If you want to become a real estate agent in Gallaway, Tennessee, you must meet the licensing requirements established by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC). Gallaway does not issue a separate city real estate license for sales agents or brokers; licensing is regulated at the Tennessee state level under Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 62, Chapter 13. 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 Gallaway.

Most new entrants begin by earning a Tennessee affiliate broker license, the state’s entry-level real estate license. After gaining experience and completing additional education, an affiliate broker may qualify to become a Tennessee real estate broker.

Tennessee Real Estate License Requirements

To obtain an affiliate broker license in Tennessee, applicants generally must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Complete the required Tennessee-approved pre-license education.
• Pass the required licensing examination.
• Complete the state application.
• Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.
• Meet TREC’s eligibility requirements, including requirements related to criminal history, parole, probation, and certain convictions.
• Affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed real estate firm and principal broker before conducting licensed activities.

TREC regulates affiliate brokers, brokers, real estate firms, rental location agents, timeshare professionals, and other regulated real estate professions in Tennessee.

A criminal record does not automatically mean an applicant cannot become licensed, but TREC reviews eligibility issues. The commission states that an applicant may not be scheduled for the examination while on parole or probation and generally must be off parole or probation for at least two years.

Because requirements and forms can change, review the current TREC instructions before enrolling or submitting an application.

Required Real Estate Education in Tennessee

60-hour affiliate broker course

Before taking the affiliate broker examination, candidates must complete 60 hours of approved real estate education in real estate principles or fundamentals.

The education must come from a school or provider approved by TREC. The school submits evidence of course completion to the testing service, and candidates cannot register for the examination until the required education information has been provided.

The 60-hour course typically covers subjects such as:

• Real estate terminology
• Property ownership and land descriptions
• Contracts and agency
• Tennessee license law and commission rules
• Fair housing and federal regulations
• Financing and mortgages
• Property management
• Closings and real estate math
• Professional conduct and consumer protection

Course content and delivery formats vary by provider. Confirm that the course is specifically approved for Tennessee affiliate broker pre-licensing rather than continuing education.

30-hour Course for New Affiliates

After passing the examination, an affiliate broker must complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before the license can be issued.

This is separate from the 60-hour principles course. Completing only the 60-hour course does not satisfy the full education requirement for issuing the initial affiliate broker license.

Online Tennessee Real Estate Courses

Online education can be a convenient option for people in Gallaway who work full time, have family responsibilities, or do not want to commute to a classroom in Memphis or another nearby community.

When comparing online programs, verify that the provider:

• Offers a Tennessee-approved 60-hour affiliate broker course.
• Clearly explains whether the course is self-paced, livestreamed, or instructor-led.
• Provides a completion certificate or submits completion information as required.
• Offers exam preparation or practice questions.
• Explains how the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is completed.
• Displays current pricing, refund policies, and technical requirements.

A Tennessee pre-licensing option is available through Leap Real Estate’s Tennessee pre-licensing course. Before enrolling, confirm the course’s current approval status and whether the package includes the specific education needed for both examination eligibility and license issuance.

Online students should plan regular study time rather than treating the course as a quick formality. The licensing examination tests both general national real estate concepts and Tennessee-specific rules.

How to Apply for a Tennessee Real Estate License

The process generally follows these steps.

1. Complete the 60-hour education requirement

Enroll in and complete a TREC-approved 60-hour real estate principles or fundamentals course. The education provider must report or document completion before examination registration.

2. Submit required examination information

TREC and PSI require documentation showing that the candidate satisfies the education and eligibility requirements. Candidates should follow the current examination bulletin and TREC instructions rather than relying on outdated forms.

3. Schedule the licensing examination

Once eligible, schedule the affiliate broker examination with PSI. The PSI bulletin identifies the examination as having national and state portions and provides current registration instructions.

4. Pass the examination

Candidates must pass the required examination portions under PSI and TREC procedures. If a candidate does not pass, PSI and TREC provide instructions for retesting.

5. Complete fingerprinting and the background check

Fingerprinting is required for initial Tennessee real estate license applicants. TREC states that all licensees have been required to submit fingerprints since January 1, 2014.

Tennessee applicants generally schedule electronic fingerprinting through IdentoGO. The fingerprints are transmitted for processing by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Fingerprinting is an application requirement, not an examination requirement. The current TREC instructions identify the real estate commission service code as 28TZ99.

Fingerprint processing can add time to the application, particularly if records require additional review. Schedule the appointment carefully and submit the receipt or other documentation required by TREC.

6. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

Before the affiliate broker license is issued, complete the required 30-hour post-examination course and obtain the completion documentation.

A course package that includes both the 60-hour course and the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates may simplify the process, but applicants should confirm that both courses are approved and that they satisfy current Tennessee requirements. Leap Real Estate’s Tennessee licensing education page is one option to investigate.

7. Find a sponsoring principal broker

A Tennessee affiliate broker must be affiliated with a licensed Tennessee real estate firm and principal broker. The sponsoring broker supervises the affiliate broker’s licensed activities and is responsible for the brokerage relationship.

Interview several firms before selecting a sponsor. Compare:

• Commission splits
• Monthly fees
• Transaction fees
• Training and mentoring
• Lead-generation support
• Technology and transaction-management systems
• Office and administrative support
• Availability of the principal broker
• Policies for working in communities near Gallaway and throughout the Memphis area

A sponsoring broker is not merely a formality. New agents should choose a firm that provides practical supervision, contract training, and access to experienced professionals.

Tennessee Real Estate Licensing Exam

The Tennessee affiliate broker examination is administered by PSI. The examination includes national and Tennessee-specific material, and the PSI bulletin provides the current examination procedures and fee schedule.

The published full examination fee for an affiliate broker is $63, consisting of a national portion and a state portion when both are taken.

How to prepare

Effective preparation usually includes:

• Completing all course assignments and quizzes.
• Reviewing Tennessee license law and commission rules.
• Practicing real estate math.
• Studying contracts, agency, disclosures, and fair housing.
• Taking timed practice examinations.
• Reviewing missed questions instead of memorizing answers.
• Using the current PSI candidate bulletin and TREC materials.

The state portion deserves particular attention because it covers Tennessee-specific licensing rules, brokerage relationships, commission procedures, and state law.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

The total cost depends on the school, exam attempts, fingerprint vendor charges, and brokerage expenses. The principal state-regulated costs identified in current public sources include:

| Expense | Current published amount or explanation |
|---|---|
| Affiliate broker examination | $63 for the full examination; national-only and state-only amounts are listed separately by PSI |
| Initial affiliate broker application | $91 |
| Fingerprinting | Required; the fingerprint vendor’s processing charge should be confirmed when scheduling |
| Pre-license education | Varies by approved education provider |
| 30-hour Course for New Affiliates | Varies by approved education provider |
| License renewal | $75 every two years according to TREC’s fee schedule |
| Transfer to a new firm | $25 according to TREC’s fee schedule |

These amounts do not include optional exam-preparation materials, travel, professional clothing, association memberships, lockbox access, marketing, transportation, or brokerage fees.

TREC’s published fee schedule should be checked before paying because fees can be revised.

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

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

• How quickly the applicant completes the 60-hour course.
• The availability of examination appointments.
• Whether the candidate passes on the first attempt.
• Fingerprint and background-check processing.
• The time required to complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
• How quickly a sponsoring broker and firm submit required information.
• Whether TREC requests additional documentation.

A focused student may complete the education relatively quickly, but the full licensing process can take longer if the applicant needs to retake an examination or resolve an eligibility issue.

Applicants with criminal records, prior licenses in other states, or incomplete documentation should allow additional time for review. TREC’s separate broker instructions state that broker examination eligibility review takes approximately four weeks, but that timeline applies to broker candidates and should not be treated as a guaranteed affiliate broker timeline.

Choosing a Sponsoring Broker in Gallaway

Gallaway is a small community in Tipton County, so a new agent may need to evaluate firms serving a broader area, including Covington, Munford, Atoka, Millington, and the Memphis metropolitan market.

When interviewing potential brokers, ask:

• Can the firm sponsor an affiliate broker who lives in Gallaway?
• Does the firm actively serve Tipton County?
• Are agents expected to work from a physical office?
• How are listings and buyer leads assigned?
• What training is available during the first year?
• Who reviews contracts before submission?
• What are the fees for transaction coordination, signs, MLS access, and technology?
• Can the firm support clients moving between Tipton County and the Memphis area?

The best brokerage is not necessarily the one advertising the highest commission split. A lower-cost structure may be less valuable if it provides little training or supervision.

Post-License Education

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

This course is designed to prepare new licensees for practical brokerage work after passing the examination. It should not be confused with the 60-hour principles course or with continuing education required for later renewals.

Confirm completion deadlines with TREC and the education provider. Failure to submit required documentation can delay license issuance.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Tennessee licensees must complete continuing education to maintain an active license. TREC’s published guidance states that, after the applicable post-licensure education requirement, brokers complete 16 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period, including a 6-hour CORE course and 10 elective hours.

TREC also states that providers submit education hours directly to CE Broker.

Because Tennessee distinguishes between initial post-license education and later continuing education, licensees should:

• Track education credits in CE Broker.
• Complete the required CORE course.
• Confirm that elective courses are approved.
• Complete education before the renewal deadline.
• Renew through the state’s licensing system.
• Check TREC’s current renewal instructions for the applicable license type.

The current TREC fee schedule lists the license renewal fee as $75 every two years.

Potential Earnings for Real Estate Agents Near Gallaway

Real estate income is usually commission-based rather than a guaranteed salary. Earnings can vary substantially based on transaction volume, commission agreements, market conditions, brokerage splits, expenses, and whether an agent works full time or part time.

Reliable city-level earnings data for Gallaway were not identified in the authoritative sources reviewed. The closest published metropolitan data come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for the Memphis metropolitan area.

For May 2023, BLS reported a mean annual wage of $47,480 for real estate sales agents and $70,320 for real estate brokers in the Memphis metropolitan statistical area. These figures are occupational wage estimates for the metro area and should not be interpreted as a guaranteed income for a Gallaway agent.

New agents should budget for expenses such as:

• Brokerage and transaction fees
• Association and MLS dues
• Marketing and signs
• Fuel and vehicle maintenance
• Insurance
• Photography and digital advertising
• Continuing education
• Tax payments on self-employment income

A business plan based on conservative transaction assumptions is more useful than relying on a published average.

Career Opportunities in Gallaway and the Memphis Area

A Tennessee affiliate broker can pursue several paths, including:

• Residential buyer representation
• Residential listing services
• New-construction sales
• Relocation assistance
• Land and rural property transactions
• Investment property sales
• Property management-related opportunities, subject to applicable licensing rules
• Commercial real estate after gaining relevant experience
• Farm and acreage transactions in rural areas
• Leasing and rental-location services where properly licensed and structured
• Future advancement to broker or principal broker

Gallaway’s location in Tipton County may create opportunities involving smaller communities, residential properties, land, and clients commuting toward the Memphis region. Agents who understand both local communities and the broader Memphis market may be positioned to serve buyers and sellers whose housing searches cross county lines.

Local success will depend on relationship-building, market knowledge, responsiveness, ethical conduct, and the support of the sponsoring brokerage. Before advertising services, confirm that the license is active and that all brokerage activities comply with Tennessee law and the supervising broker’s policies.

Affiliate Broker Versus Real Estate Broker

An affiliate broker is the typical starting point for a new Tennessee licensee. A broker license represents a higher level of qualification and may allow the licensee to operate with greater responsibility, depending on the license type and brokerage structure.

Tennessee broker candidates must meet experience or education requirements and complete 120 hours of approved real estate education, including a 30-hour Office/Broker Management course.

TREC states that broker candidates generally need 36 months of active affiliate broker experience if licensed after May 12, 1988, or 24 months if they hold a baccalaureate degree with a major in real estate; other eligibility pathways may apply.

The broker path is not required to begin working as an affiliate broker. It is a later career step for professionals who want to manage a firm, supervise licensees, or take on broader brokerage responsibilities.

Tennessee License Checklist

Use this checklist to organize the process:

• Confirm that you meet the age, education, and eligibility requirements.
• Enroll in a TREC-approved 60-hour affiliate broker course.
• Complete the course and ensure the provider reports completion.
• Review the current PSI candidate bulletin.
• Submit required examination documentation.
• Schedule and pass the national and state examination portions.
• Arrange electronic fingerprinting.
• Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
• Submit the $91 initial affiliate broker application fee.
• Select a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker.
• Confirm that the license is issued and active.
• Complete required continuing education before renewal.
• Renew the license every two years and pay the applicable renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Gallaway require its own real estate license?

No separate Gallaway real estate license requirement was identified for real estate agents. Tennessee real estate licensing is regulated at the state level by TREC.

Can I take the Tennessee real estate course online?

Yes, online education is available through providers offering Tennessee pre-licensing courses. Confirm that the specific course is approved for Tennessee affiliate broker licensing before enrolling. One option to review is Leap Real Estate’s Tennessee pre-licensing program.

How many education hours are required before the Tennessee exam?

Affiliate broker candidates must complete 60 hours of approved education in real estate principles or fundamentals before taking the examination.

Is fingerprinting required?

Yes. TREC requires fingerprints for initial Tennessee real estate license applicants.

How much is the Tennessee real estate exam?

The PSI bulletin lists the full affiliate broker examination fee as $63.

How much is the initial Tennessee affiliate broker application?

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

Do I need a sponsoring broker?

Yes. An affiliate broker must affiliate with a licensed Tennessee real estate firm and principal broker before conducting licensed brokerage activities.

Are Gallaway-specific earnings available?

Authoritative Gallaway-specific wage data were not identified. The BLS Memphis metropolitan estimate for May 2023 was $47,480 in mean annual wages for real estate sales agents and $70,320 for real estate brokers. Actual commission income can differ substantially.

Authoritative Sources

• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, How to Get a License — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/license/get.html
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, Affiliate Broker and Broker Licensing Information — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/license/license-how-to/broker.html
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, Real Estate Commission Fees — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/license/fees.html
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, Licensee and Applicant Resources — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/license.html
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, Tennessee Real Estate Commission — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec.html
• PSI Examination Services, Tennessee Real Estate Examination Candidate Bulletin — https://home.psiexams.com/api/tests/G953M5ZB/bulletins
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Memphis, TN-MS-AR Metropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, May 2023 — https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_32820.htm
• Leap Real Estate, Tennessee Pre-Licensing — https://leaprealestate.com/state-licenses/tennessee-pre-licensing