How to Get Your Real Estate License in Adams, Tennessee

To become a real estate agent in Adams, Tennessee, you must obtain a Tennessee affiliate broker license through the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC). Real estate licensing is regulated by the state, not by the Town of Adams, so applicants in Adams follow the same licensing process as applicants in Nashville, Clarksville, Memphis, and other Tennessee communities. If you're ready to begin the licensing process, explore Leap Real Estate's Tennessee pre-licensing course to complete the required education online and prepare for the next steps toward becoming a Tennessee affiliate broker from Adams.

The standard process includes completing approved education, passing the Tennessee affiliate broker examination, submitting fingerprints and application documents, obtaining errors and omissions insurance, and affiliating with a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker.

Is Real Estate Licensing Regulated by Adams or Tennessee?

Tennessee real estate licenses are issued and regulated statewide by TREC under Tennessee law. Adams does not issue a separate municipal real estate license for sales agents.

Local requirements may still apply to business operations, including:

Business registration
Local taxes
Zoning
Signage
Home-office rules
Advertising
Building or occupancy requirements

These local matters are separate from obtaining a Tennessee affiliate broker license. Check with the appropriate Montgomery or Robertson County and municipal offices, depending on the location and nature of your business activities.

Tennessee Affiliate Broker License Requirements

Applicants generally must satisfy the following requirements:

Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete 60 hours of approved pre-licensing education before taking the examination.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before the license is issued.
Pass the required national and Tennessee portions of the affiliate broker examination.
Complete electronic fingerprinting.
Submit the Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form.
Provide proof of errors and omissions insurance.
Obtain affiliation with a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker.
Submit the initial affiliate broker application and required fee through Tennessee’s CORE licensing system.

TREC requires supporting documentation such as proof of high school graduation, education certificates, errors and omissions insurance, fingerprint documentation, eligibility verification, and the PSI examination application signed by the principal broker.

Applicants with criminal convictions, parole or probation histories, or previous professional discipline may require additional review. TREC’s current rules should be consulted before enrolling or scheduling an examination. In particular, TREC states that candidates generally cannot be scheduled for the examination while on parole or probation and may need to be off parole or probation for at least two years.

Required Tennessee Real Estate Education

Tennessee requires prospective affiliate brokers to complete 90 hours of approved education:

60 hours of real estate principles and fundamentals before taking the licensing examination
30 hours of the Course for New Affiliates before the license can be issued

The 60-hour course must be completed before the education provider submits examination eligibility information to PSI. The education provider should also issue a completion certificate or letter for the license application.

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is a separate requirement. Completing the 60-hour course alone does not satisfy all education requirements for license issuance.

Choose a provider and course listed through TREC’s approved education resources. TREC states that education providers generally have 10 working days to submit completed education rosters.

Topics Covered in Pre-Licensing Education

The exact curriculum depends on the approved provider, but Tennessee real estate education commonly covers:

Real estate terminology
Property ownership
Contracts
Agency relationships
Brokerage relationships
Real estate finance
Mortgages
Valuation and appraisal concepts
Fair housing
Tennessee license law and rules
Leasing and property management
Closing procedures
Real estate calculations

The course is intended to prepare students for both the national and Tennessee-specific sections of the PSI examination.

Online Tennessee Real Estate Courses

An online course can be useful for Adams residents who need flexibility around work, family responsibilities, or travel. Before enrolling, confirm that the provider and specific course are approved for Tennessee licensing education.

A program such as this Tennessee real estate pre-licensing course may allow you to complete required coursework remotely, subject to the provider’s delivery requirements and TREC approval.

When comparing online schools, consider:

Whether the program includes the required 60-hour principles course
Whether the provider offers the separate 30-hour Course for New Affiliates
Whether attendance or identity verification is required
How final examinations are administered
Whether course completion is reported to PSI or TREC
Instructor availability
Exam-preparation tools
Course completion deadlines
Refund and cancellation policies

Online education does not replace the licensing examination, fingerprinting, errors and omissions insurance, application, or sponsoring-broker requirements.

How to Get a Real Estate License in Adams, Tennessee

1. Complete the 60-hour principles course

Enroll in a TREC-approved 60-hour principles and fundamentals course. You must complete this course before becoming eligible to schedule the affiliate broker examination.

Keep your certificate or letter of completion because it is required as part of the licensing application.

2. Have your education submitted to PSI

The education provider submits proof of course completion to PSI. You generally cannot register for the examination until PSI receives and approves the education information.

TREC states that education providers have up to 10 working days to submit education rosters, although processing times can vary.

3. Register for the Tennessee affiliate broker examination

PSI administers the Tennessee real estate examination. After PSI approves your eligibility, it provides instructions for paying for and scheduling the examination.

The affiliate broker examination contains:

A national portion
A Tennessee-specific state portion

You must pass the required portions before applying for the license. If you fail only one portion, review PSI’s current retesting instructions to determine which portion must be retaken.

4. Pass the examination

Follow the instructions in the current PSI candidate bulletin. Bring the required admission information and acceptable photo identification bearing your signature.

Prepare by:

Reviewing your approved course materials
Studying Tennessee license law and Commission rules
Practicing national real estate questions
Practicing Tennessee-specific questions
Reviewing calculations and terminology
Taking timed practice examinations
Studying missed questions carefully

PSI’s current Tennessee examination information lists the full affiliate broker examination fee as $63, consisting of a $26 state portion and a $37 national portion.

5. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before the license is issued. Confirm with your education provider how and when completion will be reported and retain the completion certificate for your application.

This course is part of the initial licensing process and should not be confused with continuing education.

6. Choose a sponsoring broker

A Tennessee affiliate broker must be affiliated with a licensed Tennessee firm and supervised by a principal broker. New affiliate brokers do not operate independently as brokers.

A principal broker typically provides:

Transaction supervision
Contract and compliance guidance
New-agent training
Access to approved forms
Transaction-management systems
Marketing guidance
Office or meeting space
Lead and referral opportunities
Instruction on brokerage procedures

When interviewing brokerages serving Adams and nearby communities, ask about:

Commission splits
Monthly and transaction fees
Technology fees
Training and mentoring
Lead distribution
Marketing support
Contract review
Transaction coordination
Office access
Service areas
Policies for new agents

Because Adams is a small community, a brokerage serving surrounding communities and regional markets may provide more opportunities than a firm operating within a narrow geographic area.

7. Obtain errors and omissions insurance

Tennessee requires proof of an errors and omissions insurance policy with the affiliate broker application.

Ask a prospective brokerage whether it:

Provides coverage under a firm policy
Requires individual coverage
Passes insurance costs to affiliated agents
Provides specific coverage limits or policy requirements

8. Complete fingerprinting and the background check

Tennessee requires fingerprints for initial real estate license applicants. Fingerprinting is separate from the licensing examination.

Applicants residing in Tennessee generally schedule electronic fingerprinting through IdentoGO. The fingerprints are transmitted to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for processing.

TREC identifies the following information for real estate applicants:

ORI number: TN920784Z
Service code: 28TZ99

Keep the electronic fingerprinting receipt and submit it with the license application. Confirm the current fingerprinting price directly with IdentoGO because vendor charges may change.

Background processing can take additional time if records require review. Applicants should schedule fingerprinting early enough to avoid delaying the application.

9. Submit the affiliate broker application

Complete the initial affiliate broker application online through Tennessee’s CORE licensing system. TREC lists the initial affiliate broker application fee as $91.

Prepare the following:

PSI examination application signed by the principal broker
Proof of high school graduation
60-hour course completion documentation
30-hour Course for New Affiliates completion documentation
Proof of errors and omissions insurance
Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form
Electronic fingerprinting receipt
Required application fee

TREC’s current application instructions control if requirements, forms, or procedures change.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

The total cost depends on tuition, fingerprinting, insurance, study materials, and brokerage expenses. Current state and examination fees include:

| Expense | Current fee or treatment |
|---|---:|
| Full PSI affiliate broker examination | $63 |
| PSI state examination portion | $26 |
| PSI national examination portion | $37 |
| Initial affiliate broker application | $91 |
| 60-hour pre-licensing education | Varies by provider |
| 30-hour Course for New Affiliates | Varies by provider |
| Electronic fingerprinting | Confirm current amount with IdentoGO |
| Errors and omissions insurance | Varies by policy or brokerage |
| License renewal every two years | $75 |
| Brokerage, association, MLS, marketing, and technology expenses | Varies |

These amounts do not include transportation, exam-preparation materials, retesting, advertising, association dues, or recurring business expenses.

Verify fees before making payment because government agencies, education providers, and vendors may update their charges.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Tennessee Real Estate License?

Tennessee does not publish one guaranteed timeline that applies to every applicant. The process depends on:

Course availability
Study pace
Education-roster processing
Examination availability
Examination results
Fingerprint processing
Background history
Brokerage selection
Application completeness
TREC requests for additional information

A typical sequence is:

Complete the 60-hour course.
Wait for the education provider to submit eligibility information to PSI.
Schedule and pass the examination.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Select a sponsoring broker.
Obtain insurance documentation.
Complete fingerprinting.
Submit the application through CORE.
Respond promptly to any TREC request.

Applicants with a complicated criminal, licensing, immigration, or eligibility history may need additional time.

Tennessee Real Estate Licensing Examination

PSI administers the Tennessee affiliate broker examination. The examination tests general real estate knowledge and Tennessee-specific laws and practices.

Effective preparation includes:

Reading the current PSI candidate bulletin
Reviewing the approved course textbook and materials
Studying Tennessee license law and Commission rules
Practicing national examination questions
Practicing state-specific questions
Reviewing formulas and calculations
Taking timed practice tests
Scheduling the examination after consistent preparation

The current full examination fee is $63. Applicants taking only one portion should confirm the applicable fee and scheduling instructions with PSI.

Sponsoring Broker Requirements

A Tennessee affiliate broker must remain affiliated with a licensed Tennessee firm and principal broker. The sponsoring broker is responsible for the supervision and brokerage framework under which the affiliate broker conducts licensed activity.

Before choosing a brokerage in or near Adams, compare:

Training quality
Availability of the principal broker
Contract and compliance support
Commission structure
Monthly fees
Transaction fees
Lead programs
Marketing resources
Technology platforms
Geographic coverage
Policies for inactive or transferring agents

A brokerage with experience in rural, residential, land, farm, and regional transactions may be particularly relevant to an agent building a business around Adams and nearby communities.

Post-License Education

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates must be completed before the initial affiliate broker license is issued. It is not the same as continuing education.

The course is designed to introduce new licensees to practical brokerage procedures and the responsibilities of active Tennessee affiliate brokers. Confirm with the provider that the course is approved and that completion documentation will be available for the application.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Tennessee affiliate broker and broker licenses renew every two years. TREC lists the licensee and firm renewal fee as $75.

Tennessee also requires continuing education under TREC rules. Current TREC information states that brokers who have completed applicable post-broker education must complete 16 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period, including:

6 hours of the TREC CORE course
10 hours of elective education

Education requirements can vary according to license type, licensing date, and completed post-license education. Confirm your individual obligations through TREC and the state’s CE reporting system.

TREC lists a continuing-education penalty of $50 per month. Failing to complete required education can affect renewal.

Career Opportunities in Adams, Tennessee

A Tennessee affiliate broker based in Adams may pursue several real estate specialties:

Residential buyer representation
Residential listing services
First-time homebuyer assistance
New-construction sales
Land and acreage transactions
Farm and rural property sales
Leasing
Property management
Relocation services
Investment-property transactions
Commercial real estate
Referral business
Transaction coordination and brokerage operations

Adams-based agents may need to serve a broader regional market rather than rely only on transactions within the town. Potential niches include rural homes, land, farms, residential properties, buyers relocating to the area, and clients traveling toward larger employment centers.

Career opportunities depend on inventory, transaction volume, competition, interest rates, marketing, referrals, and the service area of the sponsoring brokerage. A Tennessee license permits licensed activity statewide when conducted in compliance with Tennessee law and the supervising firm’s policies.

Potential Earnings for Tennessee Real Estate Agents

Real estate income is not guaranteed. Earnings can vary significantly based on closed transactions, sales prices, commission arrangements, brokerage splits, business expenses, and the number of months worked.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the following May 2025 median annual wages:

Real estate sales agents: $52,830
Real estate brokers: $73,220
Combined brokers and sales agents occupational category: $57,400

These are national statistics, not Adams-specific income estimates. They should not be treated as a guaranteed salary or expected first-year income.

Budget for recurring expenses such as:

License renewal
Continuing education
Brokerage fees
Errors and omissions insurance
Association and MLS costs
Transportation
Advertising
Photography
Signs and promotional materials
Technology subscriptions
Bookkeeping
Self-employment taxes

Adams, Tennessee Real Estate License Checklist

Use this checklist to organize the licensing process:

Confirm that you meet Tennessee’s basic eligibility requirements.
Choose a TREC-approved education provider.
Complete the 60-hour principles and fundamentals course.
Confirm that the education provider submitted your eligibility information to PSI.
Study for the national and Tennessee examination portions.
Schedule and pass the PSI affiliate broker examination.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Interview brokerages serving Adams and surrounding communities.
Select a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker.
Obtain errors and omissions insurance documentation.
Schedule electronic fingerprinting through IdentoGO.
Collect high school and education documentation.
Complete the Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form.
Submit the initial affiliate broker application through CORE.
Pay the current $91 application fee.
Monitor your application for TREC communications.
Complete required continuing education before renewal.

Final Takeaway

Getting a real estate license in Adams, Tennessee, requires completing Tennessee’s statewide affiliate broker licensing process. The primary requirements are 60 hours of pre-examination education, the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates, a passing PSI examination, fingerprinting, errors and omissions insurance, a sponsoring broker, and a complete application to TREC.

For a flexible study option, review Tennessee real estate pre-licensing education and confirm that the specific course meets current Tennessee requirements before enrolling. After completing the education, compare sponsoring brokerages that serve Adams and the surrounding regional market.

Because fees, forms, examination procedures, and education rules can change, verify all requirements with TREC and PSI before paying for a course, scheduling the examination, or submitting an application.

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