Tennessee HVAC Contractor License Requirements: Complete 2026 Guide

Official-source review: August 24, 2026

Tennessee HVAC contractor license: Tennessee generally requires the state contractor license before bidding or contracting when the HVAC portion is $25,000 or more. Smaller projects remain subject to municipal or county licensing, mechanical permits and inspections. EPA Section 608 applies separately to regulated refrigerants.

What the Tennessee HVAC contractor license covers

Tennessee generally requires the state contractor license before bidding or contracting when the HVAC portion is $25,000 or more. Smaller projects remain subject to municipal or county licensing, mechanical permits and inspections. EPA Section 608 applies separately to regulated refrigerants.

• Heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration contracting within the CMC-C classification and local permit rules.
• Work only within the classification issued.
• Obtain every local permit and inspection.

Compare related occupations and states in the License Finder.

Tennessee HVAC contractor license requirements at a glance

Do not treat this table as an approval notice. The agency, certification organization or local jurisdiction makes the final eligibility decision and may request additional evidence.

How to complete the Tennessee HVAC contractor license process

1. Classify the work, project value and destination jurisdiction.
2. Complete the required training and experience.
3. Obtain approval and pass each required examination.
4. Submit the application, supporting records and current fee.
5. Complete insurance, business and local permit requirements.
6. Renew on time and retain compliance records.

Keep copies of every experience certificate, examination result, bond or insurance filing and payment receipt. Names and business entities should match across the application and supporting documents.

Important Tennessee rules and boundaries

• Individual and company credentials may be separate.
• State licensing does not replace local permits.
• Project value can change the required route.
• The responsible authority makes the final eligibility decision.

Tennessee may separate the credential held by a worker from the contractor license held by the business, while preserving local authority over permits and inspections. Confirm every applicable layer before bidding, advertising or beginning regulated work.

Tennessee HVAC contractor license cost and renewal

Budget separately for applications, examinations, training, insurance, business filings and local permits.

Renew each individual, company and specialty credential separately and confirm current fees before filing.

Government charges are only part of the expected cost. Training, examination preparation, fingerprints, surety premiums, insurance, equipment calibration and local permits can add to the total.

Tennessee HVAC contractor license checklist

• Confirm that this credential matches the exact work you will perform.
• Check whether the applicant is an individual, sole owner or separate business entity.
• Collect experience and training records before submitting the application.
• Use the current official form and fee schedule.
• Complete every required examination or approved certification route.
• File bonds, insurance and fingerprints when applicable.
• Check county, city, water supplier and building-permit rules.
• Save the expiration date and renewal requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Is this credential statewide?

The principal credential is statewide, but local licensing, permits and inspections may still apply.

Is an exam required?

Business and Law plus the applicable CMC-C trade examination, unless an approved trade-exam waiver applies.

When does it renew?

Renew the contractor license on the Board cycle and keep company records current.

Are local permits separate?

Yes.

Official sources used

• Contractor application
• Classification outline