Working in skilled trades has many benefits, and job satisfaction could be one of the biggest. When home services marketplace Angi (formerly Angie’s List) surveyed 1,200 skilled tradespeople in 2024, almost 90% of them reported that they were at least somewhat or very satisfied working in their professions.
With a national shortage of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) technicians, there should be ample opportunities for those who are interested in working in this field.. Like many other states, Tennessee faces a growing demand for skilled workers, making the Volunteer State a great place to begin your journey. Individuals who are considering enrolling in an HVAC training program can benefit from learning about HVAC certification in Tennessee and various licensing and registration requirements.
Why Should I Get HVAC Certification?
Getting the education, certifications, and licenses that enable you to perform HVAC work is important for many reasons. For example, these credentials:
Serve as evidence of your skills and expertise. Completing an HVAC training program and getting applicable certifications and licenses demonstrates that you have the skills and expertise necessary to implement, repair, and maintain HVAC systems.
Demonstrate knowledge of HVAC safety. Earning HVAC certification shows that you have knowledge of how to work safely with refrigerants, electricity, and gas heating systems.
Indicate compliance with requirements. Certain national, state, and local laws and regulations require HVAC technicians and contractors to obtain certifications and licenses. Individuals who do not comply with these requirements could be subject to penalties.
Attract potential employers. Obtaining applicable certifications and licenses shows employers that you are dedicated to your profession and that you have the expertise to perform HVAC work.
Steps to Obtain HVAC Certification in Tennessee
HVAC technician requirements vary across local jurisdictions, so it is important to become aware of the exact requirements in the location where you want to work. The typical steps for obtaining training, licenses, and HVAC certification in Tennessee are outlined below.
Step 1: Complete an HVAC Training Program
One of the best ways to obtain the skills and expertise to become an HVAC technician in Tennessee is to enroll in an HVAC training program. The 48-week HVAC program at Fortis teaches students what they need to know to fill entry-level positions working on both residential and commercial systems.
HVAC training programs feature courses in subjects such as:
Gas and electrical heat
Heat pumps
HVAC troubleshooting
Refrigerants
Residential and commercial AC
Thermodynamics
Preparation for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification (discussed in more detail below)
During their coursework, HVAC students also gain valuable experience working with devices such as:
Manometers
Pressure gauges
Thermometers
Voltmeters
Step 2: Obtain National Certification to Begin Working in HVAC
The EPA requires that professionals who work on equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere obtain certification. This certification is evidence of knowledge in topics such as the environmental impacts of refrigerants and refrigerant safety protocols. Individuals can take exams to obtain four types of EPA certification:
Type I: Small appliances
Type II: High-pressure or very high-pressure appliances (except for small appliances and motor vehicle AC)
Type III: Low-pressure appliances
Universal: All equipment types
Step 3: Gain Work Experience and Comply With Local Certification and Licensing Requirements
Certification and licensing requirements for HVAC mechanics in Tennessee vary between different cities and counties. Therefore, individuals need to learn about the requirements specific to the locations where they will be working. These requirements may include the following:
Registered Helper Requirements: Some local jurisdictions require new technicians to register with those jurisdictions as HVAC helpers and to work under the supervision of licensed journeymen.
Journeyman License Requirements: Some jurisdictions issue journeyman licenses to individuals who have worked in HVAC for a certain number of years (for example, three years). Passing an exam is typically required to obtain a journeyman license.
Master License Requirements: Some local jurisdictions issue HVAC master licenses to technicians who have worked as journeymen for a certain number of years. As with journeymen, passing an exam is usually required to earn a master license.
Step 4: Comply With Contracting and Subcontracting Requirements
Certain requirements for HVAC licensing and certification in Tennessee also apply to individuals who want to go into contracting or subcontracting.
HVAC contractors or subcontractors who bid on projects of at least $25,000 need to obtain contractor licenses from the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. Obtaining these licenses requires passing an exam that covers mechanical knowledge and another exam focused on business and law management.
Local jurisdictions can have their own contractor and subcontractor licensing requirements, so HVAC professionals need to become aware of and comply with the local requirements in the areas where they intend to operate.
Benefits of Attending an HVAC Training Program
Completing an HVAC training program can be beneficial in several ways. For example, these programs:
Require less time and money than a traditional college degree. HVAC training programs are less expensive and take less time than a four-year bachelor’s degree. Graduates can also qualify to enter the workforce more quickly than those who earn bachelor’s degrees.
Give students expertise that can lead to strong employment prospects. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 9% job growth for heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers from 2023 through 2033. That growth rate is significantly higher than the bureau’s projection of 3% job growth for all occupations. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development estimated that the state experienced a shortage of almost 3,600 heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in 2022.
Provide students with skills that can enable them to perform a variety of services. Well-trained HVAC mechanics are prepared to take on many different types of projects and apply their troubleshooting skills in a range of settings throughout their careers.
Prepare students for careers with opportunities for advancement. Individuals who receive HVAC training have a strong foundation for career advancement, and they may pursue opportunities to become journeymen and master technicians, and potentially even start their own businesses.
Discover Your Path to HVAC Certification in Tennessee
Pursuing the necessary training, licenses, and certifications to become an HVAC technician in Tennessee can be a gateway to a rewarding career. Tennesseans who are interested in entering this field should explore the Fortis HVAC training program in Cookeville, TN, which equips students with the skills and knowledge needed for entry-level HVAC positions. Start working toward your professional goals today.
Recommended Readings
Are Skilled Trades in Demand?
The Importance of Soft Skills in an HVAC & Refrigeration Career
HVAC vs. Electrician: Comparing Career Paths