Tennessee Credential Guide
English as a Second Language Endorsement Requirements in Tennessee
Issued by Tennessee Department of Education.
Tennessee offers assessment-only and approved-program routes for adding endorsements where the route applies. Check which ESL route your current license permits.
Official sources reviewed . Requirements can change, so confirm your route with the issuing agency before enrolling.
Tennessee TNCompass
Your Existing Endorsement Determines Which Addition Route Opens
Tennessee lists an equivalent professional out-of-state license, assessment-only addition where eligible, and an approved additional-endorsement program with assessments. Assessment-only eligibility depends on the current license and grade span; ESL is also among areas affected by the state's literacy-training rule.
Ask the provider to submit the Add Endorsement transaction in TNCompass and confirm that required scores and literacy evidence appear in your record.
Have the provider complete the Application for Additional Endorsement form, then upload it in TNCompass with score and verification evidence before submitting.
Do not assume an ESL test alone is enough. Ask Tennessee whether your existing endorsement permits that route and which current literacy training or assessment applies.
Tennessee Department of Education, checked September 29, 2026: licensed educator additions and licensure operating procedures.
Tennessee Requirements
Start With the License You Hold
An existing Tennessee license or an equivalent active out-of-state license can lead to different reviews. Ask the Department which applies to you.
Current-license review
An existing Tennessee license holder can add an ESL endorsement through an assessment-only route where allowed or through an approved additional-endorsement program. An active equivalent out-of-state license may qualify for state review.
Tennessee Requirements
Choose the Assessment or Program Route
The assessment-only option depends on the endorsement and your license. Confirm the current ESL route before paying for a test or program.
Addition routes
The state publishes assessment-only and approved additional-endorsement program routes, depending on the endorsement and applicant's license.
Content assessment
Tennessee requires the applicable content assessment when the endorsement is available through its assessment-only route.
Tennessee Requirements
Renew the Underlying Tennessee License
The state lists different renewal evidence for practitioner and professional licenses.
License renewal
Tennessee lists 30 professional-development points for practitioner-license renewal and 60 points or two years of qualifying experience for professional-license renewal.