Tennessee HVAC License Requirements
Your complete guide to HVAC licensing in Tennessee, including who needs a license, what it costs, and how to apply.
Tennessee HVAC License Summary
- Last updated: July 30, 2026
- Written by: James R. Leichter
- Reviewed by: Aptora Staff
License Types in Tennessee
CMC: Mechanical Contractor
Covers comprehensive mechanical work including HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, gas piping, process piping, boilers, and fire sprinkler installations statewide.
CMC-C: Mechanical - HVAC/Refrigeration Contractor
Covers installing, maintaining, and servicing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, gas piping, and geothermal systems statewide.
Requirements Overview
Requirements may vary by license type
- Meet experience requirements
- Pass required trade exam
- Pass Business and Law exam
- Submit financial statement or bond
- Provide contractor reference
- Maintain liability insurance
- Carry workers’ compensation or exemption
- Submit application and fees
Cost & Timeline Overview
Cost and timeline may vary by license type
$450 - $950
Estimated Cost Estimated upfront licensing costs
4 - 8 weeks
Estimated Timeline Typical time to complete licensing
Every 2 Years
Renewal Cycle How often renewal is required
0 Hours
Continued Education Ongoing education to maintain licensure
Average Salary & Wages for HVAC Tech in Tennessee
Based on the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry reports.
$51,500
Avg. Annual Salary Average yearly earnings for an HVAC technician
$74,000+
Top Earners' Salary Potential earnings for the top 10% of HVAC techs in the field
1,000+
Job Openings / Year Current HVAC hiring demand based on active job listings
HVAC Technician Salary by Experience
Top HVAC Training Programs & Schools
Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Nashville
Nashville, TN
Chattanooga State Community College
Chattanooga, TN
Pellissippi State Community College
Knoxville, TN
Northeast State Community College
Blountville, TN
William R. Moore College of Technology
Memphis, TN
Fortis Institute
Nashville, TN
Remington College
Memphis, TN
Nashville State Community College
Nashville, TN
Volunteer State Community College
Gallatin, TN
Jackson State Community College
Jackson, TN
Reciprocity
Out-of-State Reciprocity
Tennessee may waive the trade exam for qualifying HVAC/mechanical licensees from AL, LA, MS, OH, SC, and WV; Business & Law still applies.
Local Permits & Rules
Cities and counties may have additional permit requirements.
Common Mistakes
- Submitting unreviewed financials for high monetary limits
- Failing to register with Secretary of State
- Overlooking local municipal license for small jobs
- Submitting personal financials instead of business financials
- Allowing general liability insurance coverage to lapse
Related Resources
- Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
- Tennessee Contractor License Application & Instructions
- Tennessee Contractor Board Forms and Downloads
- Tennessee Contractor Examination Information & Testing Portal
- Tennessee CORE Online Licensing Portal
- Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors - Reciprocity Information
