How to Get a Nurse (RN/LPN) License in Tennessee (2026)

Tennessee Board of Nursing

Tennessee Board of Nursing

Board of Nursing’s Mission To safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of Tennesseans by requiring that all who practice nursing within this state are qualified and licensed to practice.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

RN and LPN examination applicants must complete an approved nursing program.

RN and LPN examination applicants must complete an approved nursing program.

Applicants must demonstrate satisfactory educational qualifications, complete approved nursing programs, and successfully pass the applicable National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Pass the applicable National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

Pass the applicable National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

complete approved nursing programs, and successfully pass the applicable National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Renew their licenses and pay the $130 renewal fee every 24 months to continue practicing.

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renew their licenses and pay the $130 renewal fee every 24 months to continue practicing.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

The Rules require all nursing practitioners licensed by the board to renew their licenses and pay the $130 renewal fee every 24 months to continue practicing. Licenses expire on the last day of the licensee’s birth month.

The Rules require all nursing practitioners licensed by the board to renew their licenses and pay the $130 renewal fee every 24 months to continue practicing. Licenses expire on the last day of the licensee’s birth month. Applies to: Tennessee RN and LPN licenses

The Rules require all nursing practitioners licensed by the board to renew their licenses and pay the $130 renewal fee every 24 months to continue practicing. Licenses expire on the last day of the licensee’s birth month.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Licensure by endorsement is available to RNs and LPNs licensed in another state; references, license verification, background check, and citizenship or immigration documentation are required.

Licensure by endorsement is available to RNs and LPNs licensed in another state; references, license verification, background check, and citizenship or immigration documentation are required.

endorsement applicants must provide satisfactory references, official verification of nursing licensure from another state, and documentation of a criminal background check and citizenship or immigration.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Nursing practice in Tennessee requires a license issued by the board.

Nursing practice in Tennessee requires a license issued by the board.

Section 63-7-101, Tennessee Code Annotated, prohibits individuals from practicing nursing in Tennessee without a license issued by the board.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Effective April 8, 2026, the board charges $140 for examination licensure, $140 for endorsement, and $130 for RN/LPN biennial renewal. A separate $10 state regulatory fee applies to each of these applications; an examination provider may charge an additional fee.

Effective April 8, 2026, the board charges $140 for examination licensure, $140 for endorsement, and $130 for RN/LPN biennial renewal. A separate $10 state regulatory fee applies to each of these applications; an examination provider may charge an additional fee.

As of April 8, 2026, the examination fee is $140, the endorsement fee is $140, and the reinstatement fee is $100. All types of applications are also subject to a state regulatory fee of $10. The Rules require all nursing practitioners licensed by the board to renew their licenses and pay the $130 renewal fee every 24 months to continue practicing. Applicants may also be required to pay a fee directly to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

RN/LPN renewal competency requires evidence of at least two approved activities. Options include satisfactory employer and peer evaluations, written self-evaluation, and maintaining national certification. Ten contact hours of applicable continuing or in-service education is one option, not a universal CE minimum.

RN/LPN renewal competency requires evidence of at least two approved activities. Options include satisfactory employer and peer evaluations, written self-evaluation, and maintaining national certification. Ten contact hours of applicable continuing or in-service education is one option, not a universal CE minimum.

Such personal file shall include evidence of continued competency in the practice setting which shall consist of at least two (2) of the items below for the applicable renewal period: (a) Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses: 1. A satisfactory employer evaluation. 2. A satisfactory peer evaluation. 4. A written self-evaluation based on the standards of your profession. 5. Evidence of having initially obtained or maintained, during the most recent biennial renewal period, certification from a nationally recognized certification body appropriate to the individual’s nursing practice. 9. Successful completion of (10) contact hours per renewal period of continuing education/in-service education applicable to nursing practice.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Keep evidence of continued competency for four years. Initial licensees satisfy competency by completing their licensure requirements.

Keep evidence of continued competency for four years. Initial licensees satisfy competency by completing their licensure requirements.

For initial licensees, successfully completing the requirements for licensure, as applicable, shall be considered proof of sufficient competence to constitute compliance with this rule. Each active licensee must retain documentation of completion of all continued competence requirements of this rule for a period of four (4) years from when the requirements were completed.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026