Verified October 9, 2026 against the practice act, board rules and sources cited below. The board decides every application. All states
What BCBAs miss in Tennessee
- Tennessee adds 3 hours of cultural diversity CE to every renewal, on top of BACB recertification.
- Applicants must prove they are at least 21 with a certified copy of their birth certificate.
Does Tennessee license behavior analysts?
A Tennessee license is required before practicing as a behavior analyst. Applicants must be BCBA or BCBA-D certified with no pending BACB discipline, at least 21 (shown by a certified birth certificate), and submit two character letters, a vendor criminal background check and verification of every other ABA license or certificate ever held.
- Licenses behavior analysts
- Licensed Behavior Analyst
- Licensure law enacted 2014
Citation: Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-11-301 et seq.; Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. ch. 1180-05
Can a BCBA licensed in another state get a Tennessee license by endorsement?
Tennessee has a reciprocity route, but it follows the same application steps as licensure by criteria, minus the character letters. Applicants still send BACB verification, the background check and verification of other licenses.
- Endorsement or reciprocity route
Citation: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1180-05-.05(3)
Does Tennessee have a state law exam or requirement?
No state exam, but every applicant certifies having read and understood the Tennessee ABA statute and the committee's rules.
- No state law exam
Does Tennessee license assistant behavior analysts?
BCaBAs need a Tennessee assistant license and must prove ongoing supervision by a licensed behavior analyst who holds BCBA or BCBA-D certification. Licensed assistants practice only under supervision.
- Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst
Do behavior technicians need a Tennessee credential?
Tennessee licenses only behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts; it has no technician license or registration.
- No technician credential
How often does a Tennessee behavior analyst license renew?
Licenses renew by the expiration date on the license with the renewal and state regulatory fees, proof of current BACB certification and 3 CE hours on cultural diversity. Other CE follows the BACB's requirements.
Licensing in Tennessee?
For a license, we prepare the complete application, request your verifications and BACB documentation, and track it to a decision; you review, sign and submit. License by endorsement is $599 for a BCBA.