Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Public Safety
Police Officer Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for police officer 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 Police Officer in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 1-18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Must meet the training requirements
- 2
Education: No educational requirements.
- 3
Experience: No experience required.
- 4
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 5
Physical Requirement: Some physical requirements.
- 6
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 7
Must meet the training requirements.
- 8
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:.
- 9
Training includes an examination covering subjects in which the individual must have training.
- 10
All candidates must complete a four hour basic course including 1 hour each of orientation, legal powers and limitations of a security guard/officer, emergency procedures, and general duties with additional training for carrying the weapons or other devices that are less than lethal that he will use.
- 11
An armed guard must complete eight additional hours in the classroom covering legal limitations on the use of a firearm, handling of a firearm, and safety and maintenance of firearms, and an additional four hours of marksmanship training and achieve a minimum of 70% on any silhouette target course approved by the commissioner.
- 12
Within 15 days of employment at an establishment with on-premises alcohol consumption, take two additional training courses.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
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
$59,410 median (22% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#40 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Police Officer 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.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Commerce and Insurance~Division of Regulatory Boards~Division of Regulatory Boards and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $59,410, Police Officers in Tennessee earn 22% below the national median of $76,290. Tennessee ranks #40 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$59,410Hourly estimate
$28.5622% below national median
Difference: -$16,880
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPolice Officer Salary Ranking
#40 of 50 statesfor Police Officer median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $115,400 |
| #2 | Washington | $102,640 |
| #3 | Illinois | $101,530 |
| #4 | Alaska | $100,300 |
| #5 | Colorado | $96,100 |
Nearby States Comparison
Police Officer licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $59,410 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 1-18 years |
| Kentucky | $60,230 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $65,110 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $58,030 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $56,350 | Degree required | State exam required | 2 years |
| Alabama | $53,850 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 19 years |
| Mississippi | $45,610 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $48,090 | Specific course required | State exam required | 1-21 years |
| Missouri | $60,720 | 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 | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is 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 | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| 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 • Division of Regulatory Boards • Division of Regulatory Boards
Davy Crockett Tower, 500 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN, 37243-1158
Phone: 6157416382
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 |
| Firefighter | $47,300 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| 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 Police Officer in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Police Officers in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Police Officers.
What education do you need to become a Police Officer in Tennessee?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Police Officer licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Police Officer salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Police Officers in Tennessee is $59,410. Salaries range from $40,940 (10th percentile) to $81,340 (90th percentile).
How does the Police Officer salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Police Officers in Tennessee earn 22% below the national median of $76,290, with a state median of $59,410.
How many Police Officers work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 13,780 Police Officers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Police 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 Police Officers 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 Police Officer license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.