How to Get Your Real Estate License in Franklin, Tennessee

Becoming a real estate agent in Franklin, Tennessee, requires completing the licensing process established by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC). Franklin does not issue a separate city real estate license for individual agents. Instead, applicants obtain a Tennessee affiliate broker license and then work under a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker. 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 Franklin.

Franklin is part of the broader Middle Tennessee and Nashville-area real estate market. Licensed professionals may pursue residential sales, luxury properties, new construction, relocation, land, investment properties, commercial real estate, and other activities permitted under Tennessee law.

The typical path includes:

Completing 60 hours of approved pre-licensing education.
Passing the Tennessee affiliate broker examination.
Completing the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Submitting fingerprints and background-check documentation.
Choosing a sponsoring firm and principal broker.
Filing the initial affiliate broker application through Tennessee’s CORE system.
Maintaining required insurance and completing continuing education.

Tennessee Real Estate License Requirements

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

Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete the required approved education.
Pass the Tennessee affiliate broker examination.
Submit electronic fingerprinting documentation.
Provide proof of errors and omissions insurance.
Submit proof of education and examination completion.
Complete the required eligibility verification.
Affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker.
Pay the applicable application and examination fees.

TREC publishes the current affiliate broker requirements and supporting-document checklist on its official licensing page.

A criminal conviction or disciplinary history does not necessarily result in automatic denial. However, applicants should disclose required information accurately and contact TREC before enrolling or testing if they have questions about eligibility. TREC provides a process for requesting a decision regarding prior criminal convictions or disciplinary sanctions.

How Many Education Hours Are Required in Tennessee?

New affiliate broker applicants must complete two separate education requirements:

60 hours of approved real estate principles and fundamentals education before taking the examination
A 30-hour Course for New Affiliates after passing the examination and before the license is issued

The 60-hour course must be completed before the applicant can become eligible to schedule the licensing examination. The education provider submits proof of completion to PSI and provides the student with a certificate or letter that must later be included with the license application.

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is a separate requirement. It is not a replacement for the 60-hour pre-licensing course.

Together, the two courses total 90 hours of required education, although they are completed at different stages.

TREC also states that pre-licensing courses may not be used to satisfy continuing-education requirements.

Online Tennessee Real Estate Courses

Applicants in Franklin may complete approved Tennessee real estate education online, depending on the provider’s format and course approval. Online learning can be convenient for people who work full time, have family obligations, or prefer studying at home.

Before enrolling, confirm that the provider:

Offers a TREC-approved 60-hour principles and fundamentals course.
Explains how completion is reported to PSI.
Provides a certificate or letter of completion.
Offers exam preparation or practice questions.
Clearly identifies course access periods and technology requirements.
Provides instructor or student support.
Offers the separate 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.

Applicants can review Tennessee real estate pre-licensing course options, but should verify the provider’s current approval and course details with TREC before purchasing.

An online course can help with flexibility, but students remain responsible for completing all required education and submitting the correct documentation.

Step-by-Step Process to Get Licensed in Franklin

1. Confirm your eligibility

Verify that you meet the age and education requirements. If you have a criminal conviction, disciplinary history, or licensing issue, review TREC’s eligibility resources before committing to coursework or examination fees.

2. Complete the 60-hour pre-licensing course

Enroll with an approved provider and complete 60 hours of principles and fundamentals education. The school must submit the information required for examination eligibility to PSI.

Keep your course certificate or letter of completion. TREC requires this documentation with the license application.

3. Register for the PSI examination

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

4. Pass the affiliate broker examination

The examination contains both national and Tennessee-specific content. Applicants should prepare for subjects such as:

Real estate terminology and principles.
Property ownership and land use.
Contracts and agency.
Real estate finance.
Valuation and market analysis.
Property management.
Tennessee license law.
Tennessee-specific rules and practices.
Calculations, prorations, and commissions.

The PSI examination information lists separate national and state portions. Applicants should study both sections rather than relying solely on general national exam preparation.

5. Choose a sponsoring brokerage

A new affiliate broker must be affiliated with a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker. The principal broker signs or provides information required for the licensing application and supervises the affiliate broker’s real estate activities.

Before choosing a brokerage in Franklin, compare:

Commission splits.
Transaction and administrative fees.
Monthly desk or technology fees.
Training and mentoring.
Lead-generation programs.
Contract review procedures.
Transaction coordination.
Local office presence.
Coverage of Franklin, Brentwood, Nashville, Spring Hill, and nearby communities.
Team, referral, and advertising policies.
Availability of the principal broker.

For a new agent, supervision and practical training may be more valuable than the highest advertised commission split.

6. Complete fingerprinting and the background check

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

The TREC fingerprint information identifies:

Service code: 28TZ99
ORI number: TN920784Z

Applicants should keep the electronic fingerprinting receipt and submit it with the license application. Fingerprinting is an application requirement, not an examination requirement. An applicant may be able to take the examination before completing fingerprinting, but the license application must include the required fingerprint documentation.

Applicants who live outside Tennessee and cannot visit an IdentoGO location should review TREC’s alternative fingerprint-submission instructions.

7. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

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

This course is separate from both the 60-hour pre-licensing course and future continuing education.

8. Submit the initial affiliate broker application

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

The application may require:

PSI examination documentation.
Proof of passing the examination.
The 60-hour course certificate.
The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates certificate.
Proof of high school graduation or equivalent.
Electronic fingerprinting receipt.
Errors and omissions insurance documentation.
Eligibility verification.
Sponsoring firm and principal broker information.
Required criminal-history or disciplinary disclosures.

Review the current TREC checklist before submitting the application. Missing documents, inconsistent answers, or incomplete broker information can delay processing.

Tennessee Real Estate Examination

PSI administers the Tennessee affiliate broker examination. The exam includes a national portion and a Tennessee-specific state portion.

The current PSI fee schedule lists:

Full affiliate broker examination: $63
Tennessee state-only examination: $26
National-only examination: $37

The full examination fee is the combined amount of the state and national portions.

Applicants should follow the admission instructions provided by PSI and bring acceptable identification to the testing center.

What happens if you fail one section?

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

A practical study plan should include:

Reviewing the course textbook and vocabulary.
Taking timed practice examinations.
Studying Tennessee law separately from national concepts.
Practicing finance, prorations, commissions, and contract calculations.
Reviewing agency relationships and disclosure obligations.
Scheduling the examination while the course material is still familiar.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

The principal state fees currently listed by TREC and PSI include:

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

The initial government fees total at least $154 when an applicant takes the full examination and submits the initial affiliate broker application. This calculation does not include education, fingerprinting, insurance, or business expenses.

Additional costs may include:

The 60-hour pre-licensing course.
The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Fingerprinting and background-check processing.
Exam preparation materials.
Errors and omissions insurance.
Local REALTOR® association membership.
Multiple listing service access.
Lockbox access.
Brokerage technology or transaction fees.
Signs, photography, advertising, and marketing.
Transportation and client-service expenses.

Course prices and private business expenses vary by provider and brokerage. Confirm those costs directly before enrolling or joining a firm.

TREC lists the affiliate broker and firm renewal fee as $75 every two years. Late-renewal and continuing-education penalties may apply.

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

Tennessee does not provide one universal completion time for every applicant. The timeline depends on:

How quickly the applicant completes the 60-hour course.
When the school submits education information.
PSI appointment availability.
Examination results.
Fingerprint processing.
Brokerage selection.
Application completeness.
TREC review.
Any criminal-history or eligibility questions.

The process generally follows this order:

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

Applicants who study full time may complete the education and examination stages relatively quickly. Part-time students may need longer. Delays are more likely when an application is missing a certificate, fingerprint receipt, insurance proof, broker signature, or required disclosure.

Sponsoring Broker Requirements

An affiliate broker may not operate as an independent principal broker. The affiliate license must be associated with a Tennessee-licensed firm and supervised by a principal broker.

The sponsoring brokerage should be evaluated as both a compliance resource and a business partner. Ask prospective firms:

How are new agents trained?
Who reviews contracts?
Is mentoring required or optional?
Is there a mentoring fee?
What are the commission split and transaction charges?
Are leads provided?
How are leads assigned?
What technology is included?
Are office hours required?
Does the brokerage serve Franklin and surrounding Williamson County communities?
What marketing and advertising rules apply?
Who handles transaction coordination?
What insurance and association expenses are paid by the agent?

A brokerage with strong supervision, accessible leadership, and practical transaction support can be particularly valuable during an agent’s first year.

Post-License Education

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates must be completed after the examination and before the affiliate broker license is issued. The applicant must submit the course certificate or letter with the initial application.

The course is not the same as continuing education. New licensees should retain all education certificates and confirm that the required documents have been submitted correctly.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Tennessee licensees must satisfy TREC’s continuing-education requirements to renew an active license. TREC identifies the TREC Core Course as mandatory renewal education and provides current course and renewal information through its education resources.

Licensees should:

Track the license expiration date.
Review the current TREC education requirements.
Complete approved courses before renewal.
Confirm that course providers report completion.
Keep certificates and payment records.
Renew through the CORE system.
Avoid waiting until the final days of the renewal period.

TREC lists license renewals every two years and identifies a $75 renewal fee. Late-renewal fees, continuing-education penalties, or other consequences may apply when deadlines are missed.

Because education and renewal rules can change, licensees should consult TREC’s current instructions for each renewal cycle.

Potential Earnings for Franklin Real Estate Agents

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

Number of closed transactions.
Property prices.
Commission agreements.
Brokerage splits.
Referrals.
Market conditions.
Lead-generation activity.
Business expenses.
Experience and specialization.
Time spent prospecting and serving clients.

Authoritative city-specific earnings data for Franklin real estate agents may not be available. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports broader occupational wage information rather than a guaranteed income for an individual Franklin licensee. Its national data lists a 2025 median annual wage of $57,400 for real estate brokers and sales agents, but that figure should not be interpreted as a Franklin salary or income guarantee.

New agents should plan for irregular income during the first months or years of business. Common expenses include education, licensing, transportation, marketing, association dues, technology, insurance, and client-service costs.

A written business plan, realistic transaction projections, and sufficient savings can help manage the commission-based nature of the profession.

Career Opportunities in Franklin, Tennessee

An affiliate broker working in Franklin may pursue several areas of real estate, including:

Residential buyer representation.
Residential listing services.
Luxury real estate.
New-construction sales.
Relocation services.
Investment-property transactions.
Land and acreage sales.
Referral business.
Commercial real estate under appropriate brokerage supervision.
Property-management-related activities where permitted by Tennessee law and properly supervised.

Franklin agents may also develop business in nearby communities such as Brentwood, Nashville, Spring Hill, Thompson’s Station, and other parts of Williamson County and Middle Tennessee.

Local market knowledge can help an agent build credibility. Useful areas of specialization include:

Franklin neighborhoods and subdivisions.
New-construction developments.
Historic properties.
Luxury inventory.
Property taxes.
Local government and zoning considerations.
Schools and amenities.
Commute patterns.
Land and acreage.
Relocation between Franklin and the greater Nashville region.

Agents should confirm that their chosen activities are permitted by their license status, brokerage policy, and Tennessee law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Franklin require a separate real estate license?

No separate City of Franklin real estate license for individual agents is identified in the Tennessee licensing requirements. Real estate licensing is regulated at the state level by TREC.

Can I take the Tennessee licensing course online?

Yes, an applicant may choose an online course if the provider and course meet current Tennessee approval requirements. Before enrolling, verify the course’s approval, delivery format, completion process, and reporting procedures.

Applicants may review online Tennessee pre-licensing options and then confirm current details with TREC.

Do I need a broker before taking the examination?

The education provider must submit the information needed for examination eligibility. A sponsoring firm and principal broker are required for the affiliate broker licensing process. Selecting a brokerage before submitting the application can help avoid delays.

Is fingerprinting required before the examination?

Fingerprinting is required for the initial license application, but it is not a testing requirement. The application must include the required electronic fingerprint receipt and identifying information.

How much does a Tennessee real estate license cost?

The current full affiliate broker examination fee is $63, and the initial affiliate broker application fee is $91. Education, fingerprinting, insurance, brokerage expenses, and business costs are additional.

Can I work independently after receiving an affiliate broker license?

No. An affiliate broker must operate through a Tennessee-licensed firm under the supervision of a principal broker. Independent brokerage operations require a separate broker license and compliant firm structure.

Where can I find an approved Tennessee pre-licensing course?

Review Tennessee real estate pre-licensing courses, then verify the provider’s current approval and course details through TREC’s approved education resources.

Does Tennessee offer real estate license reciprocity?

Tennessee does not currently offer a simple reciprocal license. However, an out-of-state licensee may qualify for credit for certain education, examination, or experience requirements under Tennessee law. TREC advises applicants to submit the requested license history and supporting documents for review.

Tennessee Real Estate License Checklist

Use this checklist to organize the application process:

Confirm that you are at least 18 years old.
Confirm that you have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete 60 hours of approved principles and fundamentals education.
Verify that the provider submits examination-eligibility information to PSI.
Register for and pass the PSI affiliate broker examination.
Choose a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Schedule electronic fingerprinting.
Retain the fingerprinting receipt.
Gather both education certificates.
Obtain proof of high school graduation or equivalent.
Obtain errors and omissions insurance documentation.
Complete eligibility verification.
Complete the initial affiliate broker application through CORE.
Pay the $91 application fee.
Submit any required criminal-history or disciplinary disclosures.
Maintain the license and complete continuing education before renewal.

Final Takeaway

To become a real estate agent in Franklin, Tennessee, complete Tennessee’s statewide affiliate broker licensing process. The required pathway includes 60 hours of pre-licensing education, the PSI examination, fingerprinting, the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates, a sponsoring firm and principal broker, and an application through TREC’s CORE system.

The current listed fees are $63 for the full affiliate broker examination and $91 for the initial affiliate broker application. Education, fingerprinting, insurance, brokerage, association, marketing, and other business expenses are additional.

After licensing, an agent’s success in Franklin will depend on selecting a capable sponsoring brokerage, learning the local market, developing referral relationships, following Tennessee compliance requirements, and creating a sustainable plan for commission-based income.

Authoritative Sources