Tennessee Free LLP Practice Exam

“So what exactly is this LLP license anyway?” I hear you asking.

The Limited Licensed Plumber certification in Tennessee allows you to work on plumbing jobs valued at less than $25,000. It’s important to note that not all Tennessee counties accept the LLP license—some require the full Plumbing Contractor License instead.

To pass the exam, you’ll need to score at least 73% (that’s 29 correct answers out of 40 questions). The test is open book, which might sound easier than it actually is! Those code books can be mighty thick, and knowing where to find information quickly is half the battle.

Getting your Tennessee plumbing license involves a few straightforward steps:

• Submit your application to the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
• Pay the required fees (more on this below)
• Pass the PSI examination with a score of at least 73%
• Provide proof of experience (usually 2 years working under a licensed plumber)
• Show financial responsibility through insurance or bonding

You can contact the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance at 615-741-2241 for application details, or visit the Tennessee board of licensing contractors website to apply online.

Want to review the official PSI bulletin before diving in? Check out the Tennessee PSI Bulletin for all the nitty-gritty details.

Our practice exam—and the actual PSI exam—covers a wide range of topics pulled from these key reference books:

• International Fuel Gas Code
• International Plumbing Code
• Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters
• OSHA 1926

The exam tests your knowledge on:

• General plumbing knowledge and math calculations
• General requirements (administrative, structural, backflow prevention, materials, etc.)
• Water supply and distribution systems
• Plumbing fixtures, including water heaters
• Drain, waste, and vent systems
• Traps, cleanouts, and interceptors
• Isometric analysis (being able to read plumbing drawings)
• Gas appliances and piping
• OSHA safety regulations

Remember, the official exam gives you 130 minutes to complete 40 questions. And while it’s open book, you’ll still need to know your way around those code books to finish on time!

Here’s a question we get a lot: “Is a licensed plumber the same as a master plumber?”

Nope, they’re different beasts altogether. In Tennessee, the licensing structure looks something like this:

• Apprentice Plumber: Learning the ropes under supervision
• Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP): Can work on smaller jobs (under $25,000) independently
• Journeyman Plumber: Has several years of experience but still works under a master plumber
• Master Plumber: The highest level of licensing, can take on projects of any size and supervise others

A master plumber has typically completed 7-10 years in the trade, while an LLP might have just 2-3 years of experience. Master plumbers can pull permits for major commercial work and typically earn significantly more than those with lower-tier licenses.

Speaking of earnings… “How much money do plumbers make in Tennessee?” I can practically hear you wondering.

According to recent data, the average plumber in Tennessee earns between $$45,000and\; \$$65,000 annually. However, this varies widely based on:

• Your license level (LLP vs. master plumber)
• Geographic location (Nashville and Memphis pay more than rural areas)
• Specialization (commercial vs. residential)
• Whether you’re an employee or running your own business

Master plumbers who own their businesses can make well over $100,000annually,especiallyinurban\; areaswith\; highdemand.Even\; asaLimitedLicensedPlumber,youcanexpect\; to\; earn\; acomfortableliving,typically\; startingaround\; \$$40,000-$50,000 per year.

“Do plumbers have to be licensed in TN?” This is another common question, and the answer is a resounding YES.

Tennessee state law requires anyone performing plumbing work to hold the appropriate license. Working without one can result in:

• Hefty fines (often thousands of dollars)
• Legal liability issues
• Being barred from pulling permits
• Potential criminal charges for repeat offenders

The only exception is for very minor repairs or homeowners working on their own property (and even then, local codes may still require permits).

Here’s something that trips up many plumbers in Tennessee—certain municipalities have their own licensing requirements. Our free LLP exam will help prepare you for the state exam, but be aware that these cities may not accept the state LLP license and might require their own local license:

• City of Athens (McMinn County)
• City of Chattanooga (Hamilton County)
• City of Humboldt (Gibson County)
• City of Jackson (Madison County)
• City of Johnson City (Washington County)
• City of Kingsport (Sullivan County)
• City of Knoxville (Knox County)
• City of Lafollette (Campbell County)
• City of Nashville (Davidson County)
• City of Maryville (Blount County)
• City of Memphis (Shelby County)
• City of Morristown (Hamblen County)
• City of Murfreesboro (Rutherford County)
• City of Oak Ridge (Anderson County)
• City of Sparta (White County)

Always check with your local building department before starting work in a new area.

Ready to apply? You’ll need to complete the LLP Application form and submit it along with your fees.

The Tennessee Limited Licensed Plumber program requires:

• Application fee: $250
• License fee: $200 (every two years for renewal)
• Exam fee: Paid directly to PSI (currently around $200)

Need additional forms or information? Check out the LLP forms and downloads page on the Tennessee state website.

Want to ace our practice exam and the real thing? Here are some tips from plumbers who’ve been there:

• Start early: Begin studying at least 1-2 months before your exam date
• Focus on the code books: The International Plumbing Code and International Fuel Gas Code make up the bulk of the questions
• Practice your math: Pipe sizing, grade calculations, and fixture unit counts are common test topics
• Take practice tests: Our free LLP exam will help you identify knowledge gaps
• Create a reference system: Use tabs or sticky notes to mark important sections in your code books
• Join study groups: Connect with other apprentices or plumbers preparing for the same exam

Remember, the test is open book, but you won’t have time to look up every answer. Familiarity with the materials is crucial.

Our Tennessee Free LLP Exam with over 220 questions is the perfect way to prepare for the real thing. It covers all the same topics as the PSI exam and follows the same format, giving you 130 minutes to answer 40 randomly selected questions.

Whether you’re just starting your journey toward becoming a Tennessee plumber or looking to upgrade your credentials, this practice exam will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses before you sit for the official test.

Remember, in plumbing—just like in life—preparation is everything. You wouldn’t install a water heater without the right tools, so don’t tackle your licensing exam without the right preparation.

Have questions about the Tennessee plumbing license requirements or our free practice exam? Drop us a line—we’re here to help you succeed in your plumbing career!