School Librarian / Media Specialist / Tennessee
2026 data Tennessee board official source

Tennessee School Librarian / Media Specialist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

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

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Manages school library resources. Requires teaching cert in most states.

What the Tennessee data shows for School Librarian / Media Specialists

Becoming a licensed school librarian / media specialist in Tennessee means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 2,000 training hours, a passing score on a state-approved exam, plus a background history check. Tennessee regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Degree".

Budget $100 to get started on a 5-year cycle. 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
Degree
2,000 hours
Exam Requirement
Required
Initial License Fee
$100
Renewal Fee
N/A
Renewal Cycle
Every 5 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required

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Compare all states for School Librarian / Media Specialist 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 School Librarian / Media Specialist in Tennessee? ▼
Tennessee's requirements cover 2000 hours of education or training, a state exam, and an initial fee of $100. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a School Librarian / Media Specialist in Tennessee? ▼
Certification as a school librarian / media specialist in Tennessee means clearing the state's checklist: 2000 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Tennessee licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my School Librarian / Media Specialist license to Tennessee from another state? ▼
Tennessee evaluates out-of-state school librarian / media specialist licenses on a case-by-case basis. Many professions are covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability. Contact the Tennessee licensing board for specific reciprocity details.
Does Tennessee require a background check for School Librarian / Media Specialist licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the school librarian / media specialist licensing process in Tennessee. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.

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.