How to Get Your Real Estate License in Manchester, Tennessee

If you want to represent buyers or sellers in Manchester, Tennessee, you generally need a Tennessee affiliate broker license. Real estate licensing is regulated statewide by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC), so Manchester does not issue a separate municipal real estate sales 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 Manchester.

The licensing process generally includes:

Completing approved Tennessee real estate education.
Passing the Tennessee affiliate broker examination.
Completing fingerprinting and a background check.
Obtaining errors and omissions insurance.
Finding a Tennessee-licensed principal broker.
Submitting the initial license application through Tennessee’s CORE system.
Completing required education before the license is issued.

TREC requirements, fees, and procedures can change. Confirm the current information with TREC before enrolling in a course, scheduling the examination, or submitting an application.

Tennessee Real Estate License Requirements

To apply for an initial Tennessee affiliate broker license, applicants generally must:

Be at least 18 years old.
Complete the required approved real estate education.
Pass the required portions of the Tennessee affiliate broker examination.
Provide proof of high school graduation or its equivalent.
Complete the required fingerprinting process.
Submit the Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form.
Provide proof of errors and omissions insurance.
Affiliate with a Tennessee principal broker.
Submit the required application and fees.

TREC lists proof of education, examination documentation, insurance, fingerprinting, high school graduation, eligibility verification, and principal-broker information among the materials required for an affiliate broker application.

How Many Education Hours Are Required in Tennessee?

An initial Tennessee affiliate broker applicant must complete 90 hours of approved education. The education is divided into two courses:

1. Complete the 60-hour pre-licensing course

The first requirement is a 60-hour course covering Tennessee real estate principles and fundamentals. This course must be completed before the licensing examination.

The education provider must submit proof of completion to PSI, the examination administrator. Applicants generally cannot register for the examination until PSI receives and approves that education information.

2. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

The second requirement is the approved 30-hour Course for New Affiliates. This course must be completed before the affiliate broker license is issued.

Applicants must submit a course certificate or letter of completion with the license application. Completing only the 60-hour course does not satisfy the full education requirement for license issuance.

Online Tennessee Real Estate Courses

Many applicants in Manchester choose online education because it can make scheduling more convenient. Online study may allow you to complete coursework around an existing job, family obligations, or other commitments.

Before enrolling, confirm that:

The education provider is approved for Tennessee licensing.
The course is specifically approved for affiliate broker pre-licensing.
The school reports completion to PSI as required.
You will receive documentation needed for the TREC application.
The provider offers or clearly identifies the separate 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
The course format, testing procedures, and access period fit your schedule.

You can review a Tennessee pre-licensing option here: Tennessee real estate pre-licensing education.

An online course does not eliminate the licensing examination, fingerprinting, application, insurance, or sponsoring-broker requirements. TREC also maintains information about approved education providers and courses.

Step-by-Step Process for Getting Licensed

Step 1: Complete the 60-hour course

Enroll in an approved Tennessee 60-hour principles and fundamentals course. Finish all required lessons, tests, and school procedures.

After completion, the provider must submit the required education information to PSI. Keep your course certificate or letter for the license application.

Step 2: Register for the PSI examination

PSI administers the Tennessee affiliate broker examination. The exam has:

A national portion.
A Tennessee state portion.

PSI’s current published fee schedule lists the following affiliate broker examination fees:

| Examination option | Published fee |
|---|---:|
| Full examination | $63 |
| State-only portion | $26 |
| National-only portion | $37 |

The applicable exam fee depends on whether you take the full examination or only one portion. Fees and testing policies should be confirmed in the current PSI candidate information before scheduling.

Step 3: Pass the required examination portions

You must pass the examination portions required for Tennessee affiliate broker licensure. Follow PSI’s instructions regarding identification, admission information, testing-center procedures, and retesting.

If you fail one portion, you may need to retake that portion through PSI and follow the current TREC reapplication or retesting process. Review the latest candidate bulletin before making another appointment.

Step 4: Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

After completing the pre-examination course, finish the approved 30-hour Course for New Affiliates. Obtain a certificate or letter showing completion.

The 30-hour course must be included with the application materials before TREC can issue the affiliate broker license.

Step 5: Complete fingerprinting and the background check

Tennessee requires fingerprinting for real estate license applicants. Fingerprinting is not required merely to sit for the examination, but it is required as part of the initial licensing process.

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

TREC identifies the following information for the Real Estate Commission fingerprint process:

Service code: 28TZ99
ORI number: TN920784Z

Submit the electronic fingerprinting receipt and the required ORI information with the license application. Fingerprinting charges are separate from the TREC application fee and may vary.

A criminal record does not automatically determine whether an applicant will qualify. Anyone with a criminal history, probation issue, or eligibility concern should contact TREC before investing in the complete licensing process. TREC states that examination scheduling restrictions may apply to individuals on parole or probation.

Step 6: Choose a sponsoring principal broker

A Tennessee affiliate broker works under the supervision of a Tennessee-licensed principal broker. You should identify a sponsoring brokerage before submitting the application.

When comparing brokerages in Manchester, Tullahoma, Shelbyville, Murfreesboro, or surrounding areas, ask about:

Commission splits.
Transaction and technology fees.
Monthly or desk fees.
Training for new agents.
Mentoring and contract review.
Lead distribution.
Marketing requirements.
Errors and omissions insurance.
Multiple-listing-service access.
Office and technology resources.
Geographic coverage in Coffee County.
Procedures for changing firms.

A sponsoring principal broker’s information or signature may be required on the examination and licensing paperwork. The brokerage relationship is also important because affiliate brokers do not operate independently of their principal broker.

Step 7: Obtain errors and omissions insurance

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

Some brokerages provide coverage for affiliated licensees, while others require agents to obtain individual coverage. Ask the brokerage for written information about:

Whether coverage is included.
The limits of coverage.
Any deductible.
Whether the policy covers transactions conducted outside the office.
Whether additional coverage is required.

Step 8: Submit the application through CORE

Complete the Initial Real Estate Affiliate Broker Application through Tennessee’s CORE online system.

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

Application materials may include:

PSI examination documentation.
Proof of completion of the 60-hour course.
The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates certificate.
Proof of high school graduation.
Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form.
Electronic fingerprinting receipt.
Required ORI information.
Errors and omissions insurance documentation.
Sponsoring principal broker information.
Required payment.

TREC states that the application should be filed within one year after passing the examination. Otherwise, the applicant may need to retake the examination to qualify for licensure.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

The primary published TREC and PSI fees include:

| Item | Current published fee |
|---|---:|
| Initial affiliate broker application | $91 |
| Full affiliate broker examination | $63 |
| State-only examination | $26 |
| National-only examination | $37 |
| License renewal every two years | $75 |

TREC publishes the initial affiliate application and renewal fees, while PSI publishes the examination fees.

Additional expenses may include:

Tuition for the 60-hour course.
Tuition for the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Fingerprinting and background-check charges.
Textbooks and exam-preparation materials.
Errors and omissions insurance.
Brokerage fees.
REALTOR® association membership.
Multiple-listing-service access.
Signs, lockboxes, photography, and marketing.
Transportation and business-operating expenses.

These costs vary by provider, brokerage, association, and business model. The official application and examination fees do not represent the complete cost of starting a real estate career.

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

Tennessee does not publish one guaranteed processing time for every affiliate broker applicant. The total timeline depends on:

How quickly you complete the 60-hour course.
When the education provider reports your eligibility to PSI.
Examination appointment availability.
Whether you pass the required exam portions.
Fingerprinting and background-check processing.
Application completeness.
TREC review time.
How quickly you obtain insurance and broker sponsorship.

A typical sequence is:

Complete the 60-hour course.
Wait for the education provider to submit eligibility information to PSI.
Schedule and pass the examination.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Complete fingerprinting.
Select a sponsoring principal broker.
Obtain insurance documentation.
Gather the remaining application materials.
Submit the application through CORE.
Respond promptly if TREC requests additional information.

Incomplete applications, missing course documentation, fingerprinting problems, or unresolved eligibility issues can delay issuance.

Is Manchester’s Real Estate License Different From Other Tennessee Cities?

No. Manchester does not have a separate city real estate license for sales agents. The authorization to practice comes from the State of Tennessee through TREC.

The same core licensing requirements apply whether you plan to work in:

Manchester.
Tullahoma.
Shelbyville.
Murfreesboro.
Nashville.
Chattanooga.
Another Tennessee market.

Separate local requirements may apply to business registration, advertising, taxes, zoning, signs, or office operations. Those matters are different from the state real estate license and should be verified with the relevant local authority or sponsoring brokerage.

Post-License Education

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is required before an affiliate broker license is issued. It is not the same as the 60-hour pre-licensing course.

The education sequence is therefore:

60 hours: Must be completed before taking the examination.
30 hours: Must be completed before the affiliate broker license is issued.

Keep copies of all certificates and letters of completion. TREC’s education system and approved-course information should be checked before enrolling because providers and course requirements can change.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

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

TREC identifies a mandatory Core Course as part of the continuing-education system for license renewal. Before renewing, confirm:

Your license expiration date.
The continuing-education hours required for your license status.
Whether the required Core Course has been completed.
Whether course credit has been reported to CE Broker.
Whether your sponsoring-broker information is current.
Whether the renewal fee has been paid.

TREC states that late renewal charges can apply. For affiliate brokers and brokers, the late fee is $50 per month for the first 120 days after expiration, followed by higher charges during later periods.

Because renewal rules and course requirements may change, review the current TREC renewal instructions before completing education.

Moving From Affiliate Broker to Tennessee Broker

An affiliate broker who wants to manage a real estate firm or operate with greater responsibility may eventually pursue a Tennessee broker license.

Current TREC information states that broker candidates generally need:

120 classroom hours of approved real estate education.
A 30-hour Office/Broker Management course included within that education.
The required period of active affiliate broker experience.
TREC approval before scheduling the broker examination.

For many candidates licensed as affiliate brokers after May 12, 1988, TREC identifies 36 months of active experience. A candidate with a bachelor’s degree majoring in real estate may qualify under a different experience standard.

TREC states that review of broker education and experience documentation takes approximately four weeks. Candidates should obtain approval before reserving the broker examination.

After obtaining a broker license, additional post-broker education and continuing-education obligations may apply. TREC states that brokers licensed after January 1, 2001, must complete 120 additional hours of Commission-approved education before the fourth anniversary of the broker license. After satisfying that requirement, brokers must complete 16 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period, including the required Core Course.

Potential Earnings for Manchester Real Estate Agents

Real estate income is not a guaranteed salary. Affiliate brokers commonly earn compensation from completed transactions, but actual income can vary widely.

Factors that affect earnings include:

Number of transactions closed.
Property prices.
Commission agreements.
Brokerage splits and fees.
Referral business.
Experience and specialization.
Market conditions.
Time spent prospecting and serving clients.
Personal marketing and operating expenses.

TREC’s licensing materials establish education, examination, application, and renewal requirements; they do not establish a guaranteed salary for Manchester agents.

Prospective agents should be cautious with national salary websites or advertised commission examples. Ask each brokerage for a written explanation of:

Commission splits.
Caps.
Transaction fees.
Monthly fees.
Lead fees.
Referral fees.
Marketing costs.
Payment timing.
Errors and omissions coverage.

Career Opportunities in Manchester and Coffee County

A Tennessee affiliate broker license can support several real estate career paths in and around Manchester, including:

Residential buyer representation.
Residential listing services.
Relocation assistance.
Land and acreage sales.
Farm and rural-property transactions.
New-construction sales.
Investment-property representation.
Commercial real estate, subject to brokerage practice and training.
Referral business involving other Tennessee markets.
Property-management-related activities when legally permitted and properly structured.

Manchester’s location in Coffee County may create opportunities for agents who understand local housing, land, rural properties, commuting patterns, nearby communities, and regional economic activity.

Agents can build business through relationships with:

Mortgage lenders.
Home inspectors.
Contractors.
Attorneys.
Accountants.
Employers.
Community organizations.
Local businesses.
Previous clients and referrals.

Before selecting a specialty, learn the applicable agency rules, contracts, disclosures, fair-housing requirements, advertising standards, and brokerage procedures.

For a convenient education starting point, review Tennessee pre-licensing course options and compare the provider’s approval information, curriculum, format, student support, and scheduling.

How to Choose a Sponsoring Brokerage in Manchester

The sponsoring broker can strongly influence a new agent’s training, supervision, expenses, and early business development. Compare the complete brokerage package rather than focusing only on the advertised commission split.

Ask prospective brokerages:

What split applies to new affiliate brokers?
Are there monthly, desk, technology, or transaction fees?
Are leads provided?
Is mentoring included?
Who reviews contracts?
What training is provided on Tennessee forms and procedures?
Does the brokerage serve Manchester and surrounding Coffee County communities?
Is errors and omissions insurance included?
Who pays for signs, lockboxes, photography, and advertising?
What happens if an agent transfers to another firm?
How accessible is the principal broker for questions and supervision?

A clear fee structure and accessible supervision can help a new affiliate broker avoid costly mistakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Enrolling in a course that is not approved for Tennessee.
Assuming the 60-hour course alone is enough to receive a license.
Scheduling the examination before PSI receives education eligibility information.
Waiting too long to complete fingerprinting.
Forgetting the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Omitting proof of high school graduation.
Failing to provide errors and omissions insurance documentation.
Submitting an incomplete CORE application.
Choosing a brokerage based only on commission split.
Missing the one-year application deadline after passing the examination.
Allowing the license to expire without completing renewal requirements.
Treating national salary estimates as guaranteed Manchester earnings.

Tennessee Real Estate License Checklist

Use this checklist to organize the licensing process:

Confirm that you meet Tennessee eligibility requirements.
Complete the approved 60-hour principles and fundamentals course.
Confirm that the provider submits education information to PSI.
Register for the PSI affiliate broker examination.
Pass the required national and Tennessee examination portions.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Schedule electronic fingerprinting through the approved process.
Obtain the fingerprinting receipt and required ORI information.
Select a Tennessee sponsoring principal broker.
Obtain errors and omissions insurance documentation.
Gather proof of education and high school graduation.
Complete the Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form.
Submit the initial affiliate broker application through CORE.
Pay the $91 application fee and applicable examination fees.
Monitor the application for TREC requests.
Complete continuing education before future renewals.

Applicants can also review Tennessee real estate pre-licensing education before choosing a course provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Manchester require its own real estate license?

No. Tennessee real estate licensing is handled at the state level by TREC. Manchester does not issue a separate municipal sales-agent license.

How many education hours are required?

An initial affiliate broker applicant must complete 90 hours: 60 hours before the examination and a separate 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before the license is issued.

Can Tennessee real estate courses be completed online?

Online options may be available through approved education providers. Confirm that the provider and course satisfy Tennessee requirements and that completion will be properly reported or documented.

How much is the Tennessee affiliate broker application?

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

How much does the licensing examination cost?

PSI lists the full affiliate broker examination at $63, the state-only portion at $26, and the national-only portion at $37.

Are fingerprints required?

Yes. Tennessee requires fingerprinting for real estate license applicants. Fingerprinting is part of the application process, although it is not required merely to sit for the examination.

Do I need a sponsoring broker?

Yes. Tennessee affiliate brokers work under the supervision of a Tennessee principal broker. Broker information or a principal broker’s signature may be required in the licensing materials.

Is there a guaranteed salary for Manchester real estate agents?

No. TREC does not establish a guaranteed salary or city-specific income figure for Manchester. Earnings depend on transactions, property values, commission arrangements, brokerage fees, expenses, and market conditions.

Can an out-of-state real estate license transfer directly to Tennessee?

TREC does not currently offer a reciprocal license. However, an out-of-state licensee may qualify to substitute certain education, national examination, or experience requirements after TREC reviews the applicant’s documentation.

An out-of-state licensee must still obtain a Tennessee license before conducting activities in Tennessee that require Tennessee licensure.

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