If you want to become a real estate agent in New Market, Tennessee, you must meet the licensing requirements established by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC). New Market does not issue a separate municipal real estate license for agents; the required credential is a Tennessee affiliate broker 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 New Market.

The typical path is to complete approved education, pass the Tennessee licensing examination, complete fingerprinting and a background check, submit an application, and affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed sponsoring broker.

Tennessee Real Estate Licensing in New Market

Tennessee uses the term affiliate broker for the entry-level real estate license commonly called a real estate salesperson or agent in other states.

Because licensing is regulated at the state level:

• You apply through the Tennessee Real Estate Commission.
• You take the state-approved PSI examination.
• You complete Tennessee-approved education.
• You submit your application through Tennessee’s CORE online system.
• You must work under a licensed principal broker after receiving your license.

Local considerations—such as the New Market housing market, brokerage offices serving Jefferson County, and the types of properties available in the area—may affect your business strategy, but they do not create separate city-level licensing requirements.

Basic Requirements for a Tennessee Affiliate Broker License

Tennessee’s primary entry-level requirements include:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Complete the required pre-licensing education.
• Pass the Tennessee affiliate broker examination.
• Submit fingerprints for a criminal-history background check.
• Complete the required application and supporting documentation.
• Obtain errors and omissions insurance through the applicable licensing process.
• Affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed principal broker.

TREC requires applicants to provide proof of high school graduation, complete the Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form, and submit the documentation required with the affiliate broker application.

A criminal record does not automatically mean an applicant cannot become licensed. However, applicants should disclose required information accurately and allow TREC to evaluate the record under Tennessee law and commission procedures.

Required Real Estate Education Hours

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

The education consists of:

• 60 hours of Real Estate Principles or Fundamentals before taking the licensing examination.
• 30 hours of the Course for New Affiliates, which must be completed as part of the licensing process.

The 60-hour principles course must be completed before the education provider can submit proof of eligibility to PSI for examination scheduling. The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is generally completed before the application is submitted.

Students should confirm that the school and course are approved for Tennessee licensing. Completing a course that does not satisfy TREC’s requirements can delay exam eligibility or application approval.

Online Tennessee Real Estate Courses

Online education can be a convenient option for people in New Market, especially those balancing work, family, or other commitments. Before enrolling, confirm that the provider offers a Tennessee-approved course and that the format satisfies TREC’s rules.

A Tennessee-focused online pre-licensing course can help you complete the required education without commuting to a classroom. Review course details, exam-preparation resources, instructor access, completion procedures, and refund policies before purchasing.

For an online option, see Tennessee real estate pre-licensing education. The course provider should be able to explain how completion is reported to PSI and what documentation you receive for the TREC application.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Complete the 60-hour principles course

Enroll in a TREC-approved 60-hour Real Estate Principles or Fundamentals course. Keep your completion certificate or letter because it may be needed for the examination and license application.

2. Become eligible for the exam

Your education provider submits the required education information to PSI. PSI reviews the eligibility information before allowing you to schedule the examination.

3. Schedule the PSI examination

After approval, PSI sends instructions for paying and scheduling the exam. PSI administers the Tennessee affiliate broker examination.

4. Pass the examination

The exam includes national and Tennessee state portions. Candidates must pass the required portions before continuing with the licensing process.

5. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

Complete the required 30-hour course and obtain proof of completion.

6. Select a sponsoring broker

An affiliate broker must be associated with a Tennessee-licensed principal broker. Discuss potential brokerages before submitting your license application so the sponsoring broker can complete the required portions of the paperwork.

7. Complete fingerprinting

Schedule electronic fingerprinting through IdentoGO using TREC’s designated service information. Tennessee applicants’ fingerprints are transmitted for processing by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

8. Submit the application

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

The application package may include:

• PSI examination application signed by the principal broker.
• Proof of education.
• Proof of high school graduation or equivalent.
• Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form.
• Electronic fingerprinting receipt and required ORI number.
• Errors and omissions insurance documentation.
• Other documents requested by TREC.

Background Check and Fingerprinting

Fingerprinting is required for an initial Tennessee real estate license. It is generally an application requirement rather than a prerequisite to taking the examination.

TREC identifies the following information for electronic fingerprinting:

• Provider: IdentoGO.
• TREC ORI number: TN920784Z.
• Tennessee applicants schedule an appointment through IdentoGO.
• Fingerprints are transmitted for state and federal background processing.

Complete fingerprinting early enough to avoid delaying the application. Keep the receipt and submit it as TREC requires.

Tennessee Real Estate Licensing Exam

PSI administers Tennessee’s real estate examinations.

The affiliate broker examination includes:

• A national portion.
• A Tennessee-specific state portion.

The listed examination fee for an affiliate broker is $63, consisting of a $26 state-only portion and a $37 national-only portion.

Candidates should bring the admission notice and an acceptable photo identification document bearing a signature.

Effective preparation typically includes reviewing:

• Tennessee license law and commission rules.
• Agency relationships.
• Contracts and disclosures.
• Property ownership and transfer.
• Financing and settlement.
• Fair housing requirements.
• Real estate calculations.
• National real estate principles and practices.

If you fail one portion, check the current PSI and TREC retesting instructions to determine which portion must be retaken and whether additional fees apply.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

The state-controlled costs commonly associated with obtaining an affiliate broker license include:

| Expense | Current listed amount |
|---|---:|
| Affiliate broker examination, both portions | $63 |
| Initial affiliate broker application | $91 |
| TREC education-provider fee for courses over 30 hours | $50 |
| Pre-licensing course tuition | Varies by provider |
| Fingerprinting and background-check charge | Verify with IdentoGO |
| Study materials or exam preparation | Varies |
| Renewal every two years | $75 |

The total cost will be higher than the state application and examination fees because schools set their own tuition and fingerprinting providers charge separately. Ask the education provider and IdentoGO for current charges before budgeting.

The TREC-listed renewal fee for a licensee and firm is $75 every two years.

How Long Does It Take to Get Licensed?

Tennessee does not establish one universal number of days for every applicant to complete the process. The timeline depends on:

• How quickly you complete the 90 hours of education.
• Course availability and study time.
• PSI examination appointment availability.
• Whether you pass both exam portions on the first attempt.
• Fingerprint-processing time.
• Application completeness.
• TREC review time.
• How quickly a sponsoring broker completes the required documents.

A prepared applicant may complete the process in a matter of weeks, while others may take longer if they study part-time, need to retest, or submit incomplete documentation. The most reliable way to estimate your timeline is to contact the education provider, PSI, IdentoGO, and TREC about current processing schedules.

Finding a Sponsoring Broker in New Market

An affiliate broker cannot operate independently in the same way as a principal broker. You must be affiliated with a Tennessee-licensed firm and supervised by the firm’s principal broker.

When comparing brokerages serving New Market and the surrounding Jefferson County area, ask about:

• Commission splits and transaction fees.
• Monthly desk or technology fees.
• Training and mentoring.
• Lead-generation programs.
• Listing and transaction support.
• Availability of offices near New Market.
• Technology platforms.
• Marketing requirements.
• Contract review and compliance support.
• Expectations for floor time, prospecting, and client follow-up.

The highest commission split is not always the best choice for a new agent. Training, supervision, transaction assistance, and access to practical leads may be more valuable during the first year.

Post-License Education

Tennessee requires new affiliate brokers to complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates as part of the initial licensing process.

Do not confuse this course with continuing education. The 30-hour course is a post-license requirement associated with becoming an affiliate broker, while continuing education is completed during later renewal cycles.

Confirm the completion deadline and reporting procedure with TREC and your approved education provider. Keep copies of all course certificates and verify that completed hours are properly reported.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Tennessee licensees must renew their licenses according to the commission’s renewal schedule and satisfy applicable continuing education requirements.

For brokers subject to the post-broker education rules, TREC states that after the required post-broker education is completed, brokers must complete 16 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period, including a six-hour CORE course and 10 elective hours.

Affiliate brokers should verify their own current education and renewal requirements through TREC because requirements can depend on license type, licensing date, and whether post-license education has been completed.

Failure to complete required education can prevent renewal or create an inactive or expired license status. Check your records through the state’s designated education-reporting system and complete courses before the renewal deadline.

Potential Earnings in New Market, Tennessee

Real estate income is not guaranteed. Affiliate brokers are commonly paid through commissions or compensation arrangements established with their brokerage, and earnings can vary substantially based on:

• Number of transactions closed.
• Property prices.
• Commission agreements.
• Brokerage split and fees.
• Part-time versus full-time work.
• Market conditions.
• Lead generation and repeat business.
• Experience and specialization.

Reliable, authoritative city-level earnings data for real estate agents specifically in New Market is not identified in the available Tennessee licensing sources. Therefore, a specific New Market salary or income figure should not be treated as verified.

Prospective agents should review broader state or metropolitan labor-market data from authoritative sources such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and compare it with actual compensation plans offered by brokerages serving New Market. Commission-based earnings can differ significantly from wage estimates, so local brokerage interviews and personal budgeting are essential.

Career Opportunities Around New Market

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

• Residential buyer representation.
• Residential listing services.
• Relocation assistance.
• Land and rural property sales.
• New-construction sales.
• Investment-property transactions.
• Property management-related business, where separately permitted.
• Commercial real estate.
• Leasing and rental representation.
• Referral business.
• Future advancement to principal broker.

New Market’s location in Jefferson County may create opportunities to serve clients looking for homes, land, second homes, rentals, or properties connected to nearby communities. Agents may also build business by developing expertise in local neighborhoods, commuting patterns, schools, recreation, zoning, property taxes, and rural-property considerations.

Before offering services outside ordinary brokerage activities, confirm whether the work requires another license, designation, or business arrangement.

Should You Get a Tennessee Real Estate License?

A Tennessee license may be a good fit if you are prepared to:

• Study state law and real estate fundamentals.
• Pass a national and state examination.
• Work under a sponsoring principal broker.
• Build a client pipeline.
• Follow advertising, agency, fair housing, and transaction rules.
• Manage irregular income.
• Complete required education after licensing.
• Maintain accurate records and meet renewal deadlines.

The license itself does not guarantee clients or earnings. Success generally requires consistent prospecting, market knowledge, ethical conduct, strong communication, and careful transaction management.

Tennessee Real Estate License Checklist

Use this checklist when planning your application:

• Confirm that you meet the age and education prerequisites.
• Complete 60 hours of approved Tennessee principles or fundamentals education.
• Confirm that your provider submits eligibility information to PSI.
• Schedule and pass the PSI affiliate broker examination.
• Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
• Choose a Tennessee-licensed sponsoring principal broker.
• Complete electronic fingerprinting through IdentoGO.
• Gather education, identification, high school, insurance, and examination documents.
• Submit the initial affiliate broker application through CORE.
• Pay the $91 application fee and other applicable charges.
• Confirm that TREC receives and processes the application.
• Track post-license and continuing education deadlines.

For another overview of Tennessee pre-licensing education, visit this Tennessee real estate licensing course page and verify all requirements against the Tennessee Real Estate Commission before enrolling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does New Market issue its own real estate license?

No separate New Market real estate agent license is identified in the applicable state licensing requirements. Real estate licensing is regulated by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission.

How many hours of education are required?

Tennessee requires 90 total hours for an affiliate broker license: 60 hours of principles or fundamentals before the exam and a 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.

How much is the Tennessee real estate exam?

The listed affiliate broker examination fee is $63 for both portions, or $26 for the state portion and $37 for the national portion.

How much is the initial license application?

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

Is fingerprinting required?

Yes. TREC requires fingerprinting for initial real estate license applications. Applicants generally use IdentoGO for electronic fingerprint submission.

Can the courses be completed online?

Online courses may be available, but the provider and course must satisfy Tennessee approval requirements. Confirm approval and completion procedures before enrolling.

Do I need a broker to get licensed?

You must affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed principal broker to practice as an affiliate broker. Discuss sponsorship with brokerages before submitting the application.

What happens after I pass the exam?

After passing, complete the remaining education and documentation requirements, obtain the required sponsoring-broker information, complete fingerprinting, and submit the application through CORE.

Authoritative Sources

• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, “Affiliate Broker” — 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 & 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, “Broker Licensure” — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/license/license-how-to/broker.html
• Leap Real Estate, “Tennessee Pre-Licensing” — https://leaprealestate.com/state-licenses/tennessee-pre-licensing