If you want to sell or lease real estate in Monterey, Tennessee, you must meet the licensing requirements established by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC). Tennessee does not issue a separate Monterey real estate license. Instead, an applicant obtains a Tennessee affiliate broker license and works under a Tennessee-licensed firm and 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 Monterey.

The process generally involves completing approved education, passing the state licensing examination, submitting fingerprints and a background check, applying through Tennessee’s online licensing system, and affiliating with a sponsoring broker.

Tennessee Real Estate License Requirements

To qualify for an initial 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 real estate education.
• Pass the Tennessee affiliate broker examination administered by PSI.
• Submit the required application and supporting documents.
• Complete electronic fingerprinting and the required background review.
• Obtain errors and omissions insurance through the applicable Tennessee process.
• Affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker.

TREC lists proof of high school graduation, an examination application signed by the principal broker, proof of errors and omissions insurance, fingerprint documentation, and the Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form among the required application materials.

Required Real Estate Education in Tennessee

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

• 60 hours of Real Estate Principles and Fundamentals before taking the licensing examination.
• 30 hours of the Course for New Affiliates before the license can be issued.

The 60-hour principles course is the pre-examination requirement. The education provider must submit proof of completion to PSI before the applicant can register for the examination.

The additional 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is completed after—or separately from—the initial 60-hour course, but it must be completed before the license is issued. Applicants submit the course completion documentation with the license application.

Choose a school and course that are approved for Tennessee licensing education. Pre-license courses cannot be substituted with continuing education courses, and TREC distinguishes pre-license education from education used to renew an existing license.

Online Tennessee Real Estate Courses

Online education can be a practical option for Monterey residents who want to study around work, family, or other obligations. Before enrolling, confirm that the provider offers Tennessee-approved education and that the course satisfies the specific 60-hour or 30-hour requirement.

A Tennessee-focused online pre-licensing course is available through Leap Real Estate’s Tennessee pre-licensing program. Review the provider’s current course format, enrollment terms, exam-preparation resources, and completion procedures before purchasing.

An online course does not eliminate the state examination, application, fingerprinting, or sponsoring-broker requirements. It also does not automatically guarantee that an applicant will pass the PSI examination.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Confirm eligibility

Verify that you meet Tennessee’s age and education requirements. If your education credentials are from outside the United States or are otherwise unusual, contact TREC before beginning the application.

2. Complete the 60-hour principles course

Enroll in a TREC-approved 60-hour Real Estate Principles and Fundamentals course. Your school must report completion to PSI so that you can become eligible to schedule the examination.

3. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

Complete the required 30-hour Course for New Affiliates. Keep the certificate or letter of completion because TREC requires documentation with the license application.

4. Select a sponsoring broker

Tennessee affiliate brokers work under a principal broker at a licensed real estate firm. Begin interviewing brokerages serving Monterey, Cookeville, Crossville, and surrounding Upper Cumberland communities. Ask about:

• Commission splits and transaction fees.
• Desk, technology, and monthly fees.
• Training and mentoring.
• Lead distribution.
• Contract review and compliance support.
• Office or remote-work expectations.
• Geographic coverage and local market expertise.
• Whether the firm handles property management, leasing, or commercial transactions.

The sponsoring principal broker must sign the PSI examination application and is involved in the affiliation and licensing process.

5. Register for the PSI examination

PSI administers the Tennessee real estate examination. Once the education provider submits the required information and PSI approves eligibility, PSI provides instructions for paying and scheduling the examination.

Applicants must bring the required admission notice and an acceptable photo identification document bearing a signature.

6. Complete fingerprinting and the background check

Tennessee requires fingerprints for initial real estate license applications. Fingerprinting is not required simply to sit for the examination, but it is required for an applicant pursuing an initial license.

Tennessee applicants generally schedule electronic fingerprinting through IdentoGO. The Tennessee Real Estate Commission service code is 28TZ99, and the ORI number listed by TREC for affiliate broker applications is TN920784Z.

The fingerprints are transmitted for processing by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Complete fingerprinting early enough to avoid delaying the application, and disclose prior criminal or disciplinary matters accurately when required.

7. Pass the examination

The affiliate broker examination includes national and Tennessee state portions. PSI currently lists the following examination fees:

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

The state and national amounts total the full examination fee. PSI states that a passing score on one section remains valid for two retakes of the failed section or one year, whichever comes first.

Use the current PSI candidate bulletin and TREC examination information when preparing because testing procedures, identification rules, and content outlines can be revised.

8. Submit the license application

After passing all required examination portions, complete the initial affiliate broker application online through Tennessee’s CORE licensing system. TREC currently lists the initial affiliate broker application fee as $91.

Typical supporting materials include:

• Examination documentation.
• Proof of the required education.
• 30-hour Course for New Affiliates certificate.
• High school diploma or equivalent documentation.
• Electronic fingerprinting receipt.
• Errors and omissions insurance documentation.
• Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form.
• Principal broker signature and affiliation information.

TREC may request additional information if the application, education, criminal-history review, or supporting documents require clarification.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

The total cost depends on the school, fingerprint vendor, study materials, travel, and whether the applicant must retake any examination portion. Known state and examination charges include:

| Expense | Current amount or description |
|---|---:|
| Initial affiliate broker application | $91 |
| Full PSI affiliate broker examination | $63 |
| PSI state portion only | $26 |
| PSI national portion only | $37 |
| Pre-license education | Varies by provider |
| Electronic fingerprinting | Vendor charge; verify current amount with IdentoGO |
| Errors and omissions insurance | Policy or program cost varies |
| License renewal | $75 every two years, according to TREC’s fee schedule |
| Examination retake | Verify current PSI charge and retesting rules |

The $91 application fee and $63 full examination fee do not include education, fingerprinting, insurance, transportation, or brokerage-related expenses. Confirm all charges before payment.

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

Tennessee does not publish one universal processing timeline that applies to every applicant. The total time depends on:

• How quickly you complete the 60-hour course.
• When the education provider reports completion to PSI.
• Examination appointment availability.
• Whether you pass both examination sections on the first attempt.
• Fingerprinting and background-review processing.
• How quickly the application is submitted with complete documentation.
• Whether TREC requests additional information.
• How quickly a sponsoring broker completes the affiliation process.

A prepared applicant may complete the process in a matter of weeks, while part-time study, exam retakes, incomplete documents, or background-review questions can extend the timeline. Do not make business or employment commitments based on an assumed approval date.

Sponsoring Broker Requirements

An affiliate broker cannot independently operate as an unaffiliated salesperson. The license must be associated with a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker.

A Tennessee real estate firm must be licensed by TREC and maintain a principal broker and a fixed location with adequate facilities for affiliated licensees. The principal broker provides supervision, transaction oversight, and compliance support.

When comparing brokerages in or near Monterey, consider both compensation and supervision. A higher commission split may not be the best choice if it comes with limited training, weak contract support, or substantial mandatory fees.

After You Get the License: Post-License Education

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is a required early-career education component and must be completed before the affiliate broker license is issued.

Do not confuse this course with the separate post-broker education requirement. TREC states that brokers licensed after January 1, 2001, must complete 120 additional hours of Commission-approved education before the applicable renewal milestone. That 120-hour requirement applies to broker licensees, not to a new affiliate broker simply obtaining an entry-level license.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Tennessee licensees must complete continuing education to renew their licenses. TREC states that, after completion of the applicable post-broker education requirement, brokers licensed after January 1, 2005, must complete 16 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period, including:

• 6 hours of the required CORE course.
• 10 hours of elective education.

TREC’s education guidance identifies the CORE course as mandatory for renewal and states that education providers report course hours through CE Broker.

Because education requirements can depend on license type and the licensee’s post-license status, verify your individual renewal requirements through TREC and CE Broker before the renewal deadline.

Potential Earnings in Monterey, Tennessee

Reliable, authoritative salary data specifically for Monterey is not provided in the TREC licensing materials. Real estate income is also highly variable because many agents are paid through commissions rather than a fixed salary.

Earnings can depend on:

• Number and price of closed transactions.
• Commission agreements and brokerage splits.
• Experience and referral business.
• Residential, commercial, land, leasing, or property-management specialization.
• Seasonal market conditions.
• Marketing and prospecting activity.
• Whether the agent works full time or part time.

Because a dependable city-level earnings figure is unavailable here, prospective licensees should avoid treating online salary estimates as a guaranteed Monterey income. For broader wage information, consult the latest real estate sales-agent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Tennessee labor-market sources, recognizing that statewide or metropolitan estimates may not represent Monterey.

Career Opportunities Around Monterey

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

• Residential buyer representation.
• Residential listing and seller representation.
• New-construction sales.
• Land and rural-property transactions.
• Vacation, second-home, or recreational-property sales.
• Leasing and rental representation.
• Property management, when performed under the licensing and supervision structure required by Tennessee.
• Commercial real estate.
• Relocation services.
• Real estate referrals and brokerage support.
• Future advancement to a Tennessee broker license.

Monterey is a small community, so a new agent may build business by developing relationships across the wider Upper Cumberland region rather than relying only on transactions within city limits. Nearby markets such as Cookeville and Crossville may offer additional prospects, subject to brokerage coverage, local competition, and the agent’s chosen specialty.

Property management in Tennessee requires an active Tennessee broker or affiliate broker license and affiliation with an actively licensed Tennessee firm. Always verify whether a proposed activity falls within Tennessee’s licensing requirements.

Practical Checklist for Monterey Applicants

Use this checklist to organize the licensing process:

• Confirm age and high school education eligibility.
• Choose a TREC-approved education provider.
• Complete the 60-hour principles and fundamentals course.
• Confirm the school reported completion to PSI.
• Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
• Interview Tennessee-licensed brokerages serving Monterey and nearby communities.
• Schedule electronic fingerprinting through the approved process.
• Register for the PSI affiliate broker examination.
• Pass the national and Tennessee portions.
• Gather education, fingerprint, insurance, identification, and broker documents.
• Submit the initial application through CORE.
• Pay the current $91 application fee.
• Monitor the application and respond promptly to TREC requests.
• Complete required continuing education before each renewal deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Monterey issue its own real estate license?

No separate Monterey real estate license is identified in the Tennessee licensing requirements. Real estate licensing is regulated at the Tennessee state level by TREC.

How many hours of education are required?

An affiliate broker candidate must complete 90 total hours: 60 hours of principles and fundamentals before the examination and a 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before the license is issued.

Can the required education be completed online?

Online study may be available through approved providers. Confirm that the specific course is approved for Tennessee and satisfies the required course category before enrolling. One option to review is this Tennessee pre-licensing course.

How much does the Tennessee license application cost?

TREC currently lists the initial affiliate broker application fee as $91. Education, fingerprinting, insurance, and examination costs are separate.

How much is the Tennessee real estate exam?

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

Do I need a broker before taking the exam?

The PSI examination application must be signed by a principal broker, and the license must be affiliated with a licensed firm. Begin speaking with potential sponsoring brokers before applying so the required affiliation information is available when needed.

Are fingerprints required?

Yes. TREC requires fingerprints for initial real estate license applications. Fingerprinting is separate from examination eligibility.

What happens if I fail one section?

PSI states that a passing score on one section is valid for two retakes of the failed section or one year, whichever comes first. Review the current PSI rules before scheduling a retest.

Can I work independently after getting an affiliate broker license?

An affiliate broker works under a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker. Independent brokerage operation generally requires meeting Tennessee’s separate broker and firm requirements.

Authoritative Sources

• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, Affiliate Broker Licensing Requirements — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/license/license-how-to/affiliate-broker.html
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, Real Estate Commission Fees — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/license/fees.html
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, PSI and Exam Information — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/license/psi.html
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, How to Get a License — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/license/get.html
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, Candidate Information Bulletin — https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/commerce/documents/regboards/trec/forms/PSI-Bulletin.pdf
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, Education Courses — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/education/courses.html
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, Real Estate Firm Requirements — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/license/license-how-to/real-estate-firm.html
• Leap Real Estate, Tennessee Pre-Licensing Education — https://leaprealestate.com/state-licenses/tennessee-pre-licensing