How to Get Your Real Estate License in Covington, Tennessee

How to Get Your Real Estate License in Covington, 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 Covington.

If you want to become a real estate agent in Covington, Tennessee, you must obtain a Tennessee affiliate broker license. Real estate licensing is regulated statewide by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC), not by the City of Covington. Tennessee law requires individuals who perform licensed real estate activities to hold the appropriate state license.

Covington does not issue a separate municipal real estate license. Instead, aspiring agents follow Tennessee’s statewide education, examination, fingerprinting, application, sponsorship, post-license education, and renewal requirements.

Tennessee Real Estate License Requirements

Before applying for a Tennessee affiliate broker license, an applicant generally must:

Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete the required Tennessee-approved pre-licensing education.
Pass the national and Tennessee portions of the affiliate broker examination.
Complete the required 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Submit the initial affiliate broker application through Tennessee’s licensing system.
Complete electronic fingerprinting and a background check.
Provide required documentation, including proof of education and other application materials.
Meet TREC’s standards for honesty, trustworthiness, competence, and reputation.
Affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed real estate firm and principal broker.
Maintain the required errors and omissions insurance after licensure.

TREC may request additional information if an applicant has a criminal conviction, professional-license discipline, or other background issue. A prior issue does not automatically guarantee denial, but all information should be disclosed accurately and consistently.

How Many Education Hours Are Required?

Tennessee requires 90 hours of approved real estate education for an affiliate broker license. The requirement is divided into two parts:

60 hours of Basic Principles of Real Estate
30-hour Course for New Affiliates

The 60-hour principles course must be completed before the licensing examination. The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates must be completed before the license can be issued.

Tennessee-approved coursework may cover:

Real estate terminology and principles
Property ownership and land rights
Contracts
Agency relationships
Tennessee license law and commission rules
Fair housing
Real estate finance
Closings and settlement procedures
Leasing and property management
Brokerage operations
Professional conduct and compliance

Choose a school approved to provide Tennessee real estate education. A course from another state may not satisfy Tennessee’s requirements unless TREC accepts it under applicable rules.

Online Tennessee Real Estate Courses

An online course can be convenient for Covington residents who are balancing employment, school, or family obligations. Online education does not eliminate the licensing examination, fingerprinting, application, sponsoring-broker, or post-license requirements; it only provides a flexible way to complete the education portion.

Before enrolling, confirm that the provider:

Is approved for Tennessee real estate education.
Includes the required 60-hour principles course.
Offers the required 30-hour Course for New Affiliates, either in the same program or separately.
Explains how course completion is reported.
Provides exam-preparation materials or practice tests.
Offers instructor or student support.
Clearly identifies technical and attendance requirements.

One online option is Leap Real Estate’s Tennessee pre-licensing course. Compare course format, instructor access, study tools, completion procedures, and total tuition before choosing a provider.

Step-by-Step Process to Get Licensed in Covington

1. Confirm that you meet the prerequisites

Make sure you meet the age and education requirements and can provide proof of a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants with international education may need translated or additional documentation.

2. Complete the 60-hour principles course

Enroll with a Tennessee-approved provider and complete the 60-hour Basic Principles of Real Estate course. The education provider submits eligibility information to PSI, the examination administrator.

Keep your completion certificate or letter because TREC requires education documentation with the license application.

3. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before the license is issued. This course is separate from the 60-hour principles course, even though both count toward the required 90 hours.

4. Prepare for the licensing examination

The Tennessee affiliate broker examination includes:

A national portion
A Tennessee state portion

Study national real estate concepts separately from Tennessee law and commission rules. Key subjects include contracts, agency, financing, property ownership, fair housing, brokerage practices, and Tennessee-specific licensing requirements.

5. Register for the PSI examination

PSI administers Tennessee’s real estate examinations. After the education provider submits the required eligibility information, PSI provides instructions for paying and scheduling the examination.

Testing may be available at approved examination centers and, when offered under current PSI procedures, through remote proctoring. Check PSI’s current scheduling information before making travel or technology arrangements.

Covington residents may need to travel to an available testing location in the Memphis-area region or another nearby location, depending on current PSI availability.

6. Pass both examination portions

You must pass both the national and Tennessee portions. If you pass one portion but fail the other, PSI’s current rules determine whether you may retake only the failed portion and how long the passing score remains valid.

Review the current candidate bulletin before scheduling a retake because examination procedures and eligibility periods can change.

7. Complete fingerprinting and the background check

TREC requires electronic fingerprinting for initial real estate license applicants. Fingerprinting is part of the initial licensing process and is not merely an examination requirement.

Applicants should:

Follow TREC’s current electronic fingerprinting instructions.
Use the required ORI number and approved submission process.
Keep the fingerprinting receipt.
Disclose convictions and professional-license history accurately.
Gather court records, explanations, or other documents if requested.
Check that names, dates, and disclosures match across all submissions.

A background issue can extend the processing time if TREC needs additional information before making a licensing decision.

8. Submit the initial license application

After passing all required examination portions, complete the Initial Real Estate Affiliate Broker Application through Tennessee’s CORE licensing system. TREC’s current initial affiliate application fee is $91.

The application generally requires supporting materials such as:

Proof of high school graduation or equivalent
Course-completion documentation
PSI examination documentation
Electronic fingerprinting receipt
Required eligibility forms
Errors and omissions insurance information
Principal-broker and firm affiliation information

PSI’s candidate bulletin states that applicants must apply within six months after passing the examinations. Applying promptly helps avoid problems caused by an expired examination result or missing documentation.

9. Affiliate with a sponsoring firm and principal broker

A Tennessee affiliate broker must work under a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker. An affiliate broker cannot independently operate as a principal broker simply by passing the examination.

The principal broker supervises affiliated licensees and oversees the firm’s compliance structure. TREC’s materials also indicate that applicants must affiliate with a firm within the applicable period after examination and licensure.

Tennessee Real Estate Examination

The affiliate broker examination covers both national and Tennessee-specific material.

Current Examination Fees

PSI currently lists the following affiliate broker examination fees:

| Examination option | Current fee |
|---|---:|
| Full national and state examination | $63 |
| Tennessee state portion only | $26 |
| National portion only | $37 |

PSI states that examination registration fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable.

The examination fee is separate from:

Pre-licensing tuition
Fingerprinting charges
The $91 initial application fee
Retake fees
Travel expenses
Remote-testing technology costs
Brokerage and business expenses

Exam Preparation Tips

Study Tennessee license law in addition to national concepts.
Use timed practice examinations.
Review contracts, agency, financing, fair housing, and property ownership.
Memorize Tennessee-specific definitions and requirements.
Confirm the identification documents PSI requires.
Schedule the examination after establishing a consistent study routine.
If you fail one portion, concentrate on that portion before retesting.

Background Check and Fingerprinting

Fingerprinting allows TREC to conduct a criminal-history review as part of the initial application. The fingerprinting requirement applies to initial applicants; always confirm current procedures with TREC if you later upgrade or apply for another license type.

Applicants with criminal or licensing histories should avoid omissions and unexplained inconsistencies. TREC may request:

Certified court records
Probation or parole documentation
A written explanation
Professional-license records
Evidence of rehabilitation
Additional identification or eligibility information

The review may take longer when documentation is incomplete or when TREC must evaluate a disclosed issue.

How Much Does a Tennessee Real Estate License Cost?

The total cost depends on the education provider, fingerprinting vendor, application, examination attempts, and business expenses after licensure.

| Expense | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Pre-licensing education | Varies by school, course format, materials, and support |
| Affiliate broker examination | $63 for the full examination; $26 for the state portion or $37 for the national portion |
| Initial affiliate application | $91 according to TREC’s current fee schedule |
| Fingerprinting | Set by the approved fingerprinting provider; verify the current amount before scheduling |
| Examination retakes | Additional PSI charges may apply |
| Errors and omissions insurance | Required for active licensure; cost depends on the policy |
| Brokerage startup expenses | May include MLS access, association dues, lockbox access, signs, advertising, technology, and transaction fees |

TREC’s current fee schedule lists a $75 renewal fee every two years for licensees and firms. Education, fingerprinting, insurance, and brokerage charges are separate.

Because fees can change, verify the current TREC fee schedule and PSI candidate information before submitting payment.

How Long Does It Take?

Tennessee does not guarantee one universal licensing timeline. The process depends on:

How quickly you complete the 90 hours of education
Your study schedule
The next available PSI examination date
Whether you pass both portions on the first attempt
Fingerprint processing
TREC application review
The completeness of your documents
How quickly you select a sponsoring brokerage

A full-time student may complete the education and examination steps relatively quickly, while a part-time student may need substantially longer. Background questions, missing paperwork, or an examination retake can extend the process.

Because the application must generally be submitted within six months after passing the examinations, do not delay the application or brokerage-affiliation steps.

Choosing a Sponsoring Broker in Covington

Selecting a brokerage is one of the most important decisions for a new affiliate broker. Do not compare firms only by advertised commission split. A higher split may come with substantial monthly fees, limited training, or fewer transaction services.

Ask prospective brokerages about:

Commission splits
Per-transaction and monthly fees
Training and mentorship
Contract review
Lead generation
Transaction coordination
Technology and customer relationship management tools
Required floor time
Advertising policies
Independent-contractor expectations
Geographic coverage
Residential, leasing, commercial, land, or property-management opportunities

A strong brokerage for a new Covington agent may provide practical experience with contracts, showings, inspections, negotiations, disclosures, and closings.

Post-License Education

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is part of Tennessee’s initial licensing education requirement and must be completed before the license is issued.

Do not confuse this course with optional continuing education. The initial 30-hour course is a required step for new affiliate brokers. Confirm with TREC and your education provider that the course is approved and that your completion has been properly documented.

A Tennessee-focused education provider, such as Leap Real Estate’s Tennessee pre-licensing resource, may help prospective agents compare course options. Confirm that any course selected satisfies the specific Tennessee requirement rather than assuming all real estate courses are interchangeable.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Tennessee licensees generally must complete 16 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period. The required education includes:

Six hours of TREC Core education
Ten hours of approved elective education

TREC’s current fee schedule lists a $75 renewal fee for licensees and firms every two years. Complete education before the renewal deadline and verify that the provider reports the credits correctly.

Continuing education may address:

Tennessee license law and commission rules
Agency and disclosure duties
Contracts and forms
Fair housing
Ethics
Risk management
Advertising compliance
Brokerage supervision
Technology and cybersecurity
Changes in real estate practice

A missed Core requirement, unreported course, or late renewal can create licensing problems. Check TREC’s current renewal instructions before the end of each renewal period.

Potential Earnings in Covington and Tennessee

Real estate income is not guaranteed. Affiliate brokers commonly receive commission-based income from completed transactions, and earnings can vary according to:

Number of transactions
Average sales price
Commission arrangements
Brokerage split and transaction fees
Residential, commercial, leasing, or land specialization
Local market conditions
Lead-generation expenses
Taxes, insurance, transportation, and technology costs

Reliable city-specific earnings data for Covington are not identified in the authoritative sources used for this overview. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports national occupational data rather than a guaranteed Covington salary. Its May 2025 data lists a national median annual wage of $52,830 for real estate sales agents.

That figure should not be treated as a starting salary or guaranteed income. Many real estate professionals operate as independent contractors and pay business expenses before receiving commission income.

For a practical personal forecast, estimate:

Expected transactions per year
Typical Covington-area price range
Expected gross commission income
Brokerage splits and transaction fees
Marketing and lead-generation costs
Vehicle, insurance, association, MLS, and technology expenses
Taxes
Time needed to build a referral network

Career Opportunities in Covington

Covington is the county seat of Tipton County and participates in the broader West Tennessee market. A licensed affiliate broker may pursue opportunities in:

Residential buyer representation
Residential listing services
Relocation
New-construction sales
Leasing and rentals
Property management
Investment properties
Land and rural property
Commercial real estate
Agricultural or development-related property

Agents may also serve clients throughout Tipton County and nearby West Tennessee communities, subject to brokerage policies, market knowledge, and Tennessee licensing rules.

To build a Covington-focused practice, learn about:

Local neighborhoods
Housing inventory
Schools and commuting patterns
Property taxes
Zoning and development
Rural and agricultural property
Local lenders, inspectors, contractors, and closing professionals
Buyer and seller demand across Tipton County

Before advertising a service or accepting a client, confirm that the activity is permitted by your sponsoring brokerage and that you understand Tennessee rules concerning agency, disclosures, advertising, and supervision.

Is a Tennessee Real Estate License Worth It?

A Tennessee real estate license may suit people who enjoy sales, networking, follow-up, negotiation, and self-directed work. The career can offer flexibility and several specialties, but income may be irregular, especially during the first year.

Consider pursuing the license if you are prepared to:

Complete the education and examination requirements
Work under a principal broker
Build a client pipeline
Follow Tennessee and brokerage compliance rules
Pay business expenses before receiving commissions
Continue learning after licensure
Develop long-term relationships in Covington and West Tennessee

The license can support career paths beyond traditional home sales, including leasing, property management, commercial real estate, land transactions, development, and real estate investing.

Tennessee Real Estate License Checklist

Use this checklist to organize the process:

Confirm that you meet Tennessee’s age and education prerequisites.
Complete the 60-hour Basic Principles of Real Estate course.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Confirm that your education provider submits examination eligibility to PSI.
Register for the PSI affiliate broker examination.
Pass both the national and Tennessee portions.
Complete TREC-required electronic fingerprinting.
Prepare documentation related to any criminal or professional-license history.
Submit the initial affiliate broker application through CORE.
Pay the current application fee.
Obtain errors and omissions insurance as required.
Choose a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker.
Complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years, including six hours of TREC Core.
Renew the license on time.
Build a Covington and Tipton County business plan.
Develop a referral network and local market expertise.

For another online education option, review Leap Real Estate’s Tennessee pre-licensing page. Always verify course approval, fees, deadlines, and licensing procedures with TREC and PSI before enrolling or submitting an application.

Authoritative Sources