Certified Public Accountant (CPA) / Tennessee
2026 data Tennessee board official source

Tennessee Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Provides accounting and auditing services. Requires Uniform CPA Exam.

What the Tennessee data shows for Certified Public Accountant (CPA)s

Tennessee sets the entry bar for certified public accountant (cpa)s at board-approved training and a passing score on Uniform CPA Examination, with 1 year of supervised work experience expected. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Tennessee's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Bachelors Degree with 150 credit hours".

The initial price tag is $220, and renewal costs $182 every 2 years. Maintaining the license requires 80 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

For certified public accountant (cpa)s, the reciprocity picture is: CPA mobility: practice rights in all 55 US jurisdictions.

Licensing Requirements in Tennessee

Education / Training Hours
Bachelors Degree with 150 credit hours
Not specified
Exam Requirement
Uniform CPA Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$220
Renewal Fee
$182
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
80 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
1 year

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Compare all states for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) All Tennessee licenses
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 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Tennessee? ▼
Tennessee requires, passing an exam (Uniform CPA Examination), and an initial fee of $220. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Tennessee? ▼
Tennessee licenses certified public accountant (cpa)s who complete its requirements (1 year of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Tennessee licensing board.
Can I transfer my Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license to Tennessee from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for certified public accountant (cpa)s nationally works like this: CPA mobility: practice rights in all 55 US jurisdictions. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Tennessee. Verify the specifics with the Tennessee licensing board.
Does Tennessee require a background check for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the certified public accountant (cpa) licensing process in Tennessee. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Tennessee? ▼
Licensed certified public accountant (cpa)s in Tennessee must complete 80 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $182.

Related Guides

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

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.