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Professionals who wish to work in skilled trades in Tennessee must first obtain a license from the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors, under the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. 

Before you can obtain a masonry contractor license, you’ll have to meet a range of requirements. What does a masonry contractor do, and how can you obtain a license?

What Do Masonry Contractors Do?

Masonry is an important part of many construction projects. Professionals who specialize in masonry contracting perform work related to building structures or portions of structures featuring materials like stone, brick, concrete block, or glass block, with units that are laid and held together by mortar. 

In Tennessee, licensed masonry contractors are permitted to perform work on projects where masonry costs exceed $100,000, including materials and labor.

Requirements to Obtain a Masonry Contractor License

Before you can become a licensed masonry contractor, you must have a minimum of three years of verified work experience in the field. When you submit your application for licensure, it must include the following:

• Completed, signed, and notarized application package
• Letter of reference
• CPA/PA-prepared financial statements
• Proof of general liability insurance
• Proof of workers’ compensation insurance

You’ll also have to complete and pass required state exams, including a trade exam and the Business Law exam.

What to Expect From State Exams

The Licensed Masonry Contractor exam is intended to test your trade knowledge. This open-book exam includes 70 questions that cover the following topics:

•  Estimating and plan reading
• Unit masonry
• Mortar and grout
• Accessories and specialties
• Stone
• Tools
• Restoration and cleaning
• Reinforced masonry
• Quality assurance
• Safety

You have 200 minutes to complete this exam, and you must answer a minimum of 51 questions correctly to pass. 

The Business Law exam will test your knowledge of business and labor. This open-book exam consists of 50 questions on topics such as:

•  Licensing requirements
• Estimating and bidding
•  Business organization and financial management
• Tax laws
• Labor laws
• Project management and lien law
• Contracts
• Risk management
• Environmental and safety

You will have 140 minutes to complete the exam, and you must answer at least 37 questions correctly to pass.

How to Prepare to Pass Exams

Working professionals need to pass licensing exams on the first try to continue their career path uninterrupted. The best way to achieve this is with a state-approved exam prep program.

The best options will offer self-paced learning through online courses that you can access 24/7, at your convenience. You’ll also appreciate courses designed by industry professionals and educators to deliver the practical knowledge you need to succeed.

Your program should cover any math or calculations you may need for testing, along with critical information, quizzes that reinforce key concepts, test simulation to prepare you for actual exam conditions, and tips and tricks to keep you calm and focused during testing.

RocketCert has the exam prep solutions trade professionals prefer. If you’re interested in obtaining a masonry contractor license in Tennessee, contact us now to get started.