HVAC Technician License Requirements in Tennessee
| Licensing Authority | Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (BLC) |
| License Type | CMC-C (Mechanical - HVAC/Refrigeration) |
| Experience Required | 3 years of verifiable HVAC experience. 1 reference letter required. |
| Education Substitute | Engineering degree in mechanical field or HVAC trade school program may satisfy experience. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Business & Law + HVAC Trade Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 4-6 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $250 |
| Exam Fee | $114 |
| Est. Initial Total | $364 |
Renewal: $200 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Business & Law
HVAC Trade Exam
Exam provider: PSI
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling terms and code references on the go.See the flashcards →Set up the business before you apply in Tennessee
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Tennessee. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 9 states. View full reciprocity details — You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
Notes
- No limited license tier for HVAC (unlike electrician and plumber)
- Projects under $25,000 do not require state license
- EPA Section 608 certification also required for refrigerant handling (federal requirement)
You're licensed in Tennessee as an HVAC technician — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors issues the CMC-C (Mechanical - HVAC/Refrigeration); the business that invoices Tennessee customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Bond: none required by the state.
Tennessee does not require a surety bond for this license — May be required based on financial statement review.
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Tennessee requires general liability insurance for this license. GL required (scaled to license limit). Workers comp for 1+ construction employees. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck HVAC technician businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 2 years at $200.
Other licenses in Tennessee
- General Contractor license in Tennessee
Statewide license required · $364 in initial government fees · BLC
- Electrician license in Tennessee
Statewide license required · $107 in initial government fees · BLC/LLE
- Plumber license in Tennessee
Statewide license required · $132 in initial government fees · BLC/LLP
- Roofing Contractor license in Tennessee
Statewide license required · $307 in initial government fees · BLC
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an hvac technician license in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee requires a statewide hvac technician license through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
How much does an hvac technician license cost in Tennessee?
The estimated initial cost is $364, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for an hvac technician license in Tennessee?
3 years of verifiable HVAC experience. 1 reference letter required. Education substitute: Engineering degree in mechanical field or HVAC trade school program may satisfy experience.
What exams are required for an hvac technician license in Tennessee?
You must pass the Business & Law and HVAC Trade Exam exams. A passing score of 73% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Does Tennessee have hvac technician license reciprocity?
Yes, Tennessee has reciprocity agreements with 9 states that may apply to hvac technicians. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
How long does it take to get an hvac technician license in Tennessee?
Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for hvac technicians in Tennessee?
No, Tennessee does not currently require continuing education for hvac technician license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for hvac technicians in Tennessee— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: BLC