If you want to sell, lease, or otherwise provide licensed real estate services in McEwen, Tennessee, you must obtain a Tennessee affiliate broker license through the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC). Tennessee regulates real estate licenses at the state level; McEwen does not issue a separate city real estate license as part of the state 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 McEwen.

The typical process includes:

• Meeting the age and education requirements
• Completing 60 hours of approved pre-license education
• Passing the Tennessee affiliate broker examination
• Completing the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates
• Completing electronic fingerprinting and a background review
• Obtaining errors and omissions insurance
• Selecting a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker
• Submitting the initial application through Tennessee’s CORE system

Depending on how you operate, you may also need to address local business registration, tax, zoning, signage, or other requirements. Those local obligations are separate from Tennessee real estate licensing.

Tennessee Real Estate License Requirements

Tennessee’s entry-level real estate credential is the affiliate broker license. To apply, candidates generally must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Complete 60 hours of TREC-approved real estate principles and fundamentals education
• Pass the Tennessee affiliate broker examination administered by PSI
• Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates
• Complete electronic fingerprinting
• Provide the required application documents
• Obtain errors and omissions insurance
• Affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker
• Submit the required application fee

TREC may also review an applicant’s criminal history, disciplinary history, and previous professional licensing history. Applicants should answer all disclosure questions accurately and contact TREC before enrolling if they have questions about convictions, probation, parole, pending charges, or professional-license discipline.

Required Tennessee Real Estate Education

Complete the 60-hour pre-license course

Before taking the affiliate broker examination, candidates must complete 60 hours of approved education in real estate principles and fundamentals. The education provider must submit proof of completion to PSI before the candidate can register for the examination.

The course commonly covers topics such as:

• Tennessee real estate laws and regulations
• Property ownership and land descriptions
• Contracts
• Agency and brokerage relationships
• Real estate finance
• Fair housing
• Property management
• Real estate mathematics
• Closings and settlement procedures
• Professional conduct

The course must be approved for Tennessee affiliate broker pre-licensing education. A general real estate class or a course approved in another state will not necessarily satisfy Tennessee’s requirement.

Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

After passing the examination and before the license is issued, applicants must complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates. The applicant must submit a certificate or letter of completion with the license application.

The initial education pathway therefore consists of:

• 60 hours of principles and fundamentals before the examination
• 30 hours of Course for New Affiliates before the license is issued

These courses have different purposes. The 60-hour course prepares candidates for the licensing examination, while the 30-hour course introduces new affiliate brokers to Tennessee brokerage practice.

Online Tennessee Real Estate Courses

Online education may be convenient for McEwen residents who do not want to commute to Nashville, Clarksville, Dickson, or another larger market. However, the course must satisfy Tennessee’s approval and delivery requirements.

Before enrolling, confirm that:

• The provider is approved to offer Tennessee real estate education
• The course is specifically approved for the 60-hour affiliate broker requirement
• The online format complies with attendance, identity-verification, testing, and completion rules
• The provider will submit the required education information to PSI
• You will receive documentation needed for the license application

A course is not automatically qualifying merely because it covers real estate. Review the provider’s Tennessee approval and current course details before paying tuition. Leap Real Estate’s Tennessee pre-licensing course is one online option prospective McEwen affiliate brokers may review alongside other approved providers.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Confirm your eligibility

Verify that you are at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and can document any criminal or professional licensing history that must be disclosed.

2. Complete the 60-hour course

Enroll in a TREC-approved principles and fundamentals course. Your education provider submits proof of completion to PSI and gives you a certificate or letter for your license application.

3. Register for the PSI examination

PSI administers the Tennessee Real Estate Commission examination. After your education provider submits the required information, PSI reviews your eligibility and sends instructions for paying and scheduling the examination.

4. Pass the examination

The affiliate broker examination has state and national portions. Candidates who pass one portion may generally retake the failed portion under PSI’s retake rules.

5. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

After passing the examination, complete the required course and retain the certificate or letter of completion.

6. Choose a sponsoring broker

An affiliate broker must be affiliated with a Tennessee-licensed firm and supervised by a principal broker. Interview firms before submitting your application so the principal broker can review and sign the required examination and application documents.

7. Complete fingerprinting

Schedule electronic fingerprinting through IdentoGO. TREC identifies the real estate commission service code as 28TZ99 and the real estate fingerprinting ORI number as TN920784Z.

8. Submit the application

Submit the initial affiliate broker application through Tennessee’s CORE system. Required documentation generally includes:

• PSI examination application signed by the principal broker
• Proof of high school graduation or equivalent
• Proof of completion of the 60-hour course
• Proof of completion of the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates
• Electronic fingerprinting receipt
• Proof of errors and omissions insurance
• Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form
• Required application fee
• Sponsoring firm and principal broker information

You can also compare this online Tennessee pre-licensing program with other providers before selecting a course.

Background Checks and Fingerprinting

Tennessee requires electronic fingerprints for initial real estate license applications. Fingerprinting is part of the licensing application process and is not required merely to sit for the examination.

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

Plan the appointment early enough to avoid delaying the application. A fingerprint receipt confirms that the appointment or submission occurred; it does not guarantee license approval. TREC still reviews the full application and any required disclosures.

A criminal conviction does not automatically mean that an applicant is ineligible. The Commission may consider the nature of the offense, the date of the offense, rehabilitation, probation or parole status, and the applicant’s complete disclosure. Applicants with concerns should contact TREC before making nonrefundable commitments.

Tennessee Real Estate Licensing Exam

PSI administers the Tennessee affiliate broker examination. Candidates should follow the current PSI candidate information and admission instructions and bring acceptable identification that satisfies PSI’s requirements.

Current examination fees

| Examination option | Fee |
|---|---:|
| Full affiliate broker examination | $63 |
| State portion only | $26 |
| National portion only | $37 |

PSI’s current fee schedule lists the full examination at $63, with separate state and national portions priced at $26 and $37, respectively.

PSI states that a passing score on one section remains valid for two retakes of the failed section or one year, whichever comes first. Confirm the current rule in the PSI candidate information before scheduling a retake.

Exam preparation

Effective preparation should combine:

• The current Tennessee candidate information bulletin
• Materials from the approved 60-hour course
• Tennessee-specific licensing-law questions
• National real estate practice questions
• Timed practice exams
• Real estate calculations and terminology review

Pay special attention to Tennessee law, agency, disclosures, brokerage relationships, contracts, property ownership, and TREC rules. A national exam-preparation product may not adequately explain Tennessee-specific requirements.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

The initial application fee and examination fee are set by the relevant state agencies. Other expenses vary by education provider, fingerprinting vendor, insurance policy, brokerage, and membership organization.

| Cost item | Current amount or treatment |
|---|---|
| Initial affiliate broker application | $91 |
| Full PSI affiliate broker examination | $63 |
| PSI state portion only | $26 |
| PSI national portion only | $37 |
| 60-hour pre-license course | Varies by provider |
| 30-hour Course for New Affiliates | Varies by provider |
| Fingerprinting | Vendor charge; confirm current amount with IdentoGO |
| Errors and omissions insurance | Varies by policy or brokerage |
| Brokerage onboarding fees | Varies by firm |
| REALTOR® association or MLS fees | Varies by organization and market |
| Lockbox, technology, marketing, and other business expenses | Varies |

TREC lists the initial affiliate broker application fee as $91, and PSI lists the full affiliate broker examination fee as $63.

The required education, fingerprinting, insurance, brokerage onboarding, local association membership, MLS access, lockbox access, marketing, transportation, and technology costs are separate from the state application fee. A prospective agent should request a written fee schedule from each brokerage under consideration.

For another course option, review Leap Real Estate’s Tennessee pre-licensing education page and compare its tuition, format, student support, and completion procedures with other approved providers.

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

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

• How quickly you complete the 60-hour course
• How promptly the education provider reports completion
• PSI eligibility processing
• Examination appointment availability
• Whether you pass both examination portions
• Fingerprint-processing time
• How quickly you select a sponsoring broker
• Whether TREC requests additional information

A typical sequence is:

1. Complete the 60-hour principles and fundamentals course.
2. Receive PSI eligibility confirmation.
3. Schedule and pass the examination.
4. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
5. Select a sponsoring firm and principal broker.
6. Complete electronic fingerprinting.
7. Submit the application and supporting documents.
8. Wait for TREC review and license issuance.

TREC states that the license application must be filed within one year after the examination date. If it is not filed within that period, the applicant may need to retake and pass the examination.

Avoid promising clients or a brokerage that you will be licensed by a particular date until TREC has reviewed the application and the license has been issued.

Finding a Sponsoring Broker in McEwen

Passing the examination does not allow an applicant to practice independently. An affiliate broker must operate through a Tennessee-licensed firm under the supervision of a principal broker.

When comparing brokerages serving McEwen and nearby Humphreys County communities, ask about:

• Commission splits
• Per-transaction and administrative fees
• Monthly desk or technology fees
• Training for new agents
• Mentoring and transaction supervision
• Lead distribution
• Office attendance expectations
• Marketing and branding rules
• Errors and omissions insurance
• MLS and lockbox access
• Geographic coverage in McEwen, Waverly, Camden, Dickson, and Nashville
• Residential, land, agricultural, commercial, leasing, or property-management experience

Because McEwen is a smaller community, a brokerage with experience in rural property, land, residential transactions, referrals, and surrounding markets may be especially useful. The best brokerage is not necessarily the one advertising the highest commission split; training, supervision, transaction support, lead opportunities, and operating costs can have a greater effect on a new agent’s results.

Post-License Education

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is required before an initial affiliate broker license is issued.

Tennessee also has a separate post-license education requirement for brokers. Brokers licensed after January 1, 2001 must complete 120 additional hours of Commission-approved education within the applicable post-license period before renewal can be issued.

This 120-hour requirement applies to brokers, not to the initial affiliate broker licensing pathway. It should not be confused with:

• The 60-hour affiliate broker pre-license course
• The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates
• The continuing education required during later renewal periods

Anyone planning to upgrade from affiliate broker to broker should confirm the current education, experience, examination, and post-license rules directly with TREC.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

After completing the applicable broker post-license education, brokers licensed after January 1, 2005 must complete 16 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period.

The 16 hours must include:

• 6 hours of the mandatory CORE course
• 10 hours of elective education

Tennessee education providers submit completed education hours to CE Broker. Licensees should monitor their CE Broker records and complete education before the renewal deadline.

TREC states that pre-license courses cannot be used for continuing education. Licensees should also confirm current renewal fees and deadlines through their CORE account because fees and compliance rules can change.

Potential Earnings for Tennessee Real Estate Agents

Real estate income is generally commission-based rather than a guaranteed salary. An agent’s income may depend on:

• Number of completed transactions
• Property prices
• Commission agreements
• Brokerage split and transaction fees
• Full-time or part-time activity
• Lead generation and repeat business
• Local inventory and market conditions
• Experience and specialization
• Business and marketing expenses

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 2025 median annual wage of $57,400 for real estate brokers and sales agents as a combined occupational category. BLS separately reports median annual wages of $73,220 for real estate brokers and $52,830 for real estate sales agents in May 2025.

These are national occupational statistics, not guaranteed salaries for Tennessee or McEwen. Real estate professionals may earn substantially more or less, particularly during the first years of building a client base. City-specific authoritative income data for McEwen may not be available, so prospective agents should ask local brokerages about transaction volume, typical startup expenses, commission structures, and the time required to establish a pipeline.

Career Opportunities in and Around McEwen

A Tennessee affiliate broker based in McEwen may work in several areas, including:

• Residential buyer representation
• Residential listing services
• Rural and agricultural land
• New construction
• Relocation referrals
• Investment property
• Leasing and rental transactions
• Commercial real estate
• Property management, when permitted by applicable law and brokerage policy
• Referrals to agents in other Tennessee markets

The potential service area is not limited to McEwen’s city boundaries. An agent may develop business throughout Humphreys County and nearby communities, while referring clients to specialists in larger markets such as Clarksville, Dickson, or Nashville.

Relationship-based marketing may be particularly valuable in a smaller market. Networking with lenders, contractors, attorneys, employers, property owners, and community organizations can support referrals, provided all advertising and business practices comply with Tennessee law and the supervising brokerage’s policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does McEwen require its own real estate license?

Tennessee regulates real estate professional licensing at the state level through TREC. The state affiliate broker application process does not identify a separate McEwen real estate license.

Separate local business, tax, zoning, signage, or registration rules may apply depending on how a business operates.

Can I take the Tennessee pre-license course online?

An online format may be available through a TREC-approved provider. Confirm that the specific course is approved for Tennessee’s 60-hour affiliate broker requirement and that it follows the provider’s attendance, identity-verification, testing, and completion rules.

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

You must complete 60 hours of approved principles and fundamentals education before the examination and a separate 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before the license is issued.

How much is the Tennessee real estate examination?

The full affiliate broker examination is listed at $63. The state portion is $26, and the national portion is $37.

Do I need fingerprints to take the examination?

Fingerprints are required for the initial license application, but they are not required merely to sit for the examination.

Can I work independently after passing?

No. An affiliate broker must be affiliated with a Tennessee-licensed firm and supervised by a principal broker.

Is real estate a salaried career in McEwen?

Usually, real estate income is commission-based rather than salaried. National BLS wage figures can provide context, but they are not a guarantee of earnings in McEwen.

Final Checklist

Before submitting a Tennessee affiliate broker application, confirm that you have:

• Completed the 60-hour approved principles and fundamentals course
• Received PSI eligibility approval
• Passed the required examination portions
• Completed the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates
• Selected a Tennessee-licensed sponsoring firm
• Identified the principal broker supervising your license
• Obtained errors and omissions insurance documentation
• Completed electronic fingerprinting
• Gathered proof of high school graduation or equivalent
• Completed the Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form
• Obtained the PSI examination application signed by the principal broker
• Submitted the $91 initial application through CORE
• Reviewed future education and renewal deadlines

Authoritative Sources

• Tennessee Real Estate Commission Affiliate Broker Licensing Requirements
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission How to Get a License
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission PSI and Exam Information
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission Fees
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission Education Courses
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission Broker Licensure Requirements
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents