How to Get Your Real Estate License in Hohenwald, Tennessee

If you want to become a real estate agent in Hohenwald, Tennessee, you must meet statewide Tennessee licensing requirements. Hohenwald and Lewis County do not issue a separate municipal real estate license for agents. The Tennessee Real Estate Commission, commonly called TREC, regulates affiliate broker licenses, education, examinations, applications, fingerprinting, broker affiliation, renewals, and continuing education throughout the state. 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 Hohenwald.

In Tennessee, the entry-level real estate license is called an affiliate broker license. Once licensed, an affiliate broker must work under the supervision of a Tennessee-licensed principal broker.

This guide explains how to become a licensed affiliate broker, how much the process may cost, how long it can take, and how to begin building a real estate career in Hohenwald and the surrounding Lewis County area.

Tennessee Real Estate License Requirements

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

Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete 60 hours of approved Tennessee real estate education.
Pass the Tennessee affiliate broker examination.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Submit electronic fingerprinting and a criminal-history background check.
Provide proof of errors and omissions insurance.
Complete the required eligibility verification form.
Affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker.
Submit the initial license application through Tennessee’s CORE system.

Applicants with criminal convictions, prior disciplinary action, or licensing issues should review TREC’s current procedures before enrolling in a course or scheduling an examination. A criminal record does not automatically determine whether an applicant will qualify, but all requested information should be disclosed accurately.

Required Tennessee Real Estate Education Hours

Tennessee requires two separate education components for a new affiliate broker:

60 hours of approved real estate principles or fundamentals education
30 hours of the Course for New Affiliates

The 60-hour principles course must be completed before registering for the licensing examination. The education provider submits proof of completion to PSI, which must approve the candidate’s eligibility before exam registration.

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is separate from the 60-hour course. TREC requires documentation of both courses with the initial license application.

Together, the initial education requirement totals 90 hours. However, only the 60-hour principles course must be completed before examination eligibility. The 30-hour course must be completed before the license is issued.

Pre-license courses cannot be used as continuing education credit.

Online Tennessee Real Estate Courses

Online education can be convenient for Hohenwald residents who prefer to study from home instead of traveling to a classroom in another city. Before enrolling, verify that the school and course are approved for Tennessee real estate education.

An approved online course should provide:

The complete 60-hour principles or fundamentals curriculum.
Tennessee-specific licensing laws and rules.
Course completion documentation.
Instructions for reporting education to PSI or TREC.
Access to instructors or student support.
Exam-preparation materials or guidance.

For information about an online Tennessee pre-licensing option, review Tennessee real estate pre-licensing courses. Confirm the provider’s current approval status, course format, included materials, refund policy, and reporting procedures before purchasing.

TREC states that education providers may have up to 10 working days to submit education rosters. Allow time for the provider to report completion before attempting to schedule the exam.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Complete the 60-hour principles course

Enroll in a TREC-approved Tennessee course and complete all 60 hours. Keep the certificate or letter of completion for your records and license application.

2. Confirm that your education was reported

Your education provider submits proof of completion to PSI. You cannot register for the examination until PSI has received and reviewed the required education information.

3. Register for the Tennessee affiliate broker exam

PSI administers Tennessee’s real estate licensing examinations. After PSI approves your education, follow its instructions to pay for and schedule the exam.

4. Pass the examination

The affiliate broker examination has two portions:

A national portion.
A Tennessee-specific state-law portion.

PSI currently lists the full affiliate broker examination fee as $63. The state-only retest fee is listed as $26, and the national-only retest fee is listed as $37.

5. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

Complete the required 30-hour course and retain the certificate or letter of completion. TREC requires proof of this course with the initial affiliate broker application.

6. Complete electronic fingerprinting

TREC requires electronic fingerprinting for initial applicants. Tennessee residents schedule fingerprinting through IdentoGO, which transmits the fingerprints to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The TREC fingerprinting information includes:

Service code: 28TZ99
ORI number: TN920784Z

Keep the fingerprinting receipt and submit it with the license application. Fingerprinting is an application requirement rather than an examination requirement, so applicants generally do not need to complete it before taking the exam.

7. Choose a sponsoring principal broker

An affiliate broker cannot practice independently. You must affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed real estate firm and principal broker.

The principal broker supervises your real estate activities and signs required documentation, including the PSI examination application obtained at the testing center.

8. Submit the initial 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.

Your application may require:

The completed CORE application.
The $91 application fee.
Proof of passing the examination.
Proof of 60-hour course completion.
Proof of the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Proof of high school graduation or its equivalent.
The eligibility verification form.
The electronic fingerprinting receipt.
Proof of errors and omissions insurance.
Principal broker information and required signature.

TREC may request additional documentation based on an applicant’s education, licensing history, criminal history, or other circumstances.

Background Check and Fingerprinting

Fingerprint-based background checks are part of Tennessee’s initial real estate licensing process. Applicants who reside in Tennessee generally schedule an appointment through IdentoGO. The fingerprints are transmitted for state and federal processing.

Before the appointment:

Confirm the service code and ORI number.
Bring the identification requested by the fingerprinting vendor.
Keep the payment receipt and confirmation.
Make sure your name matches the information on your license application.
Disclose criminal history accurately when requested.

Applicants with prior convictions or disciplinary sanctions may review TREC’s process for requesting a licensing decision before proceeding. Because background reviews are fact-specific, applicants should contact TREC directly with questions about their circumstances.

Tennessee Real Estate Licensing Exam

PSI administers the Tennessee affiliate broker examination. The test includes both national and Tennessee-specific content.

The exam commonly covers topics such as:

Property ownership.
Land use and controls.
Valuation and market analysis.
Contracts.
Agency relationships.
Financing.
Real estate calculations.
Property disclosures.
Brokerage operations.
Tennessee license law and commission rules.

On exam day, bring the admission information and an acceptable government-issued photo identification document bearing your signature. Follow the testing center’s current instructions regarding arrival time, prohibited items, and identification.

Exam Preparation Tips

A focused study plan should combine the approved course with Tennessee-specific exam review. Pay particular attention to:

Tennessee license laws and regulations.
Brokerage relationships and agency duties.
Advertising requirements.
Licensee responsibilities.
Prohibited conduct.
Contracts and disclosures.
National and Tennessee-specific calculations.
The difference between affiliate brokers, principal brokers, firms, and designated agents.

Use current PSI candidate information and Tennessee-specific materials rather than relying only on a national exam-preparation book.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

The required state and examination fees currently identified by TREC and PSI include:

| Expense | Current amount |
|---|---:|
| Full affiliate broker examination | $63 |
| State-only examination retest | $26 |
| National-only examination retest | $37 |
| Initial affiliate broker application | $91 |
| License and firm renewal every two years | $75 |
| Transfer to a new firm | $25 |
| Fingerprinting | Vendor charge; confirm the current amount with IdentoGO |
| Pre-licensing education | Varies by approved provider |
| Course materials and exam preparation | Varies by provider |
| Errors and omissions insurance | Varies by policy or brokerage |

The application fee and full examination fee currently total $154, before education, fingerprinting, insurance, transportation, study materials, and brokerage expenses.

Fees can change. Confirm the current amount with TREC and PSI before submitting payment.

How Long Does It Take to Get Licensed?

Tennessee does not guarantee one standard completion time for every applicant. The timeline depends on your study schedule, course reporting, PSI availability, fingerprinting appointments, exam results, application completeness, and whether TREC requests additional information.

A typical planning sequence includes:

Completing the 60-hour principles course.
Allowing time for the school to report completion to PSI.
Scheduling and taking the examination.
Completing the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Selecting a sponsoring principal broker.
Completing fingerprinting and gathering documents.
Submitting the CORE application.
Waiting for TREC to review and issue the license.

Online education may allow you to study more flexibly, but it does not eliminate the examination, fingerprinting, application, insurance, or broker-affiliation requirements. Keep copies of every certificate, receipt, and submission confirmation.

Choosing a Sponsoring Broker in Hohenwald

Your principal broker is responsible for supervision and can significantly affect your training, expenses, support, and business development.

When comparing brokerages in Hohenwald, Lewis County, or nearby communities, ask about:

Commission splits.
Transaction and administrative fees.
Desk, technology, and marketing fees.
Training and mentorship.
Lead distribution.
Listing and transaction support.
Errors and omissions insurance.
Office and meeting expectations.
Technology systems.
Geographic areas served by the firm.
Policies for changing firms or ending the affiliation.

A brokerage that actively serves Hohenwald and Lewis County may provide useful experience with local residential property, rural land, acreage, recreational property, and community-specific transactions. You may complete education before choosing a brokerage, but contacting potential brokers early can make the application process easier.

Post-License Education

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is a required part of the initial Tennessee affiliate broker licensing process. It is separate from the 60-hour principles course and from continuing education.

The course is intended to help new licensees transition from exam preparation to supervised practice. It may address topics such as:

Tennessee brokerage rules.
Agency and contracts.
Licensee duties.
Practical transaction procedures.
Brokerage operations.
Professional conduct.

Confirm with TREC and the education provider when the course must be completed and how the provider reports completion. TREC requires proof of the course with the initial application.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Tennessee affiliate brokers renew on a two-year cycle. TREC currently lists the licensee and firm renewal fee as $75.

After applicable post-license requirements are satisfied, Tennessee broker information identifies a 16-hour continuing education requirement during each two-year renewal period. This includes:

Six hours of the required CORE course.
Ten elective hours.

Licensees should monitor:

Their license expiration date.
Continuing education deadlines.
Required CORE course content.
Education reporting through the state’s education-record system.
Renewal fees.
Errors and omissions insurance.
Any post-license education obligation that applies to their license status.

TREC lists late-renewal charges of $50 per month for the first 120 days and $100 per month for days 121 through 365. Allowing a license to expire can prevent lawful practice and may create additional requirements or fees.

Potential Earnings in Hohenwald

Real estate agents typically earn income through commissions rather than a guaranteed salary. Individual earnings can vary based on:

Number of closed transactions.
Property types and prices.
Commission agreements.
Brokerage splits and fees.
Market conditions.
Experience.
Marketing and operating expenses.
Referral and repeat business.

Reliable, authoritative city-level earnings data for Hohenwald may not be available. A specific Hohenwald salary figure should therefore not be presented as a verified benchmark.

Prospective agents should plan for variable income, particularly during the first several months. Common expenses may include:

Education and licensing.
Mileage and vehicle maintenance.
Marketing and advertising.
Phone and technology.
Association or MLS costs, where applicable.
Brokerage fees.
Insurance.
Continuing education.
Taxes and bookkeeping.
Periods without a closing.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports occupation-level information for real estate sales agents and brokers, but those figures do not guarantee what an individual agent will earn in Hohenwald. Use current BLS data as a broad career reference rather than as a local income promise.

Career Opportunities in Hohenwald and Lewis County

A Tennessee affiliate broker may pursue several specialties, depending on the brokerage and local market demand:

Residential buyer representation.
Residential listing services.
Rural and acreage property.
Farms and land.
Recreational property.
Relocation.
New construction.
Investment property.
Leasing and rentals.
Commercial real estate.
Property management, when properly licensed and structured.
Referrals involving nearby Tennessee markets.

Hohenwald agents may benefit from developing practical knowledge of Lewis County property conditions and maintaining strong relationships with local professionals.

Useful career-building strategies include:

Learning local neighborhoods and subdivisions.
Studying county property records.
Understanding rural land issues.
Building relationships with lenders, inspectors, contractors, surveyors, and attorneys.
Following up consistently with prospects.
Developing a referral network.
Creating accurate, compliant marketing.
Maintaining organized transaction records.

Rural and land transactions may involve access, boundaries, easements, wells, septic systems, timber, zoning, surveys, and environmental issues. Real estate agents should refer clients to qualified attorneys, surveyors, engineers, inspectors, tax professionals, and lenders when questions fall outside the agent’s training or license.

Practical Licensing Checklist

Before applying for a Tennessee affiliate broker license, confirm that you have:

Completed the approved 60-hour principles course.
Kept the course completion certificate.
Confirmed that the provider reported your education to PSI.
Completed the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Registered for the PSI examination.
Passed the required national and Tennessee portions.
Completed electronic fingerprinting.
Kept the fingerprinting receipt.
Confirmed the TREC service code and ORI number.
Obtained proof of high school graduation or its equivalent.
Completed the eligibility verification form.
Selected a Tennessee principal broker.
Obtained errors and omissions insurance documentation.
Prepared the $91 application fee.
Submitted the application through CORE.
Reviewed continuing education and renewal deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hohenwald require its own real estate license?

No separate Hohenwald real estate license is identified for practicing as a real estate agent. Tennessee regulates real estate licensing at the state level through TREC.

Can I take Tennessee real estate courses online?

Yes. Online education is available, but the course and provider must satisfy Tennessee’s approved education requirements. Review Tennessee pre-licensing course options and verify current approval, course delivery, completion reporting, and refund terms before enrolling.

How many education hours are required?

New affiliate brokers must complete 60 hours of approved principles or fundamentals education and a separate 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.

How much is the Tennessee license application?

TREC currently lists the initial affiliate broker application fee as $91.

How much is the Tennessee real estate exam?

PSI currently lists the full affiliate broker examination fee as $63. The state-only and national-only retest fees are listed separately.

Do I need a sponsoring broker?

Yes. An affiliate broker must be affiliated with a Tennessee-licensed firm and supervised by a Tennessee principal broker. The principal broker also signs required examination or application documentation.

Are fingerprints required?

Yes. TREC requires electronic fingerprinting for initial applicants. Tennessee residents generally schedule through IdentoGO, using the TREC service code and ORI number provided by TREC.

Can I work independently after passing the exam?

No. Passing the examination does not make an affiliate broker an independent broker. Affiliate brokers operate under a principal broker. Becoming a Tennessee broker requires additional education, experience, and examination requirements.

Does Tennessee have reciprocal licensing?

TREC does not offer a simple reciprocal license. However, applicants licensed in another state may qualify for consideration of prior education, the national examination, or experience under Tennessee law. They should contact TREC and provide the requested license-history documentation.

Final Takeaway

To get a real estate license in Hohenwald, Tennessee, complete the state’s 60-hour principles course, complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates, pass the PSI affiliate broker examination, complete electronic fingerprinting, obtain a sponsoring principal broker, and submit the application through Tennessee’s CORE system.

For online course information, review Tennessee real estate pre-licensing options. Before enrolling, scheduling the exam, or submitting an application, verify current requirements and fees directly with TREC and PSI.

Once licensed, focus on local market knowledge, consistent prospecting, accurate marketing, professional service, and continuing education to build a sustainable real estate career in Hohenwald and the surrounding Lewis County market.

Authoritative Sources