Tennessee LLP • Prov • 40 Questions • 120 Minutes • 73% Passing • Open Book • Plumbing Work Under $25,000
Want a simpler path to Tennessee Limited Licensed Plumber exam preparation? This guide from Contractor Exam Preps explains the LLP credential, the current Prov test, the ten exam subjects, the study books, and the steps that come after the test.
Plumbing seems easy until one wrong connection sends water where nobody invited it. Good exam preparation helps you understand the code, read drawings, and find the right answers before the clock runs out.
The Tennessee Limited Licensed Plumber, known as LLP, is an individual credential for qualifying plumbing work. It is issued through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors, but it is not the same as a full contractor license. An LLP may help a qualified plumber perform covered smaller plumbing jobs in the areas where this state credential is required and accepted. The name is long, but the point is simple: understand exactly which work your license allows.
Tennessee states that the LLP applies to covered plumbing projects costing less than $25,000 in municipalities that use the Tennessee Division of Fire Prevention for permits or inspections. Local rules still matter. A city may have its own plumber license, permit process, inspection procedures, or tougher conditions. Ask the local building or permitting department before giving a price or starting a project.
The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors oversees the LLP program. Applicants must complete the trade examination and the state application requirements. The state lists a photo ID and Social Security number among its licensing requirements. The current initial state application fee is $75. Check the official Board site for any changes, rather than trusting an old screen grab from a social media post.
No. Tennessee distinguishes LLP from contractor-level mechanical plumbing classifications such as CMC-A and full CMC. LLP concerns limited plumbing work within its legal scope. Larger projects and wider contracting activities may require a separate contractor license. The Tennessee Contractor Business and Law exam is not part of the basic LLP licensing path, but it generally matters when someone later pursues contractor-level licensing.
Prov is the current exam administrator for newly scheduled Tennessee trade examinations after the July 1, 2026 transition. Some older websites still display the previous PSI format. For the LLP, the current Prov format is 40 questions over 120 minutes. Check your specific registration and candidate bulletin. Taking the right test is a fine way to avoid studying hard for the wrong one!
The current published LLP passing standard is 73%. With 40 scored questions, aim for at least 30 correct answers on a 40-question practice test to clear 73% without depending on score rounding. Follow Prov for official scoring. Aim higher during practice. A comfortable margin is much nicer than hoping the score calculation will do you a favor.
Yes, subject to the current Prov rules. Approved references are useful, but you must know where to find answers. Learn the plumbing code index, chapter headings, tables, definitions, and the layout of your mathematics reference. Check restrictions on highlighting, permanent tabs, loose pages, and notes before exam day. A book cannot answer a question while it is still sitting closed on the desk.
The exam covers ten subjects: General Knowledge, Plumbing Math, Code Requirements, Water Supply and Distribution, Water Heaters, Drain, Waste, and Vent Systems, Fixtures and Fittings, Isometrics, Fuel Gas Systems, and OSHA Safety. Drain, Waste, and Vent Systems has 10 questions, while Isometrics has 7. Together they make up 17 of the 40 questions, so both deserve serious attention.
An isometric drawing presents a three-dimensional plumbing system on a flat page. You may need to trace a waste pipe, locate a vent, follow fixture connections, or read how a branch joins a main. Practice with several layouts. What looks like a bowl of spaghetti becomes much easier after you learn to follow each pipe with a purpose.
Contractor Exam Preps lists the 2021 International Plumbing Code, Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, Eighth Edition, and Plumbing Basics for Contractors, Fourth Edition (2021), as current primary Prov LLP references. Its five-book study packages also include the 2021 International Fuel Gas Code and OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 for supplemental fuel gas and safety study. Always use the current Prov reference authorization list for the exam room.
Forty questions in 120 minutes works out to an average of three minutes per question. Short definition questions should take less. A math calculation or detailed isometric may need more. During practice, learn to mark a difficult question mentally, stay calm, and move forward instead of letting one stubborn drawing eat your entire afternoon.
Start with the approved books and exam outline. Spend the first two weeks building plumbing code and Drain, Waste, and Vent knowledge. Give the third week to isometrics and water distribution. Move through water heaters, fixtures, fuel gas, mathematics, and safety in the following weeks. Finish with realistic 40-question practice sets in two hours and review every missed answer.
The Tennessee LLP Complete Book Package combines five trade references. The LLP Books and Course Rental Package adds highlighted and tabbed rental books with six months of course access. The Tennessee LLP Online Exam Prep Course supports structured learning, while the LLP Pre-Printed Tabs may help with organizing materials. Check the product pages for the latest inclusions.
Review the Tennessee LLP scope, confirm any local requirements, register for the correct Prov exam, and check the latest testing rules. Practice the ten question categories, especially drain-waste-vent systems and isometric drawings. Make sure your references match the permitted editions. Then gather the identification and application information you will need for the state license process.
Important Tennessee LLP Update for 2026: Prov replaced PSI for newly scheduled Tennessee trade examinations beginning July 1, 2026. The current LLP exam uses 40 questions, 120 minutes, a 73% passing standard, and an open-book format with restrictions. Tennessee LLP is an individual credential for qualifying covered plumbing work costing less than $25,000, where state LLP rules apply. General maintenance work costing less than $500 is exempt from this state LLP requirement. Local plumbing rules can still apply. Do not confuse the LLP test with the CMC-A contractor exam or add a separate contractor Business and Law requirement to the LLP path.
The LLP is a state credential for individuals carrying out limited plumbing work within the Tennessee rules. It is not a company license and it does not turn every plumbing project into work that an LLP holder may legally bid or perform.
The Tennessee Board explains when the statewide LLP credential is required and reminds plumbers to check local laws first. A local permit office might have different licensing or inspection rules, especially when a job involves a larger project or special site conditions.
Regulator: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
Credential: LLP, Limited Licensed Plumber.
Scope: Qualifying plumbing projects under $25,000 in specified municipalities.
Exam: Prov, 40 questions, 120 minutes, 73% passing.
State fee: $75 for the initial LLP application.
This table keeps the current LLP licensing rules, exam details, test categories, and related study products in one place. Review official documents before making decisions.
| Requirement | Current Information | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| State | Tennessee | Check the Board and local permitting authority. |
| Credential | Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) | Individual limited plumbing license, not full contractor licensure. |
| Regulator | Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors | Official Tennessee LLP page |
| Project scope | Qualifying plumbing work under $25,000 | Only where LLP rules apply and local requirements allow. |
| Where applicable | Municipalities using Division of Fire Prevention permits or inspections | Check locally before starting a job. |
| Maintenance exception | General maintenance under $500 | State LLP exception; local rules can differ. |
| Exam provider | Prov | New scheduling transitioned July 1, 2026. |
| Trade exam | LLP plumbing theory | Do not confuse with CMC-A plumbing contractor test. |
| Question count | 40 | Use current Prov candidate information. |
| Testing time | 120 minutes | 3 minutes per question on average. |
| Passing | 73% | Practice for 30 correct of 40 or better; Prov controls official scoring. |
| Test format | Computer-based and open book | Only current approved references allowed. |
| Initial LLP fee | $75 | Tennessee current application information. |
| Application | Initial LLP Application | Apply through Tennessee CORE portal. |
| Identification | Photo ID and Social Security number | Prepare the identity information required by the state. |
| Business & Law | Not normally part of the LLP path | Contractor classifications have different exam requirements. |
| Approved book 1 | International Plumbing Code, 2021 | Primary exam reference identified in current LLP prep outline. |
| Approved book 2 | Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, 8th Ed. | Primary mathematics reference. |
| Approved book 3 | Plumbing Basics for Contractors, 4th Ed., 2021 | Primary plumbing trade reference. |
| Additional study book | International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 | Supplemental coverage, check exam-room permission. |
| Additional study book | OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 | Supplemental construction safety. |
| Tabs and notes | Follow Prov current bulletin | Permanent tabs may be allowed; removable paper is restricted. |
| General Knowledge | 3 questions | Plumbing fundamentals. |
| Plumbing Math | 2 questions | Measurements and trade calculations. |
| Code Requirements | 4 questions | Plumbing code definitions and tables. |
| Water Supply and Distribution | 4 questions | Pipes, pressure, fittings, supply. |
| Water Heaters | 2 questions | Installation and safety. |
| Drain, Waste, and Vent Systems | 10 questions | Largest subject, 25% of the exam. |
| Fixtures & Fittings | 2 questions | Approved fixtures and connections. |
| Isometrics | 7 questions | Read plumbing diagrams and pipe relationships. |
| Fuel Gas Systems | 4 questions | Gas piping and appliances. |
| OSHA Safety | 2 questions | Safe plumbing and construction work. |
| Exam study package | Five plumbing and safety books | Tennessee LLP Complete Books |
| Books and course | Five rental books plus course access | Tennessee LLP Rental and Course Package |
| Standalone course | Online exam prep | Tennessee LLP Online Course |
| Organization aid | LLP pre-printed tabs | LLP Code Book Tabs |
| Detail | Category | Current Information |
|---|---|---|
| License classification | Credential | Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) |
| License type | Scope | Individual limited plumbing credential |
| Exam company | Testing | Prov |
| New provider transition | Testing | July 1, 2026 |
| Exam questions | Testing | 40 |
| Exam duration | Testing | 120 minutes / 2 hours |
| Passing standard | Scoring | 73% |
| Minimum passing correct | Scoring | Aim for 30 of 40 in practice |
| Average time per question | Pacing | 3 minutes |
| Open-book status | Testing | Approved references only |
| State initial LLP application | Licensing | $75 |
| Project threshold | Licensing | Below $25,000 where LLP required and accepted |
| Maintenance exemption | Licensing | Under $500 general maintenance |
| Business and Law separate exam | Licensing | Not part of the LLP examination path |
| Primary reference | Books | 2021 International Plumbing Code |
| Primary reference | Books | Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, 8th Edition |
| Primary reference | Books | Plumbing Basics for Contractors, 4th Edition, 2021 |
| Supplemental books | Books | 2021 International Fuel Gas Code; OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 |
| General Knowledge | Exam outline | 3 questions |
| Plumbing Math | Exam outline | 2 questions |
| Code Requirements | Exam outline | 4 questions |
| Water Supply and Distribution | Exam outline | 4 questions |
| Water Heaters | Exam outline | 2 questions |
| Drain, Waste, and Vent Systems | Exam outline | 10 questions |
| Fixtures & Fittings | Exam outline | 2 questions |
| Isometrics | Exam outline | 7 questions |
| Fuel Gas Systems | Exam outline | 4 questions |
| OSHA Safety | Exam outline | 2 questions |
Important: The LLP test is 40 questions in 2 hours, not the larger CMC-A or CMC-Full mechanical examinations.
Study tip: Review the latest Prov bulletin before bringing any tabbed or highlighted references.
Learn tools, common materials, safe installation terms, fixture basics, and the purpose of common plumbing components. Be able to explain the difference between a supply pipe, waste line, vent, trap, and cleanout.
Review fractions, feet and inches, basic area and volume, slope, conversion problems, and practical pipe-related calculations. Write each step during study to spot mistakes early.
Use the 2021 International Plumbing Code to practice finding definitions, general regulations, tables, exceptions, pipe approvals, and installation rules. Always read what the question actually asks.
Study safe water delivery, water-pressure concepts, sizing, water-service lines, material selection, joints, supports, valves, cross-connection control, and backflow protection.
Review water-heater placement, temperature and pressure relief protection, discharge piping, thermal expansion, connections, venting where applicable, and maintenance access.
This is the largest subject. Learn sanitary drainage, fixture drains, horizontal branches, vents, traps, cleanouts, offsets, slopes, sizing tables, and how systems protect trap seals.
Know the common approved fixture types, supply connections, drains, traps, fixture clearances, and typical fitting arrangements.
Practice tracing horizontal and vertical drains in a three-dimensional drawing, finding where vents join the system, identifying fittings, and recognizing correct versus incorrect layouts.
Review fuel-gas pipe sizing, regulators, shutoff valves, combustion air, appliance connections, venting, and safe installation practices.
Understand PPE, ladder safety, excavation hazards, tool safety, safe handling, electrical awareness, and procedures that protect people on plumbing jobs.
Exam coverage: The ten listed topic counts add to 40.
Priority: Drain, Waste, and Vent Systems has 10; Isometrics has 7. Together, they represent 42.5% of the current LLP exam.
Start with a fresh copy of the current Prov candidate information and Tennessee LLP license page. Confirm the exam name and the exact permitted reference editions. The older PSI exam details are not a substitute for your current appointment instructions.
Open the 2021 International Plumbing Code and study how the chapters are arranged. Learn where definitions, fixture rules, water distribution, sanitary drainage, vent systems, and general requirements live. Practice finding answers from a topic clue.
Spend daily time on drain, waste, and vent questions because this category alone represents one-quarter of the exam. Sketch lines, traps, cleanouts, vent connections, and branch arrangements to make the relationships easier to see.
Practice isometric diagrams three or four times every week. Use a pencil on your own practice sheets to trace piping and compare elevations, while remembering that personal written practice sheets are not automatically allowed in the exam room.
Review plumbing mathematics, water heaters, fixtures and fittings, fuel gas, and OSHA safety throughout the week. Smaller subjects are still worth real points. A two-question area can make the difference at the passing line.
Use 40-question mock exams with a 120-minute timer. Mark whether each mistake was caused by a knowledge gap, rushed reading, a wrong table, a code navigation delay, or a difficult diagram.
Consider the Contractor Exam Preps LLP Online Course if you want structured lessons. The LLP Complete Study Book Package provides the five-book collection, while the LLP Rental Package adds highlighted and tabbed rental references with course access.
Finish by organizing your ID, reviewing check-in procedures, verifying the authorized books and permitted tabs, and visiting the official Tennessee LLP licensing page for the state application steps.
Step 1: Confirm the current LLP exam rules and reference list.
Step 2: Study all ten categories, prioritizing DWV and isometrics.
Step 3: Take timed 40-question practice tests.
Step 4: Complete the state LLP application and check local permits.
This original study illustration shows the main building plumbing systems behind the Tennessee LLP exam. It is a learning diagram, not an installation or permit plan.
Educational plumbing overview. Real work must follow approved plans, local codes and the license scope.
Check the state rule for limited plumbing projects and contact the city or county where you plan to perform work.
Read the Tennessee LLP page and prepare required identification and supporting application information.
Make sure you are using the LLP exam, not CMC-A or another plumbing classification.
Study the 2021 IPC, Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, and Plumbing Basics for Contractors.
Prioritize DWV, isometrics, water distribution, code requirements, and fuel gas.
Complete 40-question drills within 120 minutes and review every missed answer.
Bring the correct ID and only approved, compliant reference materials.
Complete the initial state application, pay the current fee, and obtain any local approvals before work.
The current Prov LLP outline totals 40 questions across ten subject areas. Each question is worth about 2.5% of the examination. These teal bars show each topic share of the total exam, with labels showing the exact counts.
Total: 40 questions across 10 exam subjects.
Largest category: Drain, Waste, and Vent Systems, 10 questions or 25%.
Second largest: Isometrics, 7 questions or 17.5%.
Study goal: Practice every section, not just the large ones.
A study package can include additional books beyond the exam-room reference list. That does not mean every book may go into the test center. Always read the current Prov authorization list.
| Book or Reference | Edition or Product | How It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| International Plumbing Code | 2021 | Current core exam reference; water supply, drainage, vents, fixtures, traps and more. |
| Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters | 8th Edition | Current core exam reference; fractions, conversions, slopes, offsets and plumbing calculations. |
| Plumbing Basics for Contractors | 4th Edition, 2021 | Current core exam reference; trade concepts and system identification. |
| International Fuel Gas Code | 2021 | Additional package study book for fuel-gas subjects, not assumed exam-room approved. |
| OSHA Construction Safety | 29 CFR Part 1926 | Additional package study book for construction hazards and safe work. |
| Prov LLP Candidate Information Bulletin | Current issue | Controls exam format, current authorized books and testing rules. |
| Tennessee LLP official licensing page | Current state page | Scope, local-rule reminder, application and fee. |
| LLP Complete Study Book Package | Five study references | Store five-book purchase option. |
| LLP Books and Course Rental | Rental books and course | Five highlighted and tabbed rentals plus six-month study course. |
| Tennessee LLP Online Course | Self-paced trade review | Separate course listing for plumbing exam preparation. |
| LLP Pre-Printed Tabs | Tab set | Book navigation accessory; check current Prov tab rules. |
Current principal Prov references: IPC 2021, Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters 8th Edition, Plumbing Basics for Contractors 4th Edition (2021).
Supplemental subjects: Fuel gas and OSHA safety are useful to study even if their books are not authorized in the exam room.
Exam-day rule: Follow the current provider bulletin over older store copy.
Open-book testing is useful only when your book navigation is practiced. Try answering easy questions from knowledge first, then use approved references efficiently for the rules you need to confirm.
Tennessee describes LLP as a limited individual plumbing credential. Its specific statewide requirement applies to covered projects below $25,000 in municipalities that use the Tennessee Division of Fire Prevention for permits or inspections. The Board also notes an exemption for general maintenance under $500. These rules should not be expanded into permission for every plumbing project in every location.
The plumbing work involved can include water and waste piping, fixtures, water heaters, valves, fittings, and related building plumbing installations, as allowed by law and local approvals. Larger construction work, utility connections outside the buildings, or activities requiring a contractor license may fall outside LLP authority.
Because local laws can differ, check the municipal or county licensing office before bidding or working. A license is only as useful as the work it legally covers. It is better to ask one more question at the permit desk than to pay for one expensive mistake later.
Scope: Limited licensed plumber, issued to an individual.
Project amount: Covered work less than $25,000.
Local jurisdiction: Always confirm licensing, permit and inspection rules.
Not included: Blanket authorization for full plumbing contractor work.
The word “plumber” appears in several license names, but the legal scope is not identical. Match the credential to the projects you intend to perform.
| Credential or Exam | Purpose | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| LLP: Limited Licensed Plumber | Individual credential for qualifying limited plumbing work | 40-question Prov test; 120 minutes; 73% passing. |
| CMC-A: Mechanical Plumbing Contractor | Contractor classification for plumbing and gas piping work | Separate contractor-level trade requirements, application and Business and Law. |
| CMC: Full Mechanical Contractor | Broader mechanical contractor classification | Covers authorized mechanical disciplines beyond plumbing. |
| Local Journeyman or Master Plumber | May be regulated by a city or county | Check the local authority for exams, experience and permit rules. |
| Tennessee Contractor Business and Law | Separate contractor licensing examination | Not normally a separate requirement for the basic LLP license. |
40 Questions • 120 Minutes • 73%
Best for: Plumbers preparing for the limited individual LLP credential.
Different Contractor Classification
Best for: Applicants aiming for plumbing contractor projects outside LLP limits.
City and County Rules May Differ
Best for: Workers who need to confirm authorization in a specific municipality.
The LLP exam is more focused than Tennessee contractor-level plumbing tests, but it still demands trade knowledge and careful code work. A candidate who installs fixtures every day may feel comfortable with the tools yet still struggle with an isometric drawing or an unfamiliar venting rule.
The two largest subjects, Drain, Waste, and Vent Systems and Isometrics, account for 17 of the 40 questions. That is more than two-fifths of the exam. Spending serious time on these topics is a practical way to improve readiness, as long as you keep the remaining subjects in your study plan.
A two-hour limit gives an average of three minutes per question. Use shorter items to build a little time cushion for math and drawings. Reference books are useful for checking rules, but they will not save you if you have never opened them before the exam.
Consistent practice is often easier than an all-night cram session. Study in manageable blocks, keep a log of mistakes, and check your progress with realistic timed practice tests.
Pack permitted materials early and verify the test center instructions. The night before an exam is not the best time to discover that your reference is the wrong edition.
These are related Tennessee LLP products from Contractor Exam Preps. Check their current contents, pricing, course access and availability directly on each product page.
Five Study Books • Plumbing Trade and Code
Best for: Plumbers who want a broad five-book LLP study collection.
Highlighted & Tabbed Rentals • Six-Month Course Access
Best for: Candidates who prefer rental references and a guided course together.
Online Study • Trade Topics • Reference Navigation
Best for: Candidates seeking a separate online learning option.
Tabs: Tennessee LLP Pre-Printed Tabs are also available separately.
Important book rule: Not every book in a five-book study package is necessarily permitted inside the current Prov exam room.
Contractor-level alternative: Tennessee CMC-A Mechanical Plumbing Books support a different license classification.
Actual Tennessee LLP complete book-set artwork hosted by ContractorExamPreps.com.
Tennessee LLP study-book product image from the Contractor Exam Preps store. This image represents study materials, not a government-issued LLP license or passing guarantee.
LLP • Prov • 40 Questions • 120 Minutes • Open Book • Drain-Waste-Vent • Isometrics • Water Supply • Plumbing Code
Tennessee LLP Licensing
LLP means Limited Licensed Plumber. Tennessee issues this individual credential for certain smaller plumbing jobs where the state LLP program applies.
No. The LLP is a personal, limited plumbing license. It does not replace a Tennessee contractor license for work that requires one.
The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors oversees the LLP program and issues the credential to qualifying individuals.
The state LLP program covers qualifying plumbing projects with a total cost of less than $25,000 where the LLP rules apply. Projects at or above the contractor licensing threshold can require a contractor license.
No. The state describes LLP requirements in municipalities using the Division of Fire Prevention for permits or inspections. Always check whether the local government accepts the LLP license or has its own requirements.
Tennessee states that general maintenance work costing less than $500 is exempt from its LLP license requirement. Confirm whether any other state or local rules apply to the work.
Covered LLP plumbing work may include residential or commercial buildings, but the scope, job value, permits, and local rules matter. Do not assume every commercial project falls within the LLP license.
No. LLP is for covered work costing less than $25,000. At or above the contractor threshold, review the appropriate Tennessee contractor classification before bidding or contracting.
Tennessee currently lists $75 for an initial LLP application. Check the Board fee schedule again when you apply.
Tennessee directs applicants to submit the Initial Limited Licensed Plumber application through CORE, the state online licensing portal.
2026 Prov LLP Examination
Prov began administering newly scheduled Tennessee trade examinations starting July 1, 2026. Follow the current Tennessee exam information for your appointment.
The current Prov Limited Licensed Plumber exam outline lists 40 questions.
Candidates have 120 minutes, or two hours, to complete the current LLP exam.
The published passing standard is 73%. For practice, aim for at least 30 correct answers out of 40 and build a safety margin. Official scoring decisions belong to Prov.
Yes, but only approved references and compliant markings may be brought to the testing session. The exam provider's current bulletin governs the rules.
Tennessee's current exam provider administers the trade examination through its testing system. Follow the exact instructions in your Prov appointment confirmation.
Older Tennessee LLP pages and store listings were written for PSI. For new scheduling after July 1, 2026, follow the state's transition guidance and Prov documents.
The special CMC/CMC-A plumbing pre-approval requirement is for those contractor classifications, not automatically the LLP program. Use the separate LLP requirements published by the Tennessee Board.
The state LLP requirements list the LLP trade exam and individual application; they do not list the separate contractor Business and Law exam as an LLP licensing step. Contractor license applicants have different requirements.
Plumbing Subjects and Exam Weighting
Drain, Waste, and Vent Systems is the largest published LLP category, with 10 of the 40 questions.
Isometrics accounts for seven questions. Practice identifying pipes, fittings, elevations, directions, and the meaning of drawings.
Plumbing Math has two questions in the current outline. Fractions, measurement, slope and basic pipe calculations are still worth studying.
Yes. Water Supply and Distribution has four questions. Review piping, valves, materials, pressure, protection and code-related installation concepts.
Yes. Water Heaters has two questions and Fixtures & Fittings has two more.
Yes. Fuel Gas Systems is a four-question subject. Review piping, gas appliances, combustion air, ventilation and safe installation principles.
Yes. The current outline includes two OSHA Safety questions, so basic jobsite safety should be part of your study plan.
DWV means drain, waste and vent. These parts of the system remove wastewater while providing the venting needed for traps and proper drainage.
An isometric drawing presents piping in a three-dimensional-style view, helping you understand pipe directions, rises, drops, and connections. The LLP exam dedicates seven questions to this topic.
Books, Courses and Test-Day Rules
The current primary references described in Prov-aligned materials include the 2021 International Plumbing Code, Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, 8th Edition, and Plumbing Basics for Contractors, 4th Edition (2021). Verify the exact bulletin before testing.
Not necessarily. A package may contain additional fuel gas and OSHA books for studying. Only bring the references specifically approved by Prov for your LLP exam.
Current exam guidance allows certain compliant highlighting and permanently attached tabs. Handwritten notes, loose inserts and removable tabs may be restricted. Follow the current Prov bulletin.
The LLP book package includes plumbing code, plumbing math, practical plumbing, fuel gas, and construction safety study references. Check the live listing for its latest contents.
Yes. The Tennessee LLP online exam prep course provides a structured study option despite the older PSI wording in the link address.
Yes. The LLP books and course rental package combines rental study materials and course access. Check the product page for current terms.
Yes. The LLP pre-printed tab set is a separate study accessory. Confirm tab compliance and current book editions before using it at a test center.
Practice all ten subjects, review your approved books repeatedly, time your code lookups and complete 40-question practice sets within 120 minutes.
No. Study materials help you prepare, but passing and licensing depend on your exam results and the state's actual requirements.
After the Exam
No. You still need to complete the state LLP application and meet the Board's applicable identification, fee and other requirements.
No. Local governments may use their own licensing, permits and inspections. Verify the city or county's rules before accepting plumbing work.
Review the full Tennessee contractor licensing program and the CMC-A Mechanical Plumbing Contractor study pathway. The full contractor process is different from LLP.
Watch this topic-specific 1ExamPrep YouTube video on how to prepare for the Tennessee Limited Licensed Plumber LLP examination. It complements the code, drawings, and trade-reference study plan described in this guide.
This is a study video from 1ExamPrep, not an official state bulletin. Confirm the current Prov rules and Tennessee licensing requirements with the testing provider and the Board.
Video creator: 1ExamPrep.
Topic: How to Pass the Tennessee Limited Licensed Plumber LLP Exam.
Exam authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors and Prov.
Use the Contractor Exam Preps product links for study support and the official Tennessee and Prov information for current law, exam requirements, approved books, and application steps. Product availability can change.
Current LLP test: 40 questions, 120 minutes, 73% passing, open book.
Largest topic: Drain, Waste, and Vent Systems with 10 questions.
Credential: Individual limited plumbing license, not a full contractor license.
State initial application fee: $75; confirm latest requirements before applying.
The Tennessee Limited Licensed Plumber exam is a practical step for plumbing professionals who want the state's individual LLP credential. The license has a specific purpose: it covers qualifying plumbing work costing less than $25,000 per project in municipalities where the state LLP rules apply. It is not a full plumbing contractor license, and local requirements may still apply. Start by checking with the local authority where you plan to work. A quick phone call now can prevent a very expensive misunderstanding later.
The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors administers the license. As of October 2026, Prov handles newly scheduled LLP trade examinations. The current test has 40 questions, lasts 120 minutes, uses a 73% passing standard, and is open book with approved references. That gives you about three minutes per question. Some answers may take seconds, while a piping calculation or isometric drawing might need more thought. Practicing with a clock helps you see where the minutes actually disappear.
The exam outline has ten categories, but they are not equally sized. Drain, Waste, and Vent Systems contains ten questions and makes up one quarter of the exam. Isometrics follows with seven questions. These two areas account for 17 of the 40 questions, so they deserve plenty of study time. Code Requirements, Water Supply and Distribution, and Fuel Gas Systems each have four questions. General Knowledge, Plumbing Math, Water Heaters, Fixtures and Fittings, and OSHA Safety round out the outline.
A strong study plan starts with the current reference list. Contractor Exam Preps describes the 2021 International Plumbing Code, Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, Eighth Edition, and Plumbing Basics for Contractors, Fourth Edition, as primary Prov LLP references. A five-book study package may also include the 2021 International Fuel Gas Code and OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926. Those extra books can be useful for learning, but they are not automatically allowed in the testing room. Check the provider's current reference rules before carrying anything to the exam.
Give yourself six weeks of steady preparation if that timeline fits your experience. In the first week, learn how the plumbing code is organized. Then study DWV systems, water supply, and plumbing isometric drawings. Add math, fuel gas, fixtures, water heaters and safety. Use practice questions every week, not only during the final weekend. When an answer is wrong, find out why. Review the correct reference section and write down the topic for the next study session.
Contractor Exam Preps offers a complete LLP book package, an online course, prepared study options and a books-and-course rental package. Choose a format that helps you actually practice instead of collecting untouched books on the kitchen table. After you pass, complete the Tennessee online LLP application and pay the applicable state fee. The Board currently lists $75 for the initial application. Confirm the local licensing and permit rules before beginning work. The goal is both a passing result and safe, lawful plumbing work. With focused preparation, the licensing process becomes easier to manage.
Tennessee has a plumbing license called the Limited Licensed Plumber, or LLP. It is meant for certain plumbing jobs that cost less than $25,000. The state requires this license in municipalities that rely on the Tennessee Division of Fire Prevention for permits or inspections. Some towns have their own licensing rules, so a plumber should always ask the local government what is needed. Tennessee also says general maintenance work costing less than $500 is exempt from the LLP requirement. These details matter because LLP is not the same as a full plumbing contractor license.
The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors handles LLP licensing. An LLP is issued to a person, not simply to a business name. A candidate must pass the plumbing trade exam and complete the state's initial LLP application. The state currently charges $75 for the initial application, and the application is made through its CORE online system. Passing a test alone does not give permission to ignore any required license, permit, or inspection.
The current LLP trade exam is administered by Prov. It contains 40 questions, has a time limit of two hours, and requires a 73% passing result. The test is open book, but that does not mean you can bring any book you want. The testing provider allows certain references and applies rules to highlighting, tabs, notes, and loose papers. Always review the current candidate bulletin. The average time is three minutes per question, so it helps to know your books before the exam begins.
The two biggest study areas are drain, waste, and vent systems and plumbing isometric drawings. Together they make up 17 of the 40 exam questions. A DWV system carries wastewater away and uses vents to help everything drain properly. Isometric drawings show piping in a way that helps you understand directions, connections, and changes in height. Practice reading diagrams, identifying fittings, and following the movement of water through the system. These are skills that improve with repetition.
The test also asks about plumbing codes, water supply and distribution, fuel gas, general trade knowledge, math, water heaters, fixtures and fittings, and OSHA safety. Plumbing math includes measurements, slope and other practical calculations. Safety review includes common jobsite hazards and protective steps. Every topic deserves review.
Contractor Exam Preps sells Tennessee LLP study resources. Options include a five-book study set, an online exam prep course, a books-and-course rental package, and pre-printed tabs. Not every study book is an approved exam-room book, so read the Prov list before test day.
For a manageable schedule, study a little at a time over about six weeks. Start with the codebook and the exam outline. Move into DWV, water supply, diagrams, math, fuel gas and safety. Finish by taking practice tests using the real two-hour limit. When you are ready, follow the current Prov scheduling instructions, take the exam, and complete the Tennessee LLP application. Before starting paid plumbing work, check the local rules. Good preparation helps you understand plumbing and avoid avoidable licensing mistakes.
