How to Get a Tennessee Real Estate License: Step-by-Step Guide

If you want to become a real estate affiliate broker in Tennessee, you will need to get a real estate license.

This guide will show you, step-by-step, how to do just that. If you’re ready to start a new career, then let’s get started.

How to Get Your Real Estate License in Tennessee

To become an affiliate broker in Tennessee, you must complete the steps below.

Step 1: Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements

Before you can start, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Pass a criminal background check. If you have prior convictions, you may need to provide additional documentation

Step 2: Complete 90 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education

Tennessee requires aspiring affiliate brokers to complete 90 hours of TREC-approved pre-licensing education:

• 60 hours of Real Estate Principles Course: Covers foundational topics such as real estate law, property ownership, financing, and Tennessee-specific rules
• 30 hours of New Affiliates Course: Focuses on ethics, contracts, and practical aspects of working with buyers and sellers

To earn your course completion certificates for the Tennessee real estate license, you must pass the final exams for both the 60-hour and 30-hour pre-licensing courses.

A passing score of 70% is generally required for these exams, as outlined by TREC-approved providers. 

Once you pass, your education provider will issue your completion certificates, which are essential for applying for the state licensing exam and ultimately receiving your real estate license in Tennessee.

If you want to enroll in a real estate school, we partnered with Kaplan to provide exceptional real estate courses to Tennessee students.

Sign up through US Realty Training and get a discount.

Step 3: Apply for the Tennessee Real Estate Exam

After completing your pre-licensing education, the next step is to apply for the Tennessee Real Estate Exam.

How to Apply:

• Apply through PSI Services, the official exam provider
• Create an account on the PSI website (https://candidate.psiexams.com)
• Submit the following materials:some text
  • Pre-licensing course completion certificates
  • Government-issued ID
  • Background check documentation (if applicable)
  • Exam fee (approximately $39)

Step 4: Pass the Tennessee Real Estate Exam

The Tennessee Real Estate Exam is divided into two sections:

• National section: 80 questions covering general real estate practices
• State section: 40 questions specific to Tennessee laws and regulations

You’ll have 240 minutes (4 hours) to complete both sections. A passing score requires at least 70% on each section.

How to Prepare for the Exam

We provide a Tennessee real estate crash course and exam prep package to make studying and passing easy. This program provides 8+ hours of video content that explains concepts, vocabulary, historical events, and laws on the exam. 

You get unlimited practice exams, vocab flashcards, an eBook study guide, and 2,000+ question and answer videos.

Step 5: Apply for Your Tennessee Real Estate License

Once you pass the exam, it’s time to apply for your official Tennessee real estate license through the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC).

Where to Apply:

• Submit your application online at the TREC website.

Application Materials Needed:

• Completed application form
• Proof of pre-licensing education
• Exam results
• Background check report
• Affiliation with a licensed brokerage
• License application fee ($91)

Step 6: Affiliate with a Real Estate Brokerage

In Tennessee, you cannot practice real estate independently until you are affiliated with a licensed broker. Choose a brokerage that aligns with your goals, offers mentorship, and provides the tools you need to grow your business.

FAQs About Getting a Real Estate License in Tennessee

How Much Do Tennessee Real Estate Affiliate Brokers Make?

Tennessee real estate affiliate brokers earn a wide range of salaries, with an average base salary of $102,783 per year according to recent data from Indeed. 

However, earnings can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and commission structures. For example, affiliate brokers with more than ten years of experience typically earn over $100,000 annually, while those early in their careers average around $76,000. 

Areas with a strong housing market, like Nashville, offer many opportunities, although some affiliate brokers report slightly lower earnings in the city due to competition and shifting market demand toward suburban areas​.

These salary figures demonstrate that with effort and strategic planning, affiliate brokers in Tennessee can significantly boost their income, especially by focusing on high-value transactions and expanding their network in growing communities.

How Much Does a Tennessee Real Estate License Cost?

The total cost of obtaining a real estate license in Tennessee ranges from $500 to $1,000. Here’s a breakdown:

• Pre-licensing education: $300 - $600
• Exam fee: $39
• Background check: $50 - $75
• License application fee: $91

Additional expenses may include MLS membership fees, REALTOR® association fees, and marketing costs once you begin practicing.

Is Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Tennessee Worth It?

Yes! Tennessee’s real estate market continues to grow, providing a wealth of opportunities for new affiliate brokers. While the career demands time and effort to build a client base, the rewards are significant. You’ll enjoy the flexibility of being your own boss and the potential for uncapped earnings through commissions.

What Should I Know Before Becoming a Real Estate Agent?

Before starting your real estate career, it’s important to recognize that success takes time. Building a steady stream of clients won’t happen overnight, and the initial phase may require significant effort before seeing tangible results. Patience and persistence are key to long-term success.

Having savings is essential since it may take a few months before closing your first deal. With unpredictable income early on, a financial cushion can reduce stress and help you focus on growing your business without the immediate pressure of earning commissions.

Networking plays a crucial role in real estate success. Leverage both your personal and professional connections to find potential clients and referrals. A strong network can accelerate your growth, helping you establish credibility and gain new business opportunities.

Can I Get a Tennessee Real Estate License if I’m Already an Agent in Another State?

Tennessee does not offer formal reciprocity agreements with other states. However, affiliate brokers licensed in other states may still qualify to receive a Tennessee license by submitting documentation for review. 

The process allows TREC to assess whether your education, exam completion, and experience meet Tennessee’s licensing requirements.​

Requirements for Out-of-State affiliate brokers

If you are a licensed agent in another state, you need to:

1. Submit a Certified License History from all states where you are or have been licensed.
2. Complete Worksheet A: This form evaluates your pre-licensing education, exam completion, and any broker-level experience.
3. Pass the State-Specific Portion of the Tennessee Real Estate Exam (if required).
4. Provide Documentation of Good Standing: Ensure there are no unresolved disciplinary actions or license suspensions in your previous states​.

This process helps Tennessee ensure that out-of-state affiliate brokers meet the state's unique regulatory standards. Once TREC reviews your submission, they will notify you if additional requirements are needed to obtain your Tennessee license.

How Often Do I Renew My Tennessee Real Estate License?

Tennessee real estate licenses must be renewed every two years, and licensees are required to complete 16 hours of continuing education (CE) before their license expiration date. 

This includes 6 hours of mandatory TREC Core courses and 10 hours of elective courses approved by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC).

All CE requirements must be fulfilled by the license renewal deadline (the same day as the original issuance date every two years). 

What Should I Do After Getting My Tennessee Real Estate License?

After receiving your license, join a local REALTOR® association to access the MLS and networking events that connect you with industry professionals.

Developing a comprehensive marketing plan is another essential step. Use social media platforms, online listings, and email marketing to promote yourself as a new agent. Having a clear marketing strategy helps you build your personal brand and reach clients in your target market more effectively.

Engage in continuing education to stay current with industry trends.

Lastly, start building your Sphere of Influence (SOI)—the group of people you already know who might need your services or refer others to you. Personal connections can be a valuable source of initial leads. 

Reach out to friends, family, and acquaintances, letting them know you’re now a licensed agent and ready to assist with their real estate needs. 

Final Thoughts on Getting a Real Estate License in Tennessee

Obtaining a Tennessee real estate license opens doors to exciting career opportunities. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to start your journey as a real estate agent. 

Whether you want to work part-time or build a thriving full-time business, Tennessee’s growing real estate market has something for everyone.

If you’re ready to get started, enroll in our partnered Tennessee real estate licensing course today and get a discount.