Key Takeaways
- Tennessee requires 24 hours of CE every 2 years, including 3 hours of ethics
- Licenses renew biennially on the last day of the birth month based on odd/even birth year
- CE courses are "Non-License Type Specific" - any approved subject counts
- Producers continuously licensed since January 1, 1994 are exempt from CE
- Maximum of 12 excess hours can be carried over to the next license term
License Maintenance and Continuing Education
Tennessee insurance licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Renewal
Biennial Renewal System
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years (biennial) |
| Renewal Due | Last day of birth month |
| Renewal Basis | Odd/even birth year |
| Renewal Method | Online through NIPR |
License Expiration
Licensees must renew on or before the last day of the licensee's birth month every 2 years based on an odd/even birth year.
Continuing Education Requirements
Tennessee requires 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every 2 years:
CE Breakdown
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total CE Hours | 24 hours |
| Ethics (required) | 3 hours |
| Electives | 21 hours (any approved subject) |
Non-License Type Specific
Tennessee CE requirements are "Non-License Type Specific":
- Producers can take courses in any subject matter
- Courses must be approved by TDCI
- At least 3 hours must be approved for ethics training
- Flexibility to choose courses relevant to your practice
Exam Tip: Tennessee offers more flexibility than many states - you can take CE courses in any approved subject, not just your specific line of authority.
CE Course Requirements
- Must be completed at TDCI-approved providers
- Online and classroom options available
- Must be completed BEFORE license expiration
- Courses may be repeated for credit after 2 years
Carryover Credits
| Carryover Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum carryover | 12 hours to next license term |
| Ethics hours | Excess ethics counted as general credit |
CE Exemptions
Continuous Licensure Exemption
| Exemption | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Licensed Since 1/1/1994 | Producers continuously licensed since January 1, 1994 are exempt from CE |
Important: This is a unique exemption in Tennessee. If you have been continuously licensed since January 1, 1994, you are not required to complete continuing education.
Limited Lines Exemption
Limited lines licensees are also exempt from CE requirements.
Special Training Requirements
Long-Term Care (LTC) Training
| Training Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Initial Training | 8-hour training course before selling LTC |
| Ongoing Training | 4 hours every 24 months |
Annuity Training
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Course | One-time 4-hour Annuity Suitability Best Interest course |
| When Required | Before selling, soliciting, or negotiating any annuity products |
Flood Insurance Training
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Course | One-time 3-hour NFIP-approved course |
| When Required | Before selling National Flood Insurance Policies |
Combination Licenses
Producers with combination licenses have additional CE requirements:
Multi-Peril Crop Adjuster + Life/Health or P&C
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total CE Hours | 48 hours |
| Ethics | 4 hours |
Reporting Requirements
Tennessee producers must notify TDCI of changes:
Required Notifications
- Change of business address
- Change of residence address
- Change of name
- Administrative actions by other states
- Criminal charges or convictions
How to Report
- Update through NIPR online portal
- Or contact TDCI directly
- Failure to report is a violation
Disciplinary Actions
TDCI can take disciplinary action against licensees for violations:
Grounds for Discipline
- Violating insurance laws or regulations
- Fraudulent or dishonest practices
- Misappropriation of funds
- Misrepresentation to clients
- Failure to maintain CE
- Failure to report required information
- Criminal conviction
Types of Discipline
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Warning | Letter for minor violations |
| Probation | License continues with conditions |
| Fine | Monetary penalty per violation |
| Suspension | Temporary loss of license |
| Revocation | Permanent loss of license |
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active | License current and in good standing |
| Inactive | Not actively selling (voluntary) |
| Expired | License term ended, not renewed |
| Suspended | Temporary disciplinary action |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled |
How many hours of continuing education does Tennessee require every 2 years?
What is unique about Tennessee's CE course requirements?
Which Tennessee producers are exempt from CE requirements?
How many excess CE hours can be carried over to the next license term in Tennessee?