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Construction and Building Inspector Licensing in Tennessee

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for construction and building inspector in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Construction and Building Inspector in Tennessee

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Certification: Certification required.

  4. 4

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  5. 5

    Education and experience requirements below must be met to sit for the examination.

  6. 6

    EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:.

  7. 7

    A degree from an accredited school in mechanical engineering, plus one year of experience in design, construction, operation or inspection of high-pressure boilers and pressure vessels.

  8. 8

    An associate degree from an accredited school in mechanical technology, plus two years of experience in design, construction, operation or inspection of high-pressure boilers and pressure vessels.

  9. 9

    A high school education (or the equivalent) plus three years experience in high pressure boiler and pressure vessel construction or repair, as an operating engineer in charge of high-pressure boiler operation, or as an inspector of high-pressure boilers and pressure boiler operation.

  10. 10

    EXAMINATION REQUIREMENT:.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • certificates expire, and to certify the satisfactory inspection and the maximum pressure under which the boiler may be operated

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Labor and Workforce Development • Boiler and Elevator Division • Elevator Safety Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $59,850 median (17% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #46 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Construction and Building Inspector licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Submit the application to Department of Labor and Workforce Development~Boiler and Elevator Division~Elevator Safety Board and monitor board communications.
  6. 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Tennessee

With a median salary of $59,850, Construction and Building Inspectors in Tennessee earn 17% below the national median of $72,120. Tennessee ranks #46 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,297

Median annual salary

$59,850

Hourly estimate

$28.77
17% below national median

Difference: -$12,270

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$37,040
  • P2525th percentile$48,030
  • P50Median$59,850
  • P7575th percentile$73,780
  • P9090th percentile$85,850

State vs National Median

State: $59,850
National: $72,120

Total employment: 1,810 | Annual openings: N/A

Construction and Building Inspector Salary Ranking

#46 of 50 statesfor Construction and Building Inspector median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$101,160
#2Alaska$94,030
#3Washington$89,360
#4Connecticut$87,290
#5Minnesota$83,890

Nearby States Comparison

Construction and Building Inspector licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Tennessee$59,850Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$63,770Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$69,960Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
North Carolina$65,830Varies by state boardNo exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$64,290Varies by state boardState exam requiredVaries by board
Alabama$61,500Varies by state boardState-approved exam12 months
Mississippi$49,750No educational requirementsChoice of state or third-party examVaries by board
Arkansas$52,970Varies by state boardThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$62,230Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Tennessee60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
North Carolina68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Georgia25LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Alabama78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Agency website unverified

Department of Labor and Workforce Development • Boiler and Elevator Division • Elevator Safety Board

"220 French Landing Drive, Floor 2B", Na, 000TN-7243

Phone: N/A

Website Pending VerificationOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Tennessee

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$85,580No educational requirementsVaries by board
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$47,460No educational requirementsVaries by board
Carpenter$49,520Degree requiredVaries by board
Crane Operator$56,530Specific course required1-18 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Construction and Building Inspector in Tennessee?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Construction and Building Inspectors in Tennessee?

Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Construction and Building Inspectors.

What education do you need to become a Construction and Building Inspector in Tennessee?

The board typically expects Degree required for Construction and Building Inspector licensure in Tennessee.

What is the typical Construction and Building Inspector salary in Tennessee?

The median annual salary for Construction and Building Inspectors in Tennessee is $59,850. Salaries range from $37,040 (10th percentile) to $85,850 (90th percentile).

How does the Construction and Building Inspector salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?

Construction and Building Inspectors in Tennessee earn 17% below the national median of $72,120, with a state median of $59,850.

How many Construction and Building Inspectors work in Tennessee?

Tennessee employs approximately 1,810 Construction and Building Inspectors according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Construction and Building Inspector license to Tennessee from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Construction and Building Inspectors in Tennessee?

The licensing agency is Department of Labor and Workforce Development / Boiler and Elevator Division / Elevator Safety Board. The official board website is currently under manual verification.

How often do you renew a Construction and Building Inspector license in Tennessee?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.