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How to get an HVAC license in Tennessee

Hours, exam, fees and renewal for HVAC work in Tennessee. Taken from official TN pages and checked .

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (Department of Commerce and Insurance)
  • State journeyman license: No (Tennessee does not issue a statewide HVAC technician card. The Board licenses the contracting entity (CMC-C HVAC or full CMC). Wage techs work under that licensed contractor.)
  • Contractor — HVAC (CMC-C): Required when the HVAC portion is $25,000 or more (materials, equipment, and labor) as prime or sub. Qualifying Agent takes Business & Law plus the HVAC trade exam (or a trade-exam waiver from a reciprocating state). Attach a reviewed/audited financial statement (or, starting July 1, 2026, a Board surety-bond option), reference letter, GL + workers’ comp (or exemption), and notarized Contractor’s Affidavit. Monetary limit is based on working capital / net worth.
  • Exam: open book, via Prov (new schedules July 1, 2026) / PSI for already-booked seats
  • Code edition: Tennessee Business & Law exam plus HVAC (CMC-C) trade exam. Open-book. Prov administers new scheduling beginning July 1, 2026 (PSI finishes already-booked seats). Exams typically good for two years with the Board.

Requirements by license

Contractor — HVAC (CMC-C)

ExperienceRequired when the HVAC portion is $25,000 or more (materials, equipment, and labor) as prime or sub. Qualifying Agent takes Business & Law plus the HVAC trade exam (or a trade-exam waiver from a reciprocating state). Attach a reviewed/audited financial statement (or, starting July 1, 2026, a Board surety-bond option), reference letter, GL + workers’ comp (or exemption), and notarized Contractor’s Affidavit. Monetary limit is based on working capital / net worth.Source: tn.gov · as of
ExamProv (new schedules July 1, 2026) / PSI for already-booked seats. Open book. Business & Law + CMC-C HVAC trade. Full CMC (plumbing+HVAC) and CMC-A plumbing need Board pre-approval ($50 request). Up to two people may test for the company.Source: tn.gov · as of
Fees
  • Initial / reinstatement / ownership change: $250
  • Renewal: $200
  • Late renewal penalty (per month, up to 12 months): $20
Source: tn.gov · as of
RenewalEvery 2 years. Renew through CORE for $200. Late adds $20 per month for up to 12 months; after 12 months expired you reapply as new/reinstatement.Source: tn.gov · as of · Grace/late detail also summarized on the Board renewal resources page.
CE to renewBoard CE hour rules are tied mainly to certain residential building classifications on renewal materials — CMC-C HVAC is not listed with a statewide CE hour count on the fees/contractor pages we checked. Confirm on your CORE renewal checklist.Not confirmedSource: tn.gov · as of

License types in Tennessee

  • No statewide HVAC technician license
  • Contractor — HVAC (CMC-C)
  • Contractor — Full Mechanical plumbing & HVAC (CMC, Board pre-approval)
  • Home Improvement (selected counties, remodeling $3,000–$25,000)
  • Local HVAC rules for jobs under $25,000
Source: tn.gov · as of

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

No operating on another state’s card alone. Trade-exam waivers exist with AL, AR (building only), LA, MS, NC (building/electrical), OH (electrical/plumbing/HVAC), SC (commercial building/electrical/HVAC/plumbing), WV, plus NASCLA National Commercial. You still apply in Tennessee and take Business & Law unless waived under Board rules.Source: tn.gov · as of

What we couldn't confirm yet

We only publish what we can tie to an official source. These items aren't published anywhere we could verify, so ask the office listed:

FAQ

Does Tennessee license HVAC techs statewide?

No technician card. For HVAC work $25,000+, get a Board contractor license with CMC-C (HVAC) or full CMC.

Exams?

Business & Law plus the HVAC trade exam (open-book). Prov schedules new seats starting July 1, 2026.

Already licensed? See Tennessee HVAC license renewal & CE.

Other states

Compare every state side by side: license requirements by state · renewal & CE by state.