If you want to represent buyers, sellers, landlords, or tenants in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, you must meet the licensing requirements established by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC). Tennessee regulates real estate licensing at the state level, so Lookout Mountain does not issue a separate city real estate license or impose a separate local agent-licensing process. 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 Lookout Mountain.

In Tennessee, the entry-level real estate license is officially called an affiliate broker license. To practice, an affiliate broker must be affiliated with a Tennessee-licensed real estate firm and supervised by a principal broker.

This guide explains how to become licensed and begin a real estate career serving Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, and surrounding communities.

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 90 hours of approved Tennessee real estate education.
• Pass the Tennessee affiliate broker licensing examination.
• Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.
• Provide proof of errors and omissions insurance.
• Complete the required eligibility-verification forms.
• Submit the initial license application through Tennessee’s CORE system.
• Affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed principal broker.

TREC identifies proof of education, high school graduation, errors and omissions insurance, electronic fingerprinting, eligibility verification, and the required application as part of the initial licensing process.

A criminal record does not automatically prevent licensure. However, applicants must disclose information accurately and should review TREC’s requirements before applying if they have criminal convictions, pending charges, or other licensing concerns.

Required Tennessee Real Estate Education: 90 Hours

Tennessee requires 90 hours of approved real estate education for an initial affiliate broker license.

The education consists of two separate components:

• 60-hour Principles and Fundamentals course: Required before registering for the licensing examination.
• 30-hour Course for New Affiliates: Required before the affiliate broker license can be issued.

The 60-hour course must be completed through an approved education provider. The provider submits proof of completion to PSI so the applicant can become eligible to schedule the examination. The provider also issues a completion certificate or letter that must be included with the license application.

Completing only the 60-hour course is not enough to receive a Tennessee affiliate broker license. The separate 30-hour Course for New Affiliates must also be completed before issuance.

Online Tennessee Real Estate Courses

Online pre-licensing education can be useful for students who need to balance coursework with employment, school, or family obligations. Before enrolling, confirm that the program:

• Is approved by or acceptable to TREC.
• Includes the complete 60-hour Principles and Fundamentals requirement.
• Explains how course completion is reported to PSI.
• Provides a certificate or letter for the license application.
• Includes Tennessee-specific licensing information.
• Offers practice exams or other preparation for the national and state portions of the test.

A Tennessee-focused online program, such as this Tennessee real estate pre-licensing course, may offer a convenient way to complete the required education. Verify the provider’s current approval status, course format, attendance requirements, and completion-reporting procedures before purchasing.

Students should also confirm whether the course includes only the initial 60-hour requirement or whether it includes the separate 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.

How to Get a Tennessee Real Estate License

1. Complete the 60-hour Principles and Fundamentals course

Enroll in an approved Tennessee course and complete all required coursework. Your provider must submit proof of completion to PSI before you can register for the examination.

2. Register for the PSI licensing examination

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

3. Pass the affiliate broker examination

The affiliate broker examination includes both national and Tennessee-specific portions. You may take the full examination or, when permitted, take an individual portion separately.

PSI currently lists the following affiliate broker examination fees:

• Full examination: $63
• State portion only: $26
• National portion only: $37

4. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

After completing the pre-license education requirement, complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates. TREC requires proof of this course before issuing the initial affiliate broker license.

5. Choose a sponsoring principal broker

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

The principal broker typically helps provide:

• Brokerage supervision.
• Transaction guidance.
• Required application signatures.
• Access to the firm’s transaction systems.
• Information about insurance coverage.
• Training and compliance procedures.

Interview multiple brokerages serving Lookout Mountain and the greater Chattanooga area before choosing a sponsoring firm.

6. Obtain errors and omissions insurance

Proof of an errors and omissions insurance policy is required with the license application.

Some firms provide coverage for affiliated licensees, while others require agents to obtain individual coverage or pay a brokerage-related insurance fee. Ask prospective firms:

• Whether coverage is included.
• Whether there is a deductible.
• Whether the policy covers all activities you plan to perform.
• Whether additional coverage is required for property management, leasing, or commercial work.

7. Complete fingerprinting and the background check

TREC requires fingerprints for initial real estate license applications. Fingerprints are not required merely to sit for the examination, but they are required when applying for the initial license.

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

TREC identifies the following information for the fingerprint submission:

• ORI number: TN920784Z
• Service code: 28TZ99

Fingerprinting costs may vary by appointment provider and location. Confirm the current amount when scheduling and keep the receipt for the application.

8. Submit the initial application through CORE

Complete the Initial Real Estate Affiliate Broker Application through Tennessee’s CORE licensing system. TREC currently lists the initial affiliate broker application fee as $91.

The application generally requires:

• PSI examination documentation signed by the principal broker.
• Proof of high school graduation.
• Proof of completion of the 60-hour course.
• Proof of completion of the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
• Proof of errors and omissions insurance.
• Eligibility-for-entitlements verification.
• Electronic fingerprinting receipt.
• Required application payment.

Review every document for consistent legal-name information before submission.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

The total cost depends on course tuition, fingerprinting, study materials, transportation, insurance, and any required examination retakes.

Current listed state fees include:

| Item | Fee |
|---|---:|
| Full affiliate broker examination | $63 |
| State examination portion | $26 |
| National examination portion | $37 |
| Initial affiliate broker application | $91 |
| License renewal every two years | $75 |
| Transfer to a new firm | $25 |

The examination and application fees are listed by PSI and TREC, while renewal and transfer fees are listed in TREC’s official fee schedule.

Additional expenses may include:

• 60-hour pre-licensing tuition.
• 30-hour Course for New Affiliates tuition.
• Fingerprinting.
• Errors and omissions insurance.
• Exam-preparation materials.
• Travel to a testing center.
• Examination retakes.
• Brokerage technology or transaction fees.
• Local association or multiple-listing-service expenses.
• Marketing, signs, photography, and advertising.
• Transportation and client-service costs.

State licensing fees do not represent the full cost of starting a real estate business.

How Long Does It Take to Get Licensed?

Tennessee does not establish one universal completion timeline for every applicant. The process depends on the time needed to complete education, obtain an examination appointment, pass the test, complete fingerprinting, gather documents, and receive application approval.

A typical sequence is:

1. Complete the 60-hour course.
2. Wait for the education provider to report completion to PSI.
3. Schedule and pass the examination.
4. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
5. Select a sponsoring principal broker.
6. Obtain insurance and complete fingerprinting.
7. Submit the CORE application.
8. Respond promptly if TREC requests corrections or additional documents.

TREC states that education providers generally have 10 working days to submit education rosters. Applicants should allow additional time for exam appointments, fingerprint processing, application review, holidays, and document corrections.

To reduce delays, use the same legal name and identifying information on:

• School records.
• PSI registration.
• Fingerprinting documents.
• Insurance records.
• The CORE application.

The Tennessee Affiliate Broker Examination

PSI administers Tennessee’s affiliate broker examination.

The examination covers two broad areas.

National topics

Applicants should study subjects such as:

• Property ownership.
• Land-use controls.
• Valuation and market analysis.
• Contracts.
• Financing.
• Agency relationships.
• Real estate practice.
• Property disclosures.
• Leasing and property management.
• General real estate calculations.

Tennessee-specific topics

The state portion may address:

• Tennessee license law.
• TREC rules and regulations.
• Brokerage relationships.
• Advertising requirements.
• Trust and escrow funds.
• Principal broker responsibilities.
• Licensee conduct.
• Tennessee-specific transaction and compliance rules.

A practical study plan should include:

• Reviewing the course textbook and terminology.
• Taking timed practice exams.
• Studying the national and state portions separately.
• Reviewing every missed practice question.
• Memorizing key Tennessee rules and definitions.
• Confirming PSI’s current identification and admission requirements before test day.

Bring the admission information and an acceptable government-issued photo identification document bearing your signature, following PSI’s current instructions.

Finding a Sponsoring Broker in Lookout Mountain

Because Tennessee affiliate brokers must work under a principal broker, choosing the right brokerage is one of the most important early career decisions.

When comparing firms in Lookout Mountain and the Chattanooga area, ask about:

• Commission splits.
• Monthly, transaction, technology, or desk fees.
• Training and mentoring.
• Lead distribution.
• Office access.
• Transaction-management systems.
• Marketing support.
• Errors and omissions insurance.
• Residential, luxury, historic-property, land, commercial, or relocation opportunities.
• Multiple-listing-service access.
• Required association memberships.
• Brokerage expectations for prospecting and business development.

Lookout Mountain may appeal to professionals interested in residential properties, historic homes, higher-value housing, land, relocation, and clients connected to the broader Chattanooga market. A brokerage with strong local knowledge and practical transaction training may be especially valuable for a new licensee.

Post-License Education

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is part of the initial licensing process. It is not the same as continuing education.

The course must be completed before the initial affiliate broker license is issued. If you use an online provider, such as this Tennessee pre-licensing option, verify whether the program offers the 30-hour course separately and whether completion will be documented for TREC.

Before enrolling, confirm:

• The course is currently approved.
• The course is the correct Tennessee course.
• The provider issues acceptable completion documentation.
• The provider explains how completion is reported.
• The course meets the timing requirements for license issuance.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Tennessee affiliate brokers and brokers generally renew their licenses every two years. TREC lists the renewal fee as $75.

After applicable initial or post-license education requirements have been satisfied, licensees generally must complete 16 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period. The required structure includes:

• Six hours of TREC CORE education.
• Ten hours of elective education.

Renewals are completed through Tennessee’s CORE system.

Late renewal fees may apply. TREC lists a late fee of $50 per month for the first 120 days and $100 per month for days 121 through 365. Licensees should monitor their renewal deadline and verify their individual education status before submitting a renewal.

Potential Earnings in Lookout Mountain

There is no reliable TREC salary statistic establishing typical real estate-agent earnings specifically for Lookout Mountain. Real estate professionals are often compensated through commissions, so income can vary widely from one licensee to another.

Potential earnings may depend on:

• Number of closed transactions.
• Property prices.
• Commission arrangements.
• Brokerage splits and fees.
• Personal lead generation.
• Market conditions.
• Experience and specialization.
• Referral and repeat business.
• Residential, commercial, land, or leasing activity.
• Marketing and operating expenses.
• Taxes, insurance, transportation, and technology costs.

Advertised income claims should not be treated as guaranteed results. New agents should prepare for uneven income and budget for several months of business expenses while developing a client base.

Career Opportunities in and Around Lookout Mountain

A Tennessee affiliate broker serving Lookout Mountain may pursue several specialties, including:

• Buyer representation.
• Listing and seller representation.
• Luxury residential sales.
• Historic-property transactions.
• New-construction sales.
• Land and acreage.
• Relocation services.
• Commercial real estate.
• Leasing and rental representation, where permitted.
• Property management, subject to applicable licensing and brokerage requirements.
• Referral-based business.
• Future advancement to a Tennessee broker license.

Tennessee requires people engaged in property management to hold an active Tennessee broker or affiliate broker license and affiliate with an actively licensed Tennessee firm.

Because Lookout Mountain is closely connected to Chattanooga, a licensee may focus on the city while serving clients across the wider metropolitan area. A targeted marketing strategy could emphasize neighborhood knowledge, historic properties, schools, commuting patterns, land, housing styles, and relocation needs.

All advertising and real estate activity must remain compliant with Tennessee law and the supervising brokerage’s policies.

Moving From Affiliate Broker to Tennessee Broker

A broker license is an advanced credential and is not usually the starting license for a new agent.

Broker candidates generally must:

• Hold an active affiliate broker license for the required period.
• Complete 120 hours of approved real estate education.
• Complete a 30-hour Office/Broker Management course.
• Meet the applicable experience or education alternative.
• Pass the broker examination.
• Submit the broker application and supporting documents.

For applicants licensed as affiliate brokers after May 12, 1988, TREC generally requires 36 months of active experience. A qualifying bachelor’s degree with a major in real estate may reduce the required experience period to 24 months.

The broker education requirement includes 120 classroom hours, including the 30-hour Office/Broker Management course.

Tennessee Real Estate License Checklist

Use this checklist when planning your application:

• Confirm that you are at least 18 years old.
• Confirm that you have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Enroll in an approved 60-hour Tennessee course.
• Complete the 60-hour Principles and Fundamentals course.
• Confirm that the provider reported completion to PSI.
• Register for the PSI examination.
• Pass the national and state examination portions.
• Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
• Choose a Tennessee principal broker.
• Obtain errors and omissions insurance.
• Schedule electronic fingerprinting through IdentoGO.
• Keep the fingerprint receipt and required identifying information.
• Gather proof of education and high school graduation.
• Complete eligibility verification.
• Obtain the principal broker’s required signature.
• Submit the initial affiliate broker application through CORE.
• Pay the $91 application fee and other applicable charges.
• Wait for license issuance before performing activities that require a real estate license.

Final Takeaway

To get a real estate license in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, complete the state’s 90-hour education requirement, pass the PSI affiliate broker examination, complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates, submit fingerprints, obtain errors and omissions insurance, affiliate with a principal broker, and apply through CORE.

Because Tennessee regulates real estate licensing statewide, there is no separate Lookout Mountain real estate license. The local opportunity lies in choosing a brokerage and developing expertise in the Lookout Mountain and Chattanooga-area markets.

Authoritative Sources

• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, Affiliate Broker Requirements — Tennessee Affiliate Broker Licensing Requirements
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, Examination Information — TREC PSI Examination Information
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, Candidate Bulletin — TREC Candidate Information Bulletin
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, Fees — TREC Official License Fees
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, Broker Licensure — Tennessee Broker License Requirements
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, Education — TREC Approved Education Courses
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, Renewals and Resources — TREC Renewal and Reciprocity Resources
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, Real Estate Firms — Tennessee Real Estate Firm Requirements
• Leap Real Estate — Tennessee Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course