Tennessee Initial Teacher Certification
Gain the credentials you need

Tennessee Initial Teacher Certification:

• Tennessee Initial Certification:


Through the traditional route to certification, the certificate applicant must have completed a Tennessee Teacher Education Program.

The following are the requirements and steps needed to be taken in order to be qualified to apply for a Tennessee Educator License.


• Step 1:
  
  
  Request information from accredited institutions regarding Bachelor's, Master's and PhD programs. Teacher Preparation Programs.


• University of Phoenix
• Capella University
• Ashford University
• Walden University


• Step 2:
  
  
  You will need to successfully complete the Tennessee Competency Examinations that are give through the Educational Testing Services (ETS).
  
  Find all the information you need regarding what tests you will need to take, where to take them and when on the ETS website.


• Step 3:
  
  
  Download Initial Licensure Application online and complete page 1 of the application.
  
  You will then need to have page 2 completed by your a Certification Official from you Teacher Preparation Institute.


Have materials sent to this address:
Tennessee Department of Education
Office of Teacher Licensing
710 James Robertson Parkway
4th Floor Andrew Johnson Tower
Nashville, TN 37243-0377

Or contact the Tennessee Department of Education by calling (615) 532-4885


• Step 4:
  
  
  Sit Back and Relax!
  
  
• Alternative Route to Teacher Certification:
The alternative options for certification in Tennessee have been introduced in order to aid school districts suffering from teacher shortages and poor teacher retention and quality.

There are 3 different alternative certification options. Gather information about each and decide which option best fits your current needs and wishes regarding a new career in the Tennessee Public Education System.

The following are requirements and steps to be taken for each alternative certification option:


• Alternative Certification Type A:
  • You will need to have at least earned a Bachelor degree from an accredited university.
  • You will need to download the appropriate Certification Application for Type A. The previous link also provides the information you will need to help you apply for this certification.
  • Submit Official Transcripts reflecting an academic major in the field you wish to gain a teaching certification endorsement.
  • You will need to have a signed statement of intent to employ from a Tennessee School District employer.
  • You will be provided a mentor to guide your teaching through the first 2 years.


• Alternative Certification Type C:
  • Same as Type A, however, you must also be accepted into an Alternative Type C Licensure Program. You can find available programs from the link below.
  • You will need to download the appropriate Certification Application for Type C. The previous link also provides the information you will need to help you apply for this certification.
  • Submit Official Transcripts reflecting an academic major in the field you wish to gain a teaching certification endorsement.
  • You will need to have a signed statement of intent to employ from a Tennessee School District employer.
  • You will be provided a mentor to guide your teaching through the first 2 years.


• Alternative Certification Type E:
  • You will need at least a Bachelor's degree for this option.
  • You will need to download the appropriate Certification Application for Type E. The previous link also provides the information you will need to help you apply for this certification.
  • Submit Official Transcripts reflecting an academic major in the field you wish to gain a teaching certification endorsement.
  • Successfully complete the Praxis Exams Specialty Tests.
  • The Type E certification is valid for 3 years. During this time you will be required to complete 24 semester hours of professional development in order to advance your certification to a full Tennessee Teaching License.


Have materials sent to this address:
Tennessee Department of Education
Office of Teacher Licensing
710 James Robertson Parkway
4th Floor Andrew Johnson Tower
Nashville, TN 37243-0377

Or contact the Tennessee Department of Education by calling (615) 532-4885

Learn about the requirements of another state by clicking on one of the state certification links to your left.

Request information from schools by clicking on the links or school logos below.