How to Get Your Real Estate License in Arlington, Tennessee

To become a real estate agent in Arlington, Tennessee, you must obtain a Tennessee affiliate broker license. Tennessee does not issue a separate real estate license for Arlington. Instead, the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) regulates real estate licensing statewide under Tennessee law. 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 Arlington.

The licensing process generally involves:

Completing approved pre-licensing education
Passing the national and Tennessee portions of the PSI licensing examination
Completing electronic fingerprinting and a background check
Providing proof of high school graduation or its equivalent
Obtaining errors and omissions insurance
Finding a sponsoring Tennessee principal broker
Submitting an application through the state’s CORE system
Completing the required 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

This guide explains how the process works for people who want to work with buyers, sellers, landlords, investors, and property owners in Arlington and the broader Shelby County market.

Does Arlington Have Its Own Real Estate License?

No. Real estate licenses are issued at the state level by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission, not by the Town of Arlington or Shelby County.

Anyone performing activities that require a Tennessee real estate license must satisfy Tennessee’s statewide requirements. After receiving an active affiliate broker license, you may work with a brokerage serving Arlington, Memphis, Shelby County, or other Tennessee communities, provided you follow state licensing and brokerage rules.

Arlington is located in Shelby County and is part of the greater Memphis-area real estate market. Local knowledge can be valuable, but it does not replace Tennessee licensure.

Tennessee Real Estate License Requirements

Applicants for an initial Tennessee affiliate broker license generally must:

Be at least 18 years old when submitting the license application.
Provide proof of a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete 60 hours of approved Tennessee pre-licensing education before taking the licensing examination.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before applying for the license.
Pass the required national and Tennessee examination portions.
Complete electronic fingerprinting for the required background check.
Complete Tennessee’s eligibility verification requirements.
Provide proof of errors and omissions insurance.
Affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed principal broker.
Submit the initial application and required fee through CORE.

The affiliate broker license is the entry-level Tennessee real estate license for individuals who perform brokerage activities under the supervision of a principal broker.

Required Tennessee Real Estate Education Hours

Tennessee requires 90 hours of approved real estate education for an initial affiliate broker license.

The education consists of two required courses:

60-Hour Pre-Licensing Course

The first requirement is a 60-hour course covering Tennessee real estate principles and fundamentals. You must complete this course before registering for the PSI examination.

Your approved education provider must report or verify completion to PSI before you can schedule the exam. The Tennessee Real Estate Commission publishes approved course and provider information.

30-Hour Course for New Affiliates

The second requirement is the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates. This course is separate from the 60-hour principles course and must be completed before your license application is submitted or the license is issued, according to the applicable TREC procedures.

Passing the exam after completing only the 60-hour course does not complete the licensing process. You must also complete the 30-hour course.

Online Tennessee Real Estate Courses

Online education can be a convenient option for Arlington residents who are working, attending school, or managing family responsibilities. Before enrolling, confirm that the provider and specific course are approved for Tennessee licensing purposes.

A quality online program should clearly explain:

Whether it includes the required 60-hour principles course
Whether the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is included or offered separately
How course completion is reported to PSI and TREC
Whether the format is self-paced, livestreamed, or instructor-led
What instructor support is available
Whether exam preparation is included
How long students have access to the course
Whether the course satisfies current Tennessee requirements

You can review an online education option through Tennessee real estate pre-licensing courses. Before purchasing, compare the provider’s current offerings with TREC’s approved education listings because courses and approvals may change.

A second resource for comparing course formats and education packages is Tennessee pre-licensing education.

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

1. Confirm Your Eligibility

Before paying for education, confirm that you meet Tennessee’s basic eligibility requirements. You will generally need to be at least 18 years old when submitting the application and provide proof of a high school diploma or equivalent.

Applicants with criminal convictions, disciplinary history, or previous licensing issues should review TREC’s requirements and consider contacting the Commission before making a substantial investment in the process.

2. Complete the 60-Hour Principles Course

Enroll in a TREC-approved 60-hour Tennessee real estate principles and fundamentals course.

Depending on the provider, the course may be offered online, in a classroom, or through a live virtual format. Complete all required lessons, quizzes, attendance requirements, and final examinations established by the school.

The provider must submit or verify your completion information before PSI can authorize examination scheduling.

3. Complete the 30-Hour Course for New Affiliates

Complete the required 30-hour Course for New Affiliates. This course is distinct from the 60-hour pre-licensing course and is required before you apply for or receive the affiliate broker license.

You can review available education options at Tennessee real estate pre-licensing courses.

4. Register for the PSI Examination

PSI administers the Tennessee Real Estate Commission licensing examination. After PSI receives the required education verification, you can follow PSI’s instructions to pay for and schedule the exam.

The examination may be scheduled at an approved testing location or through another delivery method offered by PSI, subject to current availability and testing rules.

Bring the identification and admission materials required by PSI. Identification must generally be government-issued and include a photograph and signature.

5. Pass Both Examination Portions

The Tennessee affiliate broker examination includes:

A national portion covering general real estate principles and practices
A Tennessee portion covering state laws, rules, and practices

You must pass the required portions before applying for the license. PSI lists the full affiliate broker examination fee as $63. Separate state and national examination fees are available when a candidate takes only one portion.

If you pass one portion but fail the other, review the current PSI rules before retesting. PSI states that a passing section remains valid for two retakes of the failed section or one year, whichever comes first.

6. Complete Fingerprinting and the Background Check

Initial Tennessee real estate license applicants must complete electronic fingerprinting. Applicants residing in Tennessee schedule fingerprinting through IdentoGO, which transmits fingerprints to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Use the current instructions provided by TREC and IdentoGO when scheduling the appointment. Retain your fingerprinting receipt and submit the required documentation with the license application.

Fingerprinting is part of the application process and is not the same as passing the licensing examination.

7. Find a Sponsoring Principal Broker

A Tennessee affiliate broker must be affiliated with a licensed principal broker. Affiliate brokers do not operate independently in the same manner as principal brokers. The principal broker is responsible for supervising the affiliate broker’s licensed activities and handling required brokerage documentation.

When comparing brokerages in Arlington, Memphis, and surrounding Shelby County, consider:

Commission split and compensation structure
Training for new agents
Mentoring and transaction supervision
Lead-generation support
Brokerage and technology fees
Office and administrative fees
Advertising and social media policies
Transaction-management systems
Residential, commercial, relocation, or property-management specialties
Office accessibility in Arlington or nearby communities

A higher commission split is not always the best overall choice for a new agent. Strong supervision, practical training, and transaction support may be more valuable during the first year.

8. Submit the Initial Affiliate Broker Application

The initial affiliate broker application is submitted online through Tennessee’s CORE system.

Required documentation may include:

Examination documentation from PSI
Proof of completion of the 60-hour course
Proof of completion of the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates
Proof of high school graduation or equivalent
Eligibility verification documentation
Electronic fingerprinting receipt
Errors and omissions insurance information
Principal broker information or signature
Required application fee

TREC currently lists the initial affiliate broker application fee as $91.

9. Wait for License Issuance and Activation

Passing the examination does not, by itself, authorize you to practice real estate.

Before performing activities that require a license, make sure:

Your application has been submitted
TREC has received the required documents
Your license has been issued
Your affiliation with the principal broker is active

Do not advertise, negotiate, show property as a licensed representative, or perform other activities requiring licensure until your license status and brokerage affiliation are confirmed.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

The total cost varies by applicant. In addition to state and examination fees, budget for education, fingerprinting, transportation, study materials, and possible retesting.

| Expense | Current amount or description |
|---|---:|
| Initial affiliate broker application | $91 |
| Full PSI affiliate broker examination | $63 |
| PSI state portion only | $26 |
| PSI national portion only | $37 |
| 60-hour and 30-hour education | Varies by approved provider |
| Fingerprinting | Amount varies by the service and appointment |
| License renewal | $75 every two years |
| Retesting | Applicable PSI examination fee |

The $91 application fee and $63 full examination fee do not include the cost of required education or fingerprinting.

Applicants should also ask prospective brokerages about startup costs, including association dues, lockbox access, transaction fees, technology charges, marketing expenses, signs, business cards, and insurance arrangements.

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

Tennessee does not provide one guaranteed processing time that applies to every applicant. The total timeline depends on several factors:

How quickly you complete the 60-hour course
How quickly you complete the 30-hour course
How soon the provider reports education completion
PSI appointment availability
Whether you pass both exam portions on the first attempt
Fingerprinting and background-check processing
How quickly a principal broker provides required information
Whether TREC requests additional documents or clarification

Some applicants may complete the process relatively quickly, while others may need additional time for education, retesting, document collection, or application review.

To reduce avoidable delays:

Complete both education requirements early
Schedule fingerprinting promptly
Prepare proof-of-education and identity documents in advance
Begin interviewing brokerages before passing the exam
Review the current TREC and PSI instructions before submitting the application
Monitor your CORE account and respond quickly to requests

Education and application processing are handled through different systems. PSI handles examination registration and testing, while TREC uses CORE for the licensing application.

What Is on the Tennessee Real Estate Exam?

The PSI examination tests national real estate concepts and Tennessee-specific laws and practices.

Study topics may include:

Property ownership
Land-use controls
Valuation and market analysis
Contracts
Agency relationships
Financing
Settlement and closing
General real estate practice
Leasing and property management concepts
Tennessee license law
TREC rules and regulations
Consumer protection
Prohibited conduct
Tennessee brokerage relationships

Use current course materials and the PSI candidate information bulletin rather than relying on old exam-preparation content. Laws, rules, testing procedures, and examination outlines can change.

Criminal History and Background Checks

A criminal record does not automatically mean an applicant is ineligible for a Tennessee real estate license. However, TREC requires applicants to complete the applicable eligibility verification and disclose information requested by the Commission.

Licensing decisions may depend on the nature, seriousness, date, and circumstances of an offense or disciplinary matter. Applicants should provide complete and accurate information and retain documents that explain the circumstances and any rehabilitation or court resolution.

Failing to disclose information that TREC requires can create additional licensing problems. If you have a criminal, disciplinary, or licensing history, contact TREC before assuming that the issue will or will not prevent licensure.

Errors and Omissions Insurance

Tennessee affiliate broker applicants must provide proof of errors and omissions insurance as part of the licensing process.

Errors and omissions insurance is professional liability coverage that may apply to certain claims connected with licensed real estate services. Ask each prospective brokerage how coverage is handled. A brokerage may:

Include the agent under a group policy
Require the agent to participate in a brokerage policy
Require the agent to purchase individual coverage
Charge a separate insurance or risk-management fee

Review the policy terms, exclusions, deductibles, and coverage limits before relying on a brokerage’s insurance arrangement.

Post-License Education: The 30-Hour Course for New Affiliates

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is required before the initial affiliate broker license is issued. It is separate from the 60-hour course used to qualify for the examination.

The course is intended to help new licensees understand the practical responsibilities of working under a principal broker. Depending on the approved curriculum, subjects may include:

Brokerage procedures
Agency responsibilities
Contracts
Transaction management
Compliance
License law
Broker supervision
Professional conduct

Completing this course does not replace continuing education requirements for future renewal cycles.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Tennessee affiliate broker licenses must be renewed every two years. TREC currently lists the renewal fee for licensees and firms as $75.

Licensees must also complete the continuing education required for their renewal period. TREC identifies a mandatory core course as part of its continuing education and renewal resources.

Because education requirements, reporting procedures, and deadlines can change, review the current TREC renewal instructions before each renewal cycle. Complete education early and confirm that the provider reports the credit correctly.

Late renewal may result in additional fees. TREC lists a late fee of $50 per month for the first 120 days and $100 per month for the remaining period through 365 days.

Real Estate Career Opportunities in Arlington

A Tennessee license can support several real estate career paths in Arlington and the surrounding Memphis-area market, including:

Residential buyer representation
Listing and seller representation
New-construction sales
Relocation services
Leasing and rental representation
Property management, when all applicable requirements are satisfied
Commercial real estate
Land and rural-property transactions
Investment-property sales
Short-sale and distressed-property services
Referral business within a brokerage
Transaction coordination and administrative support roles

Arlington-focused agents may benefit from understanding:

Local neighborhoods and subdivisions
Home-price ranges and property types
Commuting patterns to Memphis and other employment centers
Schools and community amenities
Retail and development activity
Property taxes and local regulations
Inspection, appraisal, and financing issues
Shelby County market conditions

Because Arlington is part of a larger regional market, agents may serve clients who are moving between Arlington, Memphis, Bartlett, Collierville, Lakeland, and other nearby communities.

Potential Earnings for Arlington Real Estate Agents

Real estate agents are generally paid through commissions or other brokerage compensation rather than a guaranteed salary. Income can vary significantly based on:

Number of closed transactions
Sales prices
Commission arrangements
Brokerage splits and fees
Experience and specialization
Lead-generation ability
Market conditions
Whether the agent works full time or part time
Expenses such as marketing, transportation, association dues, and technology

There is no reliable universal salary figure for Arlington real estate agents that applies to every licensee. City-specific earnings data may be limited, and publicly reported wage statistics may combine different real estate occupations or geographic areas.

A real estate license creates the legal opportunity to conduct licensed activities under a principal broker. It does not guarantee clients, transactions, commissions, or income.

How to Start a Real Estate Career in Arlington

After receiving an active license, new agents can build a foundation by:

Choosing a brokerage with strong local supervision
Learning the brokerage’s transaction procedures
Studying Arlington and Shelby County listings and sales
Building a database of personal and professional contacts
Attending community and networking events
Practicing buyer consultations and listing presentations
Learning how financing, inspections, appraisals, and contracts work
Creating a compliant professional profile
Developing a realistic marketing budget
Asking experienced agents to explain transaction workflows
Tracking mileage, marketing expenses, and business costs
Maintaining continuing education and renewal deadlines

New agents should also learn Tennessee advertising rules and follow their principal broker’s approval process before publishing marketing materials.

Tennessee Affiliate Broker License Checklist

Use this checklist to track the process:

[ ] Confirm that you meet Tennessee’s eligibility requirements.
[ ] Confirm that you are at least 18 when applying.
[ ] Obtain proof of a high school diploma or equivalent.
[ ] Complete the approved 60-hour principles course.
[ ] Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
[ ] Confirm that education completion has been reported or verified.
[ ] Register for the PSI examination.
[ ] Pass the national and Tennessee examination portions.
[ ] Complete electronic fingerprinting through IdentoGO.
[ ] Retain the fingerprinting receipt.
[ ] Complete eligibility verification.
[ ] Obtain errors and omissions insurance documentation.
[ ] Select a sponsoring Tennessee principal broker.
[ ] Gather all required application documents.
[ ] Submit the application through CORE.
[ ] Pay the $91 initial application fee.
[ ] Confirm that the license has been issued.
[ ] Confirm that the brokerage affiliation is active.
[ ] Complete continuing education before renewal.
[ ] Renew the license every two years.

Final Takeaway

To get a real estate license in Arlington, Tennessee, complete Tennessee’s required education, pass the PSI examination, complete fingerprinting and background-check procedures, meet the application requirements, affiliate with a principal broker, and submit the application through CORE.

Arlington does not have a separate municipal real estate license. The controlling requirements come from the State of Tennessee, while your career opportunities depend on your brokerage, business development, local market knowledge, transaction activity, and ability to serve clients throughout Arlington and the wider Shelby County area.

Authoritative Sources