How to Get Your Real Estate License in Elizabethton, Tennessee

If you want to become a real estate agent in Elizabethton, Tennessee, you must obtain a Tennessee affiliate broker license through the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC). Tennessee does not issue a separate Elizabethton or Carter County real estate license. 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 Elizabethton.

The process generally requires approved education, a licensing examination, electronic fingerprinting, a background check, an application through Tennessee’s CORE system, errors and omissions insurance, and affiliation with a Tennessee-licensed principal broker.

The same state requirements apply in Elizabethton, Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, and other Tennessee communities.

Tennessee Real Estate License Requirements

Applicants for an initial Tennessee affiliate broker license generally must:

Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
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.
Complete electronic fingerprinting and the required background-check process.
Submit the required eligibility-verification documentation.
Obtain errors and omissions insurance.
Affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed principal broker.
Submit the initial license application and required fee through CORE.

TREC requires proof of high school graduation, education completion, examination information, errors and omissions insurance, fingerprinting, and other supporting documents with the application.

Because licensing is regulated at the state level, living or working in Elizabethton does not create an additional municipal licensing requirement.

Required Tennessee Real Estate Education

Tennessee requires two separate education components for an affiliate broker license:

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

The total initial education requirement is therefore 90 hours.

The school must submit proof of completion of the 60-hour course to PSI before the applicant can register for the examination. The applicant must also provide a certificate or letter confirming completion of the 60-hour course with the license application.

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is a separate requirement. Completing only the 60-hour principles course does not satisfy all education requirements for license issuance.

The 60-hour principles and fundamentals course

The approved pre-licensing course typically covers topics such as:

Real estate terminology and principles
Tennessee real estate law
Contracts
Agency relationships
Property ownership
Financing
Valuation and appraisal
Fair housing
Leasing and property management
Real estate mathematics
Closings and transaction procedures

Applicants should confirm that the school and specific course are approved by TREC before enrolling. TREC maintains information about approved education providers and course requirements.

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

The Course for New Affiliates is designed to introduce new licensees to Tennessee brokerage practices and the responsibilities of working under a principal broker.

The course must be completed before the affiliate broker license is issued. Keep the completion certificate or letter because it may be required with the license application.

Online Real Estate Courses for Elizabethton Applicants

Elizabethton residents can generally complete Tennessee-approved real estate education online. Online study may be useful for applicants who work full time, live outside a major metropolitan area, or prefer a flexible schedule.

Before purchasing a course, confirm whether it is:

Fully self-paced
Livestreamed with scheduled attendance
Instructor-supported
Bundled with exam preparation
Approved for Tennessee licensing credit
Inclusive of the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

A Tennessee online pre-licensing option is available through Leap Real Estate’s Tennessee pre-licensing course. Applicants should verify the provider’s current approval status, course-completion procedures, refund policy, and whether the package includes both required education components.

Course prices are set by education providers and can vary. A course package that advertises 90 hours may include both the 60-hour principles course and the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates, but applicants should confirm what is included before paying.

How to Get a Tennessee Real Estate License

1. Complete the 60-hour course

Enroll in a TREC-approved 60-hour principles and fundamentals course. The education provider must submit completion information to PSI before you can schedule the examination.

2. Become eligible for the PSI examination

PSI administers the Tennessee Real Estate Commission examination. After the school submits the required education information, PSI reviews the applicant’s eligibility and provides instructions for paying for and scheduling the exam.

3. Schedule and pass the examination

The affiliate broker examination includes national and Tennessee-specific portions. Applicants should prepare for both sections.

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

4. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

Complete the additional 30-hour course through an approved Tennessee provider. Submit proof of completion with the affiliate broker application.

5. Complete fingerprinting and the background check

Tennessee requires fingerprinting for applicants seeking an initial real estate license. Tennessee residents generally schedule electronic fingerprinting through IdentoGO. The fingerprints are transmitted for processing by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The TREC fingerprinting service code is 28TZ99. The TREC ORI number listed for affiliate broker applications is TN920784Z.

Fingerprinting is separate from the licensing examination. Vendor charges are also separate from the TREC application fee and may change, so confirm the current amount when scheduling.

6. Choose a sponsoring principal broker

A Tennessee affiliate broker must work under a Tennessee-licensed principal broker. New affiliate brokers cannot operate an independent brokerage without meeting the requirements for a broker license and appropriate firm structure.

When comparing brokerages in Elizabethton and the surrounding Tri-Cities region, ask about:

Commission splits
Transaction fees
Monthly desk or technology fees
Training and mentorship
Lead-generation programs
Marketing support
Office access
Transaction coordination
Part-time agent policies
Coverage of Carter County and nearby communities
Errors and omissions insurance arrangements

The principal broker supervises affiliated licensees and must provide or sign documentation required for the application.

7. Submit the license application through CORE

Applicants complete the initial affiliate broker application online through Tennessee’s CORE system. TREC currently lists the initial affiliate broker application fee as $91.

The application may require:

Proof of high school graduation
Proof of the 60-hour course
Proof of the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates
PSI examination documentation
Electronic fingerprinting receipt
ORI information
Proof of errors and omissions insurance
Eligibility-for-entitlements verification
Principal broker information or signature
Payment of the application fee

Use TREC’s current application instructions and checklist rather than relying on an older third-party guide.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

The currently listed state and examination fees include:

| Expense | Current listed amount |
|---|---:|
| Initial affiliate broker application | $91 |
| Full affiliate broker examination | $63 |
| State-only examination | $26 |
| National-only examination | $37 |
| License renewal every two years | $75 |

The examination fees are listed by PSI and TREC’s examination information. TREC’s fee schedule lists the initial affiliate broker application at $91 and license renewal at $75.

Additional costs may include:

Pre-licensing education
The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates, if not included in the course package
Fingerprinting and background-check vendor charges
Exam-preparation materials
Travel to a testing center
Errors and omissions insurance
Brokerage fees
REALTOR® association dues
MLS access
Lockbox fees
Signs and marketing
Transportation
Business software and technology

The total cost of becoming an agent in Elizabethton depends heavily on the education provider and sponsoring brokerage. The state and examination fees do not represent every expense involved in starting a real estate business.

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

Tennessee does not guarantee one fixed end-to-end processing time for every applicant. The timeline can depend on:

The applicant’s pace in completing education
Course schedules and availability
How quickly the school submits education records
PSI appointment availability
Whether the applicant passes the exam on the first attempt
Fingerprint and background-check processing
Application completeness
TREC review
The time required to select a principal broker

A typical sequence is:

Complete the 60-hour course.
Wait for the provider to submit eligibility information to PSI.
Schedule and pass the examination.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Complete fingerprinting.
Select a sponsoring principal broker.
Submit the CORE application and supporting documents.
Wait for TREC to review and issue the license.

Applicants can reduce avoidable delays by using the same legal name and identifying information on every document, retaining all course certificates, scheduling fingerprinting promptly, and submitting a complete application.

The Tennessee Affiliate Broker Examination

PSI administers the Tennessee affiliate broker examination. The test evaluates general real estate knowledge and Tennessee-specific laws, rules, and practices.

Important study areas include:

Contracts
Agency and fiduciary duties
Property ownership
Financing
Valuation
Fair housing
Real estate calculations
Tennessee license law
TREC rules
Brokerage relationships
Advertising
Professional conduct
Closings and escrow-related concepts

Use the current PSI candidate information bulletin and TREC materials to confirm the examination format, identification requirements, scheduling process, and retesting procedures.

The current PSI fee schedule lists the full affiliate broker examination at $63, with a $26 state-only fee and a $37 national-only fee.

Sponsoring Broker Requirements

Affiliate brokers must be affiliated with and supervised by a Tennessee principal broker. The principal broker helps ensure that advertising, contracts, transaction procedures, client communications, and other brokerage activities comply with Tennessee law and company policy.

For a new agent in Elizabethton, the sponsoring brokerage may provide access to:

Residential buyer representation
Listing opportunities
First-time-homebuyer business
Relocation transactions
Rural and suburban properties
Land and acreage
Recreational property
Investment property
New construction
Property management, if offered
Regional business in Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, and surrounding areas

The highest advertised commission split is not always the best choice for a new agent. Training, supervision, transaction support, technology, lead quality, and legal-compliance systems may be more valuable during the first year.

Post-License Education

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is an initial licensing requirement, not continuing education. It must be completed before the affiliate broker license is issued.

Keep copies of all education certificates and completion records. Education providers report course completion, but applicants should still verify that required education appears correctly in the state’s licensing or education records.

TREC states that pre-license courses cannot be used as continuing education.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

TREC lists a two-year renewal period for affiliate brokers and brokers. The current renewal fee is $75.

Licensees generally must complete 16 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period, including:

A six-hour mandatory core course
Ten hours of elective education

TREC identifies the six-hour core course as part of the renewal education requirement.

Continuing education may address:

Tennessee laws and rules
Brokerage relationships
Contracts and forms
Fair housing
Ethics
Risk management
Technology
Transaction procedures
Professional practices

TREC uses CORE for license renewal, while CE Broker serves as the official continuing-education tracking system for TREC licensees. Confirm the current education status and renewal deadline before submitting a renewal application.

Potential Earnings in Elizabethton

Real estate agents generally earn commission-based income rather than a fixed salary. Earnings can vary according to:

Number of transactions closed
Property prices
Commission arrangements
Brokerage split
Referral fees
Marketing and operating expenses
Full-time or part-time work
Local inventory and buyer demand
Repeat and referral business
Experience and specialization

A reliable, authoritative city-level earnings figure for Elizabethton should not be assumed without a current source that specifically measures Elizabethton real estate sales agents. Income estimates published by private websites may use different methodologies and may not reflect local results.

Before starting, create a conservative business plan that accounts for:

Licensing and education costs
Brokerage fees
Association and MLS dues
Marketing
Transportation
Technology
Taxes
Insurance
Professional services
Periods without a closing

The first year may involve significant prospecting and business-development expenses before commission income becomes consistent.

Career Opportunities in Elizabethton

Elizabethton can provide opportunities for agents who want to serve a smaller-market community while developing relationships throughout Carter County and northeast Tennessee.

Potential career paths include:

Residential buyer representation
Listing and seller representation
First-time-homebuyer services
Relocation assistance
Land and acreage sales
Rural property transactions
Investment property
New-construction sales
Property management
Leasing
Commercial real estate
Referral business
Brokerage management after meeting Tennessee broker requirements

Agents serving Elizabethton may benefit from understanding:

Carter County neighborhoods and communities
Rural parcels and access issues
Zoning and land-use considerations
Flood zones
Septic systems and private wells
Local lenders, inspectors, surveyors, and contractors
Schools and transportation routes
Community amenities
Market activity in nearby Tri-Cities communities

An online education option such as this Tennessee real estate licensing course can help applicants complete the education phase before pursuing local brokerage opportunities.

Affiliate Broker Versus Tennessee Real Estate Broker

An affiliate broker is the usual entry-level Tennessee real estate license. Affiliate brokers work under a principal broker and represent buyers and sellers through their brokerage.

A Tennessee broker license is a more advanced credential. TREC generally requires broker candidates to:

Complete 120 classroom hours of approved real estate education.
Complete a 30-hour Office/Broker Management course.
Meet the applicable active-license experience requirement.
Pass the broker examination.
Submit the required application and supporting documentation.

TREC identifies experience pathways that commonly include 36 months of active affiliate broker experience, or 24 months for certain applicants with a bachelor’s degree majoring in real estate.

Most people entering the industry in Elizabethton begin with the affiliate broker license, gain practical experience, and later decide whether a broker license fits their career goals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Enrolling in a course that is not approved for Tennessee licensing credit.
Assuming the 60-hour course alone is sufficient.
Trying to schedule the examination before the education provider submits eligibility information.
Delaying fingerprinting until the last minute.
Submitting an incomplete application.
Failing to provide proof of the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Choosing a brokerage based only on commission split.
Underestimating marketing, transportation, dues, insurance, and technology costs.
Missing continuing-education or renewal deadlines.
Relying on outdated fee schedules.
Advertising or practicing before the license is issued and properly affiliated.

Tennessee Real Estate License Checklist

Use this checklist when planning to become an affiliate broker in Elizabethton:

Confirm that you meet Tennessee’s basic eligibility requirements.
Complete the approved 60-hour principles and fundamentals course.
Confirm that the provider submitted your education information to PSI.
Schedule and pass the PSI affiliate broker examination.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Schedule electronic fingerprinting through IdentoGO.
Record the applicable service code and ORI information.
Select a Tennessee principal broker.
Obtain proof of errors and omissions insurance.
Complete the eligibility-verification form.
Submit the initial affiliate broker application through CORE.
Pay the current $91 application fee.
Monitor the application until TREC issues the license.
Complete continuing education before each applicable renewal deadline.

Final Takeaway

Getting a real estate license in Elizabethton requires following Tennessee’s statewide affiliate broker licensing process. The primary steps are completing 90 hours of approved education, passing the PSI examination, completing fingerprinting and a background check, submitting the CORE application, paying the applicable fees, and affiliating with a Tennessee principal broker.

Before enrolling in a course, scheduling the examination, or applying for a license, verify current requirements directly with TREC and PSI. Fees, forms, education procedures, and administrative instructions may change.

Authoritative Sources