HVAC License in Tennessee: Fees, Requirements & Startup Costs
Quick answer: The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors issues the entity contractor license with CMC-C classification required for HVAC contracts of $25,000 or more. Smaller HVAC work is generally regulated locally, where a mechanical HVAC or journeyman license may be required. The initial contractor application is $250, and the CMC-C and Business and Law exams cost $53 each per attempt. Local fees vary.
Decide whether the business needs CMC-C
A Tennessee business taking an HVAC contract of $25,000 or more needs the state contractor license classified CMC-C for HVAC and refrigeration work. The license belongs to the entity. An owner, officer, or full-time employee serves as qualifying agent and takes the required exams for the company. The official guidance identifies no separate statewide individual HVAC contractor license or fee for this designation. Match the requested classification and monetary limit to the contracts the company plans to accept.
Most HVAC projects below $25,000 fall under local licensing. A city or county may issue a mechanical HVAC or journeyman credential and set its own charge. The state’s small-project guidance points owners to local governments. A local credential for small work does not replace CMC-C on a larger state-regulated contract.
Licensing in Tennessee
Jurisdiction: state
Authority: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
A Tennessee contractor license with CMC-C HVAC classification is required for projects of $25,000 or more. Most smaller HVAC projects are locally regulated; the state says local governments issue mechanical HVAC or journeyman licenses.
Contractor license — CMC-C (HVAC/Refrigeration)
BUSINESS Entity license for HVAC contracts of $25,000 or more; qualifying agent takes Business and Law and CMC-C trade exams.
| Fee | Amount | Period (years) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial contractor license | $250 OFFICIAL FEE Source — www.tn.gov | 2 |
| Contractor license renewal | $200 OFFICIAL FEE Source — www.tn.gov | 2 |
| Prov CMC-C trade exam, per attempt | $53 VERIFIED DATA Source — www.tn.gov | — |
| Prov Tennessee Business and Law exam, per attempt | $53 VERIFIED DATA Source — www.tn.gov | — |
Qualifying Agent (CMC-C)
INDIVIDUAL Owner, full-time employee, or officer taking required exams on behalf of contractor entity; no separate statewide individual HVAC license identified.
Local mechanical/HVAC or journeyman license (where required)
INDIVIDUAL For most projects under $25,000, local city/county requirements govern; exact license and fee depend on jurisdiction.
Exam: Provider: Prov · Fee: 53 · Source
Experience: Contractor applicants must document construction experience and provide a reference; the Board assesses experience for the requested classification and monetary limit.
Bond: Applies To: Optional contractor surety bond in lieu of reviewed/audited financial statement: at least 50% of requested monetary limit; no fixed mandatory bond. · Source
Insurance: Requirement: Contractor general liability coverage based on monetary limit; workers' compensation coverage or proof of exemption. · Source
Renewal and CE: Renewal period: 2 years · Continuing education: 0 hours · Source
Local note: State customer service says most sub-$25,000 HVAC jobs are local and local governments issue mechanical HVAC or journeyman licenses. State LLE may be required for HVAC electrical permits in state-inspected municipalities. Check each city/county.
Data notes
Prov charges $53 for each exam. Local HVAC licensing fees and renewal periods vary by locality.
Verified: 2026-09-24
Document experience and take both exams
The CMC-C qualifying agent takes a CMC-C trade exam and the Tennessee Business and Law exam. The Board exam page names Prov as the exam vendor; Prov’s candidate bulletin listed $53 for each exam attempt. Budget for both exams separately and for another charge if an attempt must be repeated. The Board application does not confirm a fixed CMC-C experience duration or mandatory classroom education.
The contractor applicant must document construction experience and submit a reference. The Board evaluates that history for the requested classification and monetary limit. Assemble work records describing the proposed HVAC services, rather than assuming a single experience measure covers every requested limit. The contractor affidavit asks about convictions and complaints, and a disclosed conviction may prompt a Board interview. Review the current application instructions while preparing the entity filing.
Budget for financial proof and coverage
General liability coverage is tied to the monetary limit on the contractor license. The applicant also needs workers’ compensation coverage or proof of exemption. Obtain an insurance quote for the intended limit before treating the application and examination fees as the whole authorization budget. The Board describes a surety bond alternative to a reviewed or audited financial statement. If selected, the bond must be at least 50% of the requested monetary limit. The official guidance does not identify a fixed bond mandatory for all CMC-C applicants.
The state contractor credential renews every two years. The Board fee schedule lists $200 for renewal. No continuing education hours were identified for this path on the official pages. Local mechanical or journeyman licenses may have different renewal rules because their requirements depend on the issuing locality. Track those separately from the state contractor credential.
Check both mechanical and electrical permits locally
Before offering a smaller HVAC job, ask the city or county about the required mechanical license, permit, and inspection process. The state record also notes that an LLE may be required for HVAC electrical permits in state-inspected municipalities. Confirm that rule with the office handling the job; the HVAC service description does not settle electrical authority. The official guidance leaves local license fees and renewal periods unspecified because they vary by jurisdiction.
The HVAC business hub, HVAC license guide, and startup-cost guide help turn the chosen service scope into a launch plan. Adjust the calculator for the requested limit, coverage quote, and local credential costs. Compare Georgia and Florida when planning work in other states.
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Licensing & exam fees $356 OFFICIALLicense details Business formation (state filing) $300 OFFICIAL Insurance (first year) $910–$1,200 MARKET ESTIMATEGeneral liability Vehicle acquisition $0 YOUR INPUTYour existing vehicle; acquisition cost $0 Vehicle price sources
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Official sources
- www.tn.gov — Initial contractor license
- www.tn.gov — Contractor license renewal
- tn.gov — Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors, exam information (Prov)
- api.bls.gov — BLS OEWS Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
- sos.tn.gov — Tennessee LLC filing fee
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- www.supplyhouse.com — Fieldpiece DR82 infrared refrigerant leak detector
- www.insureon.com — Insureon
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- www.coxautoinc.com — Used vehicle average listing price (all segments, not cargo-van specific)
Frequently asked questions
When does a Tennessee HVAC business need CMC-C?
An HVAC contract of $25,000 or more requires the entity contractor license with CMC-C classification.
Who licenses smaller HVAC projects?
Most projects below $25,000 are governed locally; ask the city or county about mechanical HVAC or journeyman rules.
Is the qualifying agent separately licensed statewide?
The official guidance identifies the agent as the company's exam-taking designee, without a separate statewide individual HVAC contractor license.
Which exams must the CMC-C agent take?
The CMC-C trade exam and Tennessee Business and Law exam, each charged per attempt by Prov.
Can HVAC electrical work need another credential?
An LLE may be required for electrical permits in state-inspected municipalities; confirm with the permit office.
Last updated: October 21, 2026