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Nurse Practitioner License in Tennessee

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your Nurse Practitioner license in TN. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$350

Processing Time

6-10 Weeks

Exam Required

ANCC or AANP Certification Exam

Difficulty Level

High

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your Nurse Practitioner license in Tennessee.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved Nurse Practitioner training program in Tennessee.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 6 required documents for your TN application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the ANCC or AANP Certification Exam.

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the Tennessee licensing board and pay the $350 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 6-10 weeks in TN. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

Getting licensed as a Nurse Practitioner in Tennessee starts with meeting the educational prerequisites set by the TN licensing authority. Once you have completed your training, you will need to register for and pass the ANCC or AANP Certification Exam. After passing, submit your application along with all required documents to the Tennessee state board.

Requirements

Tennessee has specific requirements for Nurse Practitioner licensure that applicants must fulfill. You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid government-issued identification. Educational requirements include completing an accredited program relevant to provide advanced nursing care with prescriptive authority. A clean background check is mandatory in TN, and you must demonstrate good moral character. The ANCC or AANP Certification Exam must be passed with a minimum score set by the Tennessee board.

Fees & Costs

The cost of becoming a licensed Nurse Practitioner in Tennessee starts at $350 for the application fee. TN requires this fee to be paid at the time of application submission. Factor in additional expenses such as exam fees, background check costs, and any required continuing education. Late renewal penalties in Tennessee can add up to $125 to your costs.

License Fee Calculator — Nurse Practitioner in Tennessee

Base License Fee$350
Estimated Total$350

Renewal Process

Tennessee requires Nurse Practitioner license holders to renew their credentials every 2 years. The renewal fee is $250 in TN. Continuing education requirements must be met before the renewal application is submitted. Tennessee offers both online and mail-in renewal options for licensed professionals.

License Expiry Calculator — Nurse Practitioner in TN

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. Tennessee requires renewal every 2 years.

Additional Information

The demand for licensed Nurse Practitioner professionals in Tennessee continues to grow. TN offers a supportive regulatory environment that balances consumer protection with professional opportunity. The licensing board in Tennessee provides online tools and resources to help applicants navigate the process efficiently. Many Nurse Practitioner professionals in TN report high job satisfaction and competitive compensation.

Document Checklist — Nurse Practitioner

0 of 6 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My Tennessee Nurse Practitioner License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) PartialAK requires additional exam or paperwork for TN license holders.
Alabama (AL) NoneAL does not recognize TN Nurse Practitioner license. Full re-application required.
Arizona (AZ) FullAZ accepts TN Nurse Practitioner license via reciprocity agreement.
Arkansas (AR) FullAR accepts TN Nurse Practitioner license via reciprocity agreement.
Colorado (CO) FullCO accepts TN Nurse Practitioner license via reciprocity agreement.
Delaware (DE) FullDE accepts TN Nurse Practitioner license via reciprocity agreement.
California (CA) NoneCA does not recognize TN Nurse Practitioner license. Full re-application required.
Florida (FL) FullFL accepts TN Nurse Practitioner license via reciprocity agreement.

Where to File Locally in Tennessee

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

Nashville

500 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243

(615) 741-3449

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Memphis

125 N Main St, Memphis, TN 38103

(901) 576-6000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Knoxville

400 Main St, Knoxville, TN 37902

(865) 215-2000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Chattanooga

101 E 11th St, Chattanooga, TN 37402

(423) 643-7800

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Clarksville

1 Public Square, Clarksville, TN 37040

(931) 645-7444

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Official Tennessee Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the Tennessee state board. Regulations may change.

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Disclaimer

US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.