Licensing Guides
Tennessee HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in Tennessee
HVAC, TNTable of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Tennessee?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Tennessee
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Tennessee?
Learning a trade requires hard work and determination. You can’t rush the process, but the time you put into learning how to become an HVACR technician or contractor can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. There are 425,200 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Tennessee employs 10,510 of them.
Employment is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034 throughout the country, adding more than 40,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. In Tennessee, that growth rate is projected at 10%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
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Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Tennessee in July 2025 totaled 162,000, a decrease of 2,500 (-1.5%) from July 2024 and an increase of 29,800 or 23% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from.
A large part of what HVAC contractors and technicians do is replace and repair existing HVAC systems and HVAC equipment. As more emphasis is placed on energy efficiency and reducing pollution, systems need to be retrofitted, upgraded or replaced entirely to comply with these new standards. Licensing requirements for HVAC contractors vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Tennessee licenses HVAC contractors at the state level, and some municipalities offer local licensing for journeyman and master HVAC technicians.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Tennessee
Is a license required to perform HVAC work in the state of Tennessee? Yes.
A Tennessee contractor license is required before bidding or offering a price for projects $25,000 and up (including materials and labor) as a prime (general) contractor. Subcontractors performing electrical, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, and masonry are also required to be licensed as a contractor, when the total portion of the project is $25,000 or more, or $100,000 or more for masonry.
These HVAC contractor licenses are issued by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
Municipalities can also have their own contractor license, but those who have a Certified Mechanical Contractor (CMC) license through the state are not required to test with the local government.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Tennessee
What are the different types of HVAC licenses in Tennessee? There are two statewide license classifications for HVAC Contractors in Tennessee.
CMC — Full Mechanical Contractor: This license requires education and training in HVAC and plumbing, and you must be pre-approved by the Board before you can take the examination.
CMC-C — Mechanical – HVAC/Refrigeration Contractor: Does not require pre-approval for testing. However, some municipalities will require that you also be an LLE (Limited Licensed Electrician) from the state level for the wiring aspects of the HVAC work if you have a CMC-C rather than a Full Mechanical Contractor license, even if the project is less than $25,000. Also, solar thermal or geothermal installers related to heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) are required to have the CMC-C license.
The requirements are roughly the same for CMC — Full Mechanical Contractor and CMC-C — Mechanical – HVAC/Refrigeration Contractor, though the contents of the trade exam vary:
Must have three years of verifiable experience or an engineering degree in the mechanical field.
Take and pass Business and Law and Trade exams.
Submit a reviewed (required for a monetary limit of $3,000,000 or less) or audited (required for a monetary limit exceeding $3,000,000) financial statement.
Bond or guaranty agreement is required if the financial report shows deficiencies.
Letter of reference is required.
Obtain general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
Submit application and pay fee.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Tennessee
You must be at least 18 years of age.
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Gain work experience and get classroom instruction either through an apprenticeship or technical college program.
Once you’ve gained enough knowledge/experience through apprenticeship or employment after college/vocational school, you’ll need to take the locally mandated exam and apply for your journeyman license in the jurisdiction where you intend to work.
If you want to bid on projects of greater than $25,000, you’ll need to take the statewide trade exam and Business and Law exam and apply for your Contractor license. Remember, for a CMC-C License, you do not need to be pre-approved to take the test, but for the full CMC, you must be pre-approved to take the trade exam.
After receiving a passing grade on the exam, you will need to complete the Contractor’s License Application Package, which requires a financial statement either reviewed or audited by a certified public accountant and proof of general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Tennessee
There are many benefits to getting your Tennessee HVACR/Mechanical license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in Tennessee to be licensed through the state and/or locally to perform heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work at every level, beginning as an apprentice.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed HVAC contractors can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Wage for an HVAC Technician in Tennessee?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Tennessee is $55,130, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase as you acquire more experience. An HVAC technician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median HVAC technician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.44% for entry-level workers, 3.46% for intermediate level, 3.62% for senior level HVAC professionals, and 3.53% for supervisors. In Tennessee, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $51,700
Intermediate (2-4 years): $62,800
Senior (4-7 years): $73,700
Supervisor (>7 years): $86,700
The meaning of a “mean” and “median salary” can be confusing. Here is the difference:
Mean tells you the mathematical average.
Median salary tells you the point at which 50% of workers make less and 50% make more, and is usually a better indicator of what most people actually earn.
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an HVAC business, this blog can give you an idea of what you can expect to make and what factors will influence that number.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an HVAC technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one HVAC software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an HVAC License in Tennessee?
If you choose to start with some sort of technical or vocational school education, you can expect to pay $4,000 to $5,500 per year for in-state tuition. Apprentice programs have different tuition costs associated with them. All have some fees for books and tools, but much of the cost is absorbed by your employer or the union.
Licensing application fees and exams at the local level vary. The statewide business and law exam costs $53, and the statewide trade exam costs $106. To earn a full Mechanical Contractor (CMC) license or a CMC-C — Mechanical – HVAC/Refrigeration Contractor license, the application fee is $250.
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How to Get an HVAC License in Tennessee
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your skills and experience in HVAC develop. In Tennessee, the process for becoming an HVAC/Mechanical professional varies depending on the license type. But in general, the licensing process includes:
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: Before you can apply for a local or state license, you must gain the necessary years of experience and classroom instruction. The requirements vary in cities and counties throughout the state. For specific details, contact your local licensing board.
In many cases, you need a minimum of 8,000 hours (or four years) of work experience to be eligible to apply for your local journeyman HVAC license and anywhere from 576 to 900 hours of classroom-based instruction. This can be done through completing a degree at a technical college and then working for a licensed contractor or HVAC business or through a registered apprenticeship.
APPLY TO TAKE EXAMINATION: Once you’ve fulfilled the work experience requirements, you may apply to take the local licensing exam. After successfully passing the exam and providing any other documentation the local jurisdiction prescribes, you will be issued a journeyman or master license as appropriate.
Chattanooga, Tennessee, for example, has a Board of Mechanical Examiners to oversee the examination and licensing of master and journeyman mechanical contractors. You also must register first as a helper so the board can document your hours to be applied toward the three years of experience required for the journeyman license. Then you’ll need to work for another three years with that license and pass an exam before qualifying for master mechanical contractor.
Memphis/Shelby County, Tennessee, issues both First-Class Mechanical Contractor or Third-class Mechanical Contractor licenses through the Shelby County Mechanical-Gas Code Board.
Shelby County requires both First- or Third-Class Mechanical Contractors to be at least 21 years old and have four years of experience for First-Class or two years of experience for Third-Class. The exam fee for either is $150, and the Board specifies that projects must be valued at less than $25,000 coinciding with state law.
STATE CONTRACTOR LICENSE: If you choose to work on projects valuing $25,000 or more, you will need your Tennessee Contractor’s license. Also, in certain municipalities, even on jobs valued at less than $25,000, HVAC contractors may be required to be licensed at the state level. That license would be for Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE).
To obtain an HVAC contractor license, you must pass a business and law exam and a trade exam and submit the appropriate application and supporting documentation, which includes financial statements either reviewed or audited by a Certified Public Accountant and proof of workers’ compensation and general liability insurance.
All state contractors' licenses are issued with a classification, such as CMC for Full Mechanical Contractor and a monetary limit. The monetary limit is an amount approved for contracting/bidding, and this is based upon your financial statement prepared by a CPA, and experience. A “reviewed” financial statement is required to obtain a monetary limit of $3,000,000 or less; an “audit” is required to obtain a monetary limit more than $3,000,001 to Unlimited. Financial statements must be prepared by a properly licensed CPA. A contractor’s license is issued in the exact name as on the Financial Statement.
The fee to obtain an HVAC contractor license is $250, and licenses must be renewed every two years. The renewal fee is $200. Applicants who wish to establish a corporation, LLC, or Partnership must register with the Tennessee Secretary of State’s Office.
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Tennessee?
It will typically take three to five years to complete an apprenticeship or alternate training program to qualify to apply for local licensing in Tennessee. You need at least three years of documented experience to be eligible to test for either of the Tennessee HVAC contractor licenses and sufficient time to prepare to successfully pass the statewide law and business and trade exams and meet the other rigorous financial and insurance mandates.
Tennessee HVAC Training Programs and Schools
Because HVAC technology is becoming more and more complex, getting some kind of formal training can not only be very helpful but necessary. There are many programs to get the training you need to become an HVAC professional in Tennessee, and they are located all over the state. A certificate program can take a matter of months, or you can get a two-year degree at a technical or community college.
There are currently two main organizations that approve HVAC programs and schools nationwide: HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA).
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology, which has multiple locations across the state, is accredited by HVAC Excellence. There are no PAHRA-accredited schools in the state.
Niche provides a list of the best trade schools with HVAC and refrigeration engineering technician degrees in Tennessee.
Tuition: According to Community College Review, the average tuition at Tennessee community colleges is approximately $5,176 per year for in-state students and $15,746 for out-of-state students.
Apprenticeship: Many local jurisdictions require at least three years of experience to be eligible for a license. Apprentice positions are listed on job sites like Indeed, and offered through unions like UA Local 572 in Nashville, UA Local 43 in Chattanooga, and UA Local 614 in Memphis.
Non-union-based apprenticeship programs are offered by the Tennessee Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors, with a school in Knoxville, and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Greater Tennessee.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have some mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about HVAC school options in Tennessee, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Tennessee.
Tennessee HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
The state has contracted with PSI Testing services for all Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractor exams. The Tennessee Contractors Candidate Information Bulletin describes the exam and the process.
All exams are open book, using the reference materials listed in the Candidate Bulletin. Only those items listed may be used, and there are specific rules about how you can mark them using permanent tabs, highlighters, and pen only—not pencil. You must receive a passing score of 73% or higher. Be sure to read all the information carefully and follow it closely.
Exams are administered in PSI examination centers in Chattanooga, Jackson, Johnson City, Knoxville, Memphis, and Nashville.
All questions and requests for information pertaining to the examination should be directed to PSI.
PSI 3210 E Tropicana Las Vegas, NV 89121 855-746-8173 www.psiexams.com
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Tennessee?
The Business and Law Management exam has 50 questions and a time limit of 140 minutes. It covers:
Licensing requirements
Estimating and bidding
Business organization and financial management
Tax laws
Labor laws
Project management and lien law
Contracts
Risk management
Environmental and safety
The CMC exam requires pre-approval from the Licensing Board. It consists of 120 questions, and you are allowed a maximum of 325 minutes. It covers:
Electrical knowledge, motors, and controls
Piping - refrigeration, hydronic, steam, and process
Heating and cooling principles and theory
Heating and cooling equipment and components
Refrigerants and refrigeration
Fuel and LP gas
Combustion air, chimneys, flues, and vents
Ducts, ventilation, and exhaust
Plumbing
Load calculation
Safety, fire, and smoke protection
Fire sprinkler
The CMC-C exam consists of 100 questions and has a 260-minute time limit. Question topics include:
Electrical knowledge
Motors, and controls
Piping - refrigeration, hydronic, steam, and process
Heating and cooling principles and theory
Heating and cooling equipment and components
Refrigerants and refrigeration
Fuel and LP gas
Combustion air
Chimneys, flues, and vents
Ducts, ventilation, and exhaust
Load calculation
Safety, fire, and smoke protection
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Tennessee?
HVAC licenses are issued by cities and counties throughout Tennessee. Statewide contractor licenses are issued by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
Does My Tennessee HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
While Tennessee doesn’t have direct reciprocity agreements with other states, there are trade exam waiver agreements, which simplify the path to licensure in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, and West Virginia.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Tennessee?
Tennessee has trade exam waiver agreements with several other states, but still requires out-of-state contractors to take the Business and Law exam before practicing in Tennessee. The process to obtain a Tennessee license without retaking the trade exam can be found here.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Tennessee, federal-level EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act require that technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere must be certified. EPA Section 608 HVAC Certification is required for any professional who conducts refrigerant line-pressure tests or handles or adds refrigerant to existing air conditioning systems.
Most training programs can direct you to how and where to get that certification, or your employer will require you to get it before handling refrigerant. You can also go to EPA.gov and key in 608 Certification in the search bar to find out which institutions in your state offer certification programs. All apprenticeships will include this preparation and testing.
Take Certification Exam: You must acquire your EPA Certification from an approved organization. A list of these organizations can be found on the EPA’s website. There are four types of EPA Certifications for Refrigerants. They allow for different levels of certification for different scopes of work.
Type I – for servicing small appliances containing five pounds of refrigerant or less.
Type II – for servicing high-pressure units that contain five pounds or more of refrigerant (including most small commercial and residential systems).
Type III – for servicing or disposing of low-pressure appliances.
Universal – for servicing all systems and appliances covered under Types I, II, and III. Generally more useful than targeting any one specific certification.
Core Exam
For all certifications, you must pass the “Core Section” of the EPA certification exam. It covers the following topics:
Ozone depletion
Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocol
Section 608 regulations
Substitute refrigerants and oils
Refrigeration
The Three R’s (Recover, Recycle, Reclaim)
Recovery techniques
Dehydration evacuation
Safety
Shipping
National HVAC Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. North American Technical Excellence (NATE) certification, ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers) certification, and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Other Requirements Unique to Tennessee
To keep your state-issued contractor license current, Tennessee requires you to renew it every two years. The renewal fee is $200.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Tennessee?
Yes, there are HVACR scholarships in Tennessee. The Tennessee Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors offers scholarships for HVAC education to family members of Tennessee PHCC members. The Dozier Family HVAC Scholarship is awarded to students at TCAT-Newbern, named in honor of Tommy Parnell.
In addition to this scholarship, HVAC students in Tennessee can explore financial aid opportunities by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submitting the FAFSA gives you access to federal grants like the Pell Grant, subsidized student loans, and work-study programs—all of which can help cover tuition, tools, and other training costs. Many Tennessee community colleges and trade programs also use FAFSA data to award institutional aid or state-based grants.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in Tennessee?
Local licensing must be verified with each overseeing jurisdiction. For state licenses, the state offers a verification tool, which allows users to search by company name, individual name, license number, and license type.
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Tennessee?
A suspended HVACR/Mechanical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Tennessee HVACR/Mechanical licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Criminal convictions
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing HVACR professionals
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Tennessee HVAC license regulations, you can refer to Tennessee Code.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Tennessee?
Performing unlicensed HVAC work in Tennessee is a misdemeanor. The Board may impose a penalty of up to $5,000 per violation. In addition, unlicensed contractors face legal liability in civil lawsuits for damages or breach of contract, and in some cases, possible criminal charges.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Tennessee HVAC license regulations, you can refer to Tennessee Code.
Continuing Education
There is no continuing education requirement for licensed HVAC contractors in Tennessee at this time.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all HVAC industry news several ways:
Check top HVAC blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top HVAC podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive HVAC business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
