Compact status
Nurse Licensure Compact member
TN · Internationally educated nurses
Tennessee RN license requirements
A researched starting point for applying to Tennessee Board of Nursing, including education review, English rules, identification requirements, background checks, and the NCLEX sequence.
Credential evaluation
Foreign graduates must submit a TruMerit/CGFNS Credentials Evaluation Service Professional Report. The Board page states this requirement effective November 1, 2023.
English requirement
Foreign graduates must demonstrate English proficiency. Tennessee accepts IELTS and TOEFL and, from January 1, 2024, OET and MET; home tests are not accepted. Confirm score/exemption details in the current instructions.
SSN requirement
A valid SSN is required for a multistate license. The reviewed public Board page does not clearly publish an initial single-state no-SSN procedure; contact the Board rather than assuming one.
Background check
All initial applicants obtain TBI and FBI criminal background checks using Tennessee's vendor/OCA instructions (RN OCA 1703).
Education review
The Board requires official education documentation and the CES comparability review. Documents must come in the manner stated in the application instructions.
Application sequence
How to apply in Tennessee
- 1
Create a LARS account and submit RN examination application.
- 2
Arrange direct CES, ELP and official transcript evidence.
- 3
Complete TBI/FBI fingerprinting with the nursing OCA.
- 4
Register with Pearson VUE and await Board authorization/ATT.
Documents to prepare
- CES Professional Report
- ELP result
- Official transcript sent directly
- TBI/FBI check
- Declaration of primary residence for multistate
Verify before paying
- • The Board landing page places the foreign-graduate notice beneath RN/LPN materials that also discuss endorsement; verify the examination checklist for file-specific submission details.
- • Only Tennessee primary residents can receive a Tennessee multistate license.
Apply through the official board
This guide helps you compare requirements; it is not the application. Check the current instructions from Tennessee Board of Nursing before ordering reports or submitting documents.
Official sources reviewed
Research checked 2026-07-22. Requirements can change.
General educational information only. The state board is the authority on licensure eligibility; immigration authorization is a separate process.