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Substitute Teachers, Short-Term Licensing in Tennessee

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for substitute teachers, short-term in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

Renewal every two years

Licensing Blueprint for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term in Tennessee

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: Physical exam required.

  5. 5

    Certification: Certification required.

  6. 6

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  7. 7

    A licensed practical nurse performs for compensation selected acts required in the nursing care of the ill, injured, or infirm and/or carries out medical orders prescribed by a licensed physician or dentist under the direction of a licensed physician, dentist, or professional registered nurse

    • has preparation in and understanding of nursing, but is not required to have the same degree of education and preparation as that required of a registered nurse.
  8. 8

    EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:.

  9. 9

    National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PNr).

  10. 10

    RENEWAL REQUIREMENT:.

Exam and processing details

  • National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PNr)

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    Renewal every two years

  4. Salary Position

    $26,240 median (32% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #46 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PNr).
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal every two years; continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Tennessee

With a median salary of $26,240, Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in Tennessee earn 32% below the national median of $38,470. Tennessee ranks #46 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,297

Median annual salary

$26,240

Hourly estimate

$12.62
32% below national median

Difference: -$12,230

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$20,300
  • P2525th percentile$21,610
  • P50Median$26,240
  • P7575th percentile$29,580
  • P9090th percentile$31,830

State vs National Median

State: $26,240
National: $38,470

Total employment: 6,690 | Annual openings: N/A

Substitute Teachers, Short-Term Salary Ranking

#46 of 50 statesfor Substitute Teachers, Short-Term median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$57,260
#2Oregon$55,540
#3Washington$54,880
#4Hawaii$50,070
#5Minnesota$48,710

Nearby States Comparison

Substitute Teachers, Short-Term licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Tennessee$26,240Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$29,100Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$37,630Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
North Carolina$32,420Varies by state boardNo exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$37,860Degree requiredState exam required5-18 years
Alabama$24,320Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Mississippi$21,120Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$28,490Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$32,890Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Tennessee50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
North Carolina27LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Georgia33LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Alabama50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be 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 Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards

665 Mainstream Drive 2nd floor, Nashville, TN, 37243

Phone: 6155327212

Website Pending VerificationCall BoardOpen in Maps
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.

Related Careers in Tennessee

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$65,000Specific course required2 months
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$80,190Specific course required2 months
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$99,280Specific course required2 months
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$64,480Specific course required2 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Substitute Teachers, Short-Term 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 Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in Tennessee?

Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms.

What education do you need to become a Substitute Teachers, Short-Term in Tennessee?

The board typically expects Degree required for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term licensure in Tennessee.

What is the typical Substitute Teachers, Short-Term salary in Tennessee?

The median annual salary for Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in Tennessee is $26,240. Salaries range from $20,300 (10th percentile) to $31,830 (90th percentile).

How does the Substitute Teachers, Short-Term salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?

Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in Tennessee earn 32% below the national median of $38,470, with a state median of $26,240.

How many Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms work in Tennessee?

Tennessee employs approximately 6,690 Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Substitute Teachers, Short-Term 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 Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in Tennessee?

The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards. The official board website is currently under manual verification.

How often do you renew a Substitute Teachers, Short-Term license in Tennessee?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal every two years.