Debt Collector / Tennessee
2026 data Tennessee board official source

Tennessee Debt Collector License Requirements

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

Collects debts on behalf of creditors. Licensed or bonded in most states.

What the Tennessee data shows for Debt Collectors

Tennessee sets the entry bar for debt collectors at board-approved training and a passing score on a state-approved exam. A background check is a standard part of the process. The credential is administered under Tennessee's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Varies".

The initial price tag is $100 every 2 years. Tennessee doesn't require continuing education for this license, so upkeep costs stay confined to the renewal fee itself.

Tennessee evaluates out-of-state credentials case-by-case rather than through a published reciprocity list.

Licensing Requirements in Tennessee

Education / Training Hours
Varies
Not specified
Exam Requirement
Required
Initial License Fee
$100
Renewal Fee
N/A
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Tennessee licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Debt Collector in Tennessee?
Tennessee's requirements cover, a state exam, and an initial fee of $100. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Debt Collector in Tennessee?
Certification as a debt collector in Tennessee means clearing the state's checklist, and a passing exam score. The Tennessee licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Debt Collector license to Tennessee from another state?
Tennessee doesn't publish a standing reciprocity policy for debt collectors; each out-of-state application is reviewed on its own merits. Some professions fall under interstate compacts that ease portability regardless. The Tennessee licensing board can confirm what applies to your case.
Does Tennessee require a background check for Debt Collector licensing?
Tennessee does require a background check before issuing a debt collector license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites