Occupational licensing · Tennessee · burden rank #29 of 51
Tennessee Occupational Licensing Requirements
Tennessee's licensing burden varies by profession. This registry brings together education hours, initial and renewal fees, exams, background checks and reciprocity notes for 97 professions. Its source trail records the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) compilation and responsible boards. Use the table to compare occupations, then verify the current rule with the responsible state board before applying.
Tennessee sits mid-pack on licensing burden (#29 of 51). Highest education-hour licenses here: Psychologist; Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Indiana; Virginia; Minnesota; Missouri. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Use the named licenses and peers as the next stop.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #29 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 1,886
- Avg initial fee
- $140
Tennessee vs all states by licensing burden score
Where this state's Institute for Justice License to Work composite sits among every state and D.C. Lower score = heavier documented barriers.
51 Around the middle more restrictive than 43% of 51 states
States and D.C., banded by IJ License to Work composite burden score (low = heavy)
Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more states. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Source Institute for Justice License to Work · 2026
Highest education-hour licenses here: Psychologist; Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Indiana; Virginia; Minnesota; Missouri. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Psychologist
In Tennessee, Psychologist lists 5,757 education hours with an exam and a $251 initial fee. Compare the same license in Indiana on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Electrician
In Tennessee, Electrician lists 5,514 education hours with an exam and a $113 initial fee. Compare the same license in Indiana on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among Tennessee's higher initial fees at $302 after 20 education hours. Open Virginia for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Tennessee's higher initial fees at $251 after 4,757 education hours. Open Virginia for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Tennessee against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Tennessee already selected on state A and a peer jurisdiction on state B.
Opens the live compare tool with both states and the profession already selected. Browse all comparisons.
Nationwide jurisdictions with similar burden or fee shape
Two peer sets for Tennessee: IJ composite burden rank and average confirmed initial license fee, distinct from the inline burden neighbors above.
Similar licensing burden rank
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by Institute for Justice composite burden (#29 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
Agriculture in Tennessee
| TN profession | TN edu hrs | TN exam | TN initial $ | TN renew $ | TN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
Animal Care in Tennessee
| TN profession | TN edu hrs | TN exam | TN initial $ | TN renew $ | TN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 4,757 | Yes | $251 | $214 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Vermont.
| 1,878 | Yes | $126 | $107 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Vermont |
Construction in Tennessee
| TN profession | TN edu hrs | TN exam | TN initial $ | TN renew $ | TN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 5,514 | Yes | $113 | $91 | 1 yr | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 5,514 | Yes | $164 | $145 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Virginia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Virginia |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Virginia.
| - | Yes | $236 | $198 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Virginia |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 3,514 | Yes | $91 | $72 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 15 | Yes | $91 | $82 | 3 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 5,514 | Yes | $132 | $113 | 1 yr | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
Cosmetology in Tennessee
| TN profession | TN edu hrs | TN exam | TN initial $ | TN renew $ | TN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 1,189 | Yes | $82 | $46 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 1,227 | Yes | $92 | $50 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 491 | Yes | $91 | $72 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 540 | Yes | $78 | $44 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Utah.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Utah |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 584 | Yes | $101 | $56 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 358 | Yes | $70 | $39 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
Design in Tennessee
| TN profession | TN edu hrs | TN exam | TN initial $ | TN renew $ | TN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| - | Yes | $198 | $160 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
Education in Tennessee
| TN profession | TN edu hrs | TN exam | TN initial $ | TN renew $ | TN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 45 | No | $91 | $72 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| - | Yes | $116 | $79 | 5 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | Yes | $135 | $97 | 5 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $116 | $79 | 5 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs Wisconsin |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Washington.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Washington |
Engineering in Tennessee
| TN profession | TN edu hrs | TN exam | TN initial $ | TN renew $ | TN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| - | Yes | $236 | $198 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
Finance in Tennessee
| TN profession | TN edu hrs | TN exam | TN initial $ | TN renew $ | TN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $220 | $182 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 43 | Yes | $107 | $88 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 20 | Yes | $302 | $208 | 1 yr | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
Food & Hospitality in Tennessee
| TN profession | TN edu hrs | TN exam | TN initial $ | TN renew $ | TN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
Healthcare in Tennessee
| TN profession | TN edu hrs | TN exam | TN initial $ | TN renew $ | TN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and West Virginia.
| 2,878 | Yes | $126 | $107 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs West Virginia |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 2,878 | Yes | $179 | $107 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 150 | Yes | $82 | $72 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 1,189 | Yes | $122 | $88 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 3,378 | Yes | $160 | $141 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Texas.
| 4,378 | Yes | $236 | $198 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Texas |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 1,503 | Yes | $126 | $107 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 4,568 | Yes | $195 | $176 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and West Virginia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs West Virginia |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 3,378 | Yes | $179 | $160 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 3,568 | Yes | $214 | $195 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 2,065 | Yes | $126 | $107 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $145 | $126 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Vermont.
| 2,378 | Yes | $141 | $97 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Vermont |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 1,878 | Yes | $126 | $107 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 3,378 | Yes | $179 | $141 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Texas.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Texas |
Legal & Security in Tennessee
| TN profession | TN edu hrs | TN exam | TN initial $ | TN renew $ | TN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 35 | No | $110 | $69 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 2,295 | Yes | $182 | $164 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
Mental Health in Tennessee
| TN profession | TN edu hrs | TN exam | TN initial $ | TN renew $ | TN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 3,378 | Yes | $141 | $122 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 2,878 | Yes | $132 | $113 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 2,878 | Yes | $160 | $141 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 5,757 | Yes | $251 | $214 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
Miscellaneous in Tennessee
| TN profession | TN edu hrs | TN exam | TN initial $ | TN renew $ | TN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 125 | Yes | $129 | $91 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
Real Estate in Tennessee
| TN profession | TN edu hrs | TN exam | TN initial $ | TN renew $ | TN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Utah.
| 101 | Yes | $182 | $145 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Utah |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 93 | Yes | $132 | $111 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 139 | Yes | $182 | $154 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
Transportation in Tennessee
| TN profession | TN edu hrs | TN exam | TN initial $ | TN renew $ | TN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Washington.
| 15 | Yes | $69 | $50 | 4 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Washington |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 221 | Yes | $88 | $50 | 4 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 70 | Yes | $69 | $50 | 4 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs Wisconsin |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Tennessee ranks #29 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Below median) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Tennessee directly against another state, side by side. Compare states
- Before relocating or entering a profession, compare its education hours, fees, and exam requirements across states. Browse all professions
- Check whether your license transfers under an interstate compact before assuming you need to start over. Reciprocity guide
Burden scores are compiled from Institute for Justice License to Work research and NCSL board coverage; always confirm current rules with the licensing board before relying on any single row.
Related for Tennessee
NCSL and state-board extracts for Tennessee. Burden peers on this ladder include Indiana, Virginia, Minnesota, Missouri; verify current rules with the named boards before applying.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential state file (current as of May 15, 2026) aggregates 4,947 licensing requirement records; see the methodology.
Every figure on PlainCredential is rendered directly from NCSL and state occupational- licensing board data, no number is typed in by an editor. Figures for Tennessee render from NCSL and state licensing board rows; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.