Department of Education
Dr. Tim Webb, Commissioner

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

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

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

1. Out of State Application-application for an Out-of-State Teacher License or call (615) 532-4885 to request a packet. Application must be complete with original signature.
2. Original Transcripts-from all college (s)
   • will accept- original transcript from university or issued to student
   • will not accept-photocopies, scanned, grade reports, faxed, etc.
3. Copy of current valid teaching license in a like endorsement to TN. To view a list of current endorsements, click on the link Current Endorsement Codes.
   • If you hold a current valid license from another state, please enclose a copy. You may be exempt from testing.
4. Teaching Experience in a K-12 school outside the state of Tennessee an experience verification formthis form must be signed by an official from the central office of the school system(s) where you taught. The form(s) should be returned to you and attached to your application.  If you have taught 3 years out of the last 7 years in a K-12 school outside of Tennessee that is recognized by the state, you may be eligible for a Tennessee License based upon our agreement interstate agreement. Important:  Educator, please keep a copy of this form.  You will need to give a copy to your director of schools when you are employed in a Tennessee school.
5. If you have less than 3 years of teaching experience out of the last 7 years that is recognized by the state of Tennessee, your university where you completed the teacher education program will need to complete the application section titled Teacher Education Outside the State of Tennessee.  See application for acceptable authorized signature.
6. Praxis Tests—will be determined if needed based upon the review of your application.  To view Tennessee’s required Praxis test, click on the link Praxis Series Tests.  If tests are required, the results should be sent to 8190 (our code with praxis) along with your social security number. 
   • Tests less than 10 years old—we only accept Designated Institution Score Report of Praxis Scores submitted by the college/university or directly from ETS
   • Tests over 10 years old–enclose a copy with your application packet
7. Please submit all documentation at one time.

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