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
50 questions3 hoursPass: 73%
HVAC Trade Exam
100 questions5 hoursPass: 73%
HVAC systemsRefrigerationMechanical codeSafety
Exam provider: PSI
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 9 states. You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
alabamaTrade exam waiver for General, Electrical, Residential, HVAC. Must pass TN Business & Law exam.
arkansasTrade exam waiver for Commercial Building only. Must pass TN Business & Law exam.
georgiaTrade exam waiver for Commercial and Electrical. Must pass TN Business & Law exam.
louisianaTrade exam waiver. Must pass TN Business & Law exam.
mississippiTrade exam waiver. Must pass TN Business & Law exam.
north carolinaTrade exam waiver for Residential, Commercial, Electrical. Must pass TN Business & Law exam.
south carolinaTrade exam waiver for General. Must pass TN Business & Law exam.
virginiaTrade exam waiver. Must pass TN Business & Law exam.
west virginiaTrade exam waiver. Must pass TN Business & Law exam.
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)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a hvac technician license in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee requires a statewide hvac technician license through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
How much does a hvac technician license cost in Tennessee?
The estimated initial cost is $364, including application, exam, and license fees.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: BLC