How to Pass the Tennessee LLE Limited Licensed Electrician Exam
You don't have to guess how to prepare for the Tennessee LLE Limited Licensed Electrician exam. This guide lays it out: the key facts from the official bulletin, the topics on the test, the books you need, sample questions with answers, and a study plan you can follow. Prov gives the exam.
Tennessee LLE Limited Licensed Electrician Exam Basics
Here's what the official bulletin says about the exam:
| Questions | 40 questions |
| Time limit | 2 hours |
| Passing score | a minimum score of 73 |
| Books in the exam room | Open book |
| Exam fee | $53 |
On exam day
- A current, valid, government-issued photo ID is required, and candidates must also sign the log and be photographed.
- Candidates should arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled appointment.
- References are inspected before entry, any edition of a listed reference may be used, and books with handwritten notes, moveable tabs, Post-its, photocopies, or test-prep guides are not allowed.
- Highlighting and permanent tabs are allowed; handwritten notes and moveable tabs are not.
- Simple 4-function calculators are permitted and a simple calculator is built into the test.
- Communication devices and other personal items are prohibited in the testing room, while approved references and a simple calculator are allowed.
References you may bring
- NFPA 70 - National Electric Code 2017
- Ugly's Electrical References (2020)
- OSHA 29 CFR 1926
Scheduling, changes and retakes
- Candidates register and schedule online at Prov's website or by calling Prov at 866-720-7768.
- Only the CMC and CMC-A examinations require Board approval before a candidate may schedule.
- Changes or cancellations must be made at least three business days before the test date, and rescheduling by that deadline is free.
- Late arrivals are turned away and forfeit their fees, as do candidates who fail to appear.
- Results are reported immediately by email with a numerical score and pass/fail result, plus a diagnostic report for candidates who fail.
- Failed exams may be retaken an unlimited number of times with no waiting period, at $53 per attempt.
- Passing candidates must submit a license application to the Board, which decides whether they qualify for licensure.
Source: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors Candidate Information Bulletin, TNCONT_CIB 2026.08.18. Check the bulletin before test day: fees and rules can change.
What's on the Tennessee LLE Limited Licensed Electrician Exam
The official content outline splits the exam into 10 topics:
| Topic | Questions | Share of the exam |
|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 4 | 10% |
| Installation Requirements | 3 | 8% |
| Services, Feeders, and Branch Circuits | 7 | 18% |
| Overcurrent Protection | 2 | 5% |
| Grounding and Bonding | 5 | 12% |
| Conductors and Cables | 4 | 10% |
| Raceways and Boxes | 5 | 12% |
| Hazardous Locations and Special Occupancies | 5 | 12% |
| Low Voltage Alarms, Signaling Systems, and Communications | 2 | 5% |
| Lighting, Signs, and General Use Equipment | 3 | 8% |
Your Tennessee LLE Limited Licensed Electrician Study Plan
Your books are your best friend on this exam. It's open book, so the references on the bulletin's list are what you'll use on test day. Get your own copies in the editions the bulletin names.
Get to know them early. Spend time with each book's table of contents and index until you can find any major subject quickly. On an open-book exam, finding answers fast is the skill that counts.
Make the books yours. Highlight the sections you keep coming back to. The exam facts above list the bulletin's rules on tabs and markings, so follow them exactly.
Practice with the clock running. Our timed practice exams help you build the pace the real exam needs: about 3 minutes per question. Every attempt is another rep.
Keep going until you pass practice exams consistently. One good score is a great start. A few passing scores in a row is how you know you're ready.
Books You'll Need for the Tennessee LLE Limited Licensed Electrician Exam
The references listed for the LLE examination are the 2017 NFPA 70 National Electric Code, Ugly's Electrical References (2020), and OSHA 29 CFR 1926.
Where to get them:
Test Day Tips
Start with a quick pass through the whole exam. Answer every question you're sure about and bookmark the rest. Every exam lets you return to bookmarked questions, so nothing is lost by moving on. One catch: some exams lock the questions you've already seen once you take a break, so clear your bookmarks before any break.
Then come back to your bookmarks and work through them one at a time. Keep an eye on the clock: you have 2 hours for 40 questions, which is about 3 minutes per question. Before you finish, make sure every question has an answer. A blank can't earn a point.
Study Tips
Only select answers that directly respond to the question asked—not ones that merely sound correct or seem true. After choosing, verify your answer against the question to confirm you didn't misread it and that your selection genuinely addresses what was asked.
Our practice exam is specifically designed to mimic the testing conditions at all exam centers. While untimed PDF study guides might help with studying, they don’t prepare you for the challenge of managing your time during an actual test.
A little anxiety before an exam is completely normal — acknowledge it instead of fighting it. If you feel yourself spiraling on a question, pause and take a few slow breaths to reset. If your test center allows a short break, use it; just remember the clock usually keeps running.
Every exam you take will be different from the last. New questions, new order, but always based on the exam bulletin in terms of topics, questions and time.
Try These Tennessee LLE Limited Licensed Electrician Practice Questions
Give these a try. They come from our practice question bank, each with its answer and reference.
Sample 1 — Hazardous Locations and Special Occupancies
Question: For Zone 20, 21, and 22 locations containing combustible dusts, organic dusts that may dehydrate or carbonize require that the equipment temperature marking shall not exceed the lower of either the ignition temperature or ______ °C.
- A. 120
- B. 150
- C. 165
- D. 200
Correct Answer: C
Per NEC 506.20(F)(1), for combustible dusts, the temperature marking must be less than the lower of either the layer or cloud ignition temperature. For organic dusts that may dehydrate or carbonize, the temperature marking shall not exceed the lower of either the ignition temperature or 165°C (329°F).
Reference: NEC 2017 Section 506.20(F)(1)
Sample 2 — General Knowledge
Question: The NEC requires that equipment included in a listing published by a qualified testing laboratory be installed and used in accordance with what?
- A. The manufacturer's warranty terms and conditions
- B. The contractor's professional judgment and experience
- C. Any instructions included in the listing or labeling
- D. The local utility company's installation guidelines
Correct Answer: C
Per NEC 110.3(B), listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.
Reference: NEC 2017 Section 110.3(B)
Sample 3 — Conductors and Cables
Question: A single-family dwelling with a 120/240-volt, single-phase service has a calculated load of 154 amps. Using 75°C rated copper THWN-2 conductors, what is the minimum service conductor size?
- A. 1 AWG
- B. 1/0 AWG
- C. 2/0 AWG
- D. 3/0 AWG
Correct Answer: B
Step 1: A 154 A calculated load needs a service rated at least 154 A; the next standard rating is 175 A (240.6(A)).
Step 2: For a one-family dwelling supplied by a 120/240-volt, single-phase service, the NEC permits service conductors with an ampacity of not less than 83% of the service rating (310.12(A); 310.15(B)(7) in the 2017 NEC): 175 A × 0.83 = 145.25 A.
Step 3: In the 75°C copper column of Table 310.16, 1 AWG = 130 A (too small) and 1/0 AWG = 150 A, so 1/0 AWG copper is the minimum. Table 310.12(A) likewise lists 1/0 AWG copper for a 175 A dwelling service.
2/0 AWG (175 A) is what you get by sizing for the full 154 A with Table 310.16 alone, without the dwelling allowance.
Reference: NEC 2023 Section 310.12(A) and Table 310.12(A) (2017 NEC: 310.15(B)(7)); Table 310.16; 240.6(A)
Sample 4 — Installation Requirements
Question: Per NEC 300.4(A)(2), where cables or raceways are laid in notches in wood studs, joists, or rafters, the cable or raceway shall be protected against nails or screws by a steel plate at least how thick?
- A. 1/32 in. (0.8 mm)
- B. 1/16 in. (1.6 mm)
- C. 1/8 in. (3.2 mm)
- D. 3/32 in. (2.4 mm)
Correct Answer: B
Per NEC 300.4(A)(2), where cables or raceways are laid in notches in wood studs, joists, rafters, or other wood members, they shall be protected against nails or screws by a steel plate at least 1.6 mm (1/16 in.) thick, installed before the building finish is applied.
Reference: NEC 2017 Section 300.4(A)(2)
Why Practice Online?
Reading questions in a PDF is a start, but it doesn't prepare you for the clock. Our practice exams are timed and on a screen, so you build speed along with knowledge. Each attempt draws a new set of questions from our bank, and your results show your score by topic so you know where to focus next.
Ready to Start?
Take the free Tennessee LLE Limited Licensed Electrician practice exam and see where you stand today. Then focus on the topics that need the most work. For the official rules, read the exam bulletin, and see the licensing board's website.