Quick Reference Table
Item | Details |
|---|---|
License Type | CMC‑C (HVAC/Refrigeration/Gas Piping), CMC (Full Mechanical) |
Agency | Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (TBLC), Dept. of Commerce & Insurance |
Experience Required | Not specified (verify at official site) |
Exams | Business & Law (all); CMC‑C trade exam. Administered by Prov (as of July 2026) |
CE/Renewal | 8 hours CE biennially required for residential (BC‑A etc.); all: renew every 2 years |
Fees | $250 application; $50 pre‑approval (CMC/CMC‑A only); $38 (trade exam); $44 (Business & Law), $200 renewal (see Fees section for details and source dates) |
Official Links | Board homepage, Forms, Apply online (CORE), Renewal portal, License lookup |
Who Needs a License in Tennessee?
Any contractor performing HVAC work in Tennessee with a total project cost of $25,000 or more is required to hold a state-issued license from the TBLC. This threshold includes both labor and materials. Both prime and subcontractor HVAC work are included under these requirements.
For residential HVAC projects valued between $3,000 and $24,999, a Home Improvement license may be required in some counties, depending on local ordinance. Projects under $25,000 are not regulated at the state level, but city and county governments may require local HVAC, mechanical, or Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE) permits. It is important to contact your specific local code enforcement office or Fire Marshal to determine if any local licensing or inspection is required before bidding or beginning work.
Subcontractor HVAC work costing $25,000 or more must also be licensed at the state level; contractors must be listed on the outside of the bid envelope when working on projects that meet or exceed the monetary threshold. For smaller jobs, local requirements will apply. You should always verify with both state and local authorities to ensure you meet all HVAC license requirements in Tennessee prior to engaging in HVAC contracting.
HVAC License Types
There are two main mechanical contractor classifications for HVAC license requirements in Tennessee: CMC‑C and CMC. These are both regulated by the TBLC and described in Tennessee Code Annotated §62‑6‑112.
CMC‑C (HVAC/Refrigeration/Gas Piping)
The CMC‑C license covers work on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and gas piping. It is considered a specialty within the broader mechanical contracting classification. Contractors with this license may install, repair, replace, and service HVAC and refrigeration systems, and perform relevant gas piping work.
CMC (Full Mechanical)
The CMC license allows for work across all mechanical trades, including but not limited to HVAC, refrigeration, gas piping, plumbing, and fire sprinkler systems. A CMC license automatically includes the scopes of all mechanical specialties such as CMC‑A (plumbing), CMC‑C (HVAC/Refrigeration/Gas Piping), and CMC‑D (Fire Sprinkler) as stated in the Classification Outline and TCA §62‑6‑112.
Decide which license best fits your business by evaluating your project types and whether you need the full scope of mechanical contracting or only the HVAC/refrigeration/gas piping specialties.
How to Get Licensed: HVAC License Requirements in Tennessee
To meet HVAC license requirements in Tennessee, you must complete several specific steps with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. The steps below apply to both individuals and business entities.
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
Determine the appropriate license classification: CMC‑C for HVAC/Refrigeration/Gas Piping or CMC for full mechanical.
For CMC or CMC‑A classification, submit a Pre‑Approval Request Form along with a $50 fee (as of June 2026; official Board site).
Prepare a financial statement. If requesting a monetary limit of $3 million or less, a reviewed financial statement is required. For limits above $3 million, an audited statement is required (How to Apply article).
Obtain a Letter of Reference from a prior client, employer, or code official (not a family member). Complete the Contractor’s Affidavit form (Forms & Downloads).
Gather required business documents: corporation charter, LLC articles, and proof of active registration with the Tennessee Secretary of State, if applicable.
Apply online using the CORE portal, providing all documentation, exam scores, certificate of insurance, and the $250 application fee (as of June 2026; How to Apply article).
Schedule and take the Business & Law and (if applicable) the CMC‑C trade exams with Prov (starting July 1, 2026). Ensure you receive passing scores.
Attend a board interview if scheduled (interviews are common if complaints or disciplinary history exist on your record).
Wait for the Board's decision. Processing typically takes 30 days for a complete application. Board meets six times annually. You may track your license status at verify.tn.gov.
Upon approval, your HVAC contractor license will be mailed. You are then legally allowed to begin bidding and performing HVAC work in Tennessee at or above the $25,000 project threshold. The license is valid for 2 years.
Application Tips
It is important to follow the steps in order. Submitting incomplete or inaccurate documentation will delay approval or result in license denial.
Application Requirements
The HVAC license requirements in Tennessee depend on a series of application materials. These are described in detail below, broken into key categories.
Experience and Reference
Although no explicit duration or age minimum is listed in the board’s official materials, you must provide a satisfactory reference verifying relevant construction or HVAC experience. This reference must come from a client, employer, or local code official, but not from a family member. The TBLC may require a board interview, especially if there are complaints or criminal convictions associated with the applicant’s record.
Financial Statement
A reviewed financial statement is required if your monetary limit is $3 million or less, while an audited statement is needed if you request a higher limit. The statement may be prepared by a CPA and is intended to verify your ability to perform larger projects.
Bond or Guaranty
You must submit a bond or a Guaranty Agreement formatted according to the Board’s requirements. Bonds must be for either $500,000 (set monetary limit) or $1,000,000 (unlimited). The bonding company must execute the bond using the Board’s form. Guaranty Agreements are also acceptable as an alternative but must strictly follow the forms provided on the Board’s website.
Insurance
Proof of general liability insurance is always required, with policy limits scaled to your monetary limit. If you have employees, you must show evidence of workers’ compensation insurance or provide a valid exemption.
Business Entity Documents
If applying as a corporation or LLC, you need to supply your charter or articles of organization and proof of active registration with the Tennessee Secretary of State. Sole proprietors do not need business entity documents but must still follow all other application steps.
Background Check and EPA Certification
There is no background check or EPA certification requirement specified in official sources for the HVAC contractor license. The board, however, will review any complaints or convictions found during the application process and may request an interview.
Always ensure all your paperwork is complete and in the formats provided at the official TBLC forms page before submitting your HVAC license application.
Exams
To meet HVAC license requirements in Tennessee, most applicants must pass two separate open-book exams: the Tennessee Contractor Business & Law exam and the mechanical trade (HVAC) exam (for CMC‑C only). The information below is based on current and upcoming processes.
Exam Types and Providers
The Business & Law exam is required for all contractor classifications. The CMC‑C mechanical trade exam is specific to HVAC, refrigeration, and gas piping specialties. Exams are administered by Prov as of July 1, 2026, completing the transition from previous provider PSI. The Candidate Information Bulletin and reference materials (including allowed books and sample questions) will be available through Prov's website once the handoff is complete.
Exam Registration and Costs
Business & Law Exam: $44 (as of September 2025; verify at the Fee Schedule).
CMC‑C Mechanical Trade Exam: $38 (as of September 2025; verify at the Fee Schedule).
Schedule both exams with Prov (post July 1, 2026); instructions are provided on the TBLC website.
Format, Passing Score, and Validity
Both exams are open book. Applicants can use approved materials from the candidate bulletin. Your passing score is valid for two years from the test date. Exam details, including format, length, and passing scores, are updated in the Candidate Information Bulletin available from Prov (verify at the official board website).
Reciprocity and Waivers
Applicants already licensed in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, or West Virginia may be eligible for a trade exam waiver. You may also waive the HVAC (CMC‑C) trade exam if you have passed the NASCLA National Commercial exam. All reciprocity-based waivers require submitting an official License Verification form from the home state's licensing board.
For further details on exam dates, registration, and candidate bulletins, refer to the board's exam resource page.
Fees
The HVAC license requirements in Tennessee establish several state-mandated fees. All amounts below are sourced directly from the official fee schedule and instructions as of June 2026.
Fee Type | Amount (as of date) | Source |
|---|---|---|
Pre‑Approval Request (CMC‑C/CMC/CMC‑A) | $50 | |
Initial Application/License Fee | $250 (nonrefundable) | Application Instructions |
Trade Exam Fee (CMC‑C portion) | $38 | Fee Schedule |
Business & Law Exam Fee | $44 | Fee Schedule |
Renewal Fee (every 2 years) | $200 | Fee Schedule |
Late Renewal Penalty | $20/month up to 12 months | Fee Schedule |
Reinstatement Fee (expired >12 months) | $250 | |
Bond (set limit/ unlimited) | $500,000 or $1,000,000 | |
Duplicate Certificate | $25 | Justia Reg. |
Interview No‑Show | $25 | Justia Reg. |
Transfer Mode/Type | $100 | Fee Schedule |
Retirement | $25 per year (max 7); $200 every 7 years thereafter | Fee Schedule |
Always check the current official fee schedule before submitting any payment, as amounts may change.
Renewal and Continuing Education
All licenses issued under HVAC license requirements in Tennessee are valid for 2 years. Contractors are responsible for renewing in advance; a late renewal fee of $20/month applies for up to 12 months.
Renewal Procedures and Documents
Approximately 90 days before expiration, renewal notices are mailed to the primary address on file. You should submit your renewal at least 30 days before the expiration date to avoid lapses. Renewal requirements include:
Updated financial statement (self-prepared/compiled for limits ≤ $1.5M; reviewed for > $1.5M).
Proof of general liability insurance and workers’ compensation or exemption certificate.
Confirmation of business entity’s active registration if applicable.
Completion of all renewal questions and supporting documentation.
You can renew online at the Tennessee contractor renewal portal. If a license expires for more than 12 months, you must reapply through the reinstatement process, pay a $250 fee, and retake the Business & Law exam. The HVAC trade exam may be waived with proof of experience (verify at the official board site).
Continuing Education
Contractors holding residential construction classifications (BC‑A, etc.) are required to complete 8 hours of continuing education every 2 years through a board-approved provider, as mandated under TCA §62‑6‑112. Verify if CE is required according to your specific license type.
Retirement Status
You can request to put your license in retirement status by paying $25 per year (max 7 years), with a $200 reset fee after the seventh year. While retired, you cannot contract work but avoid late fees and keep your license in good standing.
All current license holders may check their status or renewal deadlines at verify.tn.gov.
Reciprocity
HVAC license requirements in Tennessee recognize reciprocal agreements for the trade exam with several other states. If you are licensed in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, or West Virginia, you can seek a waiver of the CMC‑C trade exam by providing a completed License Verification form from your home state's licensing agency. Applicants who have passed the NASCLA National Commercial exam are also eligible for a waiver.
However, you are still required to meet all other application steps (fees, financials, insurance, Business & Law exam). Possessing a valid license in another state does not grant the right to perform HVAC contracting in Tennessee until you are fully licensed by the TBLC.
Official Links
Forms & Downloads
Apply online (CORE)
Renew License
Official Fee Schedule
