100+ Free TN HVAC Contractor Practice Questions

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Which Tennessee state agency oversees HVAC contractor licensing?

TN Department of Commerce and Insurance, Board for Licensing Contractors

TN Department of Labor

TN Building Commission

TN Department of Environment and Conservation

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: TN HVAC Contractor Exam

$25,000

License Threshold

TN Board

73%

Trade Exam Pass Rate

TN Board

100

Trade Exam Questions

4-hour limit

3 yrs

Experience Required

Or ME degree

$106

Trade Exam Fee

TN Board

2021 IMC

Code Transition

Effective Mar 2026

Sample TN HVAC Contractor Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your TN HVAC Contractor exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which Tennessee state agency oversees HVAC contractor licensing?

A.TN Department of Commerce and Insurance, Board for Licensing Contractors

B.TN Department of Labor

C.TN Building Commission

D.TN Department of Environment and Conservation

Explanation: The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors, under the Department of Commerce and Insurance, oversees all contractor licensing including HVAC. The Board administers examinations, issues licenses, and enforces regulations.

2What dollar threshold requires a Tennessee HVAC contractor license?

A.$10,000

B.$15,000

C.$25,000

D.$50,000

Explanation: Tennessee requires a contractor license for projects valued at $25,000 or more. This applies when acting as a prime contractor bidding directly with the owner or as a subcontractor in mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, and other specialty trades.

3What are the two statewide HVAC license classifications in Tennessee?

A.Class A and Class B

B.CMC (Full Mechanical) and CMC-C (HVAC/Refrigeration)

C.Residential and Commercial

D.Master and Journeyman

Explanation: Tennessee offers two statewide HVAC license classifications: CMC (Full Mechanical Contractor) covering all mechanical work including HVAC and plumbing, and CMC-C (Mechanical – HVAC/Refrigeration Contractor) covering HVAC and refrigeration work specifically.

4What experience is required for a Tennessee CMC-C (HVAC/Refrigeration) license?

A.1 year

B.2 years

C.3 years of verifiable experience or a mechanical engineering degree

D.5 years

Explanation: Tennessee requires 3 years of verifiable experience in the mechanical field or a mechanical engineering degree for the CMC-C license. Experience must be documented and verified through the application process.

5What examinations does Tennessee require for the CMC-C license?

A.Only a trade exam

B.A trade exam and a business and law exam

C.Only a business and law exam

D.No exams required

Explanation: Tennessee requires both a trade exam (HVAC/Refrigeration) and a business and law exam for the CMC-C license. The trade exam has 100 questions with a 4-hour time limit, and the business/law exam costs $53.

6What is the passing score for the Tennessee HVAC/Refrigeration trade exam?

A.65%

B.70%

C.73%

D.80%

Explanation: The Tennessee HVAC/Refrigeration (CMC-C) trade exam requires a score of 73% to pass. The exam consists of 100 questions with a 4-hour time limit.

7Does the CMC license require pre-approval by the Board before testing in Tennessee?

A.No, anyone can take the exam

B.Yes, CMC requires Board pre-approval; CMC-C does not

C.Both require pre-approval

D.Neither requires pre-approval

Explanation: The CMC (Full Mechanical Contractor) license requires pre-approval by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors before the applicant can take the examination. The CMC-C (HVAC/Refrigeration) does not require pre-approval.

8What reference manual is permitted during the Tennessee Business and Law exam?

A.No references allowed

B.NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management

C.Any reference the applicant brings

D.Only Tennessee Code Annotated

Explanation: The Tennessee Business and Law exam is open book, and the permitted reference is the 'NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management' manual. This standardized reference covers business practices, contract law, and project management.

9What financial document must Tennessee contractor license applicants provide?

A.A simple bank statement

B.A financial statement reviewed or audited by a certified public accountant

C.A personal credit report only

D.No financial documentation required

Explanation: Tennessee requires a financial statement that has been either reviewed or audited by a certified public accountant (CPA). This demonstrates the contractor's financial capacity to undertake and complete construction projects.

10What insurance is required for Tennessee HVAC contractor licensees?

A.No insurance required

B.General liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance

C.Only vehicle insurance

D.Umbrella policy only

Explanation: Tennessee requires licensed contractors to maintain general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance (if they have employees). Proof of current insurance must be provided with the license application and maintained throughout the license period.

About the TN HVAC Contractor Exam

Tennessee CMC-C HVAC/Refrigeration contractor licensing exam covering the $25,000 project threshold, 3-year experience requirement, 2021 IMC transition, trade knowledge for Tennessee's mixed climate, and NASCLA-based business law.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

4 hours

Passing Score

73%

Exam Fee

$106 (trade) + $53 (business/law) (Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors)

TN HVAC Contractor Exam Content Outline

25%

State Laws & Licensing

TN Board requirements, CMC/CMC-C classifications, $25K threshold, bonding, and insurance

30%

Trade Knowledge

Load calculations, ductwork design, refrigerant handling, heat pumps, and system diagnostics

20%

Mechanical Codes

2021 IMC transition, venting, combustion air, clearances, and Tennessee energy code

15%

Safety Regulations

EPA 608, TOSHA, fall protection, CO safety, and lockout/tagout procedures

10%

Business Management

NASCLA business/law, contracts, advertising, change orders, and TVA programs

How to Pass the TN HVAC Contractor Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 73%
Exam length: 100 questions
Time limit: 4 hours
Exam fee: $106 (trade) + $53 (business/law)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

TN HVAC Contractor Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study the 2021 International Mechanical Code — TN is transitioning from 2012 IMC (deadline June 2026)

2Know the NASCLA Contractors Guide for the business/law exam — it's the only permitted reference

3Review Tennessee's diverse climate zones for proper Manual J design temperatures

4Master EPA Section 608 refrigerant handling regulations and recovery requirements

5Understand the CMC vs CMC-C distinction and when Board pre-approval is required

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tennessee HVAC contractor license threshold?

Tennessee requires a contractor license for HVAC projects valued at $25,000 or more. The CMC-C license covers HVAC/Refrigeration work, while the CMC covers all mechanical work including plumbing.

What exams does Tennessee require?

Both a trade exam (100 questions, 4 hours, 73% passing, $106) and a business/law exam (open book with NASCLA guide, $53) are required. The 2021 IMC is transitioning in starting March 2026.

What experience is needed for the TN CMC-C license?

Three years of verifiable experience in the mechanical field or a mechanical engineering degree. A CPA-reviewed financial statement, insurance, and letter of reference are also required.