How to Get Your Real Estate License in Lakeland, Tennessee

To become a real estate agent in Lakeland, Tennessee, you must obtain a Tennessee affiliate broker license through the Tennessee Real Estate Commission, commonly called TREC. Tennessee requires approved education, a licensing examination, fingerprinting and a background check, supporting documentation, fees, errors and omissions insurance, and affiliation with a Tennessee-licensed 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 Lakeland.

Lakeland does not issue a separate real estate license. The same Tennessee license applies whether you plan to work in Lakeland, Memphis, Arlington, Bartlett, Germantown, or another Tennessee community.

Does Lakeland Require Its Own Real Estate License?

No. Real estate licensing is regulated at the state level by TREC, not by the City of Lakeland.

Local governments may regulate business registrations, zoning, property taxes, signage, permits, and other business matters. Those local requirements do not replace the Tennessee affiliate broker license required to represent buyers or sellers.

A Lakeland-focused real estate career may include serving clients in nearby Shelby County communities, but licensed activities must be performed under Tennessee law and the supervision of a Tennessee principal broker.

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 the required Tennessee-approved real estate education.
Pass the Tennessee affiliate broker examination.
Complete electronic fingerprinting.
Submit to a criminal background check.
Obtain errors and omissions insurance.
Complete the required license application.
Submit proof of education and other supporting documents.
Affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed principal broker.

TREC’s affiliate broker instructions identify the required education, examination documentation, insurance, high school graduation proof, eligibility verification, fingerprint receipt, and broker signature requirements.

Applicants with prior criminal convictions should provide complete and accurate information and follow TREC’s instructions for submitting any additional documentation. A background issue may require further review, so applicants should avoid assuming that a past conviction will automatically result in approval or denial.

Required Tennessee Real Estate Education Hours

Tennessee requires 90 total hours of approved education for an affiliate broker license.

The education consists of:

60 hours of real estate principles and fundamentals: This must be completed before registering for the licensing examination.
30-hour Course for New Affiliates: This must be completed before the affiliate broker license is issued.

The 60-hour course makes an applicant eligible for the examination after the education provider submits proof of completion to PSI. The provider also issues a certificate or completion letter for the license application.

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is separate from the 60-hour principles course. Completing only the 60-hour course is not enough to receive the license.

Online Tennessee Pre-Licensing Courses

Online education can be useful for Lakeland residents who need to study around work, family, or other obligations. Before enrolling, confirm that the school and course are currently approved for Tennessee licensing education.

One Tennessee-focused online option is Leap Real Estate’s Tennessee pre-licensing course, which advertises a 90-hour course approved by TREC.

When comparing online providers, review:

TREC approval status.
Whether the program includes the required 60-hour principles education.
Whether the separate 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is included or available.
Self-paced versus instructor-led instruction.
Course final-exam requirements.
Practice tests and exam preparation.
Instructor access and student support.
Education roster-submission procedures.
Course extension and refund policies.

TREC maintains approved pre-licensing course information, and education providers generally have 10 working days to submit a completed education roster. Confirm the provider’s current approval and course structure before paying tuition.

For another starting point, prospective students can review Leap Real Estate’s Tennessee licensing information and compare the course format with other TREC-approved options.

How to Get a Tennessee Real Estate License in Lakeland

1. Complete the 60-hour principles course

Enroll in a TREC-approved 60-hour real estate principles or fundamentals course. You must complete this education before becoming eligible to take the affiliate broker examination.

After completion, the school must submit the required education information to PSI. You should also receive a course completion certificate or letter for your application.

2. Register for the Tennessee licensing examination

PSI administers the Tennessee affiliate broker examination. Your education provider must submit your eligibility information to PSI before you can register for the examination.

PSI provides the instructions for scheduling, payment, testing locations, identification requirements, and retesting procedures.

3. Pass both examination portions

The affiliate broker examination includes:

A national portion.
A Tennessee state-law portion.

PSI lists the full affiliate broker examination fee as $63, consisting of a $26 state portion and a $37 national portion.

A passing score on one section remains valid for two retakes of the failed section or one year, whichever comes first, according to PSI’s current examination information.

4. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

Complete the separate 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before the license is issued. Include the course certificate or completion letter with your application.

You may complete this course before or after the examination if the course provider permits it, but both education components must be documented for the initial license application.

5. Choose a sponsoring principal broker

A Tennessee affiliate broker must be affiliated with and supervised by a Tennessee-licensed principal broker. The principal broker signs required examination or licensing documentation and oversees the affiliate broker’s licensed activities.

Before choosing a Lakeland-area brokerage, interview several firms and compare:

Commission splits.
Transaction and monthly fees.
Training and mentorship.
Lead-generation programs.
Compliance and transaction support.
Technology and document-management systems.
Marketing assistance.
Association, lockbox, and office expenses.
Geographic coverage in Lakeland, Shelby County, and the broader Memphis area.
Written policies for advertising, teams, referrals, and independent contractors.

The highest commission split is not always the best financial or professional arrangement for a new agent. Ask each brokerage for a written explanation of all fees and obligations.

6. Obtain errors and omissions insurance

TREC requires proof of an errors and omissions insurance policy with the affiliate broker application.

Some brokerages provide coverage for affiliated agents, while others require agents to obtain individual coverage. Confirm the policy terms, exclusions, deductibles, and effective date before submitting the application.

7. Complete fingerprinting and the background check

Tennessee requires fingerprinting for initial real estate license applicants. Applicants who live in Tennessee generally schedule electronic fingerprinting through IdentoGO, which transmits fingerprints to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

TREC identifies the following information for the fingerprint process:

Service code: 28TZ99
ORI number: TN920784Z
Fingerprint provider: IdentoGO

Schedule through the provider’s official appointment system or telephone service. Submit the fingerprint receipt and required ORI information with the license application.

Fingerprinting is part of the initial licensing process. It is not a separate requirement that must be completed before taking the examination, although completing it promptly can help prevent application delays.

8. Submit the application through CORE

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.

Typical application materials include:

Proof of completion of the 60-hour principles course.
Proof of completion of the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
PSI examination documentation.
Proof of high school graduation or equivalent.
Proof of errors and omissions insurance.
Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form.
Electronic fingerprinting receipt.
Required principal broker signature or affiliation information.
Application fee.

Review the current TREC checklist before submitting the application. Missing documents, inconsistent information, or incomplete disclosures can delay review.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

The total cost depends on the education provider, fingerprinting charge, exam preparation, transportation, insurance, brokerage fees, and business expenses.

| Expense | Current amount or explanation |
|---|---:|
| Initial affiliate broker application | $91 |
| Affiliate broker examination | $63 total: $26 state portion and $37 national portion |
| Pre-licensing education | Varies by provider |
| Fingerprinting and background check | Provider charge varies |
| Errors and omissions insurance | Brokerage or individual policy cost varies |
| License renewal | $75 every two years |
| Brokerage and business expenses | Vary by brokerage and business model |

The $91 application fee and $63 examination fee are only the principal state and testing charges. A complete budget should also include:

Pre-licensing tuition.
Fingerprinting.
Exam preparation.
Transportation to the testing site.
Errors and omissions insurance.
Brokerage fees.
Association and MLS expenses, if applicable.
Lockbox access.
Marketing and advertising.
Transaction-management software.
Professional services and tax preparation.

TREC lists a $75 renewal fee for licensees and firms every two years.

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

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

How quickly you complete the 60-hour course.
The provider’s course schedule and final-exam requirements.
How quickly the school submits your eligibility information to PSI.
PSI examination availability.
Whether you pass both examination portions on the first attempt.
Fingerprint-processing time.
Completion of the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Application completeness.
TREC review requirements.
Whether additional background or eligibility documents are requested.

A motivated full-time student may complete the education and testing steps relatively quickly, while a part-time student or applicant who must retest may need longer. Because TREC and PSI processing times can vary, avoid advertising yourself as a licensed agent or performing activities requiring a license until your license has been issued and your broker affiliation is active.

The Tennessee Affiliate Broker Examination

PSI administers the Tennessee real estate examinations. The affiliate broker test contains national and Tennessee state portions.

Study topics commonly include:

Tennessee license law and Commission rules.
Agency relationships.
Fiduciary duties.
Contracts and transaction documents.
Property ownership.
Land-use concepts.
Real estate finance.
Real estate calculations.
Fair housing.
Federal regulations.
Tennessee brokerage practices.
Supervision and consumer protection.
Licensing and advertising requirements.

Use current PSI candidate materials and TREC information. Older exam-preparation books may contain outdated fees, rules, terminology, or testing procedures.

The examination fee is non-refundable, and PSI’s current retesting rules should be reviewed before scheduling another attempt.

Sponsoring Broker Requirements in Lakeland

A Tennessee affiliate broker cannot operate independently as a principal broker. The affiliate broker must work under a Tennessee principal broker who provides supervision and accepts responsibility for the brokerage’s licensed activities.

A sponsoring broker can affect:

The quality of your initial training.
Contract and transaction support.
Compliance assistance.
Lead opportunities.
Commission income.
Marketing resources.
Access to Lakeland and Memphis-area market knowledge.
Professional development and mentorship.

Ask prospective brokerages:

What is the commission split?
Are there monthly, desk, transaction, technology, or marketing fees?
Is mentorship included?
Who reviews contracts?
How are leads distributed?
What geographic areas does the firm serve?
Is insurance provided?
Which expenses are paid by the agent?
What happens when an agent leaves the brokerage?
Are there minimum production or office requirements?

Review the affiliation agreement carefully before signing.

Post-License Education

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is a required post-license education component for new Tennessee affiliate brokers. It must be completed and documented before the affiliate broker license is issued.

This course is separate from the 60-hour principles and fundamentals course. Keep all certificates, completion letters, and provider confirmations in your records.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Tennessee affiliate broker licenses renew every two years. TREC currently lists the renewal fee as $75.

Licensees must complete the continuing education required for their renewal cycle. TREC identifies a mandatory CORE course for renewal and publishes current education information and course requirements.

Because continuing education rules, CORE topics, reporting systems, and deadlines can change, verify the current requirements with TREC before renewal. Renew through the CORE system and track the expiration date well in advance.

TREC lists late-renewal charges that vary according to how long the license remains expired. Practicing with an expired license can create significant compliance problems.

Potential Earnings as a Lakeland Real Estate Agent

Real estate agents do not generally receive a guaranteed salary. Income may depend on:

Number of closed transactions.
Average sale prices.
Commission agreements.
Brokerage splits.
Transaction fees.
Lead sources.
Market conditions.
Business expenses.
Time spent building a client base.

Authoritative public sources do not establish a guaranteed or reliable city-specific salary for real estate agents in Lakeland. National salary websites and anonymous online estimates may not reflect local commission structures, expenses, part-time work, or the time required to close transactions.

Create a conservative business plan using:

Estimated annual transactions.
Expected gross commission income.
Brokerage splits.
Transaction and technology fees.
Marketing costs.
Insurance and association expenses.
Tax obligations.
Personal savings needs.
The time required to build referrals.

New agents should plan for irregular income because commissions are generally earned after completed transactions rather than paid as a regular wage.

Career Opportunities in Lakeland, Tennessee

A Tennessee affiliate broker serving Lakeland may work with several client groups and property types, subject to brokerage supervision and Tennessee law:

Residential buyers and sellers.
First-time homebuyers.
Relocation clients moving within the Memphis area.
New-construction buyers.
Rental and investment property clients.
Land and acreage buyers.
Referral clients moving to other Tennessee markets.
Senior, military, or corporate relocation clients.
Commercial clients, with appropriate supervision, training, and brokerage support.
Property-management-related clients where the services are legally permitted and properly supervised.

Lakeland’s location in the greater Memphis area can allow an agent to develop a neighborhood-level specialty while serving nearby communities. Effective local marketing may focus on:

Lakeland neighborhoods.
Housing inventory.
New development.
Commuting patterns.
Property taxes.
Schools and publicly available community information.
Buyer and seller services permitted under Tennessee law.
Connections with lenders, inspectors, contractors, and other real estate professionals.

Avoid making unsupported claims about schools, property values, appreciation, crime, commute times, or market performance. Use current, verifiable local data when publishing market content.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Enrolling in a course that is not approved for Tennessee.
Assuming the 60-hour course is the entire education requirement.
Forgetting the separate 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Trying to register for the examination before the provider submits eligibility information to PSI.
Delaying fingerprinting until the application deadline.
Submitting an incomplete CORE application.
Failing to provide accurate background information.
Choosing a brokerage based only on the commission split.
Ignoring transaction, technology, marketing, or association fees.
Using outdated PSI or TREC information.
Missing continuing education or renewal deadlines.
Advertising licensed services before the license is issued.
Treating estimated national salaries as guaranteed Lakeland income.

Tennessee Real Estate License Checklist

Use this checklist to organize the process:

Confirm that you meet Tennessee’s age and education eligibility requirements.
Select a TREC-approved 60-hour principles and fundamentals course.
Complete the course and its required final examination.
Confirm that the provider submitted eligibility information to PSI.
Schedule and pass the national and Tennessee examination portions.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Compare Lakeland-area sponsoring brokerages.
Obtain errors and omissions insurance.
Schedule electronic fingerprinting through the required provider.
Gather education certificates and supporting documents.
Complete the Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form.
Submit the initial affiliate broker application through CORE.
Pay the $91 application fee.
Confirm license issuance and broker affiliation.
Do not perform activities requiring a license before issuance.
Track continuing education and renewal deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Lakeland real estate license different from a Memphis real estate license?

No. Both locations are covered by Tennessee’s statewide licensing system. TREC regulates the affiliate broker license.

Can I complete Tennessee real estate education online?

Online courses may be available, but the provider and course must satisfy Tennessee’s approved education requirements. Confirm current approval before enrolling. Prospective students can review Leap Real Estate’s online Tennessee pre-licensing course as one available option.

How many hours are required to become a Tennessee real estate agent?

You need 90 total hours: 60 hours of principles and fundamentals before the examination and a separate 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before the license is issued.

How much is the Tennessee real estate license application?

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

How much is the Tennessee real estate exam?

PSI lists the affiliate broker examination fee as $63, including a $26 state portion and a $37 national portion.

Do Tennessee applicants need fingerprints?

Yes. Tennessee requires fingerprinting for initial real estate license applicants. Tennessee residents generally schedule through IdentoGO using the TREC service information.

Do I need a sponsoring broker in Lakeland?

Yes. A Tennessee affiliate broker must affiliate with and work under a Tennessee-licensed principal broker. The broker provides supervision and signs required licensing documentation.

Can I become a Tennessee principal broker immediately?

Generally, no. TREC requires broker candidates to meet experience or qualifying education criteria and complete 120 hours of approved broker education, including a 30-hour Office/Broker Management course.

Applicants generally must have been actively licensed as an affiliate broker for 36 months, although TREC identifies an alternative 24-month pathway for certain candidates with a bachelor’s degree majoring in real estate.

What should I do first?

Verify the current TREC requirements, compare approved 60-hour courses, and review the total cost of education, testing, fingerprinting, insurance, and brokerage affiliation. An online starting point is Leap Real Estate’s Tennessee pre-licensing information.

Authoritative Sources