CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT (CPA) License in Tennessee
Quick Answer
To become a CPA in Tennessee, you need 150 semester hours with a bachelor's degree (30 accounting, 24 business), pass the Uniform CPA Exam (75+) and AICPA Ethics Exam (90+), and complete 2,000+ hours of experience in 1-3 years. CE: 80 hours every 2 years. A background check is required. Estimated total costs are approximately $2,175.
- Exam
- Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA/NASBA)
- Total Cost
- $2,175 (est.)
- Timeline
- 5-7 years (including degree)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT (CPA) certification in Tennessee
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $100
- Exam Fee
- $1,000
- Renewal Fee
- $75
- Total Estimated Cost
- $2,175
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT (CPA) license in Tennessee. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Tennessee licensing board.
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT (CPA) Salary in Tennessee
Entry Level
$50,400
Median
$75,500
Experienced
$125,280
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT (CPA) in Tennessee.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Background check required
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA/NASBA)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$100.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 5-7 years (including degree).
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT (CPA) Licensing in Tennessee: What to Know
Tennessee provides very detailed requirements. Must earn a baccalaureate degree with 150 semester hours including 30 hours in accounting (24 upper division) and 24 hours in business (12 upper division). Must pass the Uniform CPA Exam (score 75+), pass the AICPA Ethics Exam (score 90+), and complete 1 year of experience (no fewer than 2,000 hours, earned in 1-3 years, within 10 years of application). CPAs signing reports on financial statements need 2 years of compilation/review/audit experience. CE: 80 approved hours every 2 years (minimum 20/year, at least 40 technical). A background check is required. Interstate reciprocity available.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT (CPA) license cost in Tennessee?
- The estimated total cost is $2,175, including application fees, exam fees ($1,000), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT (CPA) license in Tennessee?
- The process typically takes 5-7 years (including degree), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT (CPA) license in Tennessee?
- You need to pass the Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA/NASBA). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT (CPA) requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.