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Certified Public Accountant Licensing in Tennessee

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

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Certified Public Accountant in Tennessee

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Register with licensing agency
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: Work experience required
  • Background Check: Background check required
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

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

    $75,500 median (8% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #35 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in Tennessee

With a median salary of 75,500, Certified Public Accountants in Tennessee earn 8% below the national median of $81,680. Tennessee ranks #35 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$75,500

Hourly estimate

$36.30
8% below national median

Difference: -$6,180

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$50,400
  • P2525th percentile$61,960
  • P50Median$75,500
  • P7575th percentile$92,140
  • P9090th percentile$125,280

State vs National Median

State: $75,500
National: $81,680

Total employment: 26,890 | Annual openings: N/A

Certified Public Accountant Salary Ranking

#35 of 50 statesfor Certified Public Accountant median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New York101,780
#2New Jersey101,340
#3Massachusetts96,580
#4California96,360
#5Washington96,180

Nearby States Comparison

Certified Public Accountant licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Tennessee$75,500Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Kentucky$72,220Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Virginia$84,190Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
North Carolina$80,490Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Georgia$80,100Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Alabama$71,070Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams required6-24 months
Mississippi$64,170Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Arkansas$64,180Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Missouri$73,210No educational requirementsState exam required6-24 months

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
Tennessee50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
North Carolina50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Georgia60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Alabama58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
  • 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

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

Davy Crockett Tower 2d Floor, 500 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN, 37243-1141

Phone: 6157412550

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps
Agency website was unavailable in source data, using official search fallback.

Related Careers in Tennessee

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$85,490Degree required6-24 months
Civil Engineer$97,730Degree required6-24 months
Financial Advisor$89,390Specific course required6-24 months
Funeral Director$44,670Specific course required6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Certified Public Accountant in Tennessee?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Certified Public Accountants in Tennessee?

Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Certified Public Accountants.

What education do you need to become a Certified Public Accountant in Tennessee?

The board typically expects Degree required for Certified Public Accountant licensure in Tennessee.

What is the typical Certified Public Accountant salary in Tennessee?

The median annual salary for Certified Public Accountants in Tennessee is 75,500. Salaries range from $50,400 (10th percentile) to $125,280 (90th percentile).

How does the Certified Public Accountant salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?

Certified Public Accountants in Tennessee earn 8% below the national median of $81,680, with a state median of 75,500.

How many Certified Public Accountants work in Tennessee?

Tennessee employs approximately 26,890 Certified Public Accountants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Certified Public Accountant 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 Certified Public Accountants in Tennessee?

The licensing agency is Department of Commerce and Insurance / Division of Regulatory Boards / Division of Regulatory Boards.