TENNESSEE · hvac
Contractor License (CMC — Mechanical / HVAC)
Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors →Scope of work
Tennessee does not issue a statewide HVAC-specific journeyman or master credential. HVAC work at or above $25,000 is performed under a Tennessee Contractor License issued by the Board for Licensing Contractors, with the CMC (Mechanical) classification covering HVAC, refrigeration, process piping, and related mechanical work. HVAC work below $25,000 is regulated at the city or county level in most jurisdictions, with some localities accepting a state CMC license or requiring local registration. Source: TN Contractor Licenses (https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/commerce/regboards/contractors/licenses.html).
Applicant structure
The Tennessee Contractor License is issued to the business entity with a company qualifier (QA) who has passed the trade and Business and Law exams. Applicants submit a reviewed financial statement that establishes the monetary limit the license can bid. Source: TN Contractors (https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html).
Experience and training
The Board evaluates experience through the company-qualifier record on the application. There is no single hour threshold written in rule; the qualifier must demonstrate sufficient knowledge to pass the trade exam and have relevant experience to support the financial and operational showing. Source: TN Contractor Licenses (https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/commerce/regboards/contractors/licenses.html).
Exam
The CMC trade exam and the Business and Law exam are administered by PSI Services with a minimum passing score of 70 percent. Source: TN Contractors (https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html).
Financial responsibility
Monetary limit is set at 10 times the working capital or net worth on the reviewed financial statement, up to the classification cap. Applicants may substitute a $100,000 contractor license bond to supplement the monetary limit if needed. Source: TN Contractors (https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html).
Renewal and CE
Tennessee Contractor Licenses renew on a 2-year cycle. Tennessee does not currently impose a CE requirement on contractor license renewals; verify current status with the Board before renewal. Source: TN Contractors (https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html).
EPA 608 federal overlay
A Tennessee HVAC license does not substitute for federal EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, required for any technician who maintains, services, repairs, or disposes of stationary equipment containing regulated refrigerants. Section 608 certifications do not expire. Source: EPA Section 608 (https://www.epa.gov/section608).