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Earning a Tennessee License by Attending a U.S. College/University Outside TN

If you completed educator licensure requirements in another state, you must submit an out-of-state license application packet in order to apply for a Tennessee license.

Tennessee has either an Interstate Agreement OR National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) that covers all states.

It is preferred that all information be sent at one time.  Information submitted separately could delay the processing of your application for licensure. Information that is sent separately is to have the same name as your application.

OPTIONS FOR ISSUING A LICENSE IN TENNESSEE:

Traditional route to licensure

1. Have a recommendation for program completion (including student teaching) from an approved Institution of Higher Education (IHE) and a valid teaching license from the state in which the institution is based. Note: no Praxis II exams are required if comparable endorsement applies, OR...

2. Have a recommendation for program completion (including student teaching) from an approved Institution of Higher Education (IHE) located in any state and verification of Praxis II Exams required for Tennessee, OR...

3. Verification of three or more years of acceptable out of state teaching experience within the last seven school years, and a valid license in that state. Note: no Praxis II exams are required if comparable endorsement applies, OR...

 

Non-Traditional Route/Alternative Route:

1. Have a valid teaching license from any state and verification of Praxis II Exams required for Tennessee. OR...

2. Verification of three or more years of acceptable out of state teaching experience within the last seven school years, and a valid license in that state. Note: no Praxis II exams are required if comparable endorsement applies.

 

The following documentation is needed for evaluation per Tennessee's Interstate agreement:

  1. Out of State Application pdf - must be completed with an original signature and mailed to our office.
  2. Original/Official Transcripts-from all college/universities with confer date(s) of degree(s).
    • will accept - original transcript from college/university, Scrip-Safe Exit TDOE website sent electronically to the education.licensing@tn.gov or official transcript issued to student.
    • will not accept - photocopies, scanned, grade reports, faxed, etc.
  3. Copy of educator credential (teacher license) from other state(s) with validity dates.
  4. Verification of acceptable experience in a PreK-12 school outside the state of Tennessee must be submitted on the Experience Verification Form pdf  
  • This form must be signed by an official from the central office of the school system(s) employed. The form(s) should be returned to you and attached to your application. 
  • Important:  Keep a copy of this form.  You will need to give a copy to the director of schools upon employment in a Tennessee school.

5. Recommendation verifying program completion is needed: (traditional route to licensure):

  • If educator has less than 3 years of acceptable out of state teaching experience within the last 7 school years.
  • Note: Certification Officer or Dean of Education must complete the "Institution Recommendation" portion of Out of State Application. This must be submitted to our office in original form.

6. Praxis Series II Tests— the need for testing will be determined upon the review of your application. If tests are required you will be notified by licensing specialist for the Office of Teacher Licensing.

7. Verification of license issued prior to July 1, 1984, attach a copy of your out-of-state license showing the issue date or the Verification of Teaching License prior to July 1, 1984   pdf form.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Verification of Application/License Status - You may check our Educator License Information web site to verify receipt of licensure information. We suggest only entering your first and last name as listed on the application. Click on the name, the license information will be revealed.
  • Correspondence received in our office pertaining to the license will be located at the bottom of the license information page. This reflects correspondence received in our office since about July 2007.
  • Applications and correspondence are worked in the order in which it is received.
  • Once an application is received in our office, you may apply for positions in any Tennessee school system. If a school system is interested in hiring, they will contact our office on your behalf.
  • Important to provide legible email address and phone numbers on application as this is the most expedient means of communication.

Status of the license will vary based upon where it is in the evaluation process.

Definition of application/license status:

  • Pending status - application has been received, entered into database, awaiting review by licensing specialist. Application will stay in this status until reviewed and eligibility determined. 
  • Requirements not met - application has been reviewed and deficiencies determined. Educator of license deficiencies will be notified by either email or snail mail.
  • Active status - application reviewed with no deficiencies, license was issued. 

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