Becoming a limited residential contractor in Tennessee is a rather straightforward process, depending on how you look at it. Once you’ve completed the required steps, you can take on residential construction projects up to a specified monetary limit. The best part about this process is you won’t have to take comprehensive trade examinations.
Therefore, this should be the perfect pathway if you want to specialise in residential construction within a controlled scope. Here are the steps you should follow:
1. Understand the Limited Residential Contractor Licence (BC-A/r)
The Limited Residential Contractor Licence, designated as BC-A/r, is a licence for Tennessee contractors who work on residential projects that don’t exceed $125,000, including labour and materials. Unlike the standard residential contractor licence, the BC-A/r licence allows applicants to substitute the traditional trade exam with a state-approved course through a community college.
Even though there are lots of options, it’s highly recommended to get a well-structured BC-A/r course such as the one RocketCert offers in partnership with Volunteer State Community College. Also, keep in mind that this licence isn’t allowed in all counties in the state, so you’ll want to check local requirements to guarantee compliance.
2. Enrol in a State-Approved Course
As mentioned before, one of the most crucial requirements you should meet to acquire the BC-A/r licence is completing a state-approved course at one of the community colleges in Tennessee. The course will cover a range of essential topics including:
- International Building Codes
- Legal and Financial Issues
- Accounting Practices
- Tennessee Construction Laws
- Loans and Liens
- And more.
This course contains a total of 32 hours of instruction, after which you will get a certificate of completion. That’s what you will use to apply for your Limited Residential Licence.
3. Prepare Your Financial Documentation
Every applicant needs to submit a financial statement prepared by a licensed independent accounting firm. The purpose of this statement is to assess your financial stability and define your monetary limit. For a BC-A/r the limit is $125,000 and you’ll also need a reviewed financial statement. It’s crucial to ensure that your financial documentation is in harmony with your current financial status to avoid delays in the application process.
4. Get Your Supporting Documents
In addition to your financial statement, you also should provide the following documents:
- Proof of insurance: This refers to documentation of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
- Letters of reference: These are professional references that prove your experience and character.
- Business documentation: Where applicable, you should provide evidence of your business’s registration with the Secretary of State in Tennessee.
All these documents will demonstrate your preparedness and credibility as a contractor.
4. Complete and Submit Your Application
Once you have all the required documentation in hand, you can proceed to complete the Tennessee Contractor’s Licence Application. You will also need a $250 non-refundable fee that you’ll pay to the Board for Licensing Contractors. Also, make sure to complete all sections of the application thoroughly and accurately to avoid processing delays.
5. Attend a Board Interview, if Necessary
After your application has been reviewed, you can be scheduled for a personal interview with the board. This happens in the following cases:
- If your application is incomplete or has discrepancies
- Your application doesn’t include sufficient experience
- You have a felony conviction as an applicant
- You’ve violated the law
- You have a record of complaints
- You have a judgement
The board will notify you in writing if an interview is required, so keep an eye out for your application updates.
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RocketCert Makes Your Journey to Licensing Easier
Becoming a limited residential contractor in Tennessee can be a bit challenging if you don’t have the right information. For you, however, the information in this article should help you obtain your licence more easily.
To make your licensing process even easier, you may want to consider getting your pre-licensing course from RocketCert. As one of the leading education providers in Tennessee that offers approved education in conjunction with recognised community colleges, you can be sure the course you take will help you meet all the educational requirements.
