PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER License in Tennessee
Quick Answer
To become a licensed Professional Engineer in Tennessee, you must hold an approved 4-year engineering degree, gain 4 years of experience, and pass the NCEES FE and PE exams with 5 professional references.
- Exam
- NCEES FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering)
- Timeline
- 6-8 years (4-year degree + 4 years experience)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every Biennial
Requirements
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER license in Tennessee
Estimated Costs Est.
- Exam Fee
- $550
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER 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.
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER Salary in Tennessee
Entry Level
$67,410
Median
$97,730
Experienced
$141,710
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER in Tennessee.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Background check required
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — NCEES FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 6-8 years (4-year degree + 4 years experience).
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER Licensing in Tennessee: What to Know
Tennessee requires a four-year engineering degree approved by the Board, passing the FE examination (waived with 12+ years of acceptable experience), four years of satisfactory engineering experience, and passing the PE examination. Applications require notarization, fees, five professional references (three from registered engineers), and official transcripts. Tennessee accepts NCEES records with recent references, transcripts, and verifications. The Department of Commerce and Insurance, Division of Regulatory Boards oversees licensure, requiring continuing education and a background check for PE applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER license in Tennessee?
- The process typically takes 6-8 years (4-year degree + 4 years experience), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER license in Tennessee?
- You need to pass the NCEES FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.