Department of Education
Dr. Tim Webb, Commissioner

The Beginning Administrator License (BAL) is issued to an individual who has completed an approved graduate program in school administration at a college/university with acceptable accreditation. This program will include (1) a practicum or (2) a one-semester internship working through a Tennessee school system under a mentor principal or supervisor of instruction.

After completion of an approved program and the state required Praxis Exams Specialty Test, individuals who have completed a practicum as part of the program must be recommended by the college/university for the Beginning Administrator License. Individuals who have completed an internship as part of an approved program (Tennessee institutions only) must be recommended by the college/university and the superintendent/director of schools to receive the Beginning Administrator License. The Beginning Administrator License is valid for five years and is renewable until the license holder is employed. Once the holder of the Beginning Administrator License obtains employment as a beginning principal or supervisor of instruction in a Tennessee public or state accredited private school, the professional development and evaluation process begins for advancement to the Professional Administrator License.

Download the Application for Tennessee Teaching License or Amendment to Licensure form to apply for the Beginning Administrator License or call (615) 532-4885 to request an application be mailed to you.  If you completed a program through an out-of-state college/institution, download the Application for Out-of State license .

To complete the application for the Beginning Administrator License:

1. Complete Part I regarding personal information.
2. Answer all the questions at Please Read Carefully Before Signingsection; sign and date where indicated.
3. Check option for Initial Teaching License.
4. Part II & III of the application will be completed by the Dean of Education
and Certification Officer of the college/university attesting to completion of the program and Praxis Exams for the Beginning Administrator License.
5. The successful completion of the Praxis Exams Specialty Test is required for the Beginning Administrator License. (Click for a list of Praxis Series Exams required in Tennessee.) The test scores must be submitted directly to the Office of Teacher Licensing from ETS or the designated institution score report may be submitted by the recommending college/university.
6. Mail the completed application, Praxis Score Reports, and official transcript(s) reflecting the courses required for the Beginning Administrator License to the address provided on the application. (The signature of the Dean of Education and Certification Officer for the college/university is required on the application form.)

The Professional Administrator License (PAL) is issued after the holder of a Beginning Administrator License obtains employment as a principal or supervisor of instruction in a Tennessee public or state-accredited private school and completes the requirements for advancement to the Professional Administrator License during the first three years of employment. These requirements include (1) completion of a customized professional development program (jointly developed by the principal or supervisor of instruction, superintendent/director of schools, college/university faculty, and assigned mentor), (2) successful local evaluation by superintendent/director of schools or designee, (3) two years of successful experience as a principal or supervisor of instruction, and (4) a recommendation for the Professional Administrator License by the superintendent/director of schools and the college/university Dean of Education. The Professional Administrator License is valid for ten years and is renewable.

Download the Application for Advancement to the Professional Administrator License form or call (615) 532-4885 to request an application be mailed to you.

To complete the application for advancement to the Professional Administrator License (PAL):

1. Complete the personal information section.
2. Answer all the questions at Please Read Carefully Before Signing section; sign and date where indicated.
3. Indicate Beginning Administrator License held (endorsement 480 or 481).
4. Part I or Part II will be completed by the superintendent/director of schools. The Dean of Education also completes Part I for applicants with endorsement 480 on their Beginning Administrator License.
5. Mail the completed application to the address provided on the application form.