How to Get Your Real Estate License in La Follette, Tennessee

Becoming a real estate professional in La Follette means meeting Tennessee’s statewide licensing requirements. The Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) regulates education, examinations, fingerprints, applications, renewals, and continuing education throughout the state. La Follette does not issue a separate municipal 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 La Follette.

Most first-time applicants pursue a Tennessee affiliate broker license. An affiliate broker may conduct real estate business through a licensed Tennessee firm while working under the supervision of a principal broker.

Tennessee Real Estate License Requirements

To qualify for an initial Tennessee affiliate broker license, an applicant generally must:

Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete the required Tennessee real estate education.
Pass the Tennessee affiliate broker examination.
Complete electronic fingerprinting.
Obtain a sponsoring principal broker.
Provide the required education and application documents.
Submit the initial license application through Tennessee’s CORE system.
Pay the applicable fees.
Satisfy TREC requirements related to criminal history and eligibility.

Tennessee’s licensing requirements apply equally to applicants in La Follette, Knoxville, Nashville, Memphis, and other communities. Local market knowledge matters for business development, but the license itself is issued under state law.

Required Tennessee Real Estate Education

Tennessee requires prospective affiliate brokers to complete 90 hours of approved real estate education:

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

The 60-hour course must be completed before examination registration. The education provider submits proof of completion to PSI, the testing administrator, and provides the applicant with a certificate or letter of completion for the license application.

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is also required. It is not merely an optional orientation class; the completion certificate or letter must be included with the affiliate broker license application.

Applicants should select a provider and course listed through TREC’s approved education resources. Pre-licensing courses cannot be substituted with unapproved instruction.

Online Tennessee Real Estate Courses

Online education may be convenient for La Follette residents balancing work, family, or other commitments. Before enrolling, confirm that:

The provider is approved by or authorized through TREC.
The course contains the required 60-hour principles and fundamentals curriculum.
The provider offers the required 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Course completion records are transmitted or supplied in the manner required by TREC and PSI.
The course explains attendance, testing, identity-verification, and completion requirements.

Prospective students can compare Tennessee real estate pre-licensing course options while confirming current provider approval and course details through TREC.

Completing an online course does not grant a license. Applicants must still pass the examination, complete fingerprinting, submit the application, and affiliate with a sponsoring principal broker.

Step-by-Step Process for Getting Licensed

1. Complete the 60-hour pre-licensing course

Enroll in an approved Tennessee principles and fundamentals course and complete all required coursework.

The school must provide PSI with proof of completion before the applicant can register for the licensing examination. Keep the completion certificate or letter because it is also required for the license application.

2. Apply for examination eligibility

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

Candidates should use the name and identifying information that will appear on their government-issued identification and license documents.

3. Schedule and pass the PSI examination

The affiliate broker examination includes:

A national portion.
A Tennessee state-law portion.

The current PSI fee for the full affiliate broker examination is $63. The state-only portion is listed at $26, and the national-only portion is listed at $37.

Candidates should review PSI’s current admission requirements and bring acceptable identification. A passing score on one section remains valid for two retakes of the failed section or one year, whichever occurs first.

4. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

Complete the required 30-hour course before the license is issued. Obtain the completion certificate or letter and include it with the application materials.

5. Complete electronic fingerprinting and the background check

Tennessee requires electronic fingerprints for initial real estate license applications. IdentoGO transmits fingerprints to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for processing.

Applicants should:

Schedule an IdentoGO appointment.
Bring approved identification.
Use the real estate commission service information provided by TREC.
Pay the fingerprint-processing fee directly to IdentoGO.
Keep the electronic fingerprinting receipt.
Submit the receipt with the license application.

TREC identifies the real estate commission ORI number as TN920784Z. TREC’s fingerprint instructions also identify service code 28TZ99 for scheduling.

Fingerprinting is part of the licensing application process. A candidate may be permitted to take the examination before completing fingerprints, but the initial application must include the required receipt.

A criminal record does not automatically determine whether an applicant is eligible. Applicants should answer all questions accurately and provide any explanations or supporting documents requested by TREC. Omissions or inaccurate disclosures can create additional licensing problems.

6. Choose a sponsoring principal broker

An affiliate broker cannot practice independently. The license must be associated with a Tennessee-licensed firm and supervised by a principal broker.

When comparing brokerages in La Follette, Campbell County, or nearby East Tennessee communities, ask about:

Commission splits and transaction fees.
Training and onboarding.
Mentorship for new agents.
Transaction and contract support.
Lead-generation expectations.
Marketing and technology fees.
Office and desk fees.
Association and lockbox costs.
Geographic coverage.
Experience with residential, land, rural, recreational, commercial, or investment property.

The sponsoring principal broker must sign or provide required documentation for the application.

7. Submit the initial affiliate broker application

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

Required documents may include:

The PSI examination application signed by the principal broker.
Proof of errors and omissions insurance.
Proof of high school graduation.
The Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form.
The electronic fingerprinting receipt.
The 60-hour education certificate or letter.
The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates certificate or letter.
The required application fee.

Use TREC’s current checklist before submitting the application because forms, documentation, and administrative procedures may change.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

The complete cost depends on tuition, fingerprinting, examination attempts, transportation, study materials, and brokerage expenses. Current state-listed fees include:

| Item | Current listed fee |
|---|---:|
| Full affiliate broker examination | $63 |
| Tennessee examination portion | $26 |
| National examination portion | $37 |
| Initial affiliate broker application | $91 |
| Affiliate broker renewal every two years | $75 |

The full affiliate broker examination fee is listed by PSI, while application and renewal fees are listed by TREC.

Additional expenses may include:

Tuition for the 60-hour course.
Tuition for the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Electronic fingerprint processing.
Exam-preparation materials.
Travel to a PSI testing location.
Retesting fees.
Errors and omissions insurance arrangements.
Brokerage, technology, transaction, or marketing fees.
REALTOR® association dues, if applicable.
Lockbox access and business supplies.

The official state fees do not represent the full cost of beginning a real estate career. Ask education providers and brokerages for written pricing before enrolling or affiliating.

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

Tennessee does not guarantee one standard processing time from enrollment to license issuance. The timeline depends on:

The applicant’s pace of study.
Course completion and reporting by the education provider.
PSI examination availability.
Examination results and any retesting.
Fingerprint processing.
The sponsoring broker’s paperwork.
TREC application review.
Requests for additional documents or explanations.

A well-prepared applicant may complete the process in several weeks, but part-time study, incomplete documents, retesting, fingerprint issues, or application delays can extend the timeline. Do not make financial or employment commitments based on a specific license-issuance date until TREC approves the application.

What Is on the Tennessee Real Estate Exam?

The PSI examination covers both national real estate concepts and Tennessee-specific laws and regulations. Applicants should study topics such as:

Property ownership.
Land-use controls.
Contracts.
Agency relationships.
Financing.
Valuation and market analysis.
Settlement and closing procedures.
Property disclosures.
Fair housing.
Consumer protection.
Tennessee licensing law.
Brokerage relationships.
Licensee duties.

The 60-hour course provides the required foundation, but a structured review plan and practice questions can improve exam preparation. Pay particular attention to Tennessee-specific rules because general national study materials may not cover state requirements completely.

PSI approves candidates after receiving the required education information and then provides instructions for examination payment and scheduling.

Sponsoring Broker Requirements

The sponsoring principal broker is responsible for supervising the affiliate broker’s licensed activities. A new affiliate broker should evaluate more than commission splits when choosing a brokerage.

Important questions include:

What training is provided during the first 30, 60, or 90 days?
Is there a formal mentorship program?
Who reviews contracts and disclosures?
Is transaction coordination available?
Are there monthly, desk, technology, or transaction fees?
How are leads distributed?
What advertising must be approved?
Does the brokerage serve La Follette and Campbell County?
Does it work with rural land, residential, recreational, commercial, or investment properties?
How accessible is the principal broker?

For a La Follette applicant, a brokerage with meaningful Campbell County or broader East Tennessee experience may provide more relevant guidance than one focused primarily on a distant metropolitan market.

Post-License Education

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

The course helps bridge the gap between exam preparation and practical brokerage work. New licensees should also rely on their principal broker for instruction concerning:

Brokerage policies.
Agency disclosures.
Contracts and forms.
Advertising rules.
Client communication.
Transaction deadlines.
Records and documentation.
Fair housing and professional conduct.

Tennessee may impose additional education obligations depending on license category, renewal status, and applicable rules. Licensees should monitor TREC guidance and complete only approved education.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

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

Licensees must complete the continuing-education requirements applicable to their license and renewal period. TREC identifies approved continuing-education courses and requires licensees to use approved providers.

Before renewal:

Check the license expiration date in CORE.
Confirm that completed education has been reported.
Retain course certificates.
Complete required core and elective education.
Submit the renewal application and fee on time.
Review any outstanding insurance or compliance requirements.

Late renewal can result in additional fees. TREC currently lists late-renewal charges of $50 per month for the first 120 days and $100 per month for days 121 through 365.

A license that remains expired for more than one year may require retesting and reapplication, although TREC identifies a possible approved 30-hour T.R.A.C.E. course alternative for reinstatement.

Can You Become a Tennessee Real Estate Broker Later?

Yes. An affiliate broker may later pursue a Tennessee broker license after meeting the applicable experience, education, examination, and application requirements.

For many candidates licensed as affiliate brokers after May 12, 1988, TREC requires 36 months of active affiliate broker experience. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree majoring in real estate may qualify under a different 24-month experience standard.

Broker candidates must also complete:

120 classroom hours of approved real estate education.
A 30-hour Office/Broker Management course.
The broker examination.
Required fingerprinting and application documentation, when applicable.
The broker application and fee.

TREC currently lists the broker-upgrade application fee as $91.

Broker licensing is a separate career step and is not required to begin working as an affiliate broker under a sponsoring principal broker.

Potential Earnings in La Follette

Real estate sales agents typically earn income through commissions rather than a guaranteed salary. Individual earnings may vary according to:

Number of completed transactions.
Property prices and transaction volume.
Commission agreements.
Brokerage splits and fees.
Referral business.
Lead-generation expenses.
Experience and specialization.
Local inventory and buyer demand.
Seasonal market conditions.

No authoritative source establishes a guaranteed salary or city-specific average income for La Follette real estate agents. A statewide or national statistic should not be treated as a forecast for an individual agent.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides broader occupational information for real estate sales agents, but those figures may not reflect La Follette’s market, an agent’s business model, or the difference between gross commissions and take-home income.

New licensees should plan for uneven income during the early months and budget for:

Education.
Transportation.
Insurance.
Marketing.
Association dues.
Technology.
Client events.
Brokerage fees.
Taxes and business expenses.

Career Opportunities in and Around La Follette

Real estate work in La Follette should be evaluated as part of the Campbell County and broader East Tennessee market. Potential specialties include:

Residential buyer representation.
Residential listing services.
Relocation transactions.
Second-home sales.
Rural and recreational land.
Waterfront property, where applicable.
Rental and investment property.
Commercial real estate.
New construction.
Property management, subject to applicable licensing and business requirements.
Referrals involving nearby Tennessee markets.

A new agent can build useful local expertise by studying:

Differences among La Follette-area communities.
Property-tax and zoning information.
Transportation routes.
Common property types and lot sizes.
Local employers and economic activity.
Listing inventory and time on market.
Inspection and financing issues.
Typical closing procedures.
Buyer and seller concerns in rural and recreational markets.

Career success depends on the brokerage’s support, the agent’s ability to generate relationships and follow up consistently, transaction knowledge, and compliance with Tennessee law.

La Follette Real Estate License Checklist

Use this checklist to organize the process:

Confirm that you meet Tennessee’s age and education prerequisites.
Select a TREC-approved 60-hour principles and fundamentals course.
Complete the 60-hour course.
Confirm that the provider submitted completion information to PSI.
Apply for examination eligibility.
Schedule the PSI examination.
Study both the national and Tennessee portions.
Pass the affiliate broker examination.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Schedule electronic fingerprinting through IdentoGO.
Obtain the required fingerprint receipt.
Select a Tennessee-licensed sponsoring principal broker.
Gather proof of education, graduation, insurance, identification, and other required documents.
Complete the Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form.
Submit the application through CORE.
Pay the current $91 initial application fee.
Monitor the application for TREC requests or approval.
Complete required continuing education and renew on time.

Applicants comparing schools can review Tennessee pre-licensing course information, then confirm current course approval and licensing requirements directly through TREC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does La Follette require its own real estate license?

No separate La Follette affiliate broker license is identified. Tennessee regulates real estate licensing at the state level through TREC.

How many hours are required to become a Tennessee affiliate broker?

The education requirement is 90 hours: 60 hours of principles and fundamentals before the examination and 30 hours of the Course for New Affiliates before the license is issued.

How much is the Tennessee real estate license application?

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

How much does the Tennessee real estate examination cost?

The full affiliate broker examination fee is $63. The state-only portion is $26, and the national-only portion is $37.

Are fingerprints required?

Yes. Initial Tennessee real estate license applicants must submit electronic fingerprints and the required receipt.

Can I work independently after passing the examination?

No. Passing the examination is only one step. An affiliate broker must be affiliated with a licensed Tennessee firm and supervised by a principal broker.

Can I take Tennessee real estate courses online?

Online courses may be available, but the provider and course must satisfy Tennessee requirements. Verify approval before enrolling. Prospective students may also review online Tennessee pre-licensing options.

Is there a guaranteed salary for a new La Follette real estate agent?

No. Real estate income depends on transactions, commission agreements, expenses, experience, specialization, and market conditions. No guaranteed La Follette salary should be assumed.

Authoritative Sources