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Architect Licensing in Tennessee

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for architect in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Architect in Tennessee

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division of Regulatory Boards • Division of Regulatory Boards

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $85,490 median (12% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #32 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Architect licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Department of Commerce and Insurance~Division of Regulatory Boards~Division of Regulatory Boards and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Tennessee

With a median salary of $85,490, Architects in Tennessee earn 12% below the national median of $96,690. Tennessee ranks #32 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,297

Median annual salary

$85,490

Hourly estimate

$41.10
12% below national median

Difference: -$11,200

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$60,210
  • P2525th percentile$73,090
  • P50Median$85,490
  • P7575th percentile$119,370
  • P9090th percentile$137,190

State vs National Median

State: $85,490
National: $96,690

Total employment: 2,190 | Annual openings: N/A

Architect Salary Ranking

#32 of 50 statesfor Architect median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Wyoming$107,040
#2Rhode Island$106,950
#3California$105,840
#4Alaska$105,340
#5Connecticut$105,200

Nearby States Comparison

Architect licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Tennessee$85,490Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$93,230Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$97,140Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
North Carolina$87,990Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$100,870Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Alabama$94,170Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Mississippi$79,040Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$84,310Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$97,970Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Tennessee68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Kentucky68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
North Carolina68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Georgia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Alabama68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Agency website unverified

Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division of Regulatory Boards • Division of Regulatory Boards

Davy Crockett Tower 3d Floor, 500 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN, 37243-1142

Phone: 6157413221

Website Pending VerificationCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Tennessee

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audio and Video Technicians$48,010Degree requiredVaries by board
Certified Public Accountant$75,500Degree requiredVaries by board
Civil Engineer$97,730Degree required4-3196 years
Claims Adjuster$74,960Specific course required1-18 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Architect in Tennessee?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Architects in Tennessee?

Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Architects.

What education do you need to become a Architect in Tennessee?

The board typically expects Degree required for Architect licensure in Tennessee.

What is the typical Architect salary in Tennessee?

The median annual salary for Architects in Tennessee is $85,490. Salaries range from $60,210 (10th percentile) to $137,190 (90th percentile).

How does the Architect salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?

Architects in Tennessee earn 12% below the national median of $96,690, with a state median of $85,490.

How many Architects work in Tennessee?

Tennessee employs approximately 2,190 Architects according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Architect license to Tennessee from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Architects in Tennessee?

The licensing agency is Department of Commerce and Insurance / Division of Regulatory Boards / Division of Regulatory Boards. The official board website is currently under manual verification.

How often do you renew a Architect license in Tennessee?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.