Tennessee uses a 73 percent pass mark rather than the 70 percent most states apply. That is an unusual number and it matters more than three points sounds.
Figures below are compiled from state board and exam-provider sources. Where a board does not publish a count we say so rather than estimate. Confirm against the current candidate bulletin for your exam before you register.
The exams
| Examination | Questions | Time | Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business and Law Management | 50 | 140 minutes | 37 of 50 (73%) |
| CE Electrical Contractor | 100 | 4h 20m | 73% |
| CMC Mechanical (HVAC/Refrigeration) | 100 | 260 minutes | 73 of 100 |
| Commercial General Building (NASCLA) | 115 scored | 330 minutes | 70% |
All open book. Electrical is NEC-based; mechanical runs on the 2021 IMC and IFGC with refrigeration content.
Three points is four questions
On a 100-question paper, 73 percent means 73 correct where 70 percent would mean 70. You can afford 27 wrong instead of 30. On the 50-question Business and Law paper it is starker: 37 correct, so only 13 wrong.
Anyone benchmarking practice scores against the more common 70 percent is training to a standard Tennessee does not accept. Note also that the NASCLA paper sits at 70 percent, so within the same state you may face two different thresholds depending on which license you are pursuing.
Business and Law is separate
Tennessee requires the Business and Law Management examination alongside your trade paper, drawn from the NASCLA business and law guide. Both must be passed.
Tennessee exam prep
- Tennessee Business & Law Exam Prep
- Tennessee CE Electrical Contractor Exam Prep
- Tennessee CMC Mechanical Contractor Exam Prep
- Tennessee Commercial General Building Contractor (NASCLA) Exam Prep
Before you register
- Confirm the question count and time limit on the current bulletin.
- Confirm the code edition; it is pinned and a newer edition is not a substitute.
- Confirm whether a separate business and law paper is required.