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It wasn’t so long ago that heating a home required a working fireplace, and using a toilet meant trekking outside to an outhouse.  

Modern homeowners enjoy the convenience of HVAC, plumbing, and other systems designed to make life easier and more comfortable, but these systems must be properly designed, installed, and maintained to ensure function and safety. 

Mechanical inspectors are responsible for inspecting established structures and new construction sites to assess a range of mechanical systems and ensure compliance with associated building codes.  

Before you can perform such job duties, however, you must obtain a license from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance State Fire Marshal's Office.

What does the job of a mechanical inspector look like, and how do you go about obtaining proper licensure to practice? 

The Job of a Tennessee Mechanical Inspector 

Residential mechanical installations like HVAC systems and equipment, boilers, combustion and venting, plumbing, and so on must comply with the Tennessee Mechanical Code and other applicable safety regulations and standards.  

Mechanical inspectors perform on-site assessments of buildings and systems to verify compliance with plans and codes, identify potential hazards, create reports, and enforce codes if necessary. This ensures the standards for function and safety are met. 

How to Obtain a License 

You must meet certain requirements to qualify for a mechanical inspector license in Tennessee, starting with age and education. You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. 

You will also have to complete a recognized and accepted training course provided by a professional building codes organization and pass the required testing from an organization like the National Certification Program for Construction Code Inspectors (NCPCCI).  

For a mechanical inspector license, you must pass the 4A Mechanical Inspector One- and Two-Family Dwellings Exam and the 4B Mechanical Inspector General Exam. 

Testing Requirements 

NCPCCI tests are open-book, and you will be given two hours to complete the exam. For each NCPCCI exam, you must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly to pass. 

The 4A Mechanical Inspector One- and Two-Family Dwellings Exam consists of 50 questions on the following topics: 

• Appliances, equipment, and distribution systems 
• Chimneys, vents, and air combustion 
• Fuel systems 

These questions are based on the International Residential Code, which you may use for reference.  

The 4B Mechanical Inspector General consists of 50 questions on topics like: 

• Air distribution systems and piping systems 
• Appliances and equipment 
• Venting systems, combustion air, and fuel systems 

The reference text for this test is the International Fuel Gas Code.  

Passing Your Test on the First Try 

As a working professional, it’s important to pass testing on your first try so you can continue to advance in your career. The best way to do this is with an exam prep program that supports self-paced learning with 24/7 online access to course materials created by industry experts and educators.  

You should also look for a company that shows commitment to your success by offering a “no pass, no pay” policy. 

If you’re ready to obtain your Tennessee mechanical inspector license, contact RocketCert now to sign up for a reliable and accommodating exam prep program.