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How to get an HVAC license in Tennessee

Edited by John Voll. Last verified .

Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors licenses HVAC contractors in Tennessee. A state contractor license is required for HVAC work of $25,000 or more per project, including materials, equipment and labor.

Who licenses HVAC work in Tennessee

CredentialState license
BoardTennessee Board for Licensing Contractors official statement
Official lookupSearch HVAC licenses
When a license is neededA state contractor license is required for HVAC work of $25,000 or more per project, including materials, equipment and labor. source
License typesCmc-C (HVAC), CMC (Full Mechanical)

How to get licensed

  1. Apply to Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors as a CMC-C (HVAC) or CMC (Full Mechanical).
  2. Business and Law exam plus the CMC-C HVAC trade exam. source
  3. The Board considers whether the applicant has adequate experience in the classifications requested. source
  4. Post a optional surety bond of at least 50% of the requested monetary limit, accepted since July 1, 2026 as an alternative to a CPA-reviewed or audited financial statement. source
  5. Carry general liability insurance of at least $100,000 for a monetary limit up to $500,000 ($500,000 coverage for limits of $500,001 to $1,500,000 and $1,000,000 above that), plus workers compensation unless exempt. source
  6. Pay the initial contractor license application fee: $250. source
  7. Contractor license renews every two years (the board site describes a bi-annual renewal and says indemnities expire at renewal, not to exceed two years; the statute itself was not read). source

HVAC requirements in Tennessee

HVAC: exam, experience, bond, insurance, renewal and feesSources checked October 6, 2026
ExamBusiness and Law exam plus the CMC-C HVAC trade exam. source
ExperienceThe Board considers whether the applicant has adequate experience in the classifications requested. source
BondOptional surety bond of at least 50% of the requested monetary limit, accepted since July 1, 2026 as an alternative to a CPA-reviewed or audited financial statement. source
InsuranceGeneral liability insurance of at least $100,000 for a monetary limit up to $500,000 ($500,000 coverage for limits of $500,001 to $1,500,000 and $1,000,000 above that), plus workers compensation unless exempt. source
Renewal2 years (Contractor license renews every two years (the board site describes a bi-annual renewal and says indemnities expire at renewal, not to exceed two years; the statute itself was not read)). source
ReciprocityNo license reciprocity: an out-of-state license cannot be used in Tennessee, but a trade exam waiver is available for HVAC or mechanical licenses held in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina (commercial) or West Virginia. source
Fees
  • $250 (Initial contractor license application fee). source
  • $200 (Contractor license renewal fee). source
  • $53 (Exam fee paid to Prov, per exam (Business and Law and any trade exam are separate exams)). source
  • $20 (Late renewal penalty per month, up to 12 month). source

Hiring an HVAC contractor?

See every official lookup in Tennessee, which board covers which trade, and what to check before you hire.

How to verify a contractor license in Tennessee

Questions

Do you need an HVAC license in Tennessee?
Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors licenses HVAC contractors in Tennessee. A state contractor license is required for HVAC work of $25,000 or more per project, including materials, equipment and labor.
How do I check an HVAC license in Tennessee?
The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors keeps the record for HVAC contractors in Tennessee. Use the official lookup on this page, and treat the board's own record as final.
How much does an HVAC license cost in Tennessee?
$250 (Initial contractor license application fee). $200 (Contractor license renewal fee). $53 (Exam fee paid to Prov, per exam (Business and Law and any trade exam are separate exams)). $20 (Late renewal penalty per month, up to 12 month).
How much experience do you need for an HVAC license in Tennessee?
The Board considers whether the applicant has adequate experience in the classifications requested.
How often does an HVAC license renew in Tennessee?
Contractor license renews every two years (the board site describes a bi-annual renewal and says indemnities expire at renewal, not to exceed two years; the statute itself was not read).

Other trades in Tennessee

HVAC license in other states

Sources

This is not a government site. The licensing board's own record governs; always confirm on the official lookup. Information as of October 6, 2026.