HVAC Tech Classes in Tennessee (Top Schools)

Tennessee can experience extreme heat in summer and freezing temperatures in winter.

That’s one of the reasons why air conditioning systems become a necessary home essential here.

To ensure that each system is installed and maintained properly, hiring an HVAC technician is the best choice.

In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the state employed 8,740 individuals as of May 2021.

This figure proves how promising this career can be in the state.

So if you’re a person who loves to work with his hands, here’s how you can become an HVAC technician in Tennessee.

HVAC Programs in Tennessee

The first step toward this career is to enroll in an approved HVAC program.

By getting the proper education, training, and field experience, you can have the competencies to provide HVAC services.

As a result, you’ll become an asset that every employer would want.

Below, you’ll find some schools in Tennessee offering approved HVAC programs.

How to Get Licensed in Tennessee

Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors oversees the licenses of HVAC contractors.

The Board has two state-level licenses that you can apply for if you meet its qualifications.

• Mechanical Contracting (Full CMC)
• Mechanical – HVAC/R Contractor (CMC-C)

For HVAC technicians, you don’t need a license but you must work under a licensed contractor.

Mechanical Contracting License (Full CMC)

You’re qualified to become a Mechanical Contractor if you…

• Take on a project for $25,000 or more as a prime (general) contractor or an HVAC contractor
• Have at least 3 years of verified field experience

Steps to Becoming a Full CMC

To obtain the CMC license, you must meet the following:

1. Successfully pass the CMC exam proctored by PSI (73% passing rate)
   1. Trade exam – 120 questions to be completed in 325 minutes
   2. Business and law exam – 50 questions to be completed in 140 minutes
2. Submit to the Board a completed Contractor’s License Application, along with the following:
   1. License application fee of $250
   2. Reviewed or audited financial statement prepared by a CPA
   3. Letter of reference completed by a past employer or client
   4. Certificate of Insurance, with the TN Board for Licensing Contractors as the certificate holder
      1. General liability
      2. Worker’s compensation
      3. Employee or independent contractor
   5. Business registration with the Secretary of State as a corporation, partnership, or LLC

Allow the Board 4 to 6 weeks to review and approve your application.

If there’s any need, the Board will call you up for an interview if they find that…

• The Qualifying Agent (QA) is not a majority owner and employed for less than 6 months
• You have an insufficient amount listed for the monetary limit requested
• Other issues like compliant history, felony convictions, bankruptcy, or failure to disclose such issues

If approved, the Board will issue your CMC license.

Mechanical – HVAC/R Contractor (CMC-C)

You’re qualified to become an HVAC contractor and be granted a CMC-C license if you…

• Take a project less than $25,000
• Will perform electrical wiring and hookups for HVAC installation

Because the work in the project usually involves electrical work, you must obtain a Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE) license.

However, only 65 counties with “Issuing Agents” permits will accept the state LLE license.

So it’s best to check with the local government since each jurisdiction may require an HVAC license regardless of the project bid.

Steps to Becoming a CMC-C

To be recognized as an HVAC contractor, you must meet the following:

1. Successfully pass the LLE exam proctored by PSI (73% passing rate)
   1. Trade exam – 100 questions to be completed in 260 minutes
   2. Business and law exam – 50 questions to be completed in 140 minutes
2. Submit to the Board a duly accomplished LLE license application form
3. Payment of the application fee of $50, payable to “State of TN – LLE”

If approved, the Board will issue your license.

Also, you won’t have to take the local-level license exams in any of the 65 counties with permits.

Renewal Requirements

Your CMC or CMC-C/LLE license will expire every 2 years on the last day of the issuance month.

To renew, you must…

• Full CMC
  • Renewal application
  • Pay the $200 renewal fee
  • Submit the following supporting documents:
    • Financial statements
    • Certificate of Insurance
    • Proof of active status with the Secretary of State (corporations and LLC only)
• CMC-C/LLE
  • Renewal application
  • Pay the $50 renewal fee

EPA Certification

As an HVAC technician, you will eventually work with refrigerants.

As such, you are required to obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification.

By getting certified, employers and clients are assured that you can properly service and dispose of refrigerants.

There are 4 certification types, and you can apply for any one of them:

• Type I
• Type II
• Type III
• Universal

To learn more, check out our guide to the EPA certification.

Potential Salary

With such a high employment level, HVAC technicians in Tennessee can make decent salaries.

Per BLS, you can earn between $29,830 and $72,530, with an average of $47,140 annually as of May 2021.

In the table below, you’ll see how much salary 10 of Tennessee’s cities offer.

HVAC Schools by City

• Chattanooga
• Knoxville
• Memphis
• Nashville