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Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are important components of residential, commercial, and industrial structures. Temperature controls keep inhabitants comfortable and protect equipment and products against harm from extreme heat or cold.

The HVAC field is a skilled trade that delivers good wages and opportunities to own a business. In the state of Tennessee, skilled trade professionals must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Board for Licensing Contractors. But how exactly do you go about obtaining your HVAC Contractor License?

The Application Process

As a licensed HVAC contractor, you’re permitted to install and maintain HVAC equipment and systems, as well as gas piping, geothermal, and refrigeration. To qualify for a license, however, you’ll have to meet set criteria.

To qualify, you must be age 18 or over and have a high school diploma or GED. Many jurisdictions in Tennessee have education and experience requirements, which can typically be fulfilled by completing a registered apprentice program. Otherwise, you may need to accumulate 8,000 hours of experience, along with 576–900 hours of classroom instruction.

The application process requires that you submit a completed, signed, and notarized application package with the following documentation:

• Letters of reference that can prove work or trade experience
• Financial statements prepared by a CPA/PA
• General liability insurance policy
• Workers’ compensation insurance policy

You’ll also need to pass two state tests before receiving your license: a trade and a business law exam.

Required State Exams

The trade test to obtain an HVAC contractor license is the CMC-C HVAC/R contractor exam. This open-book assessment contains 100 questions and covers topics like:

• Knowledge of electrical systems, including motors and controls
• Piping for refrigeration
• Principles of heating and cooling
• Cooling and heating equipment
• Refrigerants
• Fuel and LP gas
• Chimneys, vents, flues, and combustion air
• Ducts
• Exhaust and ventilation
• Calculating loads
• Fire and smoke safety and protection

You’ll have 260 minutes to complete this test, and you must answer a minimum of 73 questions correctly to pass. You’re also required to take the business law exam, which consists of 50 questions that involve the following topics:

• Basic licensing requirements
• Estimate and bid creation
• Business organization 
• Financial coordination
• Tax and labor laws
• Project management
• Liens
• Contracts
• Risk management
• Environmental safety

You’ll have 140 minutes to complete this open-book test, and you must answer at least 37 questions correctly to pass.

Exam Prep That Works

Your ability to continue working may depend on passing these exams, so you naturally want to do all you can to ensure success on the first try. The best way to do this is with a state-approved exam prep program.

Programs intended for working professionals will include a self-paced format with 24/7 online access for your convenience. You’ll also want to look for courses designed by industry experts and educators who deliver the practical knowledge you’ll need for both testing and job-related activities.

Are you ready to take the next step toward obtaining your HVAC contractor license in Tennessee? Contact RocketCert today to sign up for the HVAC/R Education and Exam Prep program.