Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Business
Civil Engineer Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for civil engineer in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Civil Engineer in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 4-3196 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
O. Box 1686
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Must be of good character and repute, and satisfy education and examination requirements
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Education: Degree required.
- 4
License Type: Preliminary/temporary license.
- 5
Must be of good character and repute, and satisfy education and examination requirements.
- 6
EDUCATION AND EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:.
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Graduation from a curriculum of 4 years or more leading to a baccalaureate degree in engineering approved by the board.
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A prospective graduate and senior in good standing in a curriculum of 4 years or more leading to a baccalaureate degree in engineering approved by the Board may qualify by passing a minimum eight-hour written examination prepared by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying in the Fundamentals of Engineering.
Exam and processing details
- written examination prepared by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying in the Fundamentals of Engineering
Continuing education and program notes
- certified as an engineer intern may work on engineering projects under the supervision of a registered professional engineer
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division of Regulatory Boards • Division of Regulatory Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$97,730 median (2% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#24 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (5)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be of good character and repute, and satisfy education and examination requirements; Must be of good character and repute, and satisfy education and examination requirements.).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience (A prospective graduate and senior in good standing in a curriculum of 4 years or more leading to a baccalaureate degree in engineering ap...).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required written examination prepared by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying in the Fundamentals of Engineering.
- 5. 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 $97,730, Civil Engineers in Tennessee earn 2% below the national median of $99,590. Tennessee ranks #24 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 4-3196 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$97,730Hourly estimate
$46.992% below national median
Difference: -$1,860
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCivil Engineer Salary Ranking
#24 of 50 statesfor Civil Engineer median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $118,450 |
| #2 | Rhode Island | $112,250 |
| #3 | Alaska | $107,240 |
| #4 | Washington | $105,090 |
| #5 | New Mexico | $104,600 |
Nearby States Comparison
Civil Engineer licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $97,730 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 4-3196 years |
| Kentucky | $100,200 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $96,210 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $93,590 | Varies by state board | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $81,030 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $98,100 | Degree required | State exam required | 1 month |
| Mississippi | $103,940 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $81,930 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $93,020 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Kentucky | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- 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
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $85,490 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $48,010 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Certified Public Accountant | $75,500 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Claims Adjuster | $74,960 | Specific course required | 1-18 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Civil Engineer in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 4-3196 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Civil Engineers in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Civil Engineers.
What education do you need to become a Civil Engineer in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Degree required for Civil Engineer licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Civil Engineer salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Civil Engineers in Tennessee is $97,730. Salaries range from $67,410 (10th percentile) to $141,710 (90th percentile).
How does the Civil Engineer salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Civil Engineers in Tennessee earn 2% below the national median of $99,590, with a state median of $97,730.
How many Civil Engineers work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 4,660 Civil Engineers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Civil Engineer license to Tennessee from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Civil Engineers 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 Civil Engineer license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.