How to Get Your Real Estate License in Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee

If you want to become a real estate agent in Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee, you must obtain a license through the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC). Tennessee regulates real estate licensing at the state level, so Red Boiling Springs does not issue a separate city real estate license for agents. 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 Red Boiling Springs.

Most new applicants begin with a Tennessee affiliate broker license. The process generally requires approved education, a licensing examination, electronic fingerprinting, a background review, an application through Tennessee’s CORE system, errors and omissions insurance, and affiliation with a Tennessee-licensed principal broker.

A Tennessee affiliate broker license allows you to perform licensed real estate activities throughout the state under the supervision of your principal broker. You may focus your business on Red Boiling Springs, Macon County, and surrounding communities, subject to your brokerage’s policies and service area.

Is Real Estate Licensing Regulated by Red Boiling Springs or Tennessee?

Real estate licensing is regulated by the State of Tennessee through TREC, not by the City of Red Boiling Springs.

Local requirements may still apply to business operations, local taxes, zoning, signs, or registering a company. These requirements are separate from professional real estate licensing and should be confirmed with the appropriate city or county office.

Your Tennessee license authorizes you to conduct licensed real estate activities throughout Tennessee while you remain affiliated with and supervised by an eligible principal broker.

Tennessee Affiliate Broker License Requirements

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

Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete 60 hours of approved real estate education before taking the examination.
Pass the Tennessee affiliate broker examination administered by PSI.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Submit electronic fingerprints.
Satisfy Tennessee’s criminal-history and eligibility requirements.
Obtain errors and omissions insurance through the required process.
Submit the application and supporting documents through CORE.
Affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker.

TREC identifies proof of high school graduation, education certificates, an Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form, an electronic fingerprinting receipt, errors and omissions insurance documentation, and sponsoring broker information among the materials required for an initial application.

Applicants with criminal convictions, pending legal matters, parole or probation histories, or previous licensing issues should contact TREC before making significant financial commitments. Eligibility depends on the facts and documentation associated with the matter.

Required Tennessee Real Estate Education

Tennessee affiliate broker candidates must complete 60 hours of approved education in real estate principles and fundamentals before taking the licensing examination.

The education provider must submit proof of completion to PSI before the applicant can register for the examination. The school should also provide a completion certificate or letter for the license application.

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

Tennessee education requirements

| Requirement | Hours | When it is completed |
|---|---:|---|
| Real estate principles and fundamentals | 60 hours | Before the licensing examination |
| Course for New Affiliates | 30 hours | After passing the examination and before license issuance |
| Total initial education | 90 hours | Throughout the licensing process |

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is not included in the 60-hour principles course. Both requirements must be documented.

Online Tennessee Real Estate Courses

Online education can be convenient for applicants living in Red Boiling Springs because it may eliminate regular travel to a classroom in another city. It can also help students balance coursework with employment, family obligations, or other responsibilities.

Before enrolling, confirm that the provider’s course is currently approved for Tennessee licensing. Compare:

Self-paced and instructor-led formats.
Course access periods and extension policies.
Attendance and identity-verification procedures.
Quizzes and final examinations.
Exam-preparation materials.
Reporting of completion to PSI.
Refund and cancellation policies.
Availability of the separate 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Technical support and student assistance.

Applicants can review Tennessee-focused education options through the Tennessee pre-licensing course from LEAP Real Estate. Course approval, tuition, included materials, and enrollment terms should be verified before purchase.

Completing an online course does not grant a license. You must still pass the PSI examination, complete fingerprinting, satisfy TREC’s eligibility requirements, submit an application, and affiliate with a sponsoring principal broker.

Step-by-Step Process to Get a Tennessee Real Estate License

1. Confirm your eligibility

Before enrolling in a course, verify that you:

Are at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Can satisfy TREC’s eligibility requirements.
Are prepared to disclose relevant criminal, professional, or licensing history.

If you have a conviction, are on parole or probation, or have another concern that could affect eligibility, contact TREC before paying for education or scheduling an examination.

2. Complete the 60-hour principles course

Enroll with a Tennessee-approved provider and complete the 60-hour real estate principles and fundamentals course.

After completion, confirm that the school has submitted the required information to PSI. You should also retain the course completion certificate or letter for the license application.

3. Create the required accounts and prepare for the exam

The application and examination process involves Tennessee’s CORE system and PSI. Review the current PSI examination information and TREC instructions before scheduling.

Study both the national and Tennessee-specific portions of the examination. Practice questions, course reviews, and focused study of Tennessee license law can help identify knowledge gaps.

4. Schedule and pass the PSI examination

PSI administers Tennessee’s affiliate broker examination. The examination contains national and state-specific material.

Common subject areas include:

Property ownership.
Land-use controls.
Contracts.
Agency relationships.
Brokerage operations.
Financing.
Settlement and closing.
Property management.
Leasing.
Real estate calculations.
Fair housing.
Tennessee license law and Commission rules.

PSI currently lists the following affiliate broker examination fees:

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

If you pass one portion but not the other, review PSI’s current retesting instructions before registering again. Examination fees are separate from education, fingerprinting, and application costs.

Bring the required examination admission information and an acceptable photo identification document bearing your signature.

5. Complete electronic fingerprinting

Tennessee requires fingerprinting for initial real estate license applicants. Fingerprints are submitted for processing through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Tennessee applicants generally schedule fingerprinting through IdentoGO using:

TREC service code: 28TZ99
TREC ORI number: TN920784Z

The fingerprinting receipt and ORI information must be included with the application. Fingerprinting is a separate expense, and the provider’s charge should be confirmed when scheduling.

6. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

After passing the examination, complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates through an approved education provider. Keep the certificate or completion letter because TREC requires documentation before issuing the license.

Additional Tennessee education information is available through LEAP Real Estate’s Tennessee licensing resources. Compare course approval, price, format, and completion requirements with the current TREC rules.

7. Choose a sponsoring principal broker

A Tennessee affiliate broker cannot operate independently. You must affiliate with a licensed Tennessee firm and work under the supervision of that firm’s principal broker.

When interviewing brokerages in Red Boiling Springs, Macon County, or nearby communities, ask about:

Commission splits.
Transaction and administrative fees.
Monthly desk or technology fees.
Training and mentoring.
Lead-generation programs.
Transaction coordination.
Advertising and social media rules.
Office access.
Geographic coverage.
Support for rural, land, farm, residential, and recreational transactions.
Policies for working across county lines.
Errors and omissions insurance arrangements.

The principal broker’s information and signature are part of the affiliate broker application process.

8. Submit the application through CORE

The initial affiliate broker application is submitted online through Tennessee’s CORE system. TREC currently lists the initial affiliate broker application fee as $91.

The application package may include:

The completed initial affiliate broker application.
PSI examination documentation.
Proof of the 60-hour principles course.
Proof of the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Proof of high school graduation or equivalent.
Electronic fingerprinting receipt.
TREC ORI information.
Errors and omissions insurance documentation.
Eligibility verification documents.
Sponsoring firm and principal broker information.

Review the current TREC checklist before submitting the application. Missing information can delay processing.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

The total cost varies according to the education provider, fingerprinting charge, study materials, transportation, retesting, and brokerage expenses.

Current listed state and examination charges include:

| Cost item | Current listed amount |
|---|---:|
| Full affiliate broker examination | $63 |
| State-only retest | $26 |
| National-only retest | $37 |
| Initial affiliate broker application | $91 |
| License and firm renewal every two years | $75 |
| Transfer to a new firm | $25 |
| Fingerprinting | Confirm current provider charge |
| Pre-license education | Varies by provider |
| Course for New Affiliates | Varies by provider |

A realistic budget should account for:

60-hour pre-license education.
The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Exam-preparation materials.
PSI examination fees.
Fingerprinting.
The TREC application fee.
Transportation or technology expenses.
Brokerage onboarding costs.
MLS or association charges.
Marketing and advertising.
Continuing education.
Automobile and business expenses.

Course prices and fingerprinting charges are not represented by the $91 application fee, so confirm all costs before enrolling.

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

Tennessee does not provide one guaranteed processing time for every affiliate broker applicant. The total time can vary based on:

How quickly you complete the 60-hour course.
Examination availability.
Whether you pass on the first attempt.
Fingerprint processing.
Background or eligibility review.
Application completeness.
TREC requests for additional documents.
How quickly you select a sponsoring broker.

Some applicants may complete the process in several weeks, while others may need longer. Part-time students, applicants who retest, and applicants whose background requires additional review should expect a longer process.

To minimize avoidable delays:

Use your legal name consistently on identification and applications.
Keep all education certificates and receipts.
Confirm that your provider reported course completion to PSI.
Schedule fingerprinting promptly.
Answer application questions completely and accurately.
Begin interviewing brokerages before passing the exam.
Contact TREC early if you have a potentially disqualifying legal or licensing issue.

Background Checks and Criminal History

Electronic fingerprinting allows Tennessee authorities to obtain state and federal criminal-history information for an initial license application.

Applicants should disclose relevant history accurately and provide court dispositions or other records when requested. A criminal record does not automatically determine the outcome of every application, but TREC may evaluate the nature of the conduct, when it occurred, the legal status of the matter, and other relevant circumstances.

TREC states that applicants generally must have been off parole or probation for at least two years before being scheduled for the examination. Applicants with questions about their individual circumstances should contact TREC directly.

Tennessee Affiliate Broker Examination

The affiliate broker examination includes both:

A national portion covering general real estate principles and practices.
A Tennessee portion covering state law, regulations, and real estate practices.

Study topics may include:

Forms of ownership.
Property transfer.
Contracts.
Agency and brokerage relationships.
Financing.
Appraisal concepts.
Property management.
Leasing.
Fair housing.
Tennessee license law.
Commission rules.
Real estate mathematics.

PSI currently lists a $63 fee for the full affiliate broker examination. The listed retest fees are $26 for the state portion and $37 for the national portion.

Examination procedures, fees, identification requirements, and scheduling policies can change. Review the current PSI information before booking an appointment.

Sponsoring Broker Requirements

A newly licensed affiliate broker must be affiliated with a Tennessee-licensed firm and supervised by a principal broker. An affiliate broker cannot independently operate a brokerage or accept licensed activities outside the required brokerage relationship.

The best brokerage choice depends on more than the advertised commission split. Compare:

Training for new agents.
Mentoring.
Transaction support.
Lead distribution.
Technology fees.
Marketing support.
Office resources.
Geographic coverage.
Broker accessibility.
Rules for personal transactions and referrals.
Experience with rural and agricultural property.

For an agent serving Red Boiling Springs, local and regional knowledge can be especially valuable. Ask prospective brokerages about their experience with:

Rural homes.
Farms and acreage.
Private wells and septic systems.
Easements and access roads.
Boundary and survey issues.
Flood risks.
Older properties.
Recreational or second-home property.
Transactions involving nearby counties.

Real estate professionals should refer clients to qualified attorneys, accountants, surveyors, inspectors, lenders, and other specialists when legal, tax, engineering, or technical advice is required.

Post-License Education

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is part of Tennessee’s initial licensing process. It is separate from the 60-hour principles course and must be completed before the license is issued.

Post-license education should not be confused with continuing education. The 30-hour course applies to new affiliate brokers, while continuing education applies during later renewal periods after the applicable post-license requirements have been satisfied.

Keep copies of education certificates and monitor license and education records through Tennessee’s designated systems.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

TREC requires applicable Tennessee brokers and affiliate brokers to complete continuing education during renewal cycles after satisfying the required post-license education.

The current continuing education requirement is 16 hours during each two-year renewal period, consisting of:

A six-hour CORE course.
Ten elective hours.

TREC currently lists the licensee and firm renewal fee as $75 every two years. A licensee who does not complete required education may face renewal problems, penalties, or other consequences.

Track your renewal date, verify that completed courses are reported, and review TREC’s current renewal instructions before the deadline.

Becoming a Tennessee Broker Later

Many Tennessee professionals begin as affiliate brokers and later pursue a broker license.

Current TREC broker requirements include:

An active affiliate broker license for the required period.
120 classroom hours of approved real estate education.
A 30-hour Office/Broker Management course.
Successful completion of the broker examination.
Additional application and documentation requirements.

The standard experience requirement is generally 36 months of active affiliate broker licensure. An applicant with a bachelor’s degree majoring in real estate may qualify with 24 months of active licensure, subject to TREC’s requirements.

A broker license may allow a professional to manage a firm, supervise affiliate brokers, or operate a brokerage. It also carries greater supervisory, compliance, and administrative responsibilities.

Potential Real Estate Earnings in Red Boiling Springs

Real estate income is not guaranteed. Earnings can vary based on:

Number of completed transactions.
Property prices.
Commission agreements.
Brokerage splits.
Market conditions.
Lead generation.
Business expenses.
Experience and specialization.

Reliable city-specific earnings data for Red Boiling Springs are not available from the authoritative sources reviewed for this article. For broader context, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 2025 median annual pay of $57,400 for real estate brokers and sales agents combined. This national figure is not a guaranteed salary for a Tennessee agent or a forecast for Red Boiling Springs.

The BLS separately reports 2025 median annual pay of $52,830 for real estate sales agents and $73,220 for real estate brokers. Actual income may be substantially higher or lower.

New agents should budget for:

Brokerage splits.
Transaction and technology fees.
MLS and association dues.
Marketing.
Photography.
Signs and lockboxes.
Automobile expenses.
Telephone and internet service.
Continuing education.
Insurance arrangements.
Lead-generation services.
Taxes and self-employment obligations.

A practical business plan should use multiple income scenarios rather than relying on a single salary estimate.

Career Opportunities Near Red Boiling Springs

Red Boiling Springs is a small rural community in Macon County. Because the local market is smaller than major Tennessee metropolitan areas, an agent may need to build relationships across a wider service area, depending on brokerage policies and client demand.

Potential specialties include:

Residential home sales.
Land and acreage.
Farm and agricultural property.
Rural relocation.
Recreational property.
Second homes.
Buyer representation.
Listing services.
Property management, when properly authorized.
Referrals to agents in Nashville and other larger markets.
Commercial property in nearby communities.

A Red Boiling Springs agent can add value by learning about:

County records.
Property taxes.
Road access.
Easements.
Utilities.
Septic systems.
Private wells.
Flood zones.
Surveys and boundaries.
Zoning and land-use issues.
School information.
Rural property inspections.
Nearby inventory and comparable sales.

Because buyers and sellers may search across multiple counties, studying regional inventory, pricing, land transactions, and relocation patterns can be more useful than focusing only on Red Boiling Springs city limits.

Tennessee Real Estate License Checklist

Use this checklist to organize the process:

Confirm that you meet Tennessee’s age and education requirements.
Review TREC’s current eligibility rules.
Choose an approved 60-hour principles course.
Complete the course.
Confirm that the provider reported completion to PSI.
Study national and Tennessee-specific examination material.
Create or update the required PSI and CORE accounts.
Schedule and pass the affiliate broker examination.
Complete electronic fingerprinting.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Interview Tennessee-licensed firms and principal brokers.
Gather education certificates, identification, insurance, fingerprinting, and eligibility documents.
Submit the initial affiliate broker application through CORE.
Confirm that the license is issued and affiliated with the correct firm.
Track post-license and continuing education deadlines.
Create a budget for business, brokerage, marketing, and tax expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Red Boiling Springs require its own real estate license?

No separate city real estate license replaces the Tennessee affiliate broker license. Professional licensing is handled at the state level by TREC. Local business, tax, zoning, or registration requirements may still apply to business operations.

How many hours are required before the Tennessee real estate exam?

Affiliate broker candidates must complete 60 hours of approved real estate principles and fundamentals education before taking the examination.

Is the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates included in the 60 hours?

No. It is a separate requirement. The 60-hour course must be completed before the examination, while the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates must be completed before the license is issued.

How much does the Tennessee real estate exam cost?

PSI currently lists the full affiliate broker examination fee as $63. State-only and national-only retest fees are currently listed as $26 and $37.

How much is the Tennessee affiliate broker application?

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

Do Tennessee real estate applicants need fingerprints?

Yes. Initial Tennessee real estate license applicants must submit electronic fingerprints. The current TREC service code is 28TZ99, and the ORI number is TN920784Z.

Can a Tennessee affiliate broker work independently?

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

How long does the licensing process take?

There is no single guaranteed timeline. Many applicants should plan for several weeks or longer, depending on course completion, examination scheduling, fingerprint processing, background review, application completeness, and broker affiliation.

What is the average real estate agent salary in Red Boiling Springs?

An authoritative city-specific salary figure was not identified. The BLS reports national 2025 median pay of $57,400 for real estate brokers and sales agents combined, but actual income in Red Boiling Springs can vary substantially.

Can an affiliate broker eventually become a Tennessee broker?

Yes. TREC generally requires active affiliate broker experience, 120 hours of approved education, a 30-hour Office/Broker Management course, the broker examination, and additional documentation. The standard active-license requirement is generally 36 months, with a possible 24-month requirement for applicants who hold a qualifying bachelor’s degree in real estate.

Authoritative Sources