HVAC contractor license Tennessee

To get a HVAC contractor license in Tennessee, apply to the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors for the CMC‑C (HVAC/Refrigeration) classification, pass the Business & Law exam and the CMC‑C trade exam (via Prov), submit a CPA financial statement or new surety bond option, show required insurance, and pay the $250 application fee. Board overview; exam info. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/license/get/contractor.html?utm_source=openai))

Requirements last verified: 2026-10-19

Requirement	Details
Licensing agency	Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, Board for Licensing Contractors. Agency page. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html?utm_source=openai))
License/classification	Contractor license with CMC‑C classification (HVAC, Refrigeration & Gas Piping). Classification outline. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/license/classification-outline.html?utm_source=openai))
When it’s required	Projects ≥ $25,000 (prime or mechanical subcontract). Business resources; outline. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractor/business-resources.html?utm_source=openai))
Exams	Tennessee Business & Law (all applicants) + CMC‑C trade exam. Exams administered by Prov (trade) as of July 1, 2026. Exam info. ([homebuilding.tn.gov](https://homebuilding.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/license/get/contractor.html?utm_source=openai))
Application fee	$250 initial application (nonrefundable). Fees schedule. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/license/fees.html?utm_source=openai))
Insurance	General Liability scaled to monetary limit: up to $500,000 limit = $100,000 GL; $500,001–$1.5M = $500,000 GL; $1.5M+ = $1,000,000 GL. Workers’ Compensation unless exempt. Application instructions; WC requirements. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/commerce/documents/regboards/contractors/forms/ContLicAppInstrBooklet.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Financials / bond	Monetary limit set from CPA financial statement (Reviewed ≤ $3M; Audited & ≥ $300k WC+NW for unlimited), or new Contractors’ Surety Bond option equal to ≥50% of requested limit (effective July 1, 2026). Board update; financials. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html?utm_source=openai))
Experience	Qualifying Agent (QA) must document relevant HVAC/mechanical experience via reference/affidavit; pre‑approval not required for CMC‑C (required for full CMC and CMC‑A). How to apply; Board note. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/license/get/contractor.html?utm_source=openai))
Minimum age	QA attests to being at least 18 (Board form). Board form. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/commerce/documents/regboards/contractors/forms/ContAddingClassWeb.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Renewal	Biennial (every 2 years). $200 renewal; $20/month late fee up to 12 months; after 12 months, reapply. Fees; Renewal page. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/license/fees.html?utm_source=openai))
Processing & meetings	Applications are reviewed at Board meetings; submit by the 20th of the month prior. Application instructions. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/commerce/documents/regboards/contractors/forms/ContLicAppInstrBooklet.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Reciprocity / exam waiver	Trade exam waiver available from select states (e.g., SC commercial HVAC); Business & Law still required. Use License Verification form. Board page; Reciprocity list. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/license/get/contractor.html?utm_source=openai))

How to get a HVAC contractor license in Tennessee (CMC‑C)

1. Decide your business entity and monetary limit. Form/register the entity with the TN Secretary of State and work with a CPA to set a realistic monetary limit; your limit drives insurance minimums and financial review level. Financials guide. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/commerce/documents/regboards/contractors/forms/ContBLC-IncreaseMonetaryLimit.pdf?utm_source=openai))
2. Schedule and pass exams. Take the Tennessee Business & Law exam and the CMC‑C HVAC trade exam with Prov. Keep score reports to upload with your application. Exam info. ([homebuilding.tn.gov](https://homebuilding.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/license/get/contractor.html?utm_source=openai))
3. Secure required insurance. Obtain General Liability coverage that matches your monetary limit tier and Workers’ Compensation (or valid exemption). List the Board as certificate holder on your ACORD. Insurance minima; WC rules. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/commerce/documents/regboards/contractors/forms/ContLicAppInstrBooklet.pdf?utm_source=openai))
4. Prepare financial responsibility. Submit a CPA-reviewed/audited financial statement appropriate to your requested limit, or elect the new Contractors’ Surety Bond option (≥50% of requested limit). Board update. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html?utm_source=openai))
5. Complete the online application in CORE and pay $250. Upload exam scores, reference/affidavit, insurance, and financials/bond; pay the $250 fee. Apply; fees. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/license/get/contractor.html?utm_source=openai))
6. Board review. If complete and in order, staff may approve; otherwise you may be scheduled for a short Board interview at a monthly meeting. Submit by the 20th of the prior month to target the next agenda. Timeline. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/commerce/documents/regboards/contractors/forms/ContLicAppInstrBooklet.pdf?utm_source=openai))
7. Maintain and renew biennially. Track your expiration, renew every two years in CORE, and keep insurance and entity status active; late renewals accrue $20/month up to 12 months. Renewal rules. ([extglb.tn.gov](https://www.extglb.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/license/renewal.html?utm_source=openai))

Step-by-step: how to get a HVAC contractor license in Tennessee

In Tennessee, HVAC contractors performing projects of $25,000 or more must hold a state CMC‑C license; subs on mechanical scopes at/over that threshold must be licensed, too. Board business resources. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractor/business-resources.html?utm_source=openai)) To help you budget accurately, see our breakdown of HVAC contractor license costs in Tennessee (application, exams, CPA/bond, insurance, and recurring renewal).

Which exam(s) do Tennessee HVAC contractors take?

You must pass the Tennessee Business & Law exam and the CMC‑C HVAC/Refrigeration trade exam. As of July 1, 2026, Prov administers trade exams; previously scheduled PSI seats could be honored during the transition. Exam provider update. ([homebuilding.tn.gov](https://homebuilding.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/license/get/contractor.html?utm_source=openai))

Financial statement vs. surety bond (new option)

Historically, your monetary limit and license approval relied on a CPA financial statement (Reviewed ≤ $3M; Audited for higher/“unlimited”). From July 1, 2026, you may instead file a Contractors’ Surety Bond equal to ≥50% of your requested limit. Board notice; financials guidance. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html?utm_source=openai))

Insurance you must keep

The Board requires General Liability insurance based on your monetary limit—$100,000 (≤$500k limit), $500,000 ($500,001–$1.5M), or $1,000,000 ($1.5M+). Workers’ Compensation is required if you have employees (see exemptions and CSP registration rules). GL tiers; WC requirements. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/commerce/documents/regboards/contractors/forms/ContLicAppInstrBooklet.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Experience and the Qualifying Agent

Your license is issued to the business, with a Qualifying Agent (QA) who passes exams and verifies HVAC experience via the Board’s affidavit/reference process; QAs must be at least 18. Application checklist; QA form. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/license/get/contractor.html?utm_source=openai))

Reciprocity and exam waivers

Tennessee does not accept out‑of‑state licenses for automatic practice, but limited trade‑exam waivers exist via verified reciprocity (e.g., SC commercial HVAC). You must still pass Tennessee Business & Law and meet all other requirements. Policy; reciprocity list. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/license/get/contractor.html?utm_source=openai))

Renewal cadence and late windows

Licenses renew every two years in CORE. Budget $200 for renewal and file at least 30 days early; a $20/month late fee applies for up to 12 months after expiration, then reinstatement or reapplication is required. Fees; renewal process. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/license/fees.html?utm_source=openai))

Exploring other Tennessee licensing processes? Our guide to getting a Tennessee private investigator license shows how steps differ when a different state board, training, and background checks are involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need the CMC‑C if I only do residential HVAC?

If any single contract (labor, materials, equipment, profit) hits $25,000 or more, yes—you need the state CMC‑C license, even for residential work, and subs at/over that threshold must also be licensed. Local permits may require registration regardless of price. Board guidance. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractor/business-resources.html?utm_source=openai))

Who gives the Tennessee HVAC trade exam, and what about Business & Law?

Prov administers Tennessee contractor trade exams scheduled on or after July 1, 2026. You must pass both the CMC‑C trade exam and the Tennessee Business & Law exam; keep your score reports for your application. Exam info. ([homebuilding.tn.gov](https://homebuilding.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/license/get/contractor.html?utm_source=openai))

What insurance and financial proof are required to apply?

Provide General Liability coverage tied to your monetary limit ($100k/$500k/$1M tiers) and Workers’ Comp unless exempt. For financial responsibility, submit a CPA financial statement aligned to your requested limit—or elect the new Contractors’ Surety Bond (≥50% of requested limit). Insurance tiers; bond option. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/commerce/documents/regboards/contractors/forms/ContLicAppInstrBooklet.pdf?utm_source=openai))

How much are fees to get and keep the license?

The state application is $250. Renewals are $200 every two years; late renewals add $20/month for up to 12 months before reapplication is required. Additional costs include exams, insurance, and CPA or surety bond expenses. Official fee schedule. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors/license/fees.html?utm_source=openai))

Is there a minimum age or fixed experience hour requirement?

The Board’s QA form attests the Qualifying Agent is at least 18. Tennessee verifies HVAC experience via references and project history rather than a fixed hour count; pre‑approval is not required for CMC‑C (but is for full CMC and CMC‑A). QA form; exam notes. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/commerce/documents/regboards/contractors/forms/ContAddingClassWeb.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Ready to move from research to results? License Navigator can map your Tennessee HVAC application, exams, insurance, and financials/bond steps into a personalized checklist—so you submit once and get approved faster.