CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in Tennessee
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for TN
How to Become a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in Tennessee
To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Tennessee, candidates must meet education, examination, and experience requirements set by the Tennessee State Board of Accountancy. This typically involves holding a bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours of education, passing the Uniform CPA Examination, and completing 2,000 hours of accounting experience. An alternative pathway, effective January 1, 2026, allows for licensure with a bachelor's degree, 120 semester hours of education, and 4,000 hours of experience. Additionally, candidates must pass the AICPA Ethics Exam with a score of 90% or better.
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Requirements in Tennessee
| Detail | Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Tennessee State Board of Accountancy |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Bachelor's degree with 150 semester hours OR Bachelor's degree with 120 semester hours (effective January 1, 2026) |
| Exam | Uniform CPA Examination ($1,243) |
| Application Fee | $100 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 80.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age: 18. Must pass AICPA Ethics Exam with a score of 90% or better. Social Security Number required. No US citizenship or Tennessee residency requirements. Effective January 1, 2026, an alternative pathway to licensure requires 120 hours of education and two years (4000 hours) of experience. |
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Salary in Tennessee
The median cpa salary in Tennessee is $75,500 per year, which is 7.6% below the national median of $81,680.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $50,400 |
| 25th | $61,960 |
| 50th (median) | $75,500 |
| 75th | $92,140 |
| 90th (experienced) | $125,280 |
Tennessee employs approximately 26,890 cpas.
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Job Outlook
AI Impact on CPAs
High AI Exposure (Score: 1.48/1.00)
Many tasks in this career are susceptible to AI automation. Long-term career planning should account for potential disruption.
Is Becoming a CPA in Tennessee Worth It?
With an estimated total investment of $1,200 and a median salary of $75,500 in Tennessee, the rough payback period is approximately 0 months.
Factors to consider: Tennessee's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, elevated AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.