I am a retired Master Electrician currently living in Alabama. I have tested and passed licensing exams in Florida and the original comprehensive block exam for the City of Nashville, Tennessee, and subsequently operated a successful business for over 25 years in TN.
One important aspect of licensing that everyone should understand is that some states have discovered that lowering testing standards helps them maintain lower wages. Tennessee is one of the worst offenders in this regard. This practice benefits one of Tennessee's most lucrative industries—liability insurance companies—while also attracting new residents seeking affordable remodeling services. The state profits from this arrangement because lower contractor wages draw new residents looking for reduced costs in local services. However, these lower standards result in less experienced, lower-wage workers throughout the construction industry. Despite this, insurance companies in Tennessee charge contractors and homeowners only marginally more to protect against the additional significant liability created by these reduced standards.
Let me be clear: Tennessee's decision to lower its testing standards has created a dangerous situation for families who are completely unaware of this issue. To illustrate the severity of this problem, I was once called by friends after these changes were enacted to help with an issue on a jobsite. When I arrived, I discovered that his colleague was a newly licensed Tennessee electrician who was struggling to understand how to wire a 3-way switch—a fundamental task that any licensed electrician should master without difficulty. This incident alone speaks volumes about how much Tennessee prioritizes the safety of its citizens and anyone else living in local buildings.
Under the original comprehensive exam system, you had virtually no chance of passing without 6-10 years of full-time employment with a heavy industrial electrical contractor working under the direct supervision of one of their licensed electricians staying in good standing, plus obtaining an associate degree in engineering during those working years.
Most do not see how dangerous doing basic things has become. This is why I decided to try to help anyone who ask about wiring issues. I am trying to save lives really.
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