Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Trades
General Contractor Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for general contractor in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
Renewal ALS: Licenses must be renewed every two yearsLicensing Blueprint for General Contractor in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 1 monthCore Requirements
- 1
Must be qualified as a cytotechnologist and/or possess current license issued by the state of Tennessee, and must have at least four (4) years of full-time (30 hours per week) experience as a cytotechnologist within the preceding ten (10) years
- 2
Education: Specific course required.
- 3
Experience: Work experience required.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 6
Must be qualified as a cytotechnologist and/or possess current license issued by the state of Tennessee, and must have at least four (4) years of full-time (30 hours per week) experience as a cytotechnologist within the preceding ten (10) years.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal ALS: Licenses must be renewed every two years
- Salary Position
$99,790 median (7% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#37 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for General Contractor licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal ALS: Licenses must be renewed every two years; continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $99,790, General Contractors in Tennessee earn 7% below the national median of $106,980. Tennessee ranks #37 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1 month.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$99,790Hourly estimate
$47.987% below national median
Difference: -$7,190
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeneral Contractor Salary Ranking
#37 of 50 statesfor General Contractor median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Massachusetts | $147,750 |
| #2 | Washington | $136,180 |
| #3 | Alaska | $135,630 |
| #4 | New York | $135,530 |
| #5 | Delaware | $135,200 |
Nearby States Comparison
General Contractor licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $99,790 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| Kentucky | $99,620 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $107,000 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $104,750 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $101,360 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| Alabama | $92,620 | Varies by state board | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $93,840 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $87,160 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $104,350 | Varies by state board | Choice of state or third-party exam | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
665 Mainstream Drive 2nd floor, Nashville, TN, 37243
Phone: 6155323202
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $85,580 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $47,460 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $49,520 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $59,850 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a General Contractor in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1 month, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for General Contractors in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for General Contractors.
What education do you need to become a General Contractor in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Specific course required for General Contractor licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical General Contractor salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for General Contractors in Tennessee is $99,790. Salaries range from $60,930 (10th percentile) to $168,390 (90th percentile).
How does the General Contractor salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
General Contractors in Tennessee earn 7% below the national median of $106,980, with a state median of $99,790.
How many General Contractors work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 6,490 General Contractors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my General Contractor license to Tennessee from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for General Contractors in Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a General Contractor license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal ALS: Licenses must be renewed every two years.