Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Public Safety
Corrections Officer Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for corrections officer in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
Renewal annuallyLicensing Blueprint for Corrections Officer in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 1 monthCore Requirements
- 1
Complete forty hours of orientation by the private probation services company
- 2
Education: Degree required.
- 3
Experience: Work experience required.
- 4
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
Complete forty hours of orientation by the private probation services company.
- 7
Each employee who is responsible for providing probation supervision shall have at least four (4) years of experience in a criminal justice or a social services agency providing counseling services or shall have a bachelor's and/or an associate's degree from an accredited college or university.
- 8
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:.
- 9
CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:.
- 10
8 hours of required continuing education.
- 11
RENEWAL: The private probation provider must renew annually.
Continuing education and program notes
- CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Commerce and Insurance
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal annually
- Salary Position
$51,490 median (11% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#28 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Corrections Officer licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required state examinations.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Commerce and Insurance and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal annually; continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $51,490, Corrections Officers in Tennessee earn 11% below the national median of $57,970. Tennessee ranks #28 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1 month.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$51,490Hourly estimate
$24.7511% below national median
Difference: -$6,480
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCorrections Officer Salary Ranking
#28 of 50 statesfor Corrections Officer median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $95,840 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $90,150 |
| #3 | Oregon | $83,120 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | $78,830 |
| #5 | Illinois | $78,750 |
Nearby States Comparison
Corrections Officer licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $51,490 | Degree required | State-approved exam | 1 month |
| Kentucky | $40,230 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $49,980 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $49,080 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $44,500 | Degree required | State exam required | 21 years |
| Alabama | $46,400 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 19 years |
| Mississippi | $36,710 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $40,330 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-18 years |
| Missouri | $41,310 | Degree required | State exam required | 21 years |
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 | 60 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Kentucky | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 33 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
Department of Commerce and Insurance
Davy Crockett Tower 4th Floor, 500 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN, 37243
Phone: N/A
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $47,300 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Police Officer | $59,410 | No educational requirements | 1-18 years |
| Security Guards | $36,090 | No educational requirements | 1-18 years |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Corrections Officer in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1 month, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What education do you need to become a Corrections Officer in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Degree required for Corrections Officer licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Corrections Officer salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Corrections Officers in Tennessee is $51,490. Salaries range from $37,920 (10th percentile) to $65,190 (90th percentile).
How does the Corrections Officer salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Corrections Officers in Tennessee earn 11% below the national median of $57,970, with a state median of $51,490.
How many Corrections Officers work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 7,610 Corrections Officers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Corrections Officer license to Tennessee from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Corrections Officers in Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Commerce and Insurance. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Corrections Officer license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal annually.