Learn The 7 Simple Steps to Qualifying To Become A Licensed CPA in Tennessee:

If you would like a more detailed checklist to make this process even easier, please download your Free CPA Exam Application Checklist PDF below:




Tennessee Requirements Overview:

Tennessee's (TN) CPA exam requirements are very specific relating to accounting and business courses that are required to be taken prior to sitting for the exam. Be sure to check the TN state board website to ensure your work experience is sufficient to obtain your license.

Follow each caption below to ensure that you are qualified to sit for the exam.

Disclosure: Please note that I do my best to keep these requirements up to date but seeing as there are more than 50 states and nations with individual requirements it is difficult for me to keep up with them all. Please verify each requirement with your state board of accountancy to ensure 100% accuracy! 

 

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Education Requirements

What are the education requirements in Tennessee?

150 Hours Requirement

TN requires 150 hours or graduate degree to sit for the CPA Exam

NOTE: You may sit 200 days prior to meeting educational requirements.

Accounting Course Requirements

TN requires 30 semester hours of accounting (24 of which must be upper division) 

Business Course Requirements

TN requires 24 semester hours (at least 12 hours are required to be upper division) 

Courses can include business law, algebra, calculus, statistics, probability, economics, finance, management, marketing, technology(computer)/information systems, ethics, business communications

Business Law Requirements

TN does not have any specific requirements regarding business law

Ethics Exam

Required to take AICPA Ethics Exam


Age & Residency Requirements

What are the age and residency requirements in Tennessee?

US Citizenship Requirement

You are NOT Required for Tennessee to be US Citizen to sit for the CPA exam and a SSN # is not required to sit for the exam but is required to be licensed. 

Residency Requirement

Tennessee does NOT require you to be a resident, employee, OR have an office in the state for you to take the CPA exam. 

Minimum Age to Sit for the CPA Exam

Tennessee does not have a minimum age requirement to sit for the CPA exam  

Tennessee CPA Exam Fees

How much does it cost to take the CPA exam in Tennessee?

Tennessee has fairly standard exam fee rates. If you need to re-take a part there is a varying re-application fee that you will have to pay.

Initial Application Fee:

$155

Audit:

$195.35

Financial:

$195.35

Regulation:

$176.25

Business:

$176.25

Total:

$898.20

Special Fees:

Re-exam registration fee (varying amounts based on number of parts)


Already Passed The CPA Exam in Tennessee? Here Are The CPA License Requirements

To obtain your CPA license TN requires:

Education: 
- 150 credit hours

Work Experience:
- Providing services or advice using accounting, attest, management advisory, financial advisory, tax or consulting skills
- Employment in industry, government, academia or public practice
- No fewer than 2,000 hours of experience earned in no less than 1 year or more than 3 years experience must have been accrued within the 10 years immediately preceding the application for certification
- Licensees who wish to sign reports on financial statements on behalf of a firm must provide 2 years of experience in the last ten years in compilations, reviews, and audits.


Tennessee State Board Contact Info

Tennessee State Board of Accountancy
500 James Robertson Parkway, 2nd Floor
Nashville, TN
37243-1141

Web: http://www.tn.gov/commerce/boards/tnsba/
Phone: 615-741-2550
Fax: 615-532-8800
Email: tnsba@state.tn.us


Who Is Bryan Kesler, CPAABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bryan Kesler, CPA is the founder of Kesler CPA Review & Ultimate CPA Exam Guide which earned him a spot on CPA Practice Advisor's Top 20 Under 40.

He has helped thousands of CPA candidates pass the CPA exam since 2013. You can contact him via email bryan@cpaexamguide.com


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