If you want to become a real estate agent in Ardmore, Tennessee, you will generally apply for a Tennessee affiliate broker license. Tennessee uses the term “affiliate broker” for a salesperson who works under the supervision of a principal broker. 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 Ardmore.

The licensing process includes approved education, a state examination administered by PSI, fingerprinting, an application through Tennessee’s CORE system, proof of a sponsoring broker, and required insurance documentation.

Because Ardmore is subject to Tennessee state licensing rules, the steps below focus on Tennessee requirements rather than city-specific licensing rules.

Tennessee Real Estate License Requirements

To qualify for a Tennessee affiliate broker license, applicants must generally:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Complete the required Tennessee-approved real estate education.
• Pass the required portions of the Tennessee real estate examination.
• Submit fingerprints for a criminal background review.
• Complete the Tennessee license application.
• Affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed principal broker.
• Provide proof of errors and omissions insurance.
• Complete the required eligibility verification documentation.

TREC requires proof of high school graduation, education completion, fingerprint submission, errors and omissions insurance, and other supporting documents with the application.

Applicants with criminal records should review their circumstances carefully before investing in education or examination fees. A criminal history does not automatically answer whether a license will be issued, but TREC reviews eligibility and background information as part of the licensing process.

Required Real Estate Education in Tennessee

Tennessee requires two education components for an initial affiliate broker license.

1. Sixty-hour pre-licensing course

Before taking the licensing examination, you must complete 60 hours of approved real estate education in real estate principles and fundamentals. The education provider must send proof of completion to PSI before you can register for the examination.

The course typically covers subjects such as:

• Real estate terminology
• Property ownership and land descriptions
• Contracts
• Agency relationships
• Real estate finance
• Valuation and market analysis
• Tennessee license law and regulations
• Fair housing
• Property management
• Closing procedures
• Real estate mathematics

Only education from a school or provider approved by TREC should be used to satisfy the requirement. A general real estate course that is not approved for Tennessee licensure may not qualify.

2. Thirty-hour Course for New Affiliates

After passing the examination and before the license is issued, applicants must complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.

This means the initial education requirement totals 90 hours:

• 60 hours of real estate principles and fundamentals before the exam
• 30 hours of Course for New Affiliates before license issuance

The 30-hour course is separate from the initial 60-hour pre-licensing course.

Online Tennessee Real Estate Courses

Online education can be a practical option for an Ardmore applicant, particularly if traveling to a classroom provider is inconvenient. However, the key issue is not whether a course is online; it is whether the provider and course are approved for Tennessee licensing purposes.

Before enrolling, verify:

• The provider is approved or accepted by TREC.
• The course specifically satisfies Tennessee’s 60-hour requirement.
• The provider reports completion to PSI as required.
• The provider supplies a completion certificate or letter.
• The course format complies with any attendance, identity-verification, testing, or technology rules.
• The provider also offers the required 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.

You can review an online Tennessee pre-licensing option here: Tennessee real estate pre-licensing course.

Online courses may let students study from home, but they still require consistent preparation. Set a weekly schedule, complete practice questions, and keep copies of all completion records.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Complete the 60-hour course

Enroll with a TREC-approved education provider and complete the 60-hour principles and fundamentals course.

The school must provide proof of completion to PSI before you can schedule the examination. Keep your certificate or completion letter for the license application.

Step 2: Choose a sponsoring broker

Tennessee affiliate brokers work under a principal broker. Begin interviewing brokerages before or during the education process so you can identify a sponsoring broker and understand the brokerage’s:

• Commission split
• Transaction and desk fees
• Training program
• Mentorship
• Lead-generation policies
• Technology
• Office requirements
• Marketing rules
• Contract and transaction support
• Policy for independent contractors and employees

The PSI examination application must be signed by the principal broker, and the license application requires evidence of the brokerage relationship.

Step 3: Become eligible for the exam

Once the education provider submits proof of the 60-hour course, PSI reviews the candidate’s eligibility. PSI then provides instructions for paying for and scheduling the examination.

Step 4: Schedule and take the PSI exam

PSI administers Tennessee’s real estate examinations. You must bring the required admission notice and a photo ID bearing your signature to the testing appointment.

Step 5: Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates must be completed before the affiliate broker license can be issued.

Step 6: Complete fingerprinting

TREC requires fingerprinting for initial real estate license applicants. Fingerprints are used for processing through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Tennessee applicants must schedule electronic fingerprinting through IdentoGO. TREC identifies the real estate commission service code as 28TZ99 and the affiliate broker application materials identify the TREC ORI number as TN920784Z.

Fingerprinting is a licensing requirement, not an examination requirement. In other words, you generally do not need to complete fingerprinting merely to sit for the exam, but you must submit the required fingerprint documentation with the initial license application.

Step 7: Submit the license application

After passing all required examination portions, submit the Initial Real Estate Affiliate Broker Application through Tennessee’s CORE licensing system.

The application materials generally include:

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

Tennessee’s published affiliate broker information lists the initial application fee as $91.

Background Check and Fingerprinting

The fingerprint-based background check is part of Tennessee’s initial licensing process. Schedule the appointment early enough to avoid delaying the application.

When completing the fingerprint process:

• Use the TREC service code.
• Bring the identification documents requested by the fingerprinting provider.
• Keep the receipt and confirmation.
• Submit the receipt and required identifying information with the license application.
• Disclose licensing and criminal-history information accurately.

An incomplete or inaccurate disclosure can create additional review issues. If your background raises questions, consider obtaining legal advice or contacting TREC before submitting the application.

Tennessee Real Estate Licensing Exam

The Tennessee affiliate broker examination is administered by PSI and includes national and state portions. TREC’s current exam information lists the affiliate broker examination fee as $63, consisting of a $26 state portion and a $37 national portion.

The examination appointment includes separate time allocations for the national and state sections. The PSI information lists 160 minutes for the national portion and 80 minutes for the state portion.

To prepare effectively:

• Learn Tennessee-specific license law separately from general real estate concepts.
• Practice real estate math without relying entirely on a calculator.
• Study agency, contracts, disclosures, and fair housing carefully.
• Use timed practice exams.
• Review incorrect answers rather than only memorizing correct answers.
• Schedule the exam after completing the required 60-hour course and reviewing the material.

If you pass one section but fail the other, TREC states that the passing section remains valid for two retakes of the failed section or one year, whichever comes first.

The exam fee is separate from the license application fee. The examination fee is also generally nonrefundable or nontransferable under the candidate information materials.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

The required and potential costs include the following:

| Expense | Current amount or treatment |
|---|---:|
| PSI affiliate broker examination | $63 total: $26 state portion and $37 national portion |
| Initial affiliate broker application | $91 |
| Fingerprinting and background processing | Fee varies by provider; confirm the current amount when scheduling |
| Pre-licensing education | Provider-specific; compare approved schools |
| 30-hour Course for New Affiliates | Provider-specific |
| Errors and omissions insurance | Policy-specific; required proof must be provided |
| Brokerage costs | Vary by brokerage, compensation plan, and business model |
| Retake fees | Apply if an examination section must be retaken |

A realistic budget should include more than the $154 total of the published exam and application fees. Education, fingerprints, insurance, transportation, study materials, association memberships, lockbox access, marketing, and brokerage charges can add substantially to the startup cost.

Because course prices, insurance premiums, fingerprint charges, and brokerage fees can change, verify those amounts directly with the provider or company before enrolling or signing an affiliation agreement.

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

Tennessee does not publish one universal processing timeline covering every applicant. The total time depends on how quickly you complete education, how soon PSI approves and schedules you, whether you pass on the first attempt, how quickly fingerprint results are processed, and whether your application is complete.

A typical sequence is:

1. Complete the 60-hour course.
2. Wait for the education provider to submit eligibility information to PSI.
3. Schedule and pass the national and state examination portions.
4. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
5. Complete fingerprinting.
6. Obtain sponsoring broker information and insurance documentation.
7. Submit the application through CORE.
8. Respond promptly if TREC requests additional information.

Applicants who study consistently and pass the examination on the first attempt may complete the process in a matter of weeks or a few months. Delays can occur when a student postpones the exam, fails a section, submits incomplete documents, or encounters background-review issues.

The PSI candidate information materials state that the license application should be filed within one year after passing the examination; otherwise, the applicant may have to retake the exam.

For another overview of the education step, see this Tennessee pre-licensing course resource.

Sponsoring Broker Requirements

A Tennessee affiliate broker cannot operate independently as a principal broker. The affiliate broker must be affiliated with and supervised by a Tennessee-licensed principal broker.

Before selecting a brokerage, ask for written information about:

• Commission splits and caps
• Monthly, annual, or transaction fees
• Training and mentoring
• Lead distribution
• Administrative support
• Errors and omissions coverage
• Advertising approval
• Transaction coordination
• Required office attendance
• Independent-contractor or employee status
• Procedures for changing brokerages

The sponsoring brokerage can significantly affect an agent’s training, expenses, support, and early business development. A higher commission split is not always the best choice if it comes with limited training or high transaction costs.

Post-License Education

For an initial affiliate broker license, the required post-license component is the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates. It must be completed before the license is issued.

This course is not the same as continuing education. It is part of the initial licensing process and should be treated as a deadline-sensitive requirement.

Tennessee also has separate post-license education requirements for brokers. Individuals pursuing a broker license must meet the applicable experience, education, and examination requirements. TREC states that broker candidates generally need 36 months of active affiliate broker licensure, although a qualifying real estate degree may affect the experience requirement, and they must complete 120 hours of approved education, including a 30-hour Office/Broker Management course.

Those seeking an affiliate broker license do not need to meet the broker-level experience and education requirements merely to begin working under a principal broker.

Continuing Education Requirements

After completing the applicable initial or post-license requirements, Tennessee licensees must complete continuing education to renew their licenses.

TREC’s published broker information states that, after the applicable 120-hour post-broker education requirement, brokers must complete 16 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period, including a six-hour CORE course and 10 elective hours.

Licensees should confirm the current renewal cycle, education status, and course requirements through TREC and the state’s education-record system. Do not wait until the renewal deadline to check whether all required hours have been reported.

Continuing education helps licensees remain current on:

• Tennessee license law
• Agency and brokerage duties
• Contracts and disclosures
• Fair housing
• Risk management
• Ethics
• Real estate practice changes
• Technology and transaction procedures

Potential Earnings in Ardmore and Tennessee

Real estate income is not guaranteed and is often commission-based. Earnings can vary based on transactions closed, property prices, commission arrangements, market conditions, expenses, experience, and whether the agent works full time or part time.

Reliable city-level earnings data for real estate sales agents in Ardmore, Tennessee, may not be available from authoritative public sources. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a national 2025 median pay of $57,400 for real estate brokers and sales agents, but that figure should not be treated as a guaranteed Tennessee or Ardmore income level.

The BLS occupation includes both brokers and sales agents and does not represent the expected earnings of every new affiliate broker. New agents may have irregular income while building a client base, and they generally pay business expenses from their commissions.

When evaluating the opportunity, create a personal business budget that accounts for:

• Licensing and education costs
• Brokerage fees
• Marketing
• Transportation
• Association and listing-service expenses
• Insurance
• Taxes
• Technology
• Periods without a closing

A commission-based career may offer flexibility and upside, but it also requires financial planning and consistent prospecting.

Career Opportunities in Ardmore

Ardmore-area licensees may pursue several real estate-related paths, including:

• Residential buyer representation
• Residential listing services
• Relocation assistance
• New-construction sales
• Land and acreage transactions
• Farm and rural property sales
• Property management
• Leasing
• Commercial real estate
• Real estate investment
• Transaction coordination
• Brokerage management after meeting broker requirements

The local market may offer opportunities connected to residential housing, rural land, small-business properties, and clients moving between communities in southern Tennessee and the nearby Alabama border region. However, an applicant should evaluate current inventory, sales volume, competition, price points, and brokerage demand rather than assume that a particular specialty will be profitable.

Useful local research includes:

• Interviewing several Ardmore-area brokerages
• Reviewing active and recently sold listings
• Comparing residential and land transaction volume
• Speaking with local lenders, inspectors, and closing professionals
• Identifying underserved buyer or seller segments
• Studying nearby markets if the local transaction volume is limited

How to Choose a Tennessee Real Estate School

Before paying for a course, compare providers using these criteria:

• TREC approval or acceptance
• Completion of the full 60-hour requirement
• Availability of the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates
• Online attendance and exam procedures
• Student support
• Practice examinations
• Course access period
• Completion-document policies
• Refund policy
• Total tuition and materials cost
• Record-reporting procedures

The lowest tuition is not necessarily the lowest overall cost if the course has limited support or a low first-attempt pass rate. Choose a provider that clearly explains how it handles Tennessee’s education and PSI eligibility requirements.

You can also review this Tennessee real estate licensing education option before comparing schools.

Tennessee License Checklist for Ardmore Applicants

Use this checklist to organize the process:

• Confirm that you meet the basic eligibility requirements.
• Select a TREC-approved education provider.
• Complete 60 hours of principles and fundamentals education.
• Have the school submit education verification to PSI.
• Prepare for and schedule the PSI examination.
• Pass both the national and Tennessee portions.
• Choose a Tennessee principal broker.
• Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
• Schedule electronic fingerprinting through IdentoGO.
• Obtain errors and omissions insurance documentation.
• Gather proof of high school graduation.
• Complete the eligibility verification form.
• Submit the initial affiliate broker application through CORE.
• Pay the $91 application fee and any other applicable charges.
• Confirm that the license is issued and properly affiliated before practicing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ardmore require its own real estate license?

No separate Ardmore real estate salesperson license is identified in the Tennessee licensing requirements. Real estate licensing is regulated at the Tennessee state level through TREC.

Can I complete the Tennessee pre-licensing course online?

Yes, online study may be available, but the course and provider must satisfy Tennessee’s approved education requirements. Confirm approval and completion-reporting procedures before enrolling.

How many education hours are required?

The initial affiliate broker pathway requires 60 hours before the examination and an additional 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before the license is issued.

How much does the Tennessee real estate exam cost?

TREC’s current PSI information lists the affiliate broker examination fee at $63: $26 for the state portion and $37 for the national portion.

How much is the Tennessee license application?

The published initial affiliate broker application fee is $91.

Are fingerprints required before taking the exam?

Fingerprinting is required for the initial license application, but TREC’s candidate information states that it is not required merely to test.

Do I need a broker to get started?

Yes. An affiliate broker must be affiliated with a Tennessee-licensed principal broker. The principal broker signs the PSI examination application and supervises the affiliate broker’s real estate activities.

Can I work independently after getting an affiliate broker license?

No. An affiliate broker works under a principal broker. Independent brokerage operation requires meeting Tennessee’s separate broker licensing requirements.

Authoritative Sources

• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, “Affiliate Broker” — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/license/license-how-to/affiliate-broker.html
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, “How to Get a License” — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/license/get.html
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, “PSI & Exam Information” — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/license/psi.html
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, “Broker Licensure” — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/license/license-how-to/broker.html
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, “Candidate Information Bulletin” — https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/commerce/documents/regboards/trec/forms/PSI-Bulletin.pdf
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Sales Occupations — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/