How to Get Your Real Estate License in Dyer, Tennessee

To become a real estate professional in Dyer, Tennessee, you must obtain a Tennessee affiliate broker license. Tennessee—not the City of Dyer or Dyer County—sets the professional licensing requirements through the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC). 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 Dyer.

The process generally requires you to:

Meet Tennessee’s basic eligibility requirements
Complete 60 hours of approved pre-licensing education
Pass the Tennessee affiliate broker examination administered by PSI
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates
Submit fingerprints and a background-check receipt
Obtain errors and omissions insurance
Affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker
Submit the initial affiliate broker application through Tennessee’s CORE system

This guide explains how to get licensed while tailoring potential career opportunities to Dyer and the surrounding West Tennessee market.

Does Dyer Have Its Own Real Estate License?

No. Tennessee real estate licenses are issued at the state level by TREC. You do not apply for a separate “Dyer real estate license.”

The City of Dyer or Dyer County may have separate requirements involving business registration, zoning, office locations, signage, taxes, or local permits. Those requirements are different from professional licensing. Contact the appropriate city or county office before opening a real estate office or operating a separate business.

For an individual real estate agent, the primary licensing authority is TREC.

Tennessee Affiliate Broker License Requirements

Applicants for a Tennessee affiliate broker license generally must:

Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete the required TREC-approved education.
Pass the required portions of the Tennessee affiliate broker examination.
Submit the required application and supporting documents.
Complete electronic fingerprinting and criminal-history processing.
Provide proof of errors and omissions insurance.
Affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker.
Complete TREC’s Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form.
Disclose criminal convictions, prior licenses, disciplinary matters, or other information requested by TREC.

TREC may review an applicant’s criminal or disciplinary history as part of the licensing process. A prior conviction does not automatically mean an applicant is ineligible, but all application questions should be answered accurately and completely. Additional records or explanations may be required.

Applicants licensed in another state should not assume that Tennessee offers automatic reciprocity. TREC states that it does not currently offer a reciprocal license, although an applicant’s education, national exam results, or experience may qualify for substitution under Tennessee law.

Required Real Estate Education: 90 Hours

New Tennessee affiliate broker applicants must complete two education components totaling 90 hours.

1. Complete the 60-hour pre-licensing course

Before taking the exam, you must complete 60 hours of approved education in real estate principles or fundamentals. The school must submit proof of completion to PSI before you can register for the examination.

The course commonly covers:

Real estate terminology
Property ownership and land descriptions
Contracts
Agency relationships
Financing
Fair housing
Tennessee real estate law
Brokerage operations
Property management
Closings and settlement procedures
Real estate mathematics

Enroll only in a course approved for Tennessee affiliate broker pre-licensing. TREC maintains a list of approved education courses, and a general real estate class may not satisfy the state requirement.

2. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

You must also complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates. The certificate or letter of completion must be submitted with your license application.

The complete education requirement is:

| Education component | Required hours |
|---|---:|
| Real estate principles or fundamentals | 60 |
| Course for New Affiliates | 30 |
| Total | 90 |

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates must be completed before the license is issued. It is separate from continuing education.

Online Tennessee Real Estate Courses

Online education can be convenient for Dyer-area applicants who need flexibility around work, family, or other commitments. Before paying for a course, verify that:

The provider is approved by TREC.
The course is approved specifically for Tennessee affiliate broker pre-licensing.
The course includes the required 60 hours.
The provider explains attendance and identity-verification procedures.
The school reports completion to PSI.
You receive documentation required for the license application.

One online option to review is Leap Real Estate’s Tennessee pre-licensing course. Confirm the course’s current TREC approval and delivery requirements before enrolling.

Some providers offer the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates separately. Ask whether the school provides both required components or whether you will need to complete the second course through another approved provider.

Step-by-Step Tennessee Licensing Process

Step 1: Complete the 60-hour course

Enroll in and complete a TREC-approved 60-hour principles or fundamentals course. The school must submit the required completion information to PSI.

Step 2: Become eligible for the examination

PSI administers the Tennessee affiliate broker examination. After PSI receives and reviews the education information from your provider, PSI sends instructions for paying for and scheduling the examination.

Step 3: Schedule fingerprinting

TREC requires electronic fingerprinting for initial applicants. Tennessee residents generally schedule 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:

Service code: 28TZ99
ORI number: TN920784Z

Keep your electronic fingerprinting receipt. The receipt and ORI information must be submitted with the application. Fingerprinting is separate from examination registration and may involve an additional charge.

Step 4: Pass the affiliate broker examination

Take the Tennessee affiliate broker examination through PSI. The exam includes both national and Tennessee-specific portions.

If you pass only one portion, review PSI’s current retesting instructions before registering again. Fees and eligibility procedures can change, so rely on the current PSI candidate information.

Step 5: Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

Complete the required 30-hour course and obtain a certificate or letter of completion for your application.

Step 6: Select a sponsoring broker

A new affiliate broker must be affiliated with a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker. The principal broker must sign the applicable PSI examination application or provide the sponsorship information required by TREC.

Step 7: Obtain errors and omissions insurance

TREC requires proof of an errors and omissions insurance policy with the application.

Ask prospective brokerages whether affiliated agents are covered under a brokerage policy or must obtain individual coverage. This can affect your startup expenses.

Step 8: Submit the license application

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

The application may require:

PSI examination documentation
Proof of the 60-hour course
Proof of the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates
Fingerprinting receipt
Proof of errors and omissions insurance
Proof of high school graduation
Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form
Principal broker and firm information
Explanations or records concerning criminal convictions, prior licenses, or disciplinary matters, when applicable

A complete application is generally easier to process than one requiring multiple document requests. Do not treat the license as active until TREC officially issues it.

Tennessee Real Estate Exam

Who administers the exam?

PSI administers the Tennessee real estate examination for TREC.

Your education provider must submit the required application or completion information to PSI. Once PSI approves your eligibility, it sends instructions for payment and scheduling.

Bring the admission notice and an acceptable photo identification document bearing your signature to the testing site.

Current examination fees

TREC and PSI currently list these affiliate broker examination fees:

| Examination | Fee |
|---|---:|
| Full examination | $63 |
| State-only portion | $26 |
| National-only portion | $37 |

The exam fee is separate from education tuition, fingerprinting charges, the $91 license application fee, insurance costs, and any retesting expenses.

How to prepare

A practical study plan should include:

Completing all course quizzes and practice exams.
Reviewing contracts, agency, financing, fair housing, and mathematics.
Studying Tennessee-specific license law and commission rules.
Practicing real estate calculations without relying on notes.
Taking timed practice exams.
Scheduling the test after consistently performing well on practice assessments.

For flexible preparation, you can also review Leap Real Estate’s Tennessee pre-licensing program, then verify that the course remains approved for the specific Tennessee education requirement.

Background Check and Fingerprinting

Electronic fingerprinting is required for initial Tennessee real estate license applicants.

Tennessee applicants generally use IdentoGO. The fingerprints are transmitted for state and federal criminal-history processing. Out-of-state applicants who cannot access an IdentoGO location may have a different submission option, subject to TREC’s current instructions.

Answer background questions truthfully and provide requested documentation. Failing to disclose information can create a separate licensing problem, even when the underlying matter is old.

Fingerprinting costs are separate from the TREC application fee. Because provider charges can change, confirm the current price when scheduling.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

Your total startup cost depends on the education provider, testing attempts, fingerprinting charge, insurance arrangements, and brokerage expenses.

| Expense | Current amount or treatment |
|---|---:|
| Initial affiliate broker application | $91 |
| Full affiliate broker examination | $63 |
| State-only examination | $26 |
| National-only examination | $37 |
| 60-hour pre-licensing course | Varies by approved provider |
| 30-hour Course for New Affiliates | Varies by approved provider |
| Fingerprinting and background check | Confirm current IdentoGO charge |
| Errors and omissions insurance | Depends on policy or brokerage |
| License renewal | $75 every two years |
| Continuing education | Varies by approved provider |

TREC lists a $75 renewal fee for licensees and firms renewing on a two-year cycle.

The published state fees do not include every cost of entering the profession. Ask your school and prospective brokerage for written estimates covering tuition, technology, association fees, signs, marketing, insurance, transaction fees, and other onboarding expenses.

How Long Does It Take to Get Licensed?

Tennessee does not provide one universal completion timeline for every affiliate broker applicant. Your timeline depends on:

How quickly you complete the 60-hour course.
How soon the provider reports completion to PSI.
Examination appointment availability.
Whether you pass both exam portions on the first attempt.
Fingerprint and background-check processing.
How quickly your principal broker supplies required information.
Whether TREC requests additional documentation.
Whether your application is complete and accurate.

An applicant who completes education quickly, passes the exam on the first attempt, and submits a complete application may finish sooner than someone who needs a retest or additional background documentation.

Avoid making major employment, relocation, or marketing commitments until TREC issues the license and your brokerage affiliation is confirmed.

Sponsoring Broker Requirements

A Tennessee affiliate broker works under the supervision of a licensed firm and principal broker. An affiliate broker is not immediately authorized to operate as an independent broker.

A sponsoring brokerage may provide:

Supervision and compliance oversight
Training and mentoring
Transaction guidance
Access to forms and transaction systems
Advertising review
Lead-generation resources
Office or technology support
Information about insurance coverage
A framework for receiving commissions

When comparing brokerages in or near Dyer, ask about:

Commission splits
Transaction and administrative fees
Monthly or annual desk fees
Training for new agents
Mentoring programs
Lead-generation expectations
Technology and transaction-management systems
Errors and omissions coverage
Office access
Advertising policies
Geographic coverage in Dyer, Dyersburg, Newbern, Union City, and nearby communities

A brokerage offering a higher commission split may not be the best choice if it provides limited training or support.

Post-License Education

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is part of the initial licensing process. You must complete it and submit proof with the application before the license is issued.

This course is not the same as continuing education. TREC states that pre-license courses cannot be used as continuing education.

After licensing, monitor your status and education record through Tennessee’s systems. Keep copies of all certificates and verify that providers report completed hours correctly.

Continuing Education and Renewal

Tennessee affiliate brokers generally renew licenses every two years. TREC currently lists a $75 renewal fee.

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

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

TREC identifies the CORE course as mandatory for renewal, and education providers report completed hours through CE Broker.

Confirm your individual education record and deadline before renewal, especially if your license was recently issued, placed on inactive status, or subject to a special deadline.

TREC lists a continuing education penalty of $50 per month when applicable.

Potential Earnings in Dyer, Tennessee

Real estate agents typically earn commission-based income rather than a guaranteed salary. Earnings can vary based on:

Number of closed transactions
Property prices
Commission agreements
Brokerage splits and transaction fees
Referrals and repeat clients
Full-time or part-time work
Local inventory and market conditions
Marketing and business expenses

There is no authoritative Dyer-specific earnings figure established by the sources used for this guide. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a $52,830 median annual wage for real estate sales agents in May 2025, while its broader real estate brokers and sales agents category lists a $57,400 median annual pay figure.

These are national statistics, not guaranteed income estimates for Dyer. New agents should budget for periods with little or no commission income while building a client base.

Common business expenses may include:

Mileage and vehicle costs
Association dues
Signs and lockboxes
Advertising
Photography and video
Transaction-management software
Insurance
Continuing education
Professional services
Taxes

Career Opportunities in and Around Dyer

A Tennessee affiliate broker serving Dyer may pursue opportunities in:

Residential buyer representation
Residential listings
Relocation assistance
New-construction sales
Land and rural property
Farm and recreational property
Leasing and rentals, where permitted
Commercial real estate
Property management, subject to applicable Tennessee requirements
Referral-based business
Future advancement to a Tennessee broker license

Dyer is located in Gibson County and is part of a broader West Tennessee market. Agents may build business by networking with residents and organizations in surrounding communities rather than limiting their activity strictly to city limits.

Potential referral and networking contacts include:

Local employers
Mortgage lenders
Attorneys
Builders
Contractors
Property owners
Community organizations
Relocation services
Neighboring-market brokerages

Before advertising, verify that the activity is within the scope of your license and that advertisements comply with Tennessee rules and brokerage policies.

Upgrading to a Tennessee Broker License

An affiliate broker who wants to operate as a broker must satisfy additional education and experience requirements.

TREC states that broker applicants generally need:

36 months of active affiliate broker experience if licensed after May 12, 1988; or
24 months of active experience if licensed on or before May 12, 1988; or
24 months of active experience if holding a bachelor’s degree with a real estate major.

Broker applicants must also complete 120 classroom hours of approved real estate education, including a 30-hour Office/Broker Management course.

Broker licensure is not required to begin working as an affiliate broker under a sponsoring principal broker. It is a later career option for professionals who want to supervise licensees, take on greater responsibility, or operate a brokerage.

Practical Checklist for Dyer Applicants

Before applying, confirm that you have:

Met Tennessee’s basic eligibility requirements.
Selected a TREC-approved 60-hour course.
Confirmed whether online or classroom education fits your schedule.
Completed the 60-hour course.
Confirmed that the provider submitted completion information to PSI.
Created the necessary PSI and CORE accounts.
Passed the required portions of the affiliate broker examination.
Completed the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Scheduled electronic fingerprinting through IdentoGO.
Used TREC’s current fingerprinting service code and ORI number.
Obtained proof of errors and omissions insurance.
Selected a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker.
Submitted the initial affiliate broker application and $91 fee.
Responded to any request for additional documentation.
Recorded your license renewal and education deadlines.
Checked for separate local business, office, or signage requirements.

Final Takeaway

Getting a real estate license in Dyer requires following Tennessee’s statewide affiliate broker licensing process. Complete 60 hours of approved education, pass the PSI examination, complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates, submit fingerprints and supporting documents, obtain errors and omissions insurance, affiliate with a sponsoring broker, and submit the application through CORE.

For online preparation, review Leap Real Estate’s Tennessee pre-licensing course. Before enrolling, verify the provider’s current TREC approval, course format, completion procedures, and total tuition.

Requirements, fees, and procedures can change. Confirm current information with TREC and PSI before registering, paying fees, or submitting an application.

Authoritative Sources