Tennessee doesn't have a stand-alone mold license the way some states do. Instead, mold remediation fits into the state's regular contractor licensing system, which is run by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors, and which license applies depends on the size of the job and the county the house is in. Here's how it works for homes around Knoxville.
Jobs of $25,000 or more: a contractor's license
Anywhere in Tennessee, a contractor needs a state contractor's license before bidding or negotiating a price on a project of $25,000 or more as the prime contractor (TN Board for Licensing Contractors). Each license carries a classification, which says what kind of work the holder may do, and a monetary limit. The board's classification outline lists S-F, Mold Remediation as a specialty classification. Specialty classifications don't require a trade exam, though every new applicant still has to pass the state's Business and Law exam (classification outline).
Knox County jobs from $3,000 to $24,999: a home improvement license
Knox County is one of nine Tennessee counties that adopted the state's home improvement law, along with Bradley, Davidson, Hamilton, Haywood, Marion, Robertson, Rutherford and Shelby. In those counties, a Home Improvement license is required for residential remodeling projects from $3,000 to $24,999. The law defines home improvement to include repair, replacement, remodeling and alteration of a residential building, and license holders need a $10,000 surety bond plus general liability and workers' compensation insurance (TN Home Improvement Contractor). A mold job that includes tearing out and rebuilding drywall, insulation or flooring in a Knox County home falls squarely into remodeling territory, so it's fair to ask for this license if the price lands in that range.
Blount, Anderson and Sevier counties aren't on that list, so there's no home improvement license requirement there. Jobs of $25,000 or more still need the full contractor's license statewide.
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How to check
Ask for the license number and look it up on the state's license verification site. Confirm the name matches the company on your estimate and that the license is current. If you're unsure whether your job needs a license, the board's home improvement section can tell you.
Beyond the license
A license shows a company is registered, insured and bonded. It doesn't prove they're good at mold work. EPA's advice when hiring is to make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up mold, to check references, and to ask them to follow EPA's remediation guide, ACGIH guidelines, IICRC standards or similar published guidance (EPA).
What should be in writing
- The areas and materials to be removed, in square feet where possible.
- How the work area will be contained and how debris leaves the house.
- Who fixes the moisture source, and whether that's part of this price.
- Whether rebuild (drywall, insulation, paint, flooring) is included or quoted separately.
- Any post-cleanup inspection or clearance sample, and who does it.
- Payment schedule. Be cautious about paying most of the price before work starts.
Ready to get someone out? The request form on this page reaches an independent company in your county. For background first, see how remediation should run or typical costs.
FAQ
Does Tennessee require a mold remediation license?
Not a separate one. Mold remediation is a specialty classification (S-F) on the regular Tennessee contractor's license, which is needed for projects of $25,000 or more. In Knox County, a home improvement license applies to residential remodeling projects from $3,000 to $24,999.
Do I need a license to remove mold from my own house?
The licensing rules apply to contractors working for others. Homeowners can clean up mold in their own homes; EPA suggests most people can handle areas under about 10 square feet themselves.
Does a home improvement license apply in Maryville or Sevierville?
No. Blount and Sevier counties aren't among the nine counties that adopted the home improvement law. The statewide contractor's license still applies to jobs of $25,000 or more.