Tennessee RN License Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a Registered Nurse in Tennessee
1 Education Requirements
Minimum Degree
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Requirements
- Complete an approved pre-licensure nursing program
- Program must be approved by state board or equivalent
- Foreign-educated nurses must meet CGFNS requirements
Graduate from a state-approved nursing education program
2 NCLEX-RN Examination
Exam Name
NCLEX-RN
Administered By
Pearson VUE
Passing Standard
Pass/Fail (Adaptive)
Tip: Register for the NCLEX through Pearson VUE after receiving your Authorization to Test (ATT) from the state board.
Need NCLEX-RN prep? Archer Review has a affordable prep, high pass rate.
3 Background Check
4 Fees
Initial Licensure
| Application Fee | $115 |
| Examination Fee | $200 |
| Fingerprinting | $50 |
| Total | $365 |
Total includes application ($115), NCLEX ($200), and fingerprinting ($50). Tennessee is an NLC compact member state. Reinstatement fee is $200.
Renewal
| Renewal Fee (every 2 years) | $100 |
State Board of Nursing
Verify a Tennessee License
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NLC Compact Member
Tennessee is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. With a multistate license, you can practice in multiple states.
Learn about NLC benefits →Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team
Based on 4 official sources • Last verified: January 2025