How to Get Your Real Estate License in Byrdstown, Tennessee

If you want to become a real estate agent in Byrdstown, Tennessee, you must obtain a Tennessee affiliate broker license through the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC). Tennessee regulates real estate licensing at the state level, so Byrdstown does not have a separate city real estate license or additional municipal education requirement. 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 Byrdstown.

The standard process includes approved pre-licensing education, the Tennessee affiliate broker examination, electronic fingerprinting, a sponsoring principal broker, post-examination education, and an application submitted through Tennessee’s CORE licensing system.

Tennessee Real Estate License Requirements

To qualify for an entry-level Tennessee affiliate broker license, an applicant generally must:

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

Tennessee’s initial education requirement totals 90 hours: 60 hours before the examination and a separate 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before license issuance.

Required Tennessee Real Estate Education

The 60-hour pre-licensing course

Before registering for the examination, you must complete 60 hours of Commission-approved education covering real estate principles or fundamentals. The education provider must submit proof of completion to PSI, the examination administrator, before you can register for the test.

The course commonly addresses subjects such as:

Tennessee real estate license law
Agency relationships
Contracts
Property ownership
Financing
Real estate mathematics
Valuation and market analysis
Fair housing
Closings and settlement procedures
Professional conduct and licensee responsibilities

Course content, schedules, tuition, and delivery methods vary. Confirm that the school and course are approved by TREC before enrolling.

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

After completing the 60-hour course and passing the examination, you must complete the separate 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before TREC can issue the affiliate broker license.

The provider must supply a certificate or letter of completion for the license application. The 30-hour course is not the same as the 60-hour pre-licensing course; completing only the first course does not satisfy Tennessee’s full initial education requirement.

Online Tennessee Real Estate Courses

Online education may be convenient for Byrdstown residents who prefer to study from home or avoid regular travel to a classroom. However, the course must satisfy current TREC requirements.

A potential starting point is this Tennessee real estate pre-licensing course, which can help you compare available education options.

Before enrolling in an online course, verify that:

The provider and course are approved by TREC.
The course provides the required 60-hour pre-examination education.
The provider offers the separate 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
The school explains how it reports completion to PSI and TREC.
Instructors or student support are available.
The school issues certificates or letters required for the application.
The course schedule and testing format fit your availability.

TREC states that education providers generally have 10 working days to submit an education roster.

You can also review Tennessee pre-licensing education options before selecting a school.

Step-by-Step Tennessee Licensing Process

1. Complete the 60-hour course

Enroll in a TREC-approved Principles or Fundamentals course. Complete all required lessons, assignments, attendance requirements, and school examinations.

2. Wait for examination eligibility

Your school submits proof of course completion to PSI. You cannot register for the examination until PSI receives and approves the required education information.

3. Schedule the affiliate broker examination

PSI administers Tennessee’s real estate examinations. Once approved, PSI provides instructions for paying for and scheduling the examination.

Bring the admission materials and acceptable government-issued photo identification required by PSI.

4. Pass the examination

The affiliate broker examination includes a national portion and a Tennessee-specific state portion. A passing score on one section remains valid for two retakes of the failed section or one year, whichever comes first.

5. Complete electronic fingerprinting

Fingerprinting is required for initial Tennessee real estate license applicants. Tennessee residents generally schedule an appointment through IdentoGO, which transmits fingerprints to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

TREC identifies the following information for real estate applicants:

Service code: 28TZ99
ORI number: TN920784Z

Keep the electronic fingerprinting receipt. It must be submitted with the license application.

Applicants who live outside Tennessee and cannot visit an IdentoGO location should review TREC’s instructions for the non-resident card scan process.

6. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

Complete the required course after passing the examination and obtain the certificate or letter of completion. This documentation is submitted with the license application.

7. Choose a sponsoring principal broker

An affiliate broker must work under the supervision of a Tennessee-licensed principal broker. A newly licensed affiliate broker cannot independently operate a real estate brokerage.

Begin speaking with brokerages before submitting the final application. Compare:

Commission splits
Transaction and monthly fees
Training and mentoring
Lead distribution
Transaction-management systems
Marketing requirements
Errors and omissions insurance arrangements
Association and MLS expenses
Support for rural, land, residential, and surrounding-area clients
Policies for part-time agents

8. Submit the initial application

Complete the Initial Real Estate Affiliate Broker Application online through Tennessee’s CORE system. TREC lists the initial affiliate broker application fee as $91.

Supporting documentation generally includes:

PSI examination application or examination documentation
Proof of high school graduation
Proof of 60-hour education
Proof of 30-hour Course for New Affiliates completion
Proof of errors and omissions insurance
Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form
Electronic fingerprinting receipt
Sponsoring principal broker information or signature, as required

Review TREC’s current instructions before submitting the application. Missing or inconsistent documents can delay review.

For another education resource, see Tennessee real estate license courses.

Background Checks and Fingerprinting

TREC uses electronic fingerprinting to support state and federal background-check processing. All Tennessee real estate licensees are subject to the fingerprinting requirement for initial licensure.

A criminal history does not automatically mean an applicant will be denied a license. However, applicants should answer all application questions accurately and provide explanations or supporting records if TREC requests them.

Do not omit convictions or other information requested on the application. Arrange fingerprinting early enough to avoid making it the final obstacle to license issuance.

Tennessee Affiliate Broker Examination

PSI administers the Tennessee affiliate broker examination. The test consists of:

A national portion
A Tennessee-specific state portion

PSI lists the affiliate broker examination fees as follows:

Full examination: $63
Tennessee state portion: $26
National portion: $37

To prepare effectively:

Study Tennessee license law separately from general real estate concepts.
Review agency, contracts, disclosures, and fair housing.
Practice real estate mathematics.
Use timed practice examinations.
Read the current PSI candidate bulletin.
Confirm identification and admission requirements before test day.

Examination fees are separate from tuition, fingerprinting charges, the license application fee, and brokerage-related expenses.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

The total cost varies by education provider, fingerprinting vendor, study materials, travel, brokerage, association, MLS, and marketing expenses.

| Expense | Amount or description |
|---|---:|
| Initial affiliate broker application | $91 |
| Affiliate broker examination | $63 full examination; $26 state portion; $37 national portion |
| License renewal | $75 every two years |
| Pre-licensing education | Varies by provider |
| Electronic fingerprinting | Vendor charge varies |
| Exam preparation materials | Optional; cost varies |
| REALTOR association and MLS fees | Varies by organization |
| Brokerage and business expenses | Varies by firm and business model |

The TREC application and full examination fees total $154 before education, fingerprinting, and other costs.

Fees can change, so confirm the amount with TREC and PSI before registering or submitting payment.

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

Tennessee does not publish one universal completion time that applies to every applicant. The timeline depends on:

How quickly you complete the 60-hour course
How soon the school reports your completion
Examination availability
Whether you pass both examination portions
Fingerprinting and background-check processing
How quickly you find a sponsoring principal broker
Whether the application is complete
Whether TREC requests additional information

A typical planning sequence is:

Complete the 60-hour course.
Wait for PSI eligibility approval.
Schedule and pass the examination.
Complete electronic fingerprinting.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Select a sponsoring principal broker.
Gather insurance, education, identity, and eligibility documents.
Submit the complete application through CORE.
Respond promptly to any TREC request.

Online study can provide scheduling flexibility, but it does not eliminate the examination, fingerprinting, broker-affiliation, or application requirements.

Sponsoring Principal Broker Requirements

The principal broker supervises affiliate brokers and is responsible for the brokerage relationship. Affiliate brokers should conduct licensed activity only through the firm and under the supervision authorized by Tennessee law and the brokerage.

Before choosing a firm in Byrdstown or a nearby Tennessee market, request the proposed independent contractor or employment agreement in writing. Clarify:

Commission payment timing
Split arrangements
Transaction and administrative fees
Advertising and sign expenses
Photography and lockbox costs
Transaction coordination
Lead distribution
Mentoring and training
Client and listing handling if you leave the firm
Part-time agent policies
Geographic areas and property types served

A higher commission split may come with fewer services, while a lower split may include training, transaction support, or lead opportunities.

Post-License Education

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is an initial licensing requirement that must be completed before the affiliate broker license is issued.

It is different from continuing education. The 30-hour course applies to the initial license, while continuing education applies to later renewal periods.

Keep copies of every course certificate and confirm that the education provider has properly reported completion.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

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

After completing the applicable initial education requirements, affiliate brokers generally must complete 16 hours of Commission-approved continuing education during each two-year renewal period:

Six hours of the mandatory CORE course
Ten hours of elective education

TREC’s education information states that pre-licensing courses cannot be used as continuing education and identifies the CORE course as a renewal requirement.

Renewals are completed through CORE. TREC lists late-renewal fees of $50 per month for the first 120 days and $100 per month for days 121 through 365. Check the current renewal instructions for deadlines and any rule changes.

Potential Earnings in Byrdstown, Tennessee

No authoritative public source identified here establishes a reliable, city-specific average income for real estate agents in Byrdstown. Real estate agents are commonly paid through commissions, and earnings can vary substantially based on closed transactions, sales prices, commission agreements, brokerage splits, expenses, and whether the agent works full-time or part-time.

Prospective agents should evaluate:

Local transaction volume
Property types and price ranges they intend to serve
Brokerage commission policies
Marketing and operating costs
Taxes and self-employment obligations
The time required to develop a client pipeline
Seasonal and year-to-year income fluctuations
The amount of savings needed during the startup period

Obtaining a license does not guarantee listings, clients, leads, or immediate income. Prepare a personal startup budget before joining a brokerage.

Career Opportunities in Byrdstown

A Tennessee affiliate broker serving Byrdstown may pursue opportunities such as:

Residential buyer representation
Residential listing services
Land and acreage transactions
Vacation or second-home property sales
Relocation assistance
New-construction sales
Property referrals
Commercial real estate under appropriate brokerage supervision
Property-management-related services when separately permitted and properly structured
Future advancement to a Tennessee broker license

Local business development may involve learning Byrdstown and surrounding communities, including housing inventory, land characteristics, commuting patterns, financing considerations, recreational or second-home demand, and property-specific issues.

Agents working in a smaller market may build business through referrals, repeat clients, community relationships, geographic specialization, and consistent follow-up. The size of the local market, brokerage support, and the agent’s business strategy will influence available opportunities.

Upgrading to a Tennessee Broker License

Becoming a Tennessee broker is a later career step and is not required to begin working as an affiliate broker under a sponsoring principal broker.

TREC generally requires broker candidates to complete 120 hours of approved broker education, including a 30-hour Office/Broker Management course.

Experience requirements include:

36 months of active affiliate broker experience for many applicants licensed after May 12, 1988
24 months of active licensure for applicants licensed as affiliate brokers on or before May 12, 1988
24 months of active licensure for applicants with a bachelor’s degree majoring in real estate

Applicants should review TREC’s current broker requirements because eligibility can depend on licensing history, education, and documentation.

Tennessee Real Estate License Checklist

Use this checklist when planning your application:

Confirm that you meet the age and high school education requirements.
Select a TREC-approved education provider.
Complete the 60-hour Principles or Fundamentals course.
Confirm that the school reported completion to PSI.
Register for the affiliate broker examination.
Pass the required national and Tennessee examination portions.
Schedule electronic fingerprinting.
Keep the fingerprinting receipt and required ORI information.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Choose a Tennessee sponsoring principal broker.
Obtain proof of errors and omissions insurance.
Gather education, identity, high school, and eligibility documents.
Submit the application through CORE.
Pay the $91 application fee.
Respond to any TREC request for additional information.
Complete continuing education before each renewal deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a separate real estate license for Byrdstown?

No. Tennessee real estate licenses are issued through TREC at the state level. Byrdstown does not have a separate city-specific real estate license requirement.

How many education hours are required?

Affiliate broker applicants must complete 90 total hours: 60 hours of approved Principles or Fundamentals education before the examination and a separate 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before the license is issued.

Can Tennessee real estate courses be completed online?

Online courses may be available, but the provider and course must satisfy current TREC requirements. Verify approval, completion reporting, testing procedures, and certificate requirements before enrolling.

How much is the Tennessee application fee?

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

How much is the affiliate broker examination?

PSI lists the full affiliate broker examination fee as $63: $26 for the state portion and $37 for the national portion.

Do I need a broker before taking the examination?

You must complete the education and examination steps before final licensure, but an affiliate broker must be affiliated with a Tennessee sponsoring principal broker to obtain and practice under the affiliate broker license. Contact brokerages before submitting the final application.

Are fingerprints required?

Yes. Electronic fingerprinting is required for initial Tennessee real estate license applications.

How often must the license be renewed?

Tennessee affiliate broker licenses renew every two years. TREC lists a $75 renewal fee.

Is a college degree required?

No college degree is listed as the standard entry requirement for a Tennessee affiliate broker license. A bachelor’s degree majoring in real estate may affect the experience requirement for a later broker license.

Does Tennessee offer reciprocity?

TREC states that it does not offer a reciprocal license. However, an out-of-state licensee may qualify for certain education, examination, or experience substitutions under Tennessee law after TREC reviews the applicant’s documentation.

Authoritative Sources