Becoming a real estate professional in Memphis requires a Tennessee real estate license issued by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC). Memphis does not issue a separate city real estate license; applicants follow the same state requirements as candidates in Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and other Tennessee communities. 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 Memphis.

The usual entry-level credential is the affiliate broker license. An affiliate broker may conduct real estate activities through a Tennessee-licensed firm while working under the supervision of a licensed principal broker.

Tennessee Real Estate Licensing at a Glance

To qualify for a 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-approved education.
• Pass the national and Tennessee portions of the licensing examination.
• Complete electronic fingerprinting and a criminal-background review.
• Complete the required 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
• Obtain errors and omissions insurance through the sponsoring firm or as otherwise required.
• Affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker.
• Submit a complete initial license application through Tennessee’s CORE system.

Tennessee’s licensing statutes and rules are administered at the state level under Title 62, Chapter 13 of the Tennessee Code. Local Memphis rules may affect business operations, zoning, or advertising, but they do not replace the state licensing process.

How Many Education Hours Are Required?

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

The education is divided into two parts:

• 60-hour Principles of Real Estate course: Must be completed before an applicant can qualify to take the licensing examination.
• 30-hour Course for New Affiliates: Must be completed after the initial education and before the affiliate broker license can be issued.

The 30-hour course is not a substitute for the 60-hour pre-licensing course. Applicants must complete both requirements.

What the 60-hour course covers

A Tennessee-approved principles and fundamentals course typically addresses:

• Tennessee real estate law and regulations
• Agency relationships and fiduciary duties
• Contracts and contract principles
• Property ownership and land descriptions
• Financing and lending
• Fair housing
• Real estate mathematics
• Valuation and market analysis
• Closings and settlement procedures
• Brokerage practice
• Disclosure requirements
• Licensee responsibilities

Course providers may organize the material differently, but the course must satisfy TREC’s approved education requirements.

Online Tennessee Pre-Licensing Courses

An online course can be convenient for Memphis-area applicants who work full time, have family obligations, or prefer self-paced study. The program must be approved for Tennessee and must satisfy the complete 60-hour Principles of Real Estate requirement before the examination.

Applicants comparing online schools should verify that:

• The provider is approved for Tennessee real estate education.
• The program includes the full 60 hours required before the exam.
• Attendance, testing, and identity-verification procedures are clearly explained.
• The provider reports course completion or examination eligibility as required.
• The course offers Tennessee-specific instruction rather than only general national content.
• Practice exams and exam-preparation materials are available.

A Tennessee-focused program such as the Tennessee real estate pre-licensing course can help applicants complete the education requirement before registering for the examination.

Before enrolling, confirm the provider’s current approval status and course procedures because education providers may update their delivery formats, fees, and enrollment policies.

Step 1: Complete the 60-Hour Pre-Licensing Course

Begin by enrolling in a TREC-approved 60-hour Principles of Real Estate course. The school will explain its attendance requirements, examinations, completion documentation, and process for transmitting eligibility information to PSI.

After successfully completing the course, retain the certificate or other proof of completion. The education provider generally submits the applicant’s eligibility information electronically to PSI, the examination administrator.

Applicants should avoid scheduling the examination until the provider confirms that the eligibility information has been submitted and accepted.

Step 2: Schedule and Pass the Tennessee Real Estate Exam

PSI administers the Tennessee real estate licensing examination. The affiliate broker exam has two portions:

• National portion: General real estate principles and practices.
• Tennessee portion: Tennessee laws, rules, and real estate practices.

The current affiliate broker examination fees are:

• Full examination: $63
• Tennessee state portion only: $26
• National portion only: $37

The fee is payable through PSI’s Tennessee registration process. Applicants should follow the current PSI candidate instructions when creating an account, confirming eligibility, paying the fee, and selecting a test appointment.

At the appointment, bring:

• The examination admission information or confirmation.
• Acceptable, unexpired photo identification with a signature.
• Any other items required by the current PSI candidate bulletin.

The examination fee is not the same as the TREC license application fee. Applicants who need to retake a failed portion should review PSI’s current retesting procedures and fees.

How to prepare for the exam

A practical study plan should combine the approved course with focused review of:

• Tennessee license law and commission rules
• Agency and disclosure obligations
• Contracts and transaction procedures
• Real estate calculations
• Fair housing requirements
• Property ownership and conveyancing
• Financing and closing practices
• National real estate terminology and principles

The state portion requires Tennessee-specific preparation. General national real estate study materials alone may not adequately cover Tennessee rules.

Step 3: Complete Fingerprinting and the Background Check

TREC requires fingerprints from applicants for an initial real estate license. Fingerprinting is not required before sitting for the examination, but it is required as part of the initial licensing process.

Tennessee applicants generally complete electronic fingerprinting through the designated IdentoGO process. The fingerprints are submitted for review by state and federal authorities.

Applicants should:

• Use the current TREC instructions and identifying information.
• Schedule fingerprinting with the approved provider.
• Keep the electronic fingerprinting receipt.
• Include the receipt or required documentation with the license application.
• Complete fingerprinting early enough to prevent avoidable delays.

A criminal history does not automatically determine whether an applicant can receive a license. However, applicants must answer disclosure questions accurately and provide requested explanations or documents. Individuals with criminal, disciplinary, or previous licensing histories should contact TREC before submitting incomplete or inconsistent information.

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

After passing the examination, the applicant must complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before the license can be issued.

This course is separate from the 60-hour Principles of Real Estate course. It is intended to help new affiliate brokers understand how to operate within a Tennessee brokerage and comply with practical licensing responsibilities.

The course may address:

• Tennessee brokerage procedures
• Agency and fiduciary duties
• Contracts and transaction management
• Escrow handling and recordkeeping
• Advertising requirements
• License law compliance
• Risk management
• Professional conduct
• Brokerage supervision

Applicants should verify with the education provider how completion is reported and what documentation TREC requires.

Step 5: Choose a Sponsoring Principal Broker

An affiliate broker cannot operate an independent brokerage. The licensee must work through a Tennessee-licensed firm under the supervision of a principal broker.

Selecting the right Memphis brokerage is one of the most important career decisions for a new licensee. Compare:

• Training for newly licensed agents
• Mentoring and transaction support
• Commission split and compensation structure
• Monthly, desk, technology, and transaction fees
• Lead-generation programs
• Marketing support
• Transaction-management software
• Errors and omissions insurance arrangements
• Office access and administrative support
• Residential, commercial, leasing, investment, or property-management specialties

Ask prospective brokerages how they train agents on Tennessee contracts, disclosures, advertising, negotiations, client communications, and compliance. A firm with a lower fee structure may not be the best choice if it provides little supervision or transaction support.

Step 6: Submit the Affiliate Broker Application

After passing all required examination portions and completing the required education, submit the initial affiliate broker application through Tennessee’s CORE system.

PSI’s candidate bulletin states that applicants must apply within six months after passing all portions of the examination.

The application package may require:

• Completed initial affiliate broker application
• Proof of the 60-hour Principles of Real Estate course
• Proof of high school graduation or equivalent
• Examination results or related PSI documentation
• Electronic fingerprinting receipt
• Required eligibility or entitlement verification form
• Proof of errors and omissions insurance
• Sponsoring firm and principal broker information
• Required disclosures and supporting explanations
• Applicable application fee
• Proof of completion of the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

The current initial affiliate broker application fee should be confirmed through TREC’s current fee schedule before submission. The supplied Tennessee licensing materials identify the fee as $91; applicants should verify the amount in CORE or the latest TREC fee schedule because state fees can change.

Review the application for consistency before submitting it. Missing education records, incorrect broker information, incomplete disclosures, or absent fingerprint documentation can delay processing.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

The total cost depends largely on tuition, fingerprinting, study materials, and brokerage expenses.

| Expense | Current amount or treatment |
|---|---:|
| 60-hour approved education | Varies by provider |
| 30-hour Course for New Affiliates | Varies by provider |
| Full affiliate broker examination | $63 |
| State examination portion only | $26 |
| National examination portion only | $37 |
| Initial affiliate broker application | Confirm current amount through TREC or CORE; supplied materials identify $91 |
| Fingerprinting and background check | Applicant-paid amount varies |
| Exam preparation materials | Varies by provider |
| Sponsoring brokerage fees | Varies by firm |
| License renewal | Confirm current amount through TREC |
| Continuing education | Course prices vary |

The official examination fee does not include education tuition, fingerprinting, transportation, optional exam preparation, application costs, or brokerage-related expenses.

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

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

• How quickly the applicant completes the 60-hour course
• Course scheduling and provider procedures
• PSI appointment availability
• Whether the applicant passes both exam portions
• Fingerprint-processing time
• Application completeness
• TREC review requirements
• Whether additional background information is requested

A typical sequence is:

1. Enroll in a Tennessee-approved 60-hour course.
2. Complete the course and receive proof of completion.
3. Confirm that the provider submitted examination eligibility information.
4. Register for and schedule the PSI examination.
5. Pass the national and Tennessee portions.
6. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
7. Complete electronic fingerprinting.
8. Choose a sponsoring firm and principal broker.
9. Assemble the application documents.
10. Submit the application through CORE within six months after passing all examination portions.
11. Respond promptly to any TREC request for additional information.

Applicants who complete the course efficiently, pass the exam on the first attempt, and submit a complete application generally avoid the most common delays.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Tennessee real estate licenses operate on a two-year renewal cycle. Current PSI information states that licensees must complete 16 hours of continuing education, including a six-hour TREC Core course, and pay the required renewal fee every two years.

Licensees should verify the current requirements with TREC before renewing, including:

• The renewal deadline
• Required continuing-education hours
• TREC Core requirements
• Approved course providers
• Course-reporting procedures
• Renewal fee
• Late-renewal or education penalties

Continuing education must be completed through approved courses and properly reported. Failure to complete the required education can create renewal problems and may result in penalties.

What Can Real Estate Agents Earn in Memphis?

Real estate income is not guaranteed. Many affiliate brokers earn primarily through commissions, and actual income can vary substantially based on:

• Number of transactions closed
• Average transaction value
• Commission arrangements
• Brokerage splits
• Lead-generation costs
• Marketing and vehicle expenses
• Market conditions
• Experience and specialization
• Full-time or part-time status

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a $47,480 mean annual wage for real estate sales agents in the Memphis, Tennessee–Mississippi–Arkansas metropolitan area in May 2023. The same BLS data reported a $70,320 mean annual wage for real estate brokers in the area, although the broker estimate had limited published employment data.

These figures are occupational wage estimates, not guaranteed earnings for a newly licensed agent. Commission income, self-employment arrangements, business expenses, and unpaid prospecting time may not be fully reflected in wage data.

Career Opportunities in Memphis

After obtaining a Tennessee affiliate broker license, a professional may pursue several Memphis-area specialties, subject to the scope of the license and brokerage supervision:

• Residential buyer representation
• Residential listing and seller representation
• New-construction sales
• Leasing and rental representation
• Commercial real estate
• Industrial and logistics property
• Multifamily investment sales
• Land and development transactions
• Relocation services
• Property-management-related work, when permitted by applicable law
• Real estate investment and acquisition support
• Transaction coordination and brokerage operations

Memphis has a broad property market that includes historic neighborhoods, suburban communities, rental housing, multifamily properties, commercial districts, industrial facilities, logistics-related real estate, and investment opportunities.

A new agent can develop a niche based on:

• Geographic area
• Property type
• Client profile
• Price range
• Transaction type
• Industry or professional network
• Brokerage training and available mentorship

The Tennessee pre-licensing program can help prospective Memphis agents complete the initial education requirement before pursuing a local brokerage opportunity.

Affiliate Broker vs. Principal Broker

The affiliate broker license is generally the entry point into Tennessee real estate. An affiliate broker works under a principal broker and cannot independently operate a brokerage firm.

A licensee may later pursue a Tennessee broker license after meeting additional requirements involving experience, education, examination, and application approval. A principal broker may supervise affiliated licensees and manage a brokerage’s operations.

Because broker qualifications and post-licensing requirements can change, candidates should consult TREC’s current broker materials rather than relying on the affiliate broker checklist.

Memphis Real Estate Licensing Checklist

Use this checklist to organize the process:

• Confirm that you are at least 18 years old.
• Confirm that you have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Enroll in a Tennessee-approved 60-hour Principles of Real Estate course.
• Complete the course and obtain proof of completion.
• Confirm that the school submitted examination eligibility information to PSI.
• Register for the PSI examination.
• Prepare for the national and Tennessee portions.
• Pass all required examination portions.
• Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
• Complete electronic fingerprinting.
• Select a Tennessee-licensed sponsoring firm and principal broker.
• Gather education, examination, fingerprinting, insurance, identification, and disclosure documents.
• Submit the initial affiliate broker application through CORE.
• Apply within six months after passing all examination portions.
• Pay the applicable state application fee.
• Track renewal and continuing-education deadlines.
• Complete 16 hours of continuing education, including the required TREC Core course, before renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Real estate licensing is regulated by Tennessee rather than by the City of Memphis. Memphis applicants follow the same TREC requirements that apply throughout the state.

Can I complete the required education online?

Yes. An applicant may choose an online format if the provider and course satisfy Tennessee’s approval requirements and include the required 60-hour Principles of Real Estate education.

How many education hours are required in total?

Tennessee requires 90 total hours for an affiliate broker license: 60 hours before the examination and a separate 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before the license is issued.

Do I need a sponsoring broker before taking the exam?

The 60-hour course must be completed before taking the exam. However, an affiliate broker must be associated with a qualifying Tennessee firm and principal broker for the licensing process to be completed.

Is fingerprinting required before the exam?

No. Fingerprinting is not required to sit for the examination, but it is required for the initial license application.

How much is the Tennessee real estate exam?

The current affiliate broker examination fee is $63 for both portions. PSI lists the state-only portion at $26 and the national-only portion at $37.

How much is the initial affiliate broker application?

The supplied Tennessee licensing materials identify the initial application fee as $91. Confirm the current amount through TREC or CORE before submitting payment.

What must I do after passing the exam?

Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates, complete fingerprinting, finalize the sponsoring brokerage information, assemble the required documentation, and submit the application through CORE within six months after passing all examination portions.

Can an affiliate broker work independently?

No. An affiliate broker works under the supervision of a Tennessee principal broker. Independent brokerage operations require the appropriate broker license and compliant firm structure.

What continuing education is required?

Current PSI information identifies 16 hours of continuing education every two years, including a six-hour TREC Core course. Verify the current renewal requirements directly with TREC before completing renewal.

Authoritative Sources

• Tennessee Real Estate Commission
• PSI Tennessee Real Estate Candidate Bulletin
• PSI Tennessee Real Estate Examination Information
• Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Memphis Real Estate Sales Agents, May 2023
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Memphis Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics