Registered Nurse / Tennessee
2026 data Tennessee board official source

Tennessee Registered Nurse License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Provides patient care, administers medications, and coordinates with physicians. Requires NCLEX-RN exam.

What the Tennessee data shows for Registered Nurses

Tennessee sets the entry bar for registered nurses at 2,378 training hours and a passing score on NCLEX-RN. 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 "Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing".

The initial price tag is $100, and renewal costs $50 every 2 years. Applications usually take around 4 weeks to process once complete. The license also carries an ongoing 30-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

For registered nurses, the reciprocity picture is: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Ease Score

D
Licensing Ease Score
46/100
Registered Nurse · Tennessee

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
2,378 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$141
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden C
$49/yr
$97 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
15.0 hrs/yr
30 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Tennessee

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,378 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$141
Renewal Fee
$97
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
4 wks
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Compare fees across all states for Registered Nurse →

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Registered Nurse 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 Registered Nurse in Tennessee? ▼
In Tennessee, the license path calls for 2378 education/training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-RN, and a $141 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in Tennessee? ▼
Certification as a registered nurse in Tennessee means clearing the state's checklist: 2378 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Tennessee licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Tennessee from another state? ▼
For registered nurses, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Tennessee licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Tennessee require a background check for Registered Nurse licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for registered nurse licensing in Tennessee. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Registered Nurse in Tennessee? ▼
To stay licensed as a registered nurse in Tennessee, plan on 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $97.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in Tennessee? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Tennessee is $100. The renewal fee is $50 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 4 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Registered Nurse license processing take in Tennessee? ▼
In Tennessee, license processing for registered nurses typically takes approximately 4 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

What to do with this registered nurse license

Registered Nurse in Tennessee, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a registered nurse-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Tennessee's registered nurse requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Registered Nurse in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state registered nurse license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Tennessee's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Tennessee overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Tennessee licensing board before making career decisions.

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

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

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