Department of Education
Kevin Huffman, Commissioner

Welcome to the Tennessee Teacher Licensing Website.

It is our intent to help clarify the requirements necessary to become a licensed teacher in Tennessee.  We view the operation of this office as an important link in providing a quality education to each student in Tennessee.  Our staff is dedicated to helping all educators to attain the license and teaching endorsements for which they are qualified.  We welcome your questions and feedback. 

Best wishes in your quest to become a licensed teacher in Tennessee.

Vance D. Rugaard, Executive Director

Items Of Interest

Online Educator Licensing Application

This site is to be used by educators to find status of application/correspondence submitted, look up their license information, request name changes, make address changes, request license renewals and request additional endorsements.

Complete Online Customer Satisfaction Survey

Help us improve our website by completing this survey.

There are no fees to obtain, renew, add to a Tennessee Teacher License

NOTE: All applications submitted are processed/reviewed in the order in which they are received. All efforts are made to complete all submissions in a timely manner. Thank you for your patience.

How To...

• Become a Licensed Educator
  • Tennessee Institution Program Completer - Completed an Educator Preparation Program with a TN institution
  • Outside of State of Tennessee Program Completer - Completed an Educator Preparation Program with an instiution outside of TN or have completed educator experience outside of TN
  • Outside of United States Program Completer - Completed an Educator Preparation Program with an institution outside of the United States
  • Non Traditional Program Completer (Alternative Route) - Have the minimum of a Bachelors degree but did not complete an Educator Preparation Program
  • Health Science or Trade & Industry Certification (Occupational Experience) - Have been employed in the Heath Science or Trade & Industry field
• Use Online License Application - This site is to be used by educators to find status of application/correspondence submitted, look up their license information, request name changes, make address changes, request license renewals and request additional endorsements.
• Renew your Educator License
• Obtain, Renew, or Advance an Administrator License
• Add Degree/Endorsement to Existing License
• Change Name & Address on License File
• Request a Duplicate License
• Apply for a Permit to Teach
• Contact the Office Teacher Licensing