Tennessee Code Title 62. Professions, Businesses and Trades § 62-20-103

(1) Any person handling claims, accounts or collections under order of any court;

(2) Attorneys at law;

(3) Any person engaged in the collection of indebtedness incurred in the normal course of business or the business of a parent, subsidiary or affiliated firm or corporation; however, no person who is or represents the person to be a collection service is exempt from this chapter;

(4) Any state or national bank; state or federal mutual savings bank; state or federal savings institution; or any parent, subsidiary, or affiliate of any of the foregoing;

(5) Any state or federal credit union;

(6) Any industrial loan and thrift company licensed or authorized by title 45, chapter 5;

(7) Any small business development corporation authorized by title 45, chapter 8;

(8) Any person that services or collects obligations secured by a consensual lien on a dwelling as defined by 12 C.F.R. 1026.2(a)(19) or any successor regulation; or

(9) Any person that holds or acquires accounts, bills or other forms of indebtedness through purchase, assignment, or otherwise; and only engages in collection activity through the use of a licensed collection agency or an attorney authorized to practice law in this state.