Prov Exam • 100 Questions • 300 Minutes • 73% Passing • Open Book • Residential Building Codes • Carpentry • Estimating • Foundations • OSHA Safety
Want to build homes in Tennessee and prepare for the BC-A residential contractor test? This guide explains the licensing pathway, current examination format, important construction subjects, and exam-study books available from Contractor Exam Preps.
Residential contractors do more than swing hammers. They plan projects, read blueprints, coordinate trades, manage safety, understand codes, estimate costs, and keep the work moving when the weather changes its mind. Here is how to prepare without turning a stack of books into an expensive paper tower.
Tennessee’s BC-A classification is for residential building work on one-, two-, three-, and four-family dwellings that do not exceed three stories, together with their accessory-use structures. It is a classification issued by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. It is not a separate national license and is not a blanket permit to take on any commercial job.
The residential classification lets an applicant concentrate on home building rather than preparing for the broader combined residential and commercial examination. If your business builds houses, remodels qualifying residences, or coordinates residential building trades, the BC-A scope may fit. Work on larger commercial and industrial structures can require another classification, even if the construction methods look familiar.
Tennessee generally requires a contractor license before offering to bid, bidding, or contracting on projects of $25,000 or more, subject to special rules for particular trades and circumstances. Applicants should not assume that breaking a large job into small contracts avoids this requirement. Confirm the classification, monetary limit, permits, and local rules before advertising or bidding.
The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors reviews applications, financial qualifications, qualifying-agent information, insurance, and supporting paperwork. The Board determines the final classification and monetary limit. Passing a test produces an exam result, not an automatic contractor license. Your business should wait for approval before performing work that requires the license.
Starting July 1, 2026, newly scheduled Tennessee contractor exams moved to Prov. Older PSI pages and printed preparation materials can still appear in online searches. That makes it especially important to read the current Prov exam listing and your scheduling confirmation. A book package is a study resource, but the exam provider sets test-day rules.
The live 2026 Prov BC-A Residential Contractor listing describes 100 questions, 300 minutes, and a 73 percent passing score in an open-book, computer-based format. Some store copy written during the testing transition still lists 80 questions. Follow the live provider information and verify your appointment if the documents disagree.
Yes, new contractor applicants ordinarily take Tennessee Contractor Business and Law in addition to the BC-A residential trade exam. The current Prov listing describes a separate 50-question, 150-minute, open-book Business and Law examination, also with a 73 percent passing score. Subjects include Tennessee licensing rules, contracts, bidding, insurance, finance, employment, taxes, liens, and project management.
Tennessee also recognizes the restricted residential BC-A/r route. Eligible applicants pursuing residential work below the specific restricted monetary ceiling may complete an approved course instead of the regular trade and Business and Law examinations. The Board currently describes the BC-A/r project cap as less than $125,000, with its own limitations and financial conditions. The restricted course does not grant the unrestricted BC-A classification.
Open book does not mean easy. Questions can point to a code section, definition, table, diagram, material limit, or exception buried among hundreds of pages. Candidates who have to rediscover the book’s index on every question can run out of time. Successful preparation combines practical residential construction knowledge with the ability to find and interpret current approved references quickly.
The current Prov reference list identifies the 2021 International Building Code, 2018 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, Residential Home Builder Study Guide, and OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926. Confirm exact titles, editions, allowed markings, and transition rules before buying or entering the test center. These are exam references, not proof of your license.
Begin with the code’s organization. Locate chapters for building planning, foundations, floors, wall construction, roof assemblies, openings, stairs, guards, fireplaces, and chimneys. Practice identifying the difference between a general requirement and an exception. Learn how tables are read, which measurements matter, and when the residential code refers to other provisions.
Residential contractors constantly work with floor plans, elevations, sections, dimensions, and material takeoffs. Study area, perimeter, volume, roof pitch, scale conversions, and quantity calculations. Practice reading drawing symbols and specifications. When estimating a slab or footing, work from the actual dimensions rather than an optimistic guess that concrete will somehow stretch.
Review how a residential project begins. Study lot preparation, setbacks, grading, soil conditions, compaction, excavation, erosion control, and drainage. Poor water management can undermine foundation performance. Contractors should understand the construction sequence and when specialized design or inspections are required.
Learn the functions of spread footings, foundation walls, slabs, crawl spaces, anchor bolts, and reinforcing. Review moisture and drainage protection, frost-related considerations, and foundation materials. Code tables and approved plans control many details. Practice questions that ask you to select the correct section based on load, location, and foundation type.
Study mix ingredients, formwork, reinforcement, placement, curing, joints, and basic testing concepts. Practice calculations for concrete volume and reinforcement quantities. Understand why adding water just to make concrete easier to pour can damage quality. Good concrete work requires planning before the truck arrives.
Review concrete masonry units, mortar, grout, anchors, lintels, reinforcement, and support requirements. Learn common masonry terminology and basic wall construction methods. Masonry questions often combine drawings, materials, and code tables rather than asking only for definitions.
Carpentry carries the largest question share in the current 100-question outline. Study joists, studs, headers, rafters, beams, trusses, sheathing, bracing, wood fasteners, connectors, spans, and framing sequences. Understand where structural drawings and engineered details take priority. Roof trusses are not a place to improvise an extra cut just because an air duct needs a shortcut.
Prepare for questions about roof decks, underlayment, flashing, roof coverings, attic ventilation, water barriers, insulation, siding, and moisture control. Review how weatherproofing components work as a system. A small flashing mistake can create a very large repair bill when rain finds the opening.
Study residential openings, installation basics, stairs, landings, handrails, guards, and safety provisions. Pay attention to dimensions and the correct code edition. Windows may also involve emergency escape and rescue openings where applicable.
Review gypsum wallboard, finish materials, exterior cladding, insulation continuity, trim, and moisture management. Understand how installation conditions, fire safety, and the building envelope influence acceptable materials and methods.
The BC-A exam includes basic topics from major home systems. Review plumbing connections, water distribution, drainage and venting, electrical service and circuits, and heating and ventilation concepts. These are general contractor-level subjects. A BC-A license does not automatically replace any separate trade license required for plumbing, HVAC, or electrical work.
Safety is a real exam area and a real business obligation. Review fall protection, ladders, scaffolds, trenching, excavations, protective equipment, material handling, power tools, and hazard communication. Learn to identify conditions that require additional protection or a different work method.
Keep official score documentation and finish the Board’s application process. You may need a professional reference, an affidavit, accurate business-entity documents, proof of insurance, a financial statement or qualifying bond, and the current fee. Applications must match the business name and requested monetary limit. Read each instruction before submitting.
The Board generally calculates the monetary limit using the lesser of working capital or net worth multiplied by ten, together with applicable qualifications. The current application guidance calls for a reviewed statement up to a $3 million requested limit and an audited statement above it. Beginning July 1, 2026, a Board-approved surety bond option may replace the CPA financial statement when it meets the stated conditions.
Contractor Exam Preps offers a Tennessee BC-A complete book package and a highlighted-and-tabbed option. A separate Tennessee Business and Law package supports the second exam. These resources help organize study around the codebooks and home building subjects rather than hunting through unrelated sources. Review each listing for current contents and compare approved editions with Prov.
In the final week, run a timed 100-question practice session, review each missed answer, and rehearse using the books you plan to bring. Confirm your appointment, identification, testing rules, and allowed references. Do not discover your book edition problem while standing at the check-in desk.
Important Tennessee BC-A Update: New Tennessee contractor exams moved to Prov on July 1, 2026. The current live BC-A listing shows 100 questions, 300 minutes and a 73% passing standard, even though some earlier retailer descriptions still show 80 questions. Tennessee BC-A is a residential classification, not full commercial or industrial authority. New applicants ordinarily must pass Tennessee Business and Law separately and satisfy Board financial, insurance, qualifying-agent, and application requirements. The approved exam-book editions and marking rules come from Prov. The BC-A/r restricted residential license follows different examination and monetary-limit rules.
A Tennessee BC-A Residential Contractor is a business or qualifying agent working within a Board-issued residential building classification. The state describes residential construction involving one-, two-, three-, and four-family dwellings no higher than three stories, plus related accessory-use structures. The license also carries a monetary limit that controls the maximum size of covered projects.
BC-A is not the same as BC-B full commercial, BC-C industrial, or the limited BC-A/r credential. It does not eliminate permits, inspections, specialty subcontractor licensing, or code obligations.
Classification: BC-A Residential Contractor
Regulator: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
Testing: Prov, for newly scheduled contractor exams
Technical examination: 100 questions, 300 minutes, 73% passing on current listing
Additional examination: Tennessee Business and Law, generally required for new applicants
License authority: Only after Board approval, with the issued monetary limit
| Requirement | Current Information | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| State | Tennessee | Confirm state and local requirements |
| Classification | BC-A Residential | Residential building scope |
| Residential building scope | One- through four-family, no more than three stories | Accessory-use structures included |
| State regulator | Board for Licensing Contractors | Final approval and monetary limit |
| Current testing provider | Prov | New scheduling beginning July 1, 2026 |
| Current trade exam name | BC-A Residential Contractor | Not BC-A, B combined |
| Trade questions | 100 | Current live Prov listing |
| Trade examination time | 300 minutes | 5 hours |
| Trade passing standard | 73% | 73 correct if 100 scored equally |
| Trade format | Open book | Computer based |
| Trade exam fee | $53 listed | Confirm in current Prov checkout |
| Older product listing | 80 questions | Superseded by current live listing |
| Business and Law examination | Separate | Normally required for new contractor applicants |
| Business and Law questions | 50 | Current Prov listing |
| Business and Law time | 150 minutes | 2.5 hours |
| Business and Law passing score | 73% | Separate score report |
| Trade book | 2021 International Building Code | Verify current permitted copy |
| Residential codebook | 2018 International Residential Code | Verify current Prov edition |
| Trade reference | Residential Home Builder Study Guide | Study residential methods |
| Safety reference | OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 | Construction safety |
| Reference handling | Prov book and tab rules | No moveable tabs if prohibited |
| BC-A/r alternative | Restricted residential course pathway | Different scope and ceiling |
| BC-A/r monetary ceiling | Less than $125,000 | Board rules and special limits apply |
| State licensing threshold | Generally $25,000 and above | Check statutory exceptions |
| Financial qualification | Reviewed or audited CPA statement | Depends on requested limit |
| Financial bond alternative | Qualifying surety bond | Available beginning July 2026 |
| Bond size | At least 50% of requested limit | Board-approved form |
| Typical limit calculation | 10 × lesser of working capital/net worth | Additional qualifications apply |
| Reviewed financial threshold | Up to $3 million requested limit | Under current Board guidance |
| Audited financial threshold | Above $3 million requested limit | Under current Board guidance |
| Initial license fee | $250 | Confirm current Board instructions |
| Two-year renewal fee | $200 | Confirm on renewal |
| Residential continuing education | 8 hours per applicable biennial renewal | Check Board renewal rules |
| Insurance | General liability and applicable workers comp | Or lawful exemption |
| Examination score | Not itself a license | Submit licensing application |
| Local permits | Still required where applicable | Check authority having jurisdiction |
| Related store book set | BC-A Complete Book Package | Separate from Business and Law |
| Related business preparation | Tennessee Business and Law package | Separate exam coverage |
| Detail | Category | Information |
|---|---|---|
| License | Residential | Tennessee BC-A |
| Board | State | Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors |
| Exam provider | Current | Prov |
| Technical exam | Current | BC-A Residential |
| Questions | Prov current | 100 |
| Duration | Prov current | 300 minutes |
| Passing score | Prov current | 73% |
| Open book | Prov current | Yes |
| Computer based | Prov current | Yes |
| Business and Law | Separate | 50 questions, 150 minutes, 73% |
| 2021 IBC | Trade reference | Currently listed |
| 2018 IRC | Trade reference | Currently listed |
| Home Builder Study Guide | Trade reference | Currently listed |
| OSHA 29 CFR 1926 | Trade reference | Currently listed |
| Carpentry | Trade outline | 15 questions |
| Estimating and Plan Reading | Trade outline | 13 questions |
| Concrete and Reinforcement | Trade outline | 10 questions |
| Roofing, Siding and Insulation | Trade outline | 10 questions |
| General Code | Trade outline | 8 questions |
| OSHA Safety | Trade outline | 8 questions |
| Masonry | Trade outline | 7 questions |
| Footings and Foundations | Trade outline | 6 questions |
| Sitework | Trade outline | 5 questions |
| Plumbing Concepts | Trade outline | 4 questions |
| HVAC Concepts | Trade outline | 4 questions |
| Electrical Concepts | Trade outline | 4 questions |
| Doors, Windows and Stairs | Trade outline | 2 questions |
| Interior Finish | Trade outline | 2 questions |
| Exterior Finish | Trade outline | 2 questions |
| BC-A/r restricted | Other path | Not identical to BC-A |
| BC-A, B Combined | Other path | Includes qualifying commercial |
| Business identity | Licensing | Match forms and records |
| Insurance | Licensing | Board-required coverage |
| Financial limit | Licensing | Printed on the license |
Exam-day rule: Follow the exact current Prov confirmation, which controls time, book editions, identification and reference handling.
2026 transition: Some older BC-A product pages still describe 80 questions.
Licensing: The technical examination and Business and Law are separate from Board approval.
The current BC-A outline assigns 100 questions across 15 residential-construction areas. These explanations are practical study guidance; official topics and current approved books should be checked against Prov.
Practice blueprint scales, dimensions, material quantities, bid takeoffs, schedules, elevations, sections, symbols, and project specifications. Learn to turn a drawing into quantities and recognize missing information.
Review grading, soils, excavation, erosion control, site access, backfill, drainage, and utility coordination. Learn when engineered plans or professional testing is needed.
Study slabs, crawl spaces, footings, anchor bolts, foundation walls, reinforcing, damp proofing, drainage, and foundation inspection basics.
Review forms, placement, curing, joints, reinforcement, material quantities, and safe handling. Practice cubic-yard calculations.
Study concrete masonry units, mortar, grout, lintels, reinforcing, anchorage, and common installation concepts.
Study floor joists, wall studs, roof framing, headers, spans, sheathing, bracing, trusses, connections, and wood materials. It is the largest current study area.
Review roof coverings, flashing, underlayment, attic ventilation, weather resistance, siding, insulation, and water management.
Practice code lookups for stairs, landings, handrails, guards, openings, and related safety requirements.
Study wall and ceiling materials, drywall, finish preparation, trim, and code-related installation conditions.
Review exterior wall coverings, flashing, moisture barriers, cladding, and durability.
Learn how definitions, tables, special provisions, exceptions, and permits operate in the approved IBC and IRC editions.
Review potable water, drainage, vents, fixture connections, and general coordination. It does not replace a plumbing license.
Study residential heating, cooling, air distribution, equipment placement, combustion safety, and ventilation basics.
Review service, branch circuits, outlets, electrical safety, rough-in coordination, and inspection basics.
Practice fall protection, ladders, scaffolding, excavations, tools, lifting, PPE, and work-zone hazard recognition.
Study priority: Carpentry, plans and estimating, concrete, roofing, code and OSHA account for 64 questions on the current outline.
Exam preparation: Blend hands-on knowledge with repeated codebook navigation.
First, confirm you are taking BC-A Residential rather than the combined or restricted examinations. Download the latest live Prov information, verify your reference editions, and organize one folder for licensing paperwork and another for exam preparation.
Second, learn the contents and index of the approved 2018 IRC, 2021 IBC, Residential Home Builder Study Guide, and OSHA reference. Put a small amount of time into each book every day. A reference that stays shut until exam day will not help much.
Third, spend more time on carpentry, estimating, plan reading, concrete, roofing, general code, and safety. These account for a large majority of the current questions, but keep practicing the smaller plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and finishes topics.
Fourth, practice under exam timing. Aim to complete a realistic 100-question, five-hour session, mark difficult items for review, and check every missed answer against the correct book. Study Tennessee Business and Law separately.
Step 1: Check the current Prov BC-A listing and appointments.
Step 2: Obtain the correct reference editions.
Step 3: Study the weighted residential topics.
Step 4: Practice timed book navigation.
Step 5: Prepare the state licensing application.
A residential general contractor must understand how sitework, foundation, framing, weather protection, windows, doors, finishes, and trade systems work together. This simplified illustration shows the major systems covered in BC-A exam study.
Educational study diagram. Follow actual plans, engineered details, adopted codes, and inspections for construction.
Confirm that your planned work fits one- through four-family residential building limits and whether BC-A/r or a combined classification is more suitable.
Read the Tennessee contractor application steps, classification outline, insurance rules and monetary-limit requirements.
Verify the BC-A 100-question, 300-minute current exam format, approved books, fee, passing standard and identification instructions.
Study the current IBC, IRC, Residential Home Builder Study Guide and OSHA references. Confirm the accepted editions before ordering.
Study plans, estimating, carpentry, foundations, concrete, masonry, roofing, finishes and building-system concepts.
Take BC-A Residential and the separate Tennessee Business and Law exam unless a specific Board-authorized exception applies.
Prepare the permitted CPA statement or qualifying surety bond, liability coverage, workers compensation or exemption, and supporting documents.
Apply in the business’s legal name, pay the fee, follow Board instructions, observe your monetary limit and complete applicable renewal and CE.
The current live 2026 Prov BC-A listing assigns 100 questions across these 15 topics. Each count also equals its percentage of the total. Always recheck the current exam outline when you schedule.
Current total: 100 questions across 15 subjects.
Top six categories: 64 questions combined.
Official authority: Confirm the live Prov outline rather than older question-count listings.
The live Prov listing controls current exam-room books. During the 2026 changeover, some prior-provider references may be temporarily permitted, but transition rules can expire. Always verify the official list before using a study book on test day.
| Book or Material | Edition or Status | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| International Building Code | 2021 | General code and building provisions; currently listed by Prov |
| International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings | 2018 | Residential construction and planning; currently listed by Prov |
| Residential Home Builder Study Guide | Current listed edition | Home construction methods, materials, framing, estimating |
| Code of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR Part 1926 | Current listed reference | OSHA jobsite safety and construction standards |
| Carpentry and Building Construction | Transition-only if permitted | Older vendor reference; verify current Prov allowance |
| Contractor’s Guide to Quality Concrete Construction | Transition-only if permitted | Additional older exam reference, not a permanent substitute |
| Roofing Construction and Estimating | Transition-only if permitted | Older vendor reference; follow current exam-room rule |
| NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Tennessee | 4th edition in store package | For separate Business and Law test |
| Tennessee BC-A Complete Book Package | 2026 listing | Commercial store bundle for current core residential books |
| Tennessee BC-A Highlighted and Tabbed Book Package | 2026 listing | Store’s prepared-book alternative; confirm permitted tabs |
| Tennessee Business and Law Complete Pass Package | Current store listing | Separate business examination preparation |
Core residential code: 2018 IRC on the current live listing.
General building code: 2021 IBC on the current live listing.
Business exam: Separate Tennessee NASCLA contractor business reference.
Exam edition check: Confirm the current provider’s approved reference list and temporary allowances.
Use the index first when you are unsure of a topic. Once you find the controlling section, read any related table note, exception, and definition. Work with the approved codebooks, not random screenshots. Build enough speed that you can reserve a few minutes to revisit difficult questions.
Prov’s current rules govern markings and tabs. Verify the allowed highlighting, permanent tabs, and restrictions on movable notes or writing during the examination.
A Tennessee BC-A Residential Contractor may perform residential building work within the issued classification and monetary limit. The Board describes one- through four-family residential buildings not exceeding three stories, including related accessory-use structures. Permits, adopted codes, inspections and local ordinances still apply.
Residential construction coordination can include the overall building process, but the BC-A designation does not automatically replace plumbing, HVAC, electrical or other specialty licensing requirements. Hiring licensed subcontractors and confirming each permit are important parts of running the project responsibly.
BC-A: Residential building classification.
BC-A/r: Restricted residential alternative with separate limitations.
BC-A, B: Combination residential and full commercial qualification.
BC-C: Industrial building category, not automatically covered by BC-A.
Monetary limit: The authorized maximum project amount is printed on the license.
| Credential or Classification | Purpose | Important Difference |
|---|---|---|
| BC-A Residential | Residential buildings up to three stories, one- through four-family | Residential trade exam and Business and Law generally required |
| BC-A/r Restricted Residential | Narrower residential monetary-limit path | Approved course alternative under Board rules |
| BC-A, b(sm) | Residential and limited small commercial | Different combined classification |
| BC-A, B Combined | Residential and full commercial building | Different combined trade examination |
| BC-B Commercial | Commercial building construction | Does not mean residential BC-A by itself |
| BC-C Industrial | Industrial building construction | Separate scope and exam requirements |
| BC Combined | Residential, commercial and industrial | Broader classification |
| Tennessee Business and Law | Business management, licensing and contracting | Separate examination for new contractor applicants |
| Qualifying Agent | Person whose exams qualify the contractor | The licensed business and agent roles are distinct |
| Local Permit | Permission for a specific job | Not the same as statewide contractor licensing |
Residential Building • Prov
Approved Course Alternative
Residential + Commercial
The residential exam can be difficult because it moves across the whole building process. Someone who has spent years framing walls may be less comfortable with businesslike estimates, OSHA rules, masonry, or the stair details buried in a code chapter. Another candidate may be excellent at drawings but unfamiliar with residential roof framing.
The current Prov exam provides 300 minutes for 100 questions, an average of three minutes per question. That is enough time for a prepared candidate to work carefully, but it disappears quickly when each question requires a long search. Timed practice teaches you when to answer, when to look up a rule, and when to return later.
A useful plan is to strengthen the highest-weight topics first without ignoring the remaining categories. Review incorrect answers using the appropriate book. Do not measure readiness only by recognizing questions you have already seen. Practice applying a rule to an unfamiliar situation.
These are real ContractorExamPreps.com product listings related to BC-A residential trade study and the separate Business and Law examination. Check current pricing, included editions, and product options before ordering.
2021 IBC • 2018 IRC • Residential Builder • OSHA
Best for: A solid BC-A-focused book set for candidates who want core trade references. The current store listing contains older 80-question copy, so verify exam figures directly with Prov.
Prepared Reference Books • Open-Book Study
Best for: Useful for students who prefer prepared reference books. Check the product listing and current Prov rules before taking any marked materials into the examination.
Separate Exam • Business and Licensing
Best for: Best used alongside BC-A trade preparation because new contractor applicants generally need both exam results.
Exam authority: Prov determines exam-room reference permissions.
Important 2026 difference: The current live BC-A exam listing shows 100 questions, even though older store text still mentions 80.
Separate exam: The Tennessee Business and Law examination has its own study materials and score.
Tennessee BC-A residential book-package product artwork from ContractorExamPreps.com.
Actual store catalog image: Retrieved from the linked Tennessee BC-A Residential product listing. This is a study product, not a government-issued license or a certificate of examination passage.
Residential Contractor • 2026 Prov • Building Codes • Carpentry • Foundations • Roofing • Safety • Business and Law
Tennessee BC-A Residential Licensing
BC-A is Tennessee’s residential building contractor classification for qualifying one- through four-family homes not exceeding three stories, together with related accessory-use structures.
The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors issues the license after reviewing the required examination, financial and application materials.
No. BC-A is residential. BC-A, B is a combined residential and full commercial classification, with a different technical examination.
Not automatically. Industrial building work is associated with the BC-C scope and broader classifications.
Tennessee generally requires a contractor license for covered projects of $25,000 or more. Always check statutory exceptions and local requirements.
No. The Board must receive and approve a complete licensing application before you can operate within the licensed scope.
The qualifying agent is the person whose examination qualification supports the business’s contractor license application, under Board requirements.
Yes. Contractor licensing does not eliminate local building permits, inspections, or trade requirements.
Prov Residential Exam
Prov administers newly scheduled Tennessee Board contractor exams under the program that began July 1, 2026.
The current live Prov listing shows 100 questions. Older retailer copy may still state 80; rely on the live testing information.
The current live exam listing shows 300 minutes, or five hours. Confirm your own appointment information.
The listed passing standard is 73 percent.
Yes. It is open book with permitted references. The provider controls which editions, tabs, markings, and materials are allowed.
Yes, the current live Prov listing describes a computer-based contractor examination.
No. Use only approved titles and editions under current Prov reference and exam-room policies.
The current listing describes a $53 examination fee; verify your checkout total and current retest fees with Prov.
Study Topics and Codebooks
Carpentry currently contains 15 questions, the largest listed category.
The current outline allocates 13 questions to Estimating and Plan Reading.
Yes. Concrete and Reinforcement has 10 questions, while Footings and Foundations has 6.
Yes. Roofing, Siding and Insulation contains 10 questions on the current outline.
Yes. OSHA Safety is an eight-question subject, covering construction hazards and safe practices.
The current outline includes four questions each on Electrical Concepts, Plumbing Concepts and HVAC Concepts.
The current live Prov list identifies the 2018 IRC. Confirm the edition for your exam before purchasing.
Yes. The current BC-A approved list includes the 2021 International Building Code.
Current Prov instructions may permit permanent tabs and highlighting. Always check the exact current marking rules; movable tabs or unauthorized materials can be prohibited.
Not usually. Practice construction math, blueprint interpretation, jobsite safety and residential construction methods alongside code navigation.
Business and Licensing Requirements
New contractor applicants normally take Business and Law separately from the BC-A trade examination.
The current live provider information shows 50 questions, 150 minutes and a 73 percent passing requirement.
BC-A/r is a restricted residential license with a separate approved-course option and special monetary-limit rules; it is not equivalent to unrestricted BC-A.
Board guidance generally starts with 10 times the lesser of working capital or net worth, subject to its other conditions and review.
Current guidance generally calls for a reviewed statement at requested limits up to $3 million and an audited statement above that, unless a qualifying alternative applies.
A Board-approved Contractors’ Surety Bond option became available July 1, 2026 under defined requirements, typically at least 50% of the requested monetary limit.
Yes. General liability and workers compensation coverage or a lawful exemption may be required, depending on the business.
The current Board residential renewal guidance includes eight hours for applicable biennial residential contractor renewals. Check the Board before your renewal.
Contractor Exam Preps Products
Yes. The Tennessee BC-A Residential Contractor Exam Complete Book Package includes residential and general building code references, a Home Builder Study Guide and OSHA.
Yes. The store lists a Tennessee BC-A Residential Contractor Complete Highlighted and Tabbed Book Package. Confirm exact book editions and provider tab rules.
Yes. The Tennessee Business and Law Complete Pass Package covers business reference study, online course material and related learning aids.
No. Study materials help with preparation but cannot guarantee an exam score or replace Board eligibility and approval.
This topic-specific 1ExamPrep YouTube video explains Tennessee BC-A residential exam preparation, reference organization, study habits, and avoiding common mistakes. It is a study resource, not an official Tennessee Board or Prov training video.
Keep your approved residential references nearby while you watch. When the video mentions framing, plans, foundations, roofing, OSHA, or code lookups, practice finding the relevant chapter for yourself.
Creator: 1ExamPrep
Video title: How to Pass the Tennessee BC-A Residential Contractor Exam
Published: August 2026
Exam reminder: Use the current live Prov BC-A outline and appointment instructions.
Related store resource: Tennessee BC-A Residential Complete Book Package
Use Contractor Exam Preps for residential trade and business study materials. Use current Tennessee Board and Prov resources for licensing, exam scheduling, reference editions and fees.
Exam: Current live Prov BC-A, 100 questions, five hours, 73% passing.
Business and Law: Separate requirement for ordinary new contractor applicants.
Trade books: Check the current Prov reference list.
License: The Board decides final approval, classification, and monetary limit.
Preparing for the Tennessee BC-A Residential Contractor exam is an important step for builders who want to work on qualifying residential projects under a state contractor license. A well-run residential job has many moving pieces. Someone must read the plans, understand the building code, estimate the material quantities, schedule workers, keep the site safe, solve unexpected problems, and make sure inspections happen when required. The BC-A examination is designed to test knowledge across that complete building process.
The first thing to understand is the license classification. BC-A is Tennessee’s residential building category for qualifying one-, two-, three-, and four-family dwellings not exceeding three stories, plus accessory-use structures. It is not the same as a BC-A, B combined license, full commercial BC-B, industrial BC-C, or the restricted residential BC-A/r option. The classification tells you the type of construction you may perform. The monetary limit on the issued license tells you how large a project may be.
Next, make sure you are using current examination information. Tennessee moved newly scheduled contractor tests to Prov in July 2026. The current live BC-A listing describes 100 questions, a five-hour time limit, a 73 percent passing requirement, and open-book computer-based testing. Some earlier book-package descriptions still say 80 questions. That difference can cause a poor study schedule, so rely on the latest Prov appointment and bulletin instead of assuming all online listings have been updated.
The exam includes 15 subject areas. Carpentry is the largest category, followed by estimating and plan reading. Concrete and reinforcement, roofing, siding, insulation, general code and OSHA safety also deserve serious study. Together, these six areas account for 64 of the current 100 questions. But candidates should still review sitework, foundations, masonry, stairs, openings, finishes, plumbing, HVAC and electrical concepts. The real job of a residential contractor involves all these subjects, even when different subcontractors perform the specialty work.
Approved references are an essential part of preparation. The current live list identifies the 2021 International Building Code, 2018 International Residential Code, Residential Home Builder Study Guide and OSHA construction safety reference. These books can be valuable during an open-book test only when you know their organization. Practice using definitions, indexes, chapter headings and tables. Read exceptions carefully. Learn to decide which book applies to a question before flipping through its pages.
A six-week study schedule can make the amount of information feel more manageable. Begin with the exam outline and your reference books, then spend time on drawings and estimating. Continue through foundations, concrete, carpentry, roofing and safety. Finish with mixed, timed practice exams. Review mistakes until you understand how the correct answer was found. Repetition builds speed without requiring you to memorize an entire codebook.
Remember that the technical exam is only one part of Tennessee licensing. Most new applicants also take the separate Business and Law exam. The Board still reviews financial qualifications, insurance, qualifying-agent information, application forms, and the requested monetary limit. Contractors may have an approved financial statement or qualifying surety bond option, depending on current requirements. Passing exams does not create a license by itself.
Contractor Exam Preps offers a Tennessee BC-A Complete Book Package, a highlighted-and-tabbed version, and separate Tennessee Business and Law preparation. Choose materials that match the current exam reference list and your learning style. Study consistently, confirm every requirement with the licensing and testing authorities, and take the exam with a clear plan. The goal is not only to pass a test. It is to become a residential contractor who understands the work and manages it responsibly.
The Tennessee BC-A Residential Contractor exam is for people who want to qualify for residential building contractor work in Tennessee. The BC-A classification covers certain one-, two-, three-, and four-family homes no taller than three stories and related accessory structures. Your actual license also has a monetary limit. If you want to take on full commercial or industrial building work, BC-A by itself may not give you that authority. Choose the right category before you begin preparing.
The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors handles licensing. Prov administers newly scheduled contractor examinations following the state’s July 2026 provider change. The current live Prov BC-A exam information describes 100 questions, a five-hour limit, open-book testing, and a 73 percent passing score. This is worth checking again before test day because some older online product listings still describe an 80-question exam. Your current appointment and provider instructions control.
The residential test has 15 groups of questions. Carpentry has 15 questions, and estimating and plan reading has 13. Concrete and reinforcement has 10, and roofing, siding and insulation has 10. General code and OSHA safety have eight each. These areas deserve plenty of study time, but they are not the entire exam. You should also review foundations, sitework, masonry, doors, windows, stairs, interior and exterior finishes, and general plumbing, HVAC and electrical subjects.
Because the test is open book, you need to know how to use the approved references. The current provider listing names the 2021 International Building Code, 2018 International Residential Code, Residential Home Builder Study Guide, and OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926. Learn the table of contents and the index in each book. Practice searching for rules, reading tables and checking exceptions. Using the wrong edition or carrying an unapproved book can create problems at the testing center.
Study construction math and drawing skills along with code rules. Practice calculating areas, lengths, volumes and material amounts. Learn to read a floor plan, elevation and building section. Understand basic footing, slab and framing terms. Review how roofs, flashing, siding and insulation keep water and weather outside. Study common safety hazards such as falls, ladders, scaffolds and excavations. These ideas help on an exam and on a jobsite.
One useful schedule lasts six weeks. During the first week, verify exam rules and organize your books. In the second week, study estimating and plan reading. The third week can focus on foundations, concrete and masonry. Use the fourth week for carpentry and framing. During week five, work on roofing, finishes, basic building systems and safety. In the final week, complete realistic timed practice exams and review your weakest topics.
Do not forget Tennessee Business and Law. Most new contractor applicants must take that examination separately from BC-A. It covers topics such as licensing, contracts, bidding, business management, taxes, insurance, employees and project responsibility. You also need to submit the required state application and financial information. Insurance, a qualifying agent, and the license monetary limit can affect the approval process.
ContractorExamPreps.com sells a Tennessee BC-A Residential Contractor Complete Book Package and a highlighted-and-tabbed option. It also carries Tennessee Business and Law exam preparation. Check what each product includes before buying, then compare the reference editions with the live Prov list. These resources can help you build an organized study plan, but no book package guarantees a passing score or license approval. Prepare carefully, check the current rules, and remember that good building work requires both trade knowledge and business responsibility.
