Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Public Safety
Firefighter Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for firefighter in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Firefighter in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Pass a state examination
- 2
Education: No educational requirements.
- 3
Experience: No experience required.
- 4
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 5
Pass a state examination.
Exam and processing details
- state examination
Continuing education and program notes
- certified as an extinguisher specialist
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division of Fire Prevention
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$47,300 median (21% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#37 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Firefighter licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required state examination.
- 5. Submit the application to Department of Commerce and Insurance~Division of Fire Prevention and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $47,300, Firefighters in Tennessee earn 21% below the national median of $59,530. Tennessee ranks #37 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
$47,300Hourly estimate
$22.7421% below national median
Difference: -$12,230
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFirefighter Salary Ranking
#37 of 50 statesfor Firefighter median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $93,490 |
| #2 | New York | $88,380 |
| #3 | New Jersey | $87,660 |
| #4 | California | $83,400 |
| #5 | Illinois | $79,080 |
Nearby States Comparison
Firefighter licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $47,300 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $37,140 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $58,300 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $37,250 | Varies by state board | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $45,970 | Varies by state board | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $47,490 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-18 years |
| Mississippi | $36,980 | No educational requirements | Choice of state or third-party exam | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $42,100 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-18 years |
| Missouri | $48,470 | Degree required | No 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 | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | 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 | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Georgia | 25 | 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: No continuing education requirement 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 • Division of Fire Prevention
Davy Crockett Tower 9d Floor, 500 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN, 37243-1159
Phone: 6157411322
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $51,490 | Degree required | 1 month |
| 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 Firefighter 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 Firefighters in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Firefighters.
What education do you need to become a Firefighter in Tennessee?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Firefighter licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Firefighter salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Firefighters in Tennessee is $47,300. Salaries range from $32,480 (10th percentile) to $71,300 (90th percentile).
How does the Firefighter salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Firefighters in Tennessee earn 21% below the national median of $59,530, with a state median of $47,300.
How many Firefighters work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 6,510 Firefighters according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Firefighter license to Tennessee from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Firefighters in Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Commerce and Insurance / Division of Fire Prevention. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Firefighter license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.