A mechanical contractor plans, installs, and maintains mechanical systems, such as plumbing, HVAC, and refrigeration. They work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Mechanical contractors work with new construction or retrofit or maintain mechanical systems in existing structures. Becoming a mechanical contractor is an exciting and rewarding career with a lot of opportunities.
In Tennessee, a mechanical contractor license is required when the total portion of the project requiring mechanical work exceeds $25,000, including materials, equipment, and labor. Getting licensed opens doors professionally and builds credibility.
This article looks at the field of mechanical engineering, the benefits of getting licensed, and how to do that in Tennessee.
Understanding the Role of a Mechanical Contractor
A mechanical contractor is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of the mechanical systems inside a building. That includes HVAC, plumbing, piping, ductwork, and refrigeration. They ensure that anything with mechanical parts is working correctly and efficiently.
Typically, mechanical contractors work in supervisory roles. They oversee the entire mechanical system while they hire subcontractors for individual components, such as plumbers, HVAC technicians, and electricians.
Mechanical contractors work in diverse settings—they're not pigeonholed to construction. You can find a role as a mechanical contractor in the automotive, food processing, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, technology, and retail industries. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities and government entities also hire mechanical contractors.
The job outlook for mechanical contractors is stronger compared to other construction trades. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 9% job growth over the next decade. In Tennessee, the average wage for mechanical contractors is $89,721, with a range between $45,381 and $140,034.
Tennessee ranked fourth among the fastest growing states in the US, behind Delaware, Florida, and Idaho. Major infrastructure and construction projects are fueled by this growth, making it an excellent time to enter the construction industry.
Top Benefits of Getting Your Mechanical Contractor License
Here are just a few of the benefits to becoming a licensed mechanical contractor.
Increased Earning Potential
Only licensed mechanical contractors can bid on jobs when the total job cost exceeds $25,000. Without a license, you restrict your earning potential. Additionally, unlicensed contractors are not permitted to hire subcontractors, which can also affect the bottom line.
Expanded Career Opportunities
Obtaining your license increases your marketability—you become more attractive to potential employers. Larger projects such as infrastructure, commercial, or industrial projects often require licensing. Unlicensed contractors are not eligible to bid on government projects.
As a licensed contractor, you can work for yourself or for a small or large company. There are also opportunities to specialize, including automotive, aerospace, high-efficiency energy, refrigeration, and design. Specialties, or niches, can also bump your salary.
Career Stability
One of the biggest benefits of getting your mechanical contractor license is that it gives you choices: you can work for someone or open your own business. Mechanical contractors are an integral part of the construction team for small and large projects. Their vital role makes them in demand for large construction companies in Tennessee and nationwide.
On the other hand, opening your own business has definite financial rewards. As a business owner you can be as big or small as you would like. You can scale your business to include employees and subcontractors that will give you an edge when bidding on contracts. Or you can stay small and carve out a niche for yourself.
Education and Licensing Requirements in Tennessee
Any person bidding on a project exceeding $25,000 is required to have a license. The Tennessee Department of Commerce, Board for Licensing Contractors (Board) issues one statewide license to mechanical contractors: CMC Full Mechanical Contractor. There are several subclassifications, such as CMC-A for plumbing and heating or CMC-C for HVAC, refrigeration, and gas piping. The CMC license is a broad license encompassing all the potential job responsibilities of a mechanical contractor.
To obtain this license, you must meet several requirements.
Obtain Experience
You’re required to have a minimum of three (3) years of documented experience in plumbing before you can take the exam. You must work under a licensed plumbing or mechanical contractor. You may also choose to an apprenticeship, where you will get hands-on experience and training—while you’re being paid!
Apply to Take the Exam
You must be pre-approval to take the trade portion of the mechanical contractor licensing exam. Once the board approves your application, PSI, the exam proctor, will be notified within three days. PSI will then notify you to schedule your exam.
Pass the State Examination
To become licensed, you must pass a trade exam and a business and law exam. Each exam requires a $57 fee. The Business and Law Exam has 50 open-book questions. You must get 73% (37 items) to pass. The allotted time to take the exam is 140 minutes. The Business and Law Exam contains questions pertaining to:
- Licensing Requirements (5 items)
- Estimating and Bidding (7 items)
- Business Organization and Financial Management (7 items)
- Tax Laws (5 items)
- Labor Laws (5 items)
- Project Management and Lien Law (6 items)
- Contracts (6 items)
- Risk Management (4 items)
- Environmental and Safety (5 items)
The CMC Full Mechanical Contractor Exam is also open book. There are 120 questions with a 325-minute time limit to complete the exam. A passing score is 73% (88 items). The exam covers:
- Electrical Knowledge, Motors, and Controls (8 items)
- Piping – Refrigeration, Hydronic, Steam, and Process (10 items)
- Heating and Cooling Principles and Theory (5 items)
- Heating and Cooling Equipment and Components (10 items)
- Refrigerants and Refrigeration (10 items)
- Fuel and LP Gas (10 items)
- Combustion Air, Chimneys, Flues, and Vents (10 items)
- Ducts, Ventilation, and Exhaust (10 items)
- Plumbing (20 items)
- Load Calculation (5 items)
- Safety, Fire, and Smoke Protection (12 items)
- Fire Sprinkler (10 items)
Reference books may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed prior to the examination. However, no handwriting is permitted. All references must be bound with permanent tabs only.
Apply for Your License and Pay the Licensing Fees
After passing the exam, you can apply for your license. The licensing fee is $250 for a new license and $200 for renewal. The license is valid for two years. Tennessee does not require continuing education to renew your license.
How a Contractor Licensing Exam Prep School Can Help
Now is an excellent time to become a licensed mechanical contractor in Tennessee. The state is experiencing a population boom that is expected to last into the decade adding more demand in the construction industry.
To become licensed takes a minimum of three years and requires a passing score on the exam. The best way to ensure you’ll pass your exam on the first try is to be prepared. Test preparation courses prepare you for the material you need to know and give you tips to passing a standardized timed exam.
The Contractor Training Center provides pre-tabbed, highlighted references you can bring with you to the exam. CTC offers self-paced online courses with exam-taking strategies and simulated practice exams. Weekly webinars help dial in your learning and are designed to complement the self-paced portion. The Contractor Training Center can help you pass your exams with our new class launching soon. Got questions now? Schedule your start-up consultation today.