Page 1 of 100
Tennessee Manufactured Home Installer License
Exam, QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES JUST RELEASED
Summarized Exam Topic Coverage
• Licensing Requirements (TCA §68-126-404) – 15-hour approved course completion, passing
approved
examination, 10,000suretybond,annuallicensefee≤10,000suretybond,annuallicensefee≤125,
license expires 1 year from issuance, 5 hours continuing education for renewal
• Examination Administration – Exam provided by Morris & McDaniel, virtual format, eligibility
verified by THA after course completion
• Statutory Authority – TCA Title 68, Chapter 126 (Tennessee Manufactured Home Installation
Act); Commissioner of Commerce and Insurance has primary enforcement authority
• Regulatory Oversight – State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) Division of Fire Prevention; Rule
0780-02-05 for installation procedures
• Permitting Process – Permit decals obtained from County Court Clerk; placed in electrical panel
as proof of permit
• HUD Standards – 24 CFR Parts 3280 and 3285; HUD Code preempts conflicting local building
codes; Data Plate in electrical panel
• Site Preparation – Remove all organic matter (decomposition causes settlement); torque probe
testing for soil bearing capacity (minimum 1500 psf); proper grading for drainage
• Foundation Systems – Pier and beam most common; pier height max 24 inches (higher requires
bracing); footings below frost line; concrete block piers with approved shims (wood block piers
without anchoring prohibited)
• Installation Components – Piers transfer load to ground; blocking stabilizes and supports
structure; marriage line connection for multi-section homes; shimming for leveling
• Moisture Protection – Vapor barrier under home prevents ground moisture intrusion; skirting
provides ventilation and protection; proper grading for drainage
• Utility Connections – Licensed electrician for electrical; approved piping for water; regulator for
gas systems; approved septic system
• Anchoring Systems – Typical spacing 6 feet; proper depth and tension required
• Flood Zones – FEMA requires elevation above base flood elevation
• Multi-Section Homes – Marriage line connection, crossover for HVAC/plumbing, sealing roof
ridge lines, hydraulic jacks for leveling
• Continuing Education – 5 hours annually for license renewal
• Penalties – Up to $10,000 per day for unlicensed operation
• Subcontractors – Must be licensed or covered under installer's bond; at least one certified
person on site
• Recordkeeping and Reporting – Weekly reports of completed installations to SFMO
250 Random Exam-Relevant Scenario Questions
, Page 2 of 100
1. A new installer has completed the 15-hour training course and now wants to take the licensing exam.
Who should the installer contact to schedule the exam?
A) Tennessee Department of Transportation
B) State Fire Marshal's Office directly
C) Morris & McDaniel
D) County Court Clerk
Answer: C
Rationale: The SFMO contracts with Morris & McDaniel to provide the examination; THA informs Morris
& McDaniel of eligibility after course completion.
2. A customer wants to hire an installer but is concerned about financial protection if the installation is
defective. What financial instrument is required by law to protect consumers?
A) General liability insurance policy
B) 10,000suretybondC)WorkerscompensationcertificateD)Performancebondof10,000suretybondC)Work
erscompensationcertificateD)Performancebondof25,000
Answer: B
Rationale: TCA §68-126-404 requires a $10,000 surety bond executed to the state in favor of any
consumer who suffers loss due to violation of the act.
3. During an installation, the manufacturer's instructions conflict with a state standard. Tennessee law
requires that the installer:
, Page 3 of 100
A) Always follow the manufacturer's instructions
B) Always follow the state standard
C) Follow the more stringent requirement
D) Request a variance from the local building official
Answer: C
Rationale: When state standards conflict with manufacturer's installation instructions, Tennessee law
requires adherence to the more stringent requirement.
4. The pier height needed for a site is 30 inches due to slope. What additional requirement applies?
A) No additional requirement; 30 inches is within limit
B) Bracing is required because height exceeds 24 inches
C) A concrete foundation is required instead
D) The home cannot be installed on this site
Answer: B
Rationale: Tennessee Rule 0780-02-05-03 limits pier height to 24 inches; heights above 36 inches
typically require bracing, and 30 inches exceeds the 24-inch standard.
5. An installer uses wood blocks as piers to support a single-section manufactured home. Is this
permitted?
A) Yes, wood is an acceptable material for piers
B) Yes, if treated wood is used
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C) No, wood block piers without anchoring are not permitted
D) Only if approved by the homeowner
Answer: C
Rationale: Wood block piers without proper anchoring are not acceptable as they lack required load-
bearing capacity and durability.
6. The HUD Data Plate for a manufactured home must be located:
A) Inside the kitchen cabinet
B) On the exterior wall near the front entrance
C) In the electrical panel compartment
D) Under the home near the main beam
Answer: C
Rationale: The HUD data plate must be affixed in a visible location, commonly within the electrical panel
or near the main service entrance.
7. Which Tennessee Code Annotated title contains the statutes governing manufactured home
installation?
A) Title 56, Chapter 89
B) Title 68, Chapter 126
C) Title 62, Chapter 114
D) Title 4, Chapter 5
Tennessee Manufactured Home Installer License
Exam, QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES JUST RELEASED
Summarized Exam Topic Coverage
• Licensing Requirements (TCA §68-126-404) – 15-hour approved course completion, passing
approved
examination, 10,000suretybond,annuallicensefee≤10,000suretybond,annuallicensefee≤125,
license expires 1 year from issuance, 5 hours continuing education for renewal
• Examination Administration – Exam provided by Morris & McDaniel, virtual format, eligibility
verified by THA after course completion
• Statutory Authority – TCA Title 68, Chapter 126 (Tennessee Manufactured Home Installation
Act); Commissioner of Commerce and Insurance has primary enforcement authority
• Regulatory Oversight – State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) Division of Fire Prevention; Rule
0780-02-05 for installation procedures
• Permitting Process – Permit decals obtained from County Court Clerk; placed in electrical panel
as proof of permit
• HUD Standards – 24 CFR Parts 3280 and 3285; HUD Code preempts conflicting local building
codes; Data Plate in electrical panel
• Site Preparation – Remove all organic matter (decomposition causes settlement); torque probe
testing for soil bearing capacity (minimum 1500 psf); proper grading for drainage
• Foundation Systems – Pier and beam most common; pier height max 24 inches (higher requires
bracing); footings below frost line; concrete block piers with approved shims (wood block piers
without anchoring prohibited)
• Installation Components – Piers transfer load to ground; blocking stabilizes and supports
structure; marriage line connection for multi-section homes; shimming for leveling
• Moisture Protection – Vapor barrier under home prevents ground moisture intrusion; skirting
provides ventilation and protection; proper grading for drainage
• Utility Connections – Licensed electrician for electrical; approved piping for water; regulator for
gas systems; approved septic system
• Anchoring Systems – Typical spacing 6 feet; proper depth and tension required
• Flood Zones – FEMA requires elevation above base flood elevation
• Multi-Section Homes – Marriage line connection, crossover for HVAC/plumbing, sealing roof
ridge lines, hydraulic jacks for leveling
• Continuing Education – 5 hours annually for license renewal
• Penalties – Up to $10,000 per day for unlicensed operation
• Subcontractors – Must be licensed or covered under installer's bond; at least one certified
person on site
• Recordkeeping and Reporting – Weekly reports of completed installations to SFMO
250 Random Exam-Relevant Scenario Questions
, Page 2 of 100
1. A new installer has completed the 15-hour training course and now wants to take the licensing exam.
Who should the installer contact to schedule the exam?
A) Tennessee Department of Transportation
B) State Fire Marshal's Office directly
C) Morris & McDaniel
D) County Court Clerk
Answer: C
Rationale: The SFMO contracts with Morris & McDaniel to provide the examination; THA informs Morris
& McDaniel of eligibility after course completion.
2. A customer wants to hire an installer but is concerned about financial protection if the installation is
defective. What financial instrument is required by law to protect consumers?
A) General liability insurance policy
B) 10,000suretybondC)WorkerscompensationcertificateD)Performancebondof10,000suretybondC)Work
erscompensationcertificateD)Performancebondof25,000
Answer: B
Rationale: TCA §68-126-404 requires a $10,000 surety bond executed to the state in favor of any
consumer who suffers loss due to violation of the act.
3. During an installation, the manufacturer's instructions conflict with a state standard. Tennessee law
requires that the installer:
, Page 3 of 100
A) Always follow the manufacturer's instructions
B) Always follow the state standard
C) Follow the more stringent requirement
D) Request a variance from the local building official
Answer: C
Rationale: When state standards conflict with manufacturer's installation instructions, Tennessee law
requires adherence to the more stringent requirement.
4. The pier height needed for a site is 30 inches due to slope. What additional requirement applies?
A) No additional requirement; 30 inches is within limit
B) Bracing is required because height exceeds 24 inches
C) A concrete foundation is required instead
D) The home cannot be installed on this site
Answer: B
Rationale: Tennessee Rule 0780-02-05-03 limits pier height to 24 inches; heights above 36 inches
typically require bracing, and 30 inches exceeds the 24-inch standard.
5. An installer uses wood blocks as piers to support a single-section manufactured home. Is this
permitted?
A) Yes, wood is an acceptable material for piers
B) Yes, if treated wood is used
, Page 4 of 100
C) No, wood block piers without anchoring are not permitted
D) Only if approved by the homeowner
Answer: C
Rationale: Wood block piers without proper anchoring are not acceptable as they lack required load-
bearing capacity and durability.
6. The HUD Data Plate for a manufactured home must be located:
A) Inside the kitchen cabinet
B) On the exterior wall near the front entrance
C) In the electrical panel compartment
D) Under the home near the main beam
Answer: C
Rationale: The HUD data plate must be affixed in a visible location, commonly within the electrical panel
or near the main service entrance.
7. Which Tennessee Code Annotated title contains the statutes governing manufactured home
installation?
A) Title 56, Chapter 89
B) Title 68, Chapter 126
C) Title 62, Chapter 114
D) Title 4, Chapter 5
