Tennessee
Tennessee requires state licensure for behavior analysts. Committee of 5 members appointed by Governor (3 LBAs, 1 LABA, 1 consumer). Applicants must hold BACB certification, submit character references, passport photo, birth certificate (21+ age), notarized application. Biennial renewal with CE requirements. Uses CE Broker for tracking.
Quick Reference
Licensing Board
Tennessee Applied Behavior Analyst Licensing Committee (under Department of Health)
License Verification
Online verification available
BACB Certification
BACB certification required
Available License Types
Detailed Requirements
LBA: BCBA or BCBA-D certification (master's or doctoral degree in behavior analysis or related field). LABA: BCaBA certification (bachelor's degree pathway).
Must meet BACB supervised fieldwork requirements (1,500+ hours for BCBA). Experience verified through BACB certification.
Must pass BACB certification exam. No additional state exam required. Can test at Pearson VUE centers in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville.
Biennial renewal. LBA: $150 renewal + $10 regulatory = $160 total. LABA: $100 renewal + $10 regulatory = $110 total. Must complete 3 CE hours specifically on cultural diversity (age, disability, gender, race/ethnicity, religious/spiritual orientation, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status). Uses CE Broker tracking system. Renewal notices mailed 45 days before expiration.
LBA: $50 application + $40 license + $10 regulatory = $100 initial. LABA: $50 application + $15 license + $10 regulatory = $75 initial. Late renewal: $100. Reinstatement: $100. Replacement license: $25.
BACB certification required. Must request proof of certification sent directly from BACB to Committee administrative office confirming good standing.
Tennessee has several unique requirements: 2 character reference letters from ABA professionals required (on letterhead, dated within 12 months), passport-style photo (within 12 months), certified birth certificate proving 21+ age, notarized application required. 3 hours cultural diversity CE mandatory each renewal. CE Broker tracking system. Cannot pay by credit card over phone/in-office - online payment only. Mail to Nashville office (no fax/email for applications). TABA (Tennessee Association for Behavior Analysis) provides state resources.
Fees significantly reduced effective May 7, 2025. Uses CE Broker for continuing education tracking. VCS ending December 31, 2025 - verification through universities beginning 2026.
Additional Information
Tennessee has remarkably LOW fees after May 2025 reduction: only $100 total initial for LBA, $75 for LABA. Unique application requirements: notarized application, birth certificate, 2 character references, passport photo. 3 hours cultural diversity CE is mandatory - covers age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status. CE Broker tracking system provides free Basic Account. No credit card payments accepted in office.
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Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference purposes. Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the official Tennessee Applied Behavior Analyst Licensing Committee (under Department of Health). Last updated: Jan 20, 2026.