Educator Licensure & Preparation

The department works to issue licenses efficiently to Tennessee educators in accordance with legislative codes and state board rules and regulations and policies. The office of educator licensure and preparation is responsible for the issuance of all Tennessee educator licenses, and approval of educator preparation programs.

The Office of Educator Licensure is currently processing applications received on or after the following dates:


To help us process applications efficiently, please wait at least ten business days after submitting your application before contacting our office with any concerns.

Our office now offers educators the convenience of printing a copy of their license directly through TNCompass or through the State of Tennessee. To view and print a copy of your Tennessee educator license, please follow the steps below:

  1. Visit https://www.tncompass.org and log into your account
  2. Navigate to the Licensure tab of your educator profile
  3. Click the blue "Print License," button next to the desired license.
  4. The system will generate a PDF of your license, suitable for printing and framing.

The printed version of your Tennessee educator license is the official version of your license.

Educators may also purchase a printed license through the State of Tennessee using the following link: https://shop.dgs.tn.gov/product/dept-of-education-teaching-license-print-request/

Please note: Once the printed request is received, it may take up to ninety (90) days to receive a license in the mail. Any inaccuracies made in the request are the responsibility of the requestor.

Manage Your Tennessee License

To apply for a new Tennessee license or take action on a current license, visit TNCompass. First time users will need to register for an account. All licensure transactions (e.g., apply, advance, renew, etc.) must be submitted electronically through TNCompass. The department no longer accepts paper applications.

Literacy Success Act Licensure Requirement Guidance

The 2021 Tennessee Literacy Success Act requires certain educators to complete a literacy course before license renewal. The Tennessee Literacy Success Act Training and Licensure Requirements document located in the Licensure Guidance Documents section found here, includes details about the requirements, endorsements that are included in these new requirements, and clarification on how to demonstrate completion of the requirement.

Out-of-State Educator Assessment Waiver Request

The passage of Section 2 of Chapter 125 of the Public Acts of 2021, amends TCA 49-5-108(c)(5)(C) to create additional flexibility for the renewal/advancement of Practitioner 1st Issuance licenses issued on the basis of the educator holding a professional-level license in a state other than Tennessee at the time of initial issuance of the Practitioner 1st Issuance license.

Educators who did not receive a level of overall effectiveness (LOE) of above expectations or significantly above expectations during one (1) or both of the two (2) years immediately following the issuance of the educator’s Practitioner 1st Issuance license, may choose to use most recent LOE that is available to demonstrate an effectiveness level of above expectations or significantly above expectations or may submit a director recommendation to be exempted from professional assessment requirements.

Additional information is available in the Out-of-State Educator Assessment Waiver form (Licensure Forms –Other Forms section).

 

Tennessee Teacher Job Connection

The department has created a resource for teachers seeking employment in Tennessee districts. Job-seeking teachers are encouraged to visit to connect with HR professionals from districts across the state. Interested educators should complete this form. New interest forms are shared with Tennessee districts on a weekly basis.

 

Contact the Office of Educator Licensure and Preparation

Licensure Inquiries: Educator.Licensure@tn.gov

Preparation Inquiries: Educator.Preparation@tn.gov

TNCompass Technical Inquiries: Support@TNCompass.org

Mailing Address for Official Transcripts:

9th Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243