If you want to help buyers and sellers, list property, or negotiate real estate transactions in Chattanooga, you generally need a Tennessee affiliate broker license. Tennessee licenses real estate professionals at the state level through the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) rather than through the City of Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga.

An affiliate broker must work under a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker. You cannot operate independently as a real estate broker until you meet the separate requirements for a Tennessee broker license.

The typical path includes:

• Completing 60 hours of approved pre-license education.
• Passing the Tennessee affiliate broker examination.
• Completing the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
• Completing electronic fingerprinting.
• Providing the required application documents and insurance proof.
• Choosing a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker.
• Submitting the initial application through Tennessee’s CORE system.

Is There a Chattanooga-Specific Real Estate License?

No. Chattanooga does not issue a separate municipal real estate license for agents. Real estate licensing is regulated statewide by TREC under Tennessee’s real estate licensing laws and rules.

Local requirements may still affect how you operate a business in Chattanooga. Depending on your business structure and activities, you may need to address matters such as business registration, zoning, signage, advertising, taxes, and local permits. These local obligations do not replace the Tennessee affiliate broker license.

Tennessee Real Estate License Requirements

To apply for a Tennessee affiliate broker license, an applicant generally must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Complete 60 hours of approved real estate principles and fundamentals education before taking the examination.
• Have the education provider submit proof of course completion to PSI.
• Pass the Tennessee affiliate broker examination administered by PSI.
• Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
• Provide proof of high school graduation or its equivalent.
• Complete the Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form.
• Complete electronic fingerprinting.
• Provide proof of errors and omissions insurance.
• Obtain the signature and affiliation of a Tennessee principal broker.
• Submit the Initial Real Estate Affiliate Broker Application through CORE.
• Pay the $91 initial affiliate broker application fee.

TREC may review criminal convictions, disciplinary history, and other eligibility matters. Applicants should answer background questions accurately and completely. Anyone concerned about a prior conviction or professional discipline should review TREC’s eligibility procedures before spending money on education or applying.

Required Real Estate Education Hours

New affiliate brokers must complete two education components.

60-hour pre-license course

Before registering for the licensing examination, you must complete 60 hours of approved education in real estate principles and fundamentals. Your school must submit proof of completion to PSI before you can register for the examination.

The course should cover Tennessee-specific real estate concepts as well as the principles tested on the national portion of the examination.

30-hour Course for New Affiliates

After passing the examination, you must complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates. A certificate or letter of completion must be submitted with the license application.

Together, the two components represent 90 hours of initial education, but they serve different purposes:

• The 60-hour course is completed before the examination.
• The 30-hour course is completed after passing the examination and before the license is issued.

The Tennessee Real Estate Commission maintains information about approved education providers and courses.

Online Tennessee Real Estate Courses

An online course can be useful for Chattanooga residents who need flexibility around work, family, or other commitments. Before enrolling, confirm that the provider:

• Offers a Tennessee-approved course.
• Meets the 60-hour principles and fundamentals requirement.
• Provides a certificate or letter accepted for licensing purposes.
• Explains how course completion is reported to PSI.
• Includes Tennessee-specific material.
• Provides practice questions or exam-preparation resources.

You can review a Tennessee real estate pre-licensing course to compare an online education option.

Online education only satisfies the coursework portion of the process. You must still pass the PSI examination, complete fingerprinting, provide insurance and eligibility documents, affiliate with a principal broker, and file the application through CORE.

How to Get a Tennessee Real Estate License Step by Step

Step 1: Complete the 60-hour course

Enroll in an approved Tennessee principles and fundamentals course. Keep your completion records and confirm that the provider submits the required information to PSI.

TREC states that applicants cannot register for the examination until PSI receives proof of completed education from the school.

Step 2: Register for the PSI examination

PSI administers the Tennessee affiliate broker examination. After receiving and reviewing the education information, PSI provides instructions for scheduling and paying for the examination.

Step 3: Pass the examination

The affiliate broker examination includes:

• A national portion.
• A Tennessee-specific state portion.

You must satisfy the applicable examination requirements before moving forward with the license application.

Step 4: Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

After passing the examination, complete the required 30-hour course. Obtain the certificate or letter of completion because it is part of the application documentation.

Step 5: Complete electronic fingerprinting

Tennessee requires electronic fingerprinting for real estate license applicants. Tennessee residents generally schedule fingerprinting through IdentoGO, which transmits fingerprints to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

TREC identifies the following information for affiliate broker applicants:

• ORI number: TN920784Z
• Service code: 28TZ99
• Required document: Fingerprint receipt submitted with the application

Fingerprinting is a separate expense from the examination and license application. Confirm the current vendor charge when scheduling.

Step 6: Choose a sponsoring principal broker

An affiliate broker must be affiliated with a Tennessee-licensed real estate firm and principal broker. The principal broker signs the PSI examination application and provides the supervision required for an affiliate license.

You may want to interview several Chattanooga-area firms before selecting a sponsor. Brokerage policies, fees, training, technology, leads, and commission arrangements can differ substantially.

Step 7: Obtain errors and omissions insurance

Proof of an errors and omissions insurance policy is required with the license application.

Ask a prospective brokerage whether it provides coverage for affiliated licensees or whether you must obtain an individual policy.

Step 8: Submit the application through CORE

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

Review the application carefully before submitting it. Missing education records, fingerprint documentation, insurance proof, broker signatures, or eligibility information can delay processing.

Background Check and Fingerprinting

Electronic fingerprinting allows Tennessee authorities to process state and federal criminal-history information through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and FBI.

A criminal record does not automatically prevent licensure. However, TREC may evaluate the offense, its age, rehabilitation, probation or parole status, and other relevant facts.

When completing the application:

• Disclose information exactly as requested.
• Do not omit convictions that must be reported.
• Keep copies of court and disposition records when relevant.
• Address disciplinary history accurately.
• Contact TREC if you are unsure how to respond.

Applicants with significant criminal or disciplinary history may benefit from seeking an eligibility review before completing the entire licensing process.

Tennessee Real Estate Licensing Examination

PSI administers the Tennessee affiliate broker examination; Chattanooga does not have a separate local licensing test.

Examination fee

PSI lists the full affiliate broker examination fee as $63, divided as follows:

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

The examination fee is separate from the application fee, education tuition, fingerprinting, insurance, and other expenses.

Examination sections

The examination includes national and Tennessee-specific portions. Study materials should address both sections, with particular attention to Tennessee laws, rules, contracts, agency, license obligations, and commission regulations.

What to bring

Follow PSI’s current admission instructions. PSI requires an admission notice and acceptable photo identification bearing your signature.

Failed sections and retakes

TREC states that a passing score on one examination section remains valid for two retakes of the failed section or one year, whichever comes first.

Use the official PSI and TREC instructions when scheduling a retake because procedures and eligibility requirements may change.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

The total cost depends on the education provider, fingerprinting vendor, insurance arrangements, brokerage costs, and whether you need to retake the examination.

| Expense | Current amount or treatment |
|---|---:|
| Full affiliate broker examination | $63 |
| Initial affiliate broker application | $91 |
| Pre-license education | Varies by provider |
| Fingerprinting | Vendor charge; verify with IdentoGO |
| Errors and omissions insurance | Varies by policy or brokerage |
| License renewal | $75 every two years |
| Change or upgrade of firm principal broker | $25 where applicable |

TREC lists the initial affiliate broker application at $91, the full PSI examination at $63, and license renewal at $75 every two years.

The minimum listed examination and initial application charges total $154, excluding education, fingerprinting, insurance, transportation, study materials, and brokerage expenses.

Potential additional costs may include:

• Local REALTOR® association membership.
• Multiple Listing Service access.
• Lockbox access.
• Business cards and signs.
• Marketing and advertising.
• Transaction-management or technology fees.
• Desk or administrative fees.
• Vehicle and mileage expenses.
• Tax and accounting services.

These costs are not uniform statewide and may depend on your brokerage and business model.

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

Tennessee does not promise one universal processing timeline for every affiliate broker applicant. The total time depends on:

• How quickly you finish the 60-hour course.
• How quickly the school reports completion to PSI.
• Examination appointment availability.
• Whether you pass both examination portions.
• Fingerprint-processing time.
• Application completeness.
• TREC review requirements.
• How quickly you select a sponsoring principal broker.

A full-time student may complete the education faster than someone studying part time. Allow additional time for scheduling, document collection, fingerprinting, broker interviews, and any questions about eligibility.

To reduce avoidable delays, keep copies of all certificates, receipts, insurance documents, and application materials.

Finding a Sponsoring Broker in Chattanooga

Passing the examination does not authorize you to practice independently. An affiliate broker must work through a Tennessee-licensed firm under a principal broker.

When comparing Chattanooga brokerages, ask about:

• Commission splits.
• Transaction and administrative fees.
• Monthly desk or technology fees.
• Training and mentorship.
• Lead distribution.
• Availability of the principal broker.
• Errors and omissions insurance.
• Transaction-management tools.
• Office and prospecting expectations.
• Residential, commercial, leasing, relocation, or property-management specialties.
• Local knowledge of Chattanooga and surrounding communities.

Relevant Chattanooga-area markets may include:

• Downtown Chattanooga.
• North Shore.
• East Brainerd.
• Hixson.
• Signal Mountain.
• Lookout Valley.
• Ooltewah.
• Collegedale.
• Other Hamilton County communities.

A firm with strong transaction support and neighborhood knowledge can help new agents build competence and a referral network.

Post-License Education

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is required after passing the examination and before the affiliate broker license is issued.

It is separate from the 60-hour pre-license course. Completing only the 60-hour course does not satisfy all initial education requirements.

Keep the 30-hour completion certificate or letter and submit it with the application as directed by TREC.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

TREC lists a two-year renewal cycle and a $75 renewal fee for affiliate brokers and brokers.

Education requirements can depend on license status, license type, and whether a licensee has completed applicable post-license education. Before renewal, check TREC’s current education and renewal instructions and confirm that completed courses are reported correctly.

TREC’s broker information states that:

• Brokers licensed after January 1, 2001, must complete 120 additional hours of Commission-approved education before the fourth anniversary of the broker license.
• After completing that post-broker education requirement, brokers licensed after January 1, 2005, must complete 16 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period.
• The 16 hours include a six-hour CORE course and 10 elective hours.

Affiliate brokers should rely on the current TREC renewal and education pages rather than older course catalogs or informal summaries. TREC identifies CORE courses and approved education providers through its education resources.

Upgrading From Affiliate Broker to Tennessee Broker

An affiliate broker who wants to operate as a principal broker or pursue greater management responsibility may eventually apply for a Tennessee broker license.

TREC’s broker requirements include:

• An active affiliate broker license.
• Generally, 36 months of active licensure for individuals licensed as affiliate brokers after May 12, 1988.
• In some cases, 24 months of active licensure for a candidate with a bachelor’s degree majoring in real estate.
• 120 classroom hours of approved real estate education.
• A 30-hour Office/Broker Management course.

TREC reviews education and experience documentation before determining broker examination eligibility. Applicants should consult the current broker requirements before planning an upgrade because eligibility rules and documentation standards may change.

Potential Earnings for Real Estate Agents in Chattanooga

Real estate income is not guaranteed. Earnings can vary based on transaction volume, commission agreements, brokerage splits, market conditions, experience, expenses, specialty, and the time required to develop a client pipeline.

TREC does not establish guaranteed Chattanooga salary or commission figures. National salary websites and job advertisements may use different definitions of “real estate agent” and should not be treated as guaranteed local income.

Before entering the industry, prepare for:

• Licensing and education costs.
• Brokerage and transaction fees.
• Association and MLS expenses, if applicable.
• Marketing and advertising.
• Transportation and vehicle costs.
• Technology and transaction-management tools.
• Insurance expenses.
• Taxes on commission income.
• Several months of personal living expenses while building a business.

A written budget is especially important because commission income can be irregular and transactions may take weeks or months to close.

Career Opportunities in Chattanooga

A Tennessee real estate license may support several career paths in Chattanooga, including:

• Residential buyer representation.
• Residential listing representation.
• New-construction sales.
• Commercial real estate.
• Industrial and logistics property.
• Leasing and tenant representation.
• Relocation services.
• Investment-property transactions.
• Land and acreage sales.
• Property management, subject to applicable Tennessee licensing requirements.
• Real estate team operations.
• Brokerage management after meeting broker requirements.

Chattanooga’s varied neighborhoods, surrounding communities, commercial activity, and regional economy can allow licensees to develop specialties. However, the license itself does not generate clients. New agents generally need a prospecting plan, local market knowledge, transaction support, and continuing professional education.

For flexible preparation, review a Tennessee online real estate pre-licensing program before choosing a provider.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Enrolling in a course that is not approved for Tennessee licensing education.
• Assuming the 60-hour course is the only education requirement.
• Registering for the examination before the school reports completion to PSI.
• Waiting too long to schedule fingerprinting.
• Omitting or inaccurately reporting criminal-history information.
• Applying without a principal broker’s required signature or affiliation.
• Forgetting proof of errors and omissions insurance.
• Treating the $63 examination fee as the total licensing cost.
• Failing to retain course certificates and fingerprint receipts.
• Missing renewal or education deadlines.
• Choosing a brokerage based only on the advertised commission split.

Chattanooga Real Estate License Checklist

Use this checklist to organize your application:

• [ ] Confirm that you meet Tennessee’s eligibility requirements.
• [ ] Complete the 60-hour approved principles and fundamentals course.
• [ ] Confirm that the school submits education information to PSI.
• [ ] Register for and schedule the PSI examination.
• [ ] Pass the national and Tennessee examination portions.
• [ ] Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
• [ ] Schedule electronic fingerprinting through IdentoGO.
• [ ] Record the TREC ORI number and service code provided in the current instructions.
• [ ] Obtain proof of high school graduation or equivalent.
• [ ] Complete the Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form.
• [ ] Obtain errors and omissions insurance.
• [ ] Select a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker.
• [ ] Obtain the required principal broker signature.
• [ ] Submit the initial application through CORE.
• [ ] Pay the $91 application fee.
• [ ] Track license renewal and education deadlines.

Final Takeaway

To get a real estate license in Chattanooga, complete Tennessee’s statewide affiliate broker process. That process generally includes 60 hours of pre-license education, the PSI examination, the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates, electronic fingerprinting, insurance documentation, a sponsoring principal broker, and the CORE application.

Start by comparing an approved Tennessee real estate pre-licensing course, then confirm current requirements, fees, and application instructions directly with TREC and PSI. A Chattanooga-focused brokerage, practical financial plan, and knowledge of local markets can help turn a Tennessee license into a sustainable real estate career.

Authoritative Sources

• Tennessee Real Estate Commission: Affiliate Broker Requirements
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission: PSI and Examination Information
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission: Fee Schedule
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission: Broker Licensure Requirements
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission: Education Courses
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission: How to Get a License
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission: Renewal, Reciprocity, and Other Resources
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission: Real Estate Firm Requirements