If you want to become a real estate agent in Collegedale, Tennessee, you must obtain a Tennessee affiliate broker license through the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC). The process includes completing approved education, passing the Tennessee real estate examination, submitting fingerprints and a background check, securing a sponsoring broker, and applying for licensure through the state. 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 Collegedale.

Collegedale does not have a separate city-level real estate license for agents. Real estate licensing is regulated at the Tennessee state level, although agents working in Collegedale must still comply with applicable local business, zoning, advertising, and tax rules.

Tennessee Real Estate License Requirements

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

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Complete the required Tennessee real estate education.
• Pass the Tennessee affiliate broker examination.
• Submit an application to TREC.
• Complete electronic fingerprinting and a criminal background check.
• Provide proof of errors and omissions insurance.
• Affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed principal broker.
• Complete the required 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before the license is issued.

TREC requires proof of high school graduation, education completion, errors and omissions insurance, eligibility verification, fingerprinting, and payment of the applicable application fee.

Applicants with prior criminal convictions should review TREC’s eligibility requirements before investing in coursework. A criminal record does not automatically answer every licensing question; TREC evaluates the information submitted with the application and may request additional documentation.

Required Tennessee Real Estate Education Hours

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

• 60 hours of real estate principles and fundamentals before taking the licensing examination.
• 30 hours of the Course for New Affiliates before the license can be issued.

The education provider must submit proof of completion of the 60-hour course to PSI before the applicant can register for the examination. The applicant must also submit course completion documentation with the license application.

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is a separate requirement. Completing only the 60-hour pre-license course is not enough to receive the license.

Online Tennessee Real Estate Courses

Many students choose online education because it allows them to complete the required coursework around work, family, or other obligations. Before enrolling, confirm that the provider and course are approved for Tennessee licensing purposes.

An online course should clearly explain:

• Whether it provides the approved 60-hour pre-license course.
• Whether it includes the separate 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
• How course attendance and identity verification are handled.
• Whether the school reports completion to PSI.
• How completion certificates are delivered.
• Whether technical support and exam preparation are included.

For an online Tennessee pre-licensing option, review the Tennessee real estate pre-licensing course and verify that the course meets the current TREC requirements before enrolling.

Online education can be completed from Collegedale, but students still must satisfy Tennessee’s examination, fingerprinting, application, insurance, and brokerage requirements.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Confirm that you meet the basic eligibility requirements

Before beginning, confirm that you are at least 18 years old and can document a high school diploma or equivalent. If you have a criminal history, contact TREC or review its current application instructions to determine what supporting records may be necessary.

2. Complete the 60-hour pre-license course

Enroll in a TREC-approved 60-hour principles and fundamentals course. Once completed, the school sends the required eligibility information to PSI and provides a certificate or letter of completion for the application.

3. Begin interviewing sponsoring brokers

A Tennessee affiliate broker must work under a licensed principal broker. Start interviewing brokerages before applying so that you understand:

• Commission splits.
• Monthly fees.
• Desk, technology, or transaction fees.
• Training and mentorship.
• Lead-generation policies.
• Marketing and advertising rules.
• Whether the brokerage serves Collegedale, Chattanooga, Ooltewah, Cleveland, or surrounding communities.

The sponsoring principal broker must sign the PSI examination application obtained after testing, and the license must be affiliated with a brokerage before the applicant can practice as an affiliate broker.

4. Register for the PSI examination

After the education provider submits the required documentation, PSI reviews the applicant’s eligibility. PSI then provides instructions for paying for and scheduling the examination.

The affiliate broker examination includes national and Tennessee state portions. Candidates may take the full examination or, where applicable, an individual portion. The current full examination fee is $63, with the state-only portion listed at $26 and the national-only portion at $37.

5. Pass both examination portions

The examination tests real estate knowledge at both the national and Tennessee levels. Study topics commonly include:

• Property ownership.
• Land use controls.
• Valuation and market analysis.
• Financing.
• Contracts.
• Agency.
• Property disclosures.
• Leasing and property management.
• Real estate practice.
• Tennessee license law and regulations.

Use the current PSI candidate bulletin and TREC materials when preparing. Passing only one portion may not complete the examination requirement; applicants should follow PSI’s instructions regarding retesting and any valid passed portions.

6. Complete fingerprinting and the background check

TREC requires fingerprints for initial real estate license applications. Fingerprinting is not a prerequisite for taking the examination, but it is required for applicants pursuing an initial license.

Tennessee applicants generally schedule electronic fingerprinting through IdentoGO. TREC identifies the Real Estate Commission service code as 28TZ99 and the ORI number as TN920784Z.

The fingerprint submission is transmitted for processing by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Keep the electronic fingerprinting receipt because it must be submitted with the application.

Fingerprinting and background-check charges can change and may be collected separately from TREC’s application fee. Confirm the current amount with the fingerprint vendor when scheduling.

7. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

Before TREC issues the license, complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates and obtain the completion certificate or letter. This course is separate from the 60-hour principles and fundamentals course.

The Tennessee pre-licensing education option may be useful for comparing course formats, but applicants should confirm that all required course components are included and approved for Tennessee.

8. Obtain errors and omissions insurance

Applicants must provide proof of an errors and omissions insurance policy with the application.

Some brokerages provide coverage for affiliated agents, while others require agents to obtain coverage independently or reimburse the brokerage for the cost. Ask the sponsoring broker how coverage works before submitting the application.

9. Submit the online application

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

The application package generally includes:

• The completed online application.
• PSI examination documentation.
• Proof of the 60-hour education.
• Proof of the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
• Proof of high school graduation or equivalent.
• Errors and omissions insurance documentation.
• Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form.
• Electronic fingerprinting receipt.
• Required application payment.
• Principal broker information and signature where required.

After passing all portions of the examination, the PSI bulletin states that applicants must apply for the license within six months of passing the examinations.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

The total cost depends on the school, fingerprint vendor, examination attempts, insurance arrangements, and brokerage charges.

| Expense | Current amount or explanation |
|---|---|
| 60-hour and 30-hour education | Varies by approved provider |
| Full affiliate broker examination | $63 |
| State-only examination portion | $26 |
| National-only examination portion | $37 |
| Initial affiliate broker application | $91 |
| Fingerprinting and background check | Vendor charge; confirm current amount when scheduling |
| Errors and omissions insurance | Varies by policy or brokerage arrangement |
| License renewal | $75 every two years |
| Brokerage expenses | Vary by sponsoring broker |

The listed state fees do not represent the complete cost of entering the profession. Budget for education, study materials, transportation or testing-related expenses, fingerprinting, insurance, association membership, lockbox access, marketing, and brokerage fees.

TREC lists a $75 renewal fee every two years for licensees and firms. Late renewal can result in additional penalties, so check the renewal date through the state’s licensing system.

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

Tennessee does not establish one universal number of days for the entire licensing process. The timeline depends on:

• How quickly the applicant completes the 90 hours of education.
• How soon the school reports eligibility to PSI.
• Examination appointment availability.
• Whether the applicant passes both portions on the first attempt.
• Fingerprint-processing time.
• Application completeness.
• TREC review requirements.
• How quickly the applicant secures a sponsoring broker.

A straightforward application can move through the process in a matter of weeks after coursework is completed, but applicants should allow additional time for retesting, missing documents, background-check questions, or application review. The six-month application deadline after passing the examination is a firm planning consideration.

Sponsoring Broker Requirements

Tennessee affiliate brokers do not operate independently. They must be affiliated with a Tennessee-licensed principal broker.

A sponsoring brokerage generally provides the legal and professional framework under which the affiliate broker conducts transactions. The principal broker may oversee:

• Contracts and transaction files.
• Advertising.
• Agency disclosures.
• Trust-account procedures.
• Compliance with Tennessee license law.
• Training and supervision.
• Commission and fee arrangements.

Before choosing a broker in or near Collegedale, compare the brokerage’s coverage area and support structure. A firm serving the greater Chattanooga region may provide opportunities in Collegedale as well as nearby communities, but the agent remains responsible for complying with Tennessee law and the broker’s policies.

Post-License Education

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

This course is not the same as continuing education. New licensees should keep both course records and review their license status and education obligations through TREC’s current systems.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Tennessee affiliate brokers must complete continuing education during each renewal cycle. The standard requirement is 16 hours during each two-year renewal period, including:

• A six-hour TREC CORE course.
• Ten hours of approved elective education.

Education providers report completed hours to CE Broker, and licensees should confirm that their credits appear correctly before renewal.

Because education rules and reporting procedures can change, check TREC’s current renewal instructions before selecting courses. Completing continuing education late can lead to penalties or problems renewing the license.

What Can Real Estate Agents Earn in Collegedale?

Reliable, authoritative city-level earnings data specifically for Collegedale real estate agents may not be available. Real estate income is also highly variable because many agents are paid through commissions rather than a fixed salary.

Earnings can depend on:

• Number of transactions closed.
• Property prices and transaction volume.
• Commission agreements and brokerage splits.
• Lead generation and referral sources.
• Full-time versus part-time work.
• Experience and market conditions.
• Expenses such as marketing, insurance, licensing, and transportation.

Do not treat advertised commission amounts or national income estimates as a guarantee. Before entering the profession, create a personal budget that assumes income may be irregular during the first several months.

Career Opportunities in Collegedale and the Chattanooga Region

A Tennessee license can support several real estate career paths, including:

• Residential buyer representation.
• Residential listing representation.
• New-construction sales.
• Relocation services.
• Commercial real estate.
• Leasing and property management, subject to applicable requirements.
• Investment-property sales.
• Land and rural-property transactions.
• Real estate referrals.
• Property valuation support roles that may require separate credentials.
• Future advancement to a Tennessee broker license.

Collegedale is part of the broader Chattanooga-area real estate market, so local agents may work with clients moving between Collegedale, Chattanooga, Ooltewah, East Ridge, Cleveland, and other nearby communities. Practical local knowledge—schools, commuting routes, neighborhoods, new construction, land use, and community amenities—can help agents serve buyers and sellers, but it does not replace compliance with Tennessee licensing law.

Advancement to a Tennessee Broker License

An experienced affiliate broker may later pursue a Tennessee broker license. TREC states that broker candidates generally need:

• An active affiliate broker license for the required period.
• At least 120 classroom hours of approved education.
• A 30-hour Office/Broker Management course.
• Additional broker examination and application requirements.

For affiliate brokers licensed after May 12, 1988, TREC identifies a 36-month active-license requirement, with a possible 24-month requirement for candidates holding a bachelor’s degree with a major in real estate.

Broker candidates should review TREC’s current broker requirements because eligibility can depend on license history, education, and degree status.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Taking a course that is not approved for Tennessee.
• Assuming the 60-hour course alone is sufficient.
• Scheduling the examination before the school reports eligibility to PSI.
• Waiting until after the exam to find a sponsoring broker.
• Submitting an incomplete application.
• Using the wrong fingerprinting service code or ORI number.
• Forgetting errors and omissions insurance documentation.
• Missing the six-month application deadline after passing the examination.
• Confusing post-license education with continuing education.
• Choosing a brokerage without reviewing its fee and commission structure.
• Assuming a city business license replaces the Tennessee real estate license.

Tennessee Real Estate License Checklist

Use this checklist to organize the process:

• Confirm age and high school diploma or equivalent.
• Enroll in an approved 60-hour Tennessee course.
• Complete the 60-hour principles and fundamentals requirement.
• Confirm that the school submits eligibility information to PSI.
• Schedule and pass the affiliate broker examination.
• Complete electronic fingerprinting.
• Obtain the fingerprint receipt.
• Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
• Obtain errors and omissions insurance documentation.
• Select a Tennessee sponsoring principal broker.
• Gather education, examination, identification, and eligibility documents.
• Submit the initial affiliate broker application through CORE.
• Pay the $91 application fee.
• Confirm license issuance and brokerage affiliation.
• Track the two-year renewal date and continuing education requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Collegedale real estate license?

No separate Collegedale real estate license is identified for real estate agents. Tennessee regulates real estate licensure at the state level through TREC. Local business or tax requirements may apply separately depending on how and where you operate.

How many hours of education are required?

Tennessee requires 90 total hours: 60 hours of principles and fundamentals before the examination and a separate 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before license issuance.

Can I take the courses online?

Online courses may be available, but the provider and course must satisfy Tennessee’s approval requirements. Verify approval and confirm that both required course components are included before enrolling.

How much is the Tennessee real estate exam?

The current PSI fee listed for the full affiliate broker examination is $63. The state-only portion is $26, and the national-only portion is $37.

How much is the initial license application?

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

Are fingerprints required?

Yes. TREC requires fingerprints for initial real estate license applications. Applicants residing in Tennessee generally schedule electronic fingerprinting through IdentoGO.

Can I practice after passing the exam?

Passing the examination is not the entire licensing process. You must complete the remaining education, submit the application and supporting documents, satisfy fingerprinting and insurance requirements, and affiliate with a sponsoring principal broker before practicing.

How often must I renew the license?

TREC lists a two-year renewal cycle and a $75 renewal fee for licensees and firms. Affiliate brokers must also complete the required continuing education during the renewal period.

Authoritative Sources

• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, Affiliate Broker Licensing Requirements: 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, Fees: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/license/fees.html
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, PSI and Examination Information: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/license/psi.html
• PSI, Tennessee Real Estate Examination Candidate Bulletin: https://home.psiexams.com/api/tests/G953M5ZB/bulletins
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, Broker Licensure Requirements: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/license/license-how-to/broker.html
• Leap Real Estate, Tennessee Pre-Licensing Education: https://leaprealestate.com/state-licenses/tennessee-pre-licensing