Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Business
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 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Certified Public Accountant in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
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
$75,500 median (8% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#35 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Certified Public Accountant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 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 $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 Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$75,500Hourly estimate
$36.308% below national median
Difference: -$6,180
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCertified Public Accountant Salary Ranking
#35 of 50 statesfor Certified Public Accountant median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $101,780 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $101,340 |
| #3 | Massachusetts | $96,580 |
| #4 | California | $96,360 |
| #5 | Washington | $96,180 |
Nearby States Comparison
Certified Public Accountant licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $75,500 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $72,220 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $84,190 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $80,490 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $80,100 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $71,070 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $64,170 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $64,180 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $73,210 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 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 | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 68 | Medium | State-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 2d Floor, 500 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN, 37243-1141
Phone: 6157412550
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 |
| Civil Engineer | $97,730 | Degree required | 4-3196 years |
| Claims Adjuster | $74,960 | Specific course required | 1-18 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Certified Public Accountant 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 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. 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. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Certified Public Accountant license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.