How to Get Your Real Estate License in Brentwood, Tennessee

How to Get Your Real Estate License in Brentwood, Tennessee 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 Brentwood.

Becoming a real estate agent in Brentwood requires a Tennessee affiliate broker license. Real estate licensing is regulated statewide by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) under Title 62, Chapter 13 of the Tennessee Code—not by the City of Brentwood.

Brentwood does not issue a separate municipal real estate license for agents. Instead, applicants must complete Tennessee-approved education, pass the state licensing examination, submit an application and fingerprints, complete a background review, obtain errors and omissions insurance, and affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker.

Tennessee Real Estate License Requirements

Applicants for a Tennessee affiliate broker license generally must:

Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Complete the required Tennessee-approved pre-license education.
Pass the Tennessee affiliate broker examination.
Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.
Complete the initial affiliate broker application through Tennessee’s CORE system.
Provide required education and examination documentation.
Obtain errors and omissions insurance.
Affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker.

TREC requires proof of high school graduation or equivalent documentation as part of the application. Applicants educated outside the United States may need translated or evaluated records, depending on TREC’s instructions.

A criminal record does not automatically result in denial. TREC reviews background-check information as part of the licensing process, so applicants should answer application questions accurately and provide any explanations or documents requested by the Commission.

Required Real Estate Education in Tennessee

Tennessee requires 90 hours of approved education for an initial affiliate broker license. The education is divided into two courses:

60-hour Basic Principles of Real Estate course: Must be completed before registering for the licensing examination.
30-hour Course for New Affiliates: Must be completed before the license is issued.

The 60-hour course introduces real estate principles, property ownership, contracts, agency, financing, valuation, land use, Tennessee law, and professional practice. The 30-hour course addresses practical responsibilities and regulatory issues faced by newly licensed affiliate brokers.

The education provider must submit proof of completion to PSI before the applicant can register for the examination. The school also provides a certificate or letter of completion that must be submitted with the license application.

Online Tennessee Real Estate Courses

An online course can be a convenient option for students balancing employment, family obligations, or school. Before enrolling, confirm that the provider and specific courses are approved for Tennessee pre-licensing education and that the program includes both the required 60-hour and 30-hour courses.

Students comparing online programs can review Leap Real Estate’s Tennessee pre-licensing course. Compare tuition, course format, student support, exam preparation, completion reporting, and refund policies before registering.

Online education does not replace the state’s other requirements. Students must still pass the PSI examination, complete fingerprinting, submit the CORE application, provide supporting documents, obtain insurance, and affiliate with a sponsoring broker.

Step-by-Step Process to Get Licensed in Brentwood

1. Confirm your eligibility

Make sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements, including the minimum age and education requirements. Gather proof of high school graduation or a GED before beginning the application process.

2. Complete the 60-hour Basic Principles course

Enroll in a TREC-approved 60-hour Basic Principles of Real Estate course. You must complete this course before becoming eligible to register for the examination.

The school sends education information to PSI. TREC states that applicants cannot register for the examination until PSI receives confirmation of the required education.

3. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before the license is issued. This is a required part of initial licensure, not optional continuing education.

Keep the completion certificate or letter because it must be included with the application.

4. Create a Tennessee CORE account

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

5. Apply for examination eligibility

After the required education is completed and submitted by the provider, PSI reviews the applicant’s eligibility. PSI then provides instructions for paying for and scheduling the examination.

6. Schedule and pass the PSI examination

PSI administers the Tennessee real estate examination on behalf of TREC. The examination includes national and Tennessee-specific portions.

Applicants should review the current PSI candidate bulletin and study both sections of the test. Passing only one section does not complete the licensing requirement, but PSI’s current rules explain how long a passed section remains valid and how failed sections may be retaken.

7. Complete fingerprinting and the background check

TREC requires electronic fingerprinting for initial affiliate broker applications. Tennessee applicants generally schedule fingerprinting through IdentoGO, which submits fingerprints for state and federal background checks.

TREC identifies the following information for affiliate broker fingerprint submissions:

ORI number: TN920784Z
Service code: Confirm the current code through TREC and IdentoGO before scheduling.

Fingerprinting instructions and identifiers can change. Use the current instructions provided by TREC and retain the electronic fingerprinting receipt for the application.

8. Select a sponsoring brokerage

A Tennessee affiliate broker must be affiliated with a licensed Tennessee firm and principal broker. The affiliate broker does not operate independently as a brokerage simply by passing the examination.

Begin interviewing brokerages before submitting or activating the license. A sponsoring broker may provide supervision, transaction guidance, training, office systems, compliance support, and lead opportunities.

9. Submit the license application

The application generally requires:

Initial affiliate broker application.
Proof of the 60-hour Basic Principles course.
Proof of the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
PSI examination documentation.
Electronic fingerprinting receipt.
Proof of high school graduation or GED.
Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form.
Proof of errors and omissions insurance.
Sponsoring firm and principal broker information.

Tennessee requires active licensees to maintain errors and omissions insurance. Verify the current documentation requirements with TREC before submitting the application.

10. Wait for TREC review and license issuance

TREC reviews the application, education records, examination results, fingerprint information, insurance documentation, and brokerage affiliation. Missing documents or inconsistencies can delay processing.

Tennessee Real Estate Licensing Exam

The Tennessee affiliate broker examination has two portions:

National portion.
Tennessee state portion.

PSI currently lists the following affiliate broker examination fees:

| Examination option | Fee |
|---|---:|
| Full examination | $63 |
| Tennessee state portion only | $26 |
| National portion only | $37 |

PSI administers the examination and requires candidates to follow the current admission and identification rules.

Common examination subject areas include:

Property ownership.
Land use and controls.
Contracts.
Agency relationships.
Real estate finance.
Valuation and market analysis.
Property management.
Transfer of title.
Brokerage practice.
Disclosures.
Tennessee license law and regulations.

Applicants should bring the required admission information and an acceptable photo identification document bearing their signature. Review the current PSI candidate bulletin before the appointment because testing-center procedures can change.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

The primary state fees currently listed by TREC include:

| Item | Listed fee |
|---|---:|
| Initial affiliate broker application | $91 |
| Full affiliate broker examination | $63 |
| Tennessee state examination portion | $26 |
| National examination portion | $37 |
| License renewal every two years | $75 |
| Transfer to a new firm | $25 |

These amounts do not represent the total cost of becoming a Brentwood real estate agent. Additional expenses may include:

Pre-license course tuition.
Textbooks and exam preparation.
Fingerprinting and background-check charges.
Errors and omissions insurance.
Transportation to a testing center.
Brokerage and technology fees.
Local association or REALTOR® organization dues.
Marketing, signs, photography, and business cards.
Lockbox, transaction-management, and administrative fees.

TREC fees and PSI fees are separate from private education and business expenses. Confirm current prices before budgeting.

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

Tennessee does not guarantee a single licensing timeline for every applicant. The process depends on the student’s course schedule, the provider’s reporting time, examination availability, fingerprinting, background processing, application completeness, and broker selection.

A typical sequence is:

Complete the 60-hour Basic Principles course.
Wait for the education provider to report eligibility to PSI.
Schedule and pass the national and state examination portions.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Complete fingerprinting.
Gather education, examination, insurance, and identity documents.
Choose a sponsoring firm and principal broker.
Submit the application through CORE.
Wait for TREC to review and issue the license.

A full-time student may complete the education portion faster than a part-time student. Failed examination sections, incomplete documents, fingerprinting problems, or delays in selecting a sponsoring brokerage can extend the timeline.

Choosing a Sponsoring Broker in Brentwood

After passing the examination, an affiliate broker must work under a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker. TREC materials state that an applicant must affiliate with a firm within six months after passing the examination or retire the license.

When comparing Brentwood-area brokerages, ask about:

Commission splits.
Per-transaction and monthly fees.
Technology charges.
Training and onboarding.
Mentorship.
Transaction coordination.
Lead distribution.
Marketing support.
Office access.
Geographic coverage.
Rules for referrals and personal transactions.
Requirements for maintaining an active license.

A new agent should evaluate the complete compensation model rather than focus only on the advertised commission split. A lower split may include stronger training, leads, administrative support, or transaction assistance, while a higher split may involve greater personal expenses.

Brentwood agents may work with clients throughout Williamson County and the broader Nashville metropolitan area, subject to Tennessee law and the policies of their brokerage.

Post-License Education

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates must be completed before the initial affiliate broker license is issued. It is separate from continuing education required for later renewals.

TREC also states that pre-license courses cannot be used for continuing education credit.

During the first months of practice, new affiliate brokers should develop skills in:

Buyer consultations.
Listing presentations.
Comparative market analysis.
Offer preparation.
Negotiation.
Agency and disclosure requirements.
Inspection and repair negotiations.
Transaction deadlines.
Fair housing compliance.
Advertising.
Recordkeeping.
Client communication.

An online program such as Leap Real Estate’s Tennessee pre-licensing option may help students complete the initial education requirement, but post-license success also depends on brokerage training and practical transaction experience.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Tennessee real estate licenses renew every two years. The listed renewal fee for a licensee is $75.

The standard continuing education requirement is 16 hours during each two-year renewal period, consisting of:

6 hours of the mandatory TREC CORE course.
10 hours of approved elective education.

TREC identifies the CORE course as mandatory for renewal. Licensees should monitor their education records and renewal deadlines through the current TREC and CE Broker systems.

Failure to complete required education or renew on time can result in penalties, an inactive or expired license, or additional requirements before the license can be restored.

Becoming a Tennessee Real Estate Broker

An affiliate broker who wants to own or operate a brokerage, become a principal broker, or supervise other licensees must meet additional Tennessee requirements.

Generally, broker candidates must:

Have 36 months of active affiliate broker licensure if licensed after May 12, 1988.
Complete 120 hours of approved broker education.
Complete a 30-hour Office/Broker Management course as part of the education requirement.
Pass the broker examination.
Submit a broker application and required documentation.
Meet insurance, fingerprinting, and affiliation requirements where applicable.

Tennessee provides an exception allowing certain candidates with a baccalaureate degree majoring in real estate to qualify after 24 months of active licensure.

Broker applicants should confirm their individual eligibility directly with TREC before enrolling in broker education or scheduling the broker examination.

After receiving an original broker license, brokers licensed after January 1, 2001, must complete an additional 120 hours of Commission-approved education within the applicable post-broker period. After that requirement is satisfied, brokers complete 16 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period, including the six-hour CORE course and 10 elective hours.

Potential Earnings for Brentwood Real Estate Agents

Real estate income in Brentwood is not guaranteed. Earnings vary according to:

Number of closed transactions.
Commission agreements.
Property prices.
Market conditions.
Brokerage splits and fees.
Experience.
Specialization.
Lead sources.
Business expenses.
Full-time or part-time status.

TREC licensing materials do not provide a reliable city-specific salary figure for Brentwood real estate agents. Commission-based agents may also be independent contractors or self-employed, making salary comparisons difficult.

Prospective agents should review current metropolitan or state labor-market data from authoritative sources such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, while recognizing that wage data may not represent commission-based self-employment income.

New agents should budget for uneven income during the first year. Common business expenses include:

Marketing.
Transportation.
Association dues.
Insurance.
Brokerage fees.
Technology.
Photography.
Signs.
Client events.
Tax preparation.
Professional services.

Real Estate Career Opportunities Around Brentwood

A Tennessee affiliate broker serving Brentwood may pursue several specialties, including:

Residential buyer representation.
Residential listing services.
Luxury and move-up properties.
Relocation services.
New-construction sales.
Land and acreage.
Investment property.
Small multifamily property.
Leasing and property management, when permitted by law and brokerage services.
Commercial real estate.
Referral business.
Corporate relocation.
Future advancement to principal broker or brokerage owner.

Brentwood’s location in Williamson County and proximity to Nashville can allow agents to serve local homeowners, relocating employees, investors, builders, and clients moving throughout the metropolitan area.

Local knowledge can be valuable when advising clients about neighborhood characteristics, property types, commuting patterns, new construction, amenities, pricing, and transaction expectations. Agents should still research current inventory, sales volume, competition, and brokerage conditions before choosing a specialty.

Tennessee Real Estate License Checklist

Use this checklist to organize the licensing process:

Confirm age and education eligibility.
Gather high school diploma or GED documentation.
Complete the 60-hour Basic Principles course.
Confirm that the school reported education completion to PSI.
Register for and pass the PSI national and state examination portions.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Schedule electronic fingerprinting through the approved service.
Use the current TREC fingerprinting identifiers.
Obtain the electronic fingerprinting receipt.
Select a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker.
Obtain errors and omissions insurance documentation.
Complete the Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form.
Submit the initial affiliate broker application through CORE.
Pay the applicable state and examination fees.
Monitor the application for additional TREC requests.
Complete continuing education before each renewal deadline.

For students comparing course formats, Leap Real Estate’s Tennessee pre-licensing course can be evaluated alongside other TREC-approved providers. Consider approval status, delivery format, student support, completion reporting, total cost, and preparation for both portions of the PSI examination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Brentwood real estate license?

No separate Brentwood real estate license is identified for affiliate brokers. Tennessee regulates real estate licensing at the state level through TREC, so applicants follow statewide requirements.

How many education hours are required?

Tennessee requires 90 hours for an initial affiliate broker license: 60 hours before the examination and a 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before the license is issued.

How much does the Tennessee real estate examination cost?

The full affiliate broker examination currently costs $63. The state portion is $26, and the national portion is $37.

Is fingerprinting required?

Yes. TREC requires electronic fingerprints for initial applications. Applicants should follow the current TREC and IdentoGO instructions and submit the fingerprinting receipt with the application.

Do I have to work for a broker after passing the exam?

Yes. An affiliate broker must affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker. TREC states that an applicant must affiliate with a firm within six months after passing the examination or retire the license.

How often must I renew my license?

Tennessee licenses renew every two years. The listed renewal fee is $75, and the standard continuing education requirement is 16 hours per renewal period, including six hours of CORE and 10 elective hours.

Can I take Tennessee real estate courses online?

Online study may be available through approved providers. Confirm that the provider and course meet Tennessee’s requirements for the 60-hour Basic Principles course and the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates. Leap Real Estate’s Tennessee pre-licensing program is one option to compare with other approved providers.

Can I become a broker later?

Yes. Tennessee affiliate brokers may pursue broker licensure after meeting the active-licensure, education, examination, and application requirements. Most candidates licensed after May 12, 1988, need 36 months of active affiliate broker licensure, although an exception may apply to certain candidates with a real estate degree.

Does Tennessee publish Brentwood-specific agent salary data?

TREC does not provide a Brentwood-specific salary figure in its licensing materials. Income depends on transactions, commissions, expenses, market conditions, and business structure, so applicants should avoid relying on unsupported salary claims.

Authoritative Sources

Tennessee Real Estate License Requirements

Applicants for a Tennessee affiliate broker license generally must:

Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Complete the required Tennessee-approved pre-license education.
Pass the Tennessee affiliate broker examination.
Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.
Complete the initial affiliate broker application through Tennessee’s CORE system.
Provide required education and examination documentation.
Obtain errors and omissions insurance.
Affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker.