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Tennessee HVAC License Requirements

Tennessee doesn't license individual HVAC technicians. HVAC contractors need a state license from the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. Some cities license HVAC technicians. Anyone who handles refrigerant also needs federal EPA 608 certification.

Contractor only · By BrazeJobs Team · Updated

License tiers

ApprenticeNo state license
JourneymanNo state license
MasterNo state license
ContractorCMC-C HVAC/refrigeration ($25,000+); CMC full mechanical

Requirements

ExamBusiness & Law + trade exams
Renewal2 years
Local licenseWorkers may need local license
BoardTennessee Board for Licensing Contractors

Board website

Local licenses in Tennessee

  • Nashville

    Metro government

    Master mechanical certificate; equipment installer license

    Metro Nashville Codes, Mechanical/Plumbing/Electrical Examiners Board

    Metro Board of Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical Examiners (Metro Code ch. 2.76) examines and issues master mechanical, master plumber, journeyman and apprentice plumber, master electrician, equipment installer and low-voltage wiring installer certificates.

  • Memphis (Memphis and Shelby County)

    City-county

    Contractor registration (Construction Code Enforcement)

    Memphis and Shelby County Construction Code Enforcement

Federal: EPA 608 certification

RuleFederal certification required to service or dispose of refrigerant equipment and to buy refrigerant

Who: anyone who maintains, services, repairs or disposes of equipment that could release refrigerant (attaching gauges, adding or removing refrigerant). Types: Type I (small appliances), Type II (high- and very high-pressure), Type III (low-pressure), Universal (all types). Expiry: credentials do not expire. Buying refrigerant: sellers may sell only to certified technicians or employers of one, with limited exceptions (e.g. small cans of MVAC refrigerant). EPA does not issue cards; approved certifying organizations do. Universal requires a proctored core exam.

  • Source: epa.gov page 1, page 2 · checked November 5, 2026
  • Source: ecfr.gov · checked November 5, 2026

Exam

Exam providerProv (for Board for Licensing Contractors)
FormatOpen book

Board for Licensing Contractors: Prov administers exams from July 1, 2026; exams are open book. Covers contractor, limited licensed electrician and plumber exams.

  • Source: tn.gov · checked November 6, 2026

Licensed in another state or the military

Military spousesActive servicemember or spouse may get recognition of an out-of-state license (Military Families Licensing Recognition Act); SCRA portability for duration of orders
  • Source: tn.gov · checked November 6, 2026

Apprenticeship

Registering agencyState Apprenticeship Agency (ApprenticeshipTN (TDLWD))

Mechanical code

Code in force2021 IMC

Codes adopted by the State Fire Marshal's Office, with amendments; local jurisdictions with their own enforcement may adopt other editions.

  • Source: tn.gov · checked November 5, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

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