Educator Licensure & Preparation
The department works to issue licenses efficiently to Tennessee educators in accordance with legislative codes and state board rules and regulations and policies. The office of educator licensure and preparation is responsible for the issuance of all Tennessee educator licenses, and approval of educator preparation programs.
The Office of Educator Licensure is currently processing applications received on or after the following dates:
To help us process applications efficiently, please wait at least ten business days after submitting your application before contacting our office with any concerns.
- For licensed educators, login to the Educator License Information site
- To verify another educator's license status, search the public Educator License Information site
Our office now offers educators the convenience of printing a copy of their license directly through TNCompass or through the State of Tennessee. To view and print a copy of your Tennessee educator license, please follow the steps below:
- Visit https://www.tncompass.org and log into your account
- Navigate to the Licensure tab of your educator profile
- Click the blue "Print License," button next to the desired license.
- The system will generate a PDF of your license, suitable for printing and framing.
The printed version of your Tennessee educator license is the official version of your license.
Educators may also purchase a printed license through the State of Tennessee using the following link: https://shop.dgs.tn.gov/product/dept-of-education-teaching-license-print-request/
Please note: Once the printed request is received, it may take up to ninety (90) days to receive a license in the mail. Any inaccuracies made in the request are the responsibility of the requestor.
Manage Your Tennessee License
To apply for a new Tennessee license or take action on a current license, visit TNCompass. First time users will need to register for an account. All licensure transactions (e.g., apply, advance, renew, etc.) must be submitted electronically through TNCompass. The department no longer accepts paper applications.
Literacy Success Act Licensure Requirement Guidance
The 2021 Tennessee Literacy Success Act requires certain educators to complete a literacy course before license renewal. The Tennessee Literacy Success Act Training and Licensure Requirements document located in the Licensure Guidance Documents section found here, includes details about the requirements, endorsements that are included in these new requirements, and clarification on how to demonstrate completion of the requirement.
Tennessee Teacher Job Connection
The Department has created a resource for teachers seeking employment in Tennessee districts. Click here to learn more.
Contact the Office of Educator Licensure and Preparation
Licensure Inquiries: [email protected]
Preparation Inquiries: [email protected]
TNCompass Technical Inquiries: [email protected]
Mailing Address for Official Transcripts:
9th Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243