you find.
The separate Tennessee Business and Law examination is another important part of the plan. Contractors must understand estimating, bidding, contracts, insurance, business management, payroll, taxes, and legal responsibilities. Passing the trade examination does not excuse new applicants from this separate test. It also does not finish the license application. Your business may need a qualifying agent, financial statement or approved surety bond, insurance, reference documentation, an affidavit, and the proper filing fee.
The size of the projects you want to bid is especially important. Tennessee uses a monetary limit for each contractor license. That limit depends on the Board's financial and experience requirements. As of July 2026, a new Board-approved surety-bond option can replace a CPA-reviewed or audited statement when the specific rules are met. Review the current guidelines before selecting a financial route. Do not assume every contractor qualifies for the same amount or that a company can simply choose its own unlimited limit.
Contractor Exam Preps offers Tennessee BC-A, B book packages, a books-and-courses rental option, and a more extensive ultimate package. A separate Tennessee Business and Law preparation package is also available. Compare the included books and current Prov reference list carefully, especially the residential code edition during the transition. Study resources can help organize your work, but none of them replaces the official Board, permits, inspections, or the effort needed to prepare.
The best approach is steady and practical. Start early, follow the correct exam outline, practice with your approved books, review every missed question, and take full mixed practice sessions. Get your business paperwork moving while you study. When your exam results and documents are ready, submit a complete application and wait for the state to issue the correct license. Strong preparation gives you a clearer path from construction experience to a responsibly operated residential and commercial contracting business.
The Tennessee BC-A, B Combined Residential / Commercial Contractor license is for builders who want to work on eligible residential and full commercial building projects. BC-A covers homes such as one- through four-family residences, within its story limits. BC-B covers full commercial construction, including public-use buildings and larger multifamily work. These two scopes are combined in BC-A, B. This is different from BC-A,b(sm), which has a restricted small-commercial category. It is also different from full BC, which includes industrial buildings.
In Tennessee, the Board for Licensing Contractors must approve a contractor before the business can perform work that legally requires the state license. A license is generally needed before bidding or contracting on a project of $25,000 or more when acting as the prime contractor. The business must hold the correct classification and a monetary limit high enough for the project. A contractor might have the right building classification but still be limited to smaller contracts by the dollar amount on its license.
Prov became the state's new provider for newly scheduled contractor examinations in July 2026. The BC-A, B combined trade exam uses a 100-question outline with a 73 percent passing score. The exam is open book. That means you may use permitted references, but it does not mean you can bring every book you own. Candidates should check the current Prov bulletin for approved reference editions, marking rules, appointment time and permitted materials. Some old PSI information and early Prov publications differ, so the current appointment matters.
The exam tests 15 construction topics. Estimating and Plan Reading has 15 questions. Concrete and Concrete Reinforcement also has 15. General Code has 12. Masonry and Structural Steel have 10 questions each. These five subjects make up most of the published exam. The remaining topics include roofing, siding, insulation, OSHA safety, sitework, footings, foundations, carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, electrical concepts, doors, windows, stairs, and finishes. It is important to study all areas, not just the subject you know best.
To prepare, learn how to use the building code books and construction references. The 2021 International Building Code is important for commercial work. The correct International Residential Code edition matters for home-building questions. Some current study packages still list the 2018 IRC, while newer Prov reference materials list the 2021 IRC. Check the provider's transition rules before bringing an older book. Practice locating definitions, code tables, plan details, and OSHA rules without wasting too much time.
New Tennessee contractor applicants generally must pass a separate Business and Law exam. That exam covers contracts, licensing, finance, insurance, estimating, project management, taxes, and related responsibilities. The Tennessee edition of the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management is a key reference. Passing the trade exam alone does not give a person a contractor license. The Board also reviews the company, qualifying agent, financial information, insurance, and other application records.
Each license gets a monetary limit. Tennessee typically uses financial information such as working capital and net worth to decide the limit. A CPA-reviewed statement normally applies to requested limits of $3 million or less, and an audit to higher limits. Beginning July 1, 2026, an approved surety-bond alternative became available for qualified applicants. Contractors also need general liability coverage and workers compensation coverage or a proper exemption. The current initial application fee is $250.
Contractor Exam Preps sells a Tennessee BC-A, B Complete Book Package, a Books and Courses Rental Package, and an Ultimate Rental Package. It also offers Tennessee Business and Law preparation. These resources can help students organize their books, focus on construction topics, and practice with clearer study routines. The most useful plan combines a current official exam bulletin, regular code lookups, timed practice sessions, and careful application preparation. After approval, contractors still need to follow license limits, permits, safety rules, and renewal deadlines.
