Elementary School Teacher / Tennessee
2026 data Tennessee board official source

Tennessee Elementary School Teacher License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

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

PlainCredential home → About this data

Instructs students in grades K-6. Requires state teaching certificate.

What the Tennessee data shows for Elementary School Teachers

Tennessee's path to elementary school teacher licensure runs through board-approved instruction and a passing score on State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent), plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Tennessee folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Bachelors Degree in Education".

The initial price tag is $116, and renewal costs $79 every 5 years. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 150 hours of continuing education are due every 5-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

For elementary school teachers, the reciprocity picture is: State-specific — NASDTEC agreements between some states.

Licensing Requirements in Tennessee

Education / Training Hours
Bachelors Degree in Education
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$116
Renewal Fee
$79
Renewal Cycle
Every 5 years
Continuing Education
150 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Elementary School Teacher 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 Elementary School Teacher in Tennessee? ▼
In Tennessee, the license path calls for, a passing score on State Teaching Certification Exam (Praxis or equivalent), and a $116 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as an Elementary School Teacher in Tennessee? ▼
Certification as an elementary school teacher 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 Elementary School Teacher license to Tennessee from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for elementary school teachers nationally works like this: State-specific — NASDTEC agreements between some states. 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 Elementary School Teacher licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for elementary school teacher licensing in Tennessee. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Elementary School Teacher in Tennessee? ▼
Tennessee ties continued elementary school teacher licensure to 150 continuing-education hours, due every 5 years, alongside a $79 renewal fee.

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.