1.  Where can I get information for Tennessee licensure?

      Contact the Office of Teacher Licensing at (615) 532-4888.

2.   How, does reciprocity work?

      Reciprocity is based on an approved education program or an interstate agreement. Reciprocity does not guarantee that all areas of licensure will transfer directly from one state to another, but you will be awarded the closest comparable Tennessee area. Tennessee grade levels differ and such a difference may be reflected on your license. Reciprocity does not exempt you from the Tennessee testing requirements.

3.  What requirements are needed to meet reciprocity?

     The applicant must hold a valid Professional teaching license with a comparable endorsement from a reciprocal state, and verify (3) years of  teaching experience out of the last (7) years in an approved school. The experience must be in a reciprocal state and include the state where the applicant holds the valid Professional teaching license. The applicant must 
take the Praxis Test Series.

4.  How can an applicant be exempted from the Praxis Test?

     The applicant must complete an approved teacher education program from a college/university and their initial license was issued prior to July 1, 1984.

5.  Does Tennessee accept tests from other states in lieu of the Praxis Test Series? 

     No. 

6.  May an applicant apply for a license if they have not met all their requirements? 

    Yes. If the applicant is hired in a critical needs area, we can request an interim license provided they meet the requirements.

7.  What are the types of interim licenses?
 
    There are (3) types: 

    1.  Interim A - Must hold an academic major in a subject area from an accredited college/university or must obtain written verification from college/university certification officer of an approved institution that states they have have met the skills and knowledge requirements for the desired area(s) and have been admitted to a teacher preparation program.

    2.   Interim B - Must meet all requirements from an approved teacher  program, with the exception of-the Praxis test. 

    3.   Interim E - Completion of a degree with an academic major in the
desired area(s) of endorsement, OR obtain written verification from college/university certification officer of an approved institution that states they have met the skills and knowledge requirements for the desired area(s), OR successful completion of the required Praxis Exam Specialty Test(s) for the desired area(s) of endorsement.

8.  What is the difference in the Interim A/E?

   The interim A license is the traditional route where you are fully admitted to  an  approved teacher preparation program. The Interim E license is the alternative licensure program for persons not completing a college/university teacher preparation program.

9.  What is a permit? 

   A permit is a one year temporary license. It is obtained by a school  system when there is a shortage of certified teachers in a subject area. The applicant must hold a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university.  

10.  What is a waiver?

   A waiver is permission for a fully licensed teacher (Tennessee) to teach in a shortage area outside of their endorsement area. The teacher agrees to take the necessary coursework and test outlined by a college/university for the additional endorsement. The teacher must take at least (6) hours of coursework that is required for the adding the endorsement. Official transcripts of the six hours must be sent to the Human Resources' Certification Office, along with a course outline before the next school year.  

11.  How do I renew my Professional license?

   Six hours of coursework or ninety points are required to renew the license if the license is based on a Bachelor's degree. Six hours of coursework or ninety points are required to renew a license if it is based on a Master's degree or above and the educator has taught less than five years within the validity period of the license in a school accredited by a state or regional accrediting agency. No points or six hours of coursework are needed if you have a Master's degree or above and have taught at least five years in the validity period of the license.

12.  Will I be notified when my license is up for renewal?

  Yes. A printout from the Office of Teacher Licensing will be sent to your principal in December prior to your expiration date, and you will be required to sign the printout and the principal must return it to the Certification Office in Human Resources. 

13.  How can I advance from an Apprentice license to a Professional license?

 Educators who have (3) years of teaching experience, with at least one year in a Tennessee public school, can be recommended for the Professional license.