If you want to become a real estate agent in Rossville, Tennessee, you must obtain a Tennessee affiliate broker license. Tennessee uses “affiliate broker” for the entry-level real estate license that allows you to work under the supervision of a Tennessee-licensed 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 Rossville.

Real estate licensing is regulated statewide by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC). Rossville does not have a separate city real estate license identified in TREC’s licensing requirements. As a result, Rossville applicants follow the same education, examination, fingerprinting, insurance, sponsorship, and application requirements as applicants throughout Tennessee.

Once licensed, you may serve clients in Rossville, Fayette County, the Memphis-area market, and other Tennessee communities within the scope of your brokerage and license.

Tennessee Real Estate License Requirements

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 60 hours of approved real estate principles or fundamentals education before taking the examination.
• Pass the required portions of the Tennessee affiliate broker examination.
• Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before the license is issued.
• Submit an electronic fingerprinting receipt.
• Complete the Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form.
• Obtain errors and omissions insurance.
• Obtain affiliation with a Tennessee-licensed principal broker.
• Submit the required documentation and application fee through Tennessee’s CORE system.

TREC issues the license. Rossville residents do not apply for a separate municipal real estate license to work as an agent.

Required Tennessee Real Estate Education Hours

Tennessee requires prospective affiliate brokers to complete 90 hours of approved real estate education, divided into two courses.

60-Hour Principles of Real Estate Course

The first requirement is a 60-hour course covering real estate principles and fundamentals. Topics commonly include:

• Property ownership.
• Land-use controls.
• Contracts.
• Agency relationships.
• Real estate finance.
• Valuation and market analysis.
• Property management.
• Tennessee real estate law and rules.
• Real estate mathematics and professional practice.

The 60-hour course must be completed before registering for the licensing examination. The education provider must submit proof of completion to PSI, the state’s examination vendor, before the applicant can schedule the exam.

The school should also provide a completion certificate or letter. Keep this documentation because it must generally be included with the license application.

30-Hour Course for New Affiliates

The second requirement is the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates. This course must be completed before the affiliate broker license is issued.

Applicants should confirm with their education provider when the course must be taken and how completion will be reported. The 30-hour course is a pre-issuance requirement and should not be confused with continuing education required after licensing.

Online Tennessee Real Estate Courses

Online education can be a practical option for applicants living in Rossville, particularly those who need to study around work, family, or transportation schedules. Before enrolling, confirm that the specific provider and course are approved for Tennessee licensing education.

When comparing online courses, review:

• Whether the course satisfies Tennessee’s 60-hour Principles requirement.
• Whether the provider also offers the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
• How course completion is reported to PSI.
• Whether a certificate or completion letter is provided.
• Instructor access and student support.
• Practice tests and exam preparation.
• Technology and attendance requirements.
• Refund and cancellation policies.
• Whether the course is self-paced, livestreamed, or instructor-led.

Applicants can review this Tennessee real estate pre-licensing course information when comparing approved education options.

An online course eliminates the need to commute to a classroom, but it does not eliminate the examination, fingerprinting, insurance, sponsorship, or application requirements. Applicants should verify approval status before paying for a course.

How to Get a Tennessee Real Estate License: Step by Step

1. Confirm your eligibility

Before enrolling, verify that you meet Tennessee’s basic eligibility requirements, including the minimum age and high school education requirements. Applicants with unusual education, licensing, or eligibility circumstances should contact TREC before proceeding.

2. Complete the 60-hour Principles course

Enroll in and complete an approved 60-hour Tennessee real estate principles or fundamentals course.

After completion, confirm that the provider has submitted the required information to PSI. PSI must receive the education information before you can register for the licensing examination.

3. Register for the affiliate broker examination

PSI administers the Tennessee Real Estate Commission’s affiliate broker examination. After the education provider submits the required information and PSI approves the applicant for testing, PSI provides instructions for payment and scheduling.

4. Prepare for and take the examination

The examination includes national and Tennessee-specific content. Study topics may include:

• Property ownership.
• Land-use controls.
• Valuation and market analysis.
• Contracts.
• Agency.
• Financing.
• Settlement and closing.
• Real estate practice.
• Tennessee license law.
• TREC rules and regulations.

Applicants should follow PSI’s current instructions concerning testing-center admission, identification, scheduling, and retesting.

5. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

Finish the required 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before submitting the license application. Retain the completion certificate or letter for the application package.

6. Choose a sponsoring principal broker

A Tennessee affiliate broker works under a Tennessee-licensed principal broker. The principal broker signs the PSI examination application and provides the brokerage affiliation required for the licensing process.

Interview potential brokerages before applying. Compare:

• Commission splits.
• Monthly or transaction fees.
• Desk, technology, and marketing charges.
• Training and mentoring.
• Lead distribution.
• Contract and compliance support.
• Transaction-coordinator services.
• Office and attendance policies.
• Employee or independent-contractor classification.
• Geographic coverage in Rossville, Fayette County, Shelby County, and nearby communities.
• Opportunities for residential, land, investment, or commercial work.

The highest advertised commission split is not always the best choice for a new agent. Training, supervision, transaction support, and predictable fees can be especially valuable during the first year.

7. Complete fingerprinting and the background-check process

Tennessee requires fingerprinting for applicants seeking an initial real estate license. Tennessee residents generally schedule electronic fingerprinting through IdentoGO. The fingerprints are transmitted for processing by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

TREC identifies the following information for the real estate licensing fingerprint process:

• Service code: 28TZ99.
• ORI number: TN920784Z.

Applicants should follow the current TREC and IdentoGO instructions, schedule the correct service, and retain the electronic fingerprinting receipt for the application.

Fingerprinting is required for the license application and is not a substitute for passing the examination. A criminal record does not automatically determine the outcome of an application. TREC may review the circumstances and request additional documentation.

8. Obtain errors and omissions insurance

Applicants must provide proof of an errors and omissions insurance policy with the license application.

Some brokerages arrange coverage for affiliated licensees, while others require agents to obtain or pay for coverage separately. Ask the sponsoring broker who provides the policy, what it covers, and whether the cost is deducted from commissions or charged separately.

9. Submit the application through CORE

Applicants complete the Initial Real Estate Affiliate Broker Application online through Tennessee’s CORE system.

The application package 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.
• Proof of errors and omissions insurance.
• Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form.
• Electronic fingerprinting receipt.
• Required application fee.

Tennessee Affiliate Broker Licensing Examination

PSI administers Tennessee’s affiliate broker examination on behalf of TREC.

The exam contains national and state portions. Applicants should use the current PSI candidate information and scheduling instructions because testing procedures, identification requirements, and retesting rules can change.

The current listed examination fees are:

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

The state and national fees total $63 when taken separately. PSI states that a passing score for one examination section remains valid for two retakes of the failed section or one year, whichever comes first.

Applicants should bring the required admission information and acceptable identification to the testing center. If one portion is failed, follow PSI’s current retesting instructions rather than registering incorrectly for the full examination.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

The total cost depends on the education provider, fingerprinting vendor, insurance arrangements, exam preparation, transportation, and brokerage expenses.

Known TREC and PSI charges include:

| Expense | Current listed amount |
|---|---:|
| Initial affiliate broker application | $91 |
| Full affiliate broker examination | $63 |
| State examination portion | $26 |
| National examination portion | $37 |
| License and firm renewal every two years | $75 |
| Fingerprinting | Varies by provider |
| Pre-licensing education | Varies by approved provider |
| Errors and omissions insurance | Varies by policy or brokerage |

The initial application and full examination fees total $154, before education, fingerprinting, insurance, exam preparation, transportation, and brokerage expenses.

TREC lists a $50-per-month late-renewal fee for the first 120 days and a $100-per-month fee for days 121 through 365, subject to the commission’s current rules.

Check the current TREC fee schedule before submitting payment because fees and penalties may change.

How Long Does It Take to Get Licensed in Tennessee?

Tennessee does not guarantee one standard licensing timeline for every applicant. The process depends on:

• How quickly you complete the 60-hour course.
• How soon the school reports completion to PSI.
• Exam availability.
• Whether you pass the examination on the first attempt.
• Fingerprinting and background-check processing.
• The time required to obtain insurance.
• How quickly you select a principal broker.
• Whether the application is complete.

A typical sequence is:

1. Complete the 60-hour Principles course.
2. Confirm that the education provider reported completion to PSI.
3. Register for and pass the examination.
4. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
5. Arrange fingerprinting.
6. Obtain errors and omissions insurance.
7. Select a sponsoring principal broker.
8. Assemble the supporting documents.
9. Submit the application through CORE.

Applicants should avoid scheduling the examination until the education provider confirms that PSI has received the required education information. Candidates should also review the current PSI bulletin for deadlines affecting examination results and application submission.

Missing certificates, incomplete eligibility information, fingerprinting issues, unanswered background questions, or delays in choosing a brokerage can extend the process.

Sponsoring Broker Requirements

An affiliate broker cannot operate independently as a Tennessee broker. The affiliate broker must be affiliated with a licensed firm and work under a Tennessee principal broker.

The principal broker generally provides:

• Supervision.
• Transaction oversight.
• Compliance guidance.
• Brokerage policies.
• Contract support.
• Training and mentoring.
• Assistance with recordkeeping and client transactions.

A Rossville applicant may compare firms serving Fayette County, Shelby County, Memphis, and surrounding West Tennessee communities. Consider the firm’s physical coverage, technology, local reputation, training, commission structure, and support for new agents.

Ask each brokerage:

• Who pays for errors and omissions insurance?
• Are there monthly, transaction, or technology fees?
• Is there formal training?
• How are leads assigned?
• Who reviews contracts?
• Is transaction coordination included?
• What happens if the agent changes firms?
• Does the brokerage actively serve Rossville and nearby communities?

Post-License Education

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates must be completed before the initial affiliate broker license is issued.

This course is separate from continuing education. Applicants should confirm with their approved school whether the course should be completed before or after the examination and how the school will document completion for TREC.

Because education rules may be amended, verify the current course sequence with TREC or the approved provider before relying on an older checklist.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Tennessee licenses are renewed every two years through the CORE system. TREC lists the licensee and firm renewal fee as $75.

After applicable post-license requirements are satisfied, affiliate brokers and brokers generally 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.

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

Late renewal and continuing-education penalties may apply. TREC’s current fee information lists separate penalties for late renewal and continuing-education deficiencies, so licensees should check the commission’s current instructions rather than waiting until the expiration date.

Potential Earnings for Rossville Real Estate Agents

Real estate income is not guaranteed. Affiliate brokers commonly earn compensation through commissions or other transaction-based arrangements, and actual income may vary according to:

• Number of closed transactions.
• Property prices.
• Commission agreements.
• Brokerage splits and fees.
• Local inventory.
• Interest rates and market conditions.
• Experience and specialization.
• Full-time or part-time status.
• Marketing and operating expenses.

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

These are national occupational statistics, not guaranteed salaries for Rossville. They should not be treated as a city-specific income forecast.

New agents should prepare for variable income and budget for:

• Marketing and advertising.
• Mileage and vehicle expenses.
• Association and multiple-listing-service charges.
• Business software and client-management tools.
• Brokerage and transaction fees.
• Insurance.
• Licensing and education costs.
• Taxes and self-employment obligations, depending on work structure.

A financial reserve can help cover expenses while building a client base and waiting for transactions to close.

Career Opportunities in Rossville and West Tennessee

Rossville is located in Fayette County and is part of the broader West Tennessee and Memphis-area real estate market. A licensed affiliate broker may pursue opportunities involving:

• Residential home sales.
• First-time buyers.
• Relocation clients.
• Land and rural property.
• New construction.
• Investment and rental property.
• Listing services.
• Buyer representation.
• Property management, when conducted under the appropriate licensed firm.
• Commercial real estate, depending on the brokerage’s specialization and the agent’s training.

Some agents may serve clients across Rossville, Fayette County, Shelby County, and nearby communities rather than limiting their practice to the city.

Useful early-career activities include:

• Studying Rossville and Fayette County property-tax issues.
• Learning local zoning and land-use considerations.
• Reviewing comparable sales.
• Building relationships with lenders, inspectors, attorneys, and contractors.
• Attending community events.
• Creating a compliant marketing plan.
• Learning the brokerage’s transaction and recordkeeping procedures.
• Developing a referral network throughout West Tennessee.

The best market area depends on the agent’s transportation range, client base, brokerage coverage, and preferred property type.

Affiliate Broker vs. Tennessee Real Estate Broker

An affiliate broker license is the usual entry point for a Tennessee real estate career. A broker license is a more advanced credential with additional education, experience, examination, and application requirements.

TREC states that broker candidates generally need:

• 120 classroom hours of approved real estate education.
• A 30-hour Office/Broker Management course.
• Required active affiliate broker experience, unless qualifying through a permitted real-estate degree pathway.
• A separate broker examination and application.

For many candidates licensed as affiliate brokers after May 12, 1988, TREC identifies 36 months of active affiliate broker experience as a standard broker-exam eligibility requirement. Candidates with a qualifying bachelor’s degree majoring in real estate may qualify under a different experience requirement.

A broker may be eligible for greater responsibility, including supervising affiliated licensees, subject to Tennessee law and TREC requirements. Most people seeking to begin selling real estate in Rossville should first pursue the affiliate broker license.

Tennessee Real Estate License Checklist

Use this checklist to organize the licensing process:

• Confirm age, education, and eligibility requirements.
• Enroll in an approved 60-hour Tennessee Principles of Real Estate course.
• Complete the 60-hour course.
• Confirm that the provider submitted completion information to PSI.
• Register for and pass the affiliate broker examination.
• Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
• Schedule electronic fingerprinting through the approved process.
• Retain the fingerprinting receipt.
• Obtain errors and omissions insurance.
• Select a Tennessee principal broker.
• Obtain the required examination application signature.
• Gather education, insurance, eligibility, and fingerprint documents.
• Submit the initial affiliate broker application through CORE.
• Track the application and license issuance.
• Complete continuing education before each renewal deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Rossville require its own real estate license?

No separate Rossville real estate license is identified in TREC’s licensing materials. Real estate licensing is handled by the State of Tennessee through TREC.

Can I complete Tennessee real estate education online?

Online options may be available through approved providers. Confirm that the specific course is approved for Tennessee and satisfies the 60-hour Principles requirement and the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.

You can review this Tennessee pre-licensing education option before enrolling.

Is fingerprinting required to take the exam?

Fingerprinting is required for an initial license application. TREC’s licensing instructions treat the electronic fingerprinting receipt as application documentation, while exam eligibility is handled through the education provider and PSI.

How much is the Tennessee affiliate broker application fee?

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

How much does the Tennessee real estate exam cost?

PSI lists the affiliate broker examination fee as $63, consisting of a $26 state portion and a $37 national portion when taken separately.

Do I need a sponsoring broker?

Yes. The PSI examination application must be signed by a principal broker, and an affiliate broker must work under a Tennessee principal broker and licensed firm.

Is there a guaranteed salary for a Rossville real estate agent?

No. Real estate compensation depends on transactions, commission arrangements, expenses, experience, and market conditions. National BLS wage statistics are not guaranteed Rossville salaries.

How often must a Tennessee real estate license be renewed?

Tennessee licenses are renewed every two years. TREC lists the licensee and firm renewal fee as $75.

How much continuing education is required?

After applicable post-license requirements are satisfied, licensees generally complete 16 hours during each two-year renewal period: 6 hours of CORE education and 10 elective hours.

Final Takeaway

To get a real estate license in Rossville, Tennessee, complete 60 hours of approved principles education, pass the PSI affiliate broker examination, complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates, complete fingerprinting, obtain errors and omissions insurance, secure sponsorship from a Tennessee principal broker, and submit the initial application through CORE.

Because TREC regulates real estate licensing statewide, Rossville applicants follow Tennessee’s requirements rather than a separate city licensing system. After licensing, agents can build careers serving Rossville, Fayette County, the Memphis area, and the wider West Tennessee market.

Authoritative Sources

• Tennessee Real Estate Commission — Affiliate Broker
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission — How to Get a License
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission — PSI and Exam Information
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission — Real Estate Commission Fees
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission — Renewal, Reciprocity and Other Resources
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission — Broker Licensure
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission — Candidate Information Bulletin
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook: Sales
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents