If you want to buy, sell, or lease real estate for others in Rutherford, Tennessee, the usual entry point is a Tennessee affiliate broker license. Tennessee does not issue a separate Rutherford real estate license; licensing, education, examinations, applications, and renewals are handled statewide by TREC. 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 Rutherford.

This guide explains the current Tennessee process and how it applies to beginning a real estate career in Rutherford.

Tennessee Real Estate License Requirements

To qualify for a Tennessee affiliate broker license, an applicant must generally:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Complete the required Tennessee real estate education.
• Pass the Tennessee real estate examination administered by PSI.
• Complete electronic fingerprinting and submit the required receipt.
• Provide the required eligibility verification.
• Obtain errors and omissions insurance.
• Affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed principal broker.
• Submit the application and required fee through Tennessee’s licensing system.

TREC may also review an applicant’s criminal history and licensing background. Applicants who are on parole or probation cannot be scheduled for the examination and must generally be off parole or probation for at least two years before examination scheduling.

Meeting the basic qualifications does not guarantee approval. TREC reviews the application and supporting documentation before issuing the license.

Required Tennessee Real Estate Education

Tennessee requires affiliate broker applicants to complete 60 hours of approved real estate education in real estate principles or fundamentals before taking the licensing examination.

After passing the examination, applicants must also complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates. The certificate or letter showing completion of this course must be included with the license application.

The education sequence is therefore:

1. Complete 60 hours of approved pre-licensing education.
2. Have the education provider submit proof of completion to PSI.
3. Take and pass the affiliate broker examination.
4. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
5. Submit the application and supporting documents to TREC.

A school must be approved for Tennessee licensing education. Before enrolling, confirm that the provider’s course satisfies TREC’s requirements and that the provider reports completion properly.

For an online Tennessee pre-licensing option, review Leap Real Estate’s Tennessee pre-licensing course. Online education can be useful for students who need to study around work, family, or other obligations, but the course must still meet Tennessee’s approved education standards.

Can You Take the Course Online?

Online pre-licensing education may be a practical option for aspiring agents in Rutherford because it can eliminate the need to attend every class in person. Course availability, delivery format, testing procedures, and enrollment policies vary by provider.

Before purchasing an online course, verify that:

• The provider is approved to offer Tennessee real estate education.
• The course includes the required 60 hours of principles or fundamentals education.
• The provider explains how attendance and final-course completion are verified.
• The provider submits education completion information to PSI.
• The course includes current Tennessee law and examination topics.
• The school explains whether the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is included or purchased separately.

You can compare the course format and Tennessee-specific curriculum through this Tennessee real estate pre-licensing resource. Completing the course online does not eliminate the examination, fingerprinting, application, insurance, or sponsoring-broker requirements.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Complete the 60-hour course

Finish the approved 60-hour Tennessee pre-licensing course. The education provider must send proof of completion to PSI before you can register for the examination.

Keep your certificate or completion documentation. TREC requires proof of education as part of the licensing process.

2. Register for the licensing examination

PSI administers Tennessee’s affiliate broker examination. Once the education provider submits proof of completion, PSI reviews the applicant’s eligibility and sends instructions for paying for and scheduling the examination.

The examination has national and state portions. PSI lists the full affiliate broker examination fee as $63, with separate state-only and national-only retest fees of $26 and $37, respectively.

Bring the admission notice and an acceptable photo ID bearing your signature to the examination appointment.

3. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is required in addition to the 60-hour pre-licensing course. Include the completion letter or certificate with the application.

4. Select a sponsoring principal broker

A new affiliate broker must be associated with a Tennessee principal broker. The principal broker signs the PSI examination application and sponsors the affiliate broker’s relationship with the brokerage.

Choosing a sponsoring broker is a business decision as well as a licensing step. Compare:

• Commission structure and transaction fees.
• Training for new agents.
• Mentoring and supervision.
• Lead-generation support.
• Technology and transaction-management systems.
• Office, desk, or administrative fees.
• Coverage area in and around Rutherford.
• Brokerage policies for advertising, contracts, and client communication.

The license allows an affiliate broker to work under the supervision of the sponsoring brokerage; it does not make the new licensee an independent principal broker.

5. Complete fingerprinting and the background check

Tennessee requires licensees to be fingerprinted. Tennessee applicants generally schedule an appointment through IdentoGO, which transmits fingerprints to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The TREC ORI number for the affiliate broker application is TN920784Z. Applicants must submit the electronic fingerprinting receipt with the application.

Fingerprinting should be completed early enough to avoid delaying the application. Follow the current IdentoGO instructions and retain all receipts and confirmation information.

6. Obtain errors and omissions insurance

Tennessee requires proof of an errors and omissions insurance policy for the affiliate broker application.

Ask the sponsoring brokerage whether it provides coverage through a group policy or whether you must obtain individual coverage. Do not assume that insurance is automatically included.

7. Submit the Tennessee license application

The initial affiliate broker application is submitted online through Tennessee’s CORE system. The current initial affiliate broker application fee is $91.

Required documentation includes items such as:

• Proof of high school graduation.
• Proof of the 60-hour education requirement.
• Proof of the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
• PSI examination documentation.
• Proof of errors and omissions insurance.
• Eligibility verification.
• Electronic fingerprinting receipt.
• The required application fee.

TREC’s application instructions should control if a form, document, or procedure changes.

Background Checks, Criminal History, and Eligibility

Fingerprinting allows Tennessee authorities to conduct the required state and federal background checks. A criminal record does not automatically answer every licensing question; eligibility can depend on the nature of the offense, the timing, probation or parole status, and the information disclosed.

Answer application questions accurately and provide requested explanations or documentation. Omissions or inconsistent information can create additional licensing problems. Applicants with criminal, disciplinary, or professional licensing histories should contact TREC or obtain qualified legal advice before applying.

Tennessee Real Estate Licensing Examination

The Tennessee affiliate broker examination is administered by PSI.

The exam includes:

• A national portion covering general real estate principles and practices.
• A Tennessee state portion covering state-specific laws, rules, and requirements.

Effective preparation should combine the approved course material with focused practice questions and review of Tennessee-specific topics. Pay particular attention to:

• Agency relationships.
• Contracts.
• Property ownership and transfer.
• Financing.
• Fair housing and consumer protection.
• Tennessee license law and commission rules.
• Brokerage relationships and supervision.
• License maintenance and advertising requirements.

PSI provides the official scheduling and examination instructions. The listed full affiliate broker examination fee is $63.

If you do not pass both portions, review PSI’s retesting instructions and determine whether a state-only or national-only retest is required. Retest fees are listed separately by PSI.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

The required costs include more than the course price. Typical official fees and expenses include:

| Item | Current amount or requirement |
|---|---:|
| Initial affiliate broker application | $91 |
| Full affiliate broker examination | $63 |
| State-only examination retest | $26 |
| National-only examination retest | $37 |
| Fingerprinting | Fee set by the fingerprinting provider; required receipt must be submitted |
| Pre-licensing education | Varies by approved education provider |
| 30-hour Course for New Affiliates | Varies by approved education provider |
| Errors and omissions insurance | Cost varies by policy or brokerage |
| License renewal every two years | $75 |

The official fee schedule also lists a $25 transfer fee when moving a license to a new firm and penalties for late renewal or continuing-education deficiencies.

Because education, fingerprinting, insurance, and brokerage charges vary, calculate the full budget before enrolling. Confirm all fees directly with TREC, PSI, the education provider, and the selected brokerage.

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

Tennessee does not guarantee one universal completion time for every applicant. The timeline depends on:

• How quickly you complete the 60-hour course.
• When the education provider reports completion to PSI.
• Examination appointment availability.
• Whether you pass on the first attempt.
• Fingerprint processing.
• How quickly you complete the 30-hour course.
• Whether the application is complete.
• TREC review and any request for additional documentation.
• How quickly you select a sponsoring principal broker.

A well-organized applicant can reduce delays by completing fingerprinting promptly, keeping course certificates, scheduling the examination as soon as eligible, and preparing the application before the exam date.

Do not make moving, employment, or transaction plans based on an assumed issue date. The license must be issued and properly affiliated before conducting activities that require a Tennessee real estate license.

Sponsoring Broker Requirements

Affiliate brokers work through a licensed Tennessee brokerage under a principal broker. The principal broker’s signature is required on the PSI examination application documentation described by TREC.

A sponsoring broker typically provides the legal and operational framework for a new agent, including supervision, transaction review, brokerage policies, and compliance procedures. The exact business arrangement depends on the brokerage.

When interviewing Rutherford-area brokerages, ask for a written explanation of:

• Commission splits.
• Transaction and administrative fees.
• Training and mentoring.
• Lead distribution.
• Marketing rules.
• Required technology or association expenses.
• Independent-contractor or employee classification.
• Procedures for changing firms.
• Expected production or office obligations.

Selecting the lowest-fee brokerage is not always the same as selecting the best launch environment. New agents should compare the total cost of support, education, supervision, and lead access.

Post-License Education

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

Tennessee also has a separate post-license education requirement for brokers. Brokers licensed after January 1, 2001, must complete 120 additional hours of commission-approved education before the applicable post-license deadline for continued licensure.

This 120-hour broker requirement should not be confused with the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates required for an initial affiliate broker license. Confirm the deadline that applies to your license type and issuance date with TREC.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Tennessee’s current fee schedule lists license renewal every two years at $75. Continuing-education requirements must also be satisfied when applicable.

TREC information states that active affiliate brokers and certain brokers must complete 16 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period, including:

• 6 hours of the current TREC CORE course.
• 10 hours of elective education.

The 120-hour post-broker education requirement applies before the regular continuing-education cycle begins for affected newly licensed brokers.

Education providers report completed hours to CE Broker, but licensees should still monitor their own records and renewal deadlines. Failure to complete required education can prevent renewal or result in penalties.

Potential Earnings in Rutherford, Tennessee

Reliable, authoritative city-level earnings data for real estate sales agents in Rutherford, Tennessee, is not identified in the available official sources. Therefore, a precise Rutherford salary or income figure should not be presented as fact.

Real estate income can vary substantially based on:

• Number and type of transactions.
• Sales prices and commission arrangements.
• Brokerage splits and transaction fees.
• Full-time or part-time activity.
• Lead generation and business expenses.
• Local market conditions.
• Experience and specialty.

Because affiliate brokers commonly earn through transaction-based compensation rather than a guaranteed salary, new licensees should create a conservative financial plan. Budget for education, insurance, transportation, marketing, association or listing-service costs, technology, taxes, and periods without closed transactions.

For current wage and employment statistics, consult the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Tennessee labor-market data directly. Do not rely on unverified online claims about average earnings in Rutherford.

Career Opportunities in and Around Rutherford

A Tennessee affiliate broker license can support several real estate career paths, subject to the scope of the license and brokerage supervision:

• Residential buyer representation.
• Residential listing services.
• Relocation assistance.
• New-construction sales.
• Leasing and rental representation.
• Property-management-related work where separately permitted.
• Commercial real estate.
• Land and rural property transactions.
• Investment-property sales.
• Transaction coordination or brokerage operations.

Rutherford-area professionals may build business by learning the local housing stock, understanding nearby communities, developing relationships with lenders and inspectors, and maintaining accurate knowledge of Tennessee agency and disclosure rules.

The absence of a separate Rutherford licensing system does not make local knowledge irrelevant. A successful local practice still requires familiarity with neighborhood conditions, property types, transportation patterns, schools and public services as appropriate, zoning and land-use issues, and the expectations of buyers, sellers, landlords, and investors.

Practical Checklist for Rutherford Applicants

Use this checklist to organize the process:

• Confirm that you meet Tennessee’s age and education requirements.
• Choose a TREC-approved 60-hour pre-licensing course.
• Complete the course and confirm that the provider reports completion to PSI.
• Select a sponsoring brokerage and principal broker.
• Schedule and pass the PSI affiliate broker examination.
• Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
• Schedule electronic fingerprinting through the approved process.
• Obtain errors and omissions insurance.
• Gather education certificates, high school documentation, eligibility verification, and examination records.
• Submit the initial affiliate broker application through CORE.
• Pay the $91 application fee and other applicable charges.
• Wait for TREC processing and license issuance.
• Complete required continuing education and renew on time.

For another overview of the education step, visit the Tennessee pre-licensing course page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a separate Rutherford, Tennessee, real estate license?

No separate city license is identified for this process. Tennessee real estate licensing is regulated by TREC at the state level.

How many hours of education are required before the Tennessee exam?

Affiliate broker applicants must complete 60 hours of approved education in real estate principles or fundamentals before taking the examination.

Is the 30-hour course required?

Yes. Tennessee requires the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates in addition to the 60-hour pre-licensing education.

How much is the Tennessee license application?

The initial affiliate broker application fee is $91.

How much is the Tennessee real estate exam?

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

Do Tennessee applicants need fingerprints?

Yes. Tennessee requires electronic fingerprinting, and applicants must submit the fingerprinting receipt with the application.

Do I need a broker before getting licensed?

An affiliate broker must be affiliated with a Tennessee principal broker. The principal broker signs the relevant examination application documentation and provides the required brokerage supervision.

How often must a Tennessee license be renewed?

The TREC fee schedule lists license renewal every two years. Applicable continuing-education requirements must also be completed before renewal.

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, “How to Get a License” — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/license/get.html
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, “PSI & Exam Information” — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/license/psi.html
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, “Real Estate Commission Fees” — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/license/fees.html
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, “Broker Licensure” — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/license/license-how-to/broker.html
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, “Tennessee Real Estate Commission” — https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec.html
• Tennessee Real Estate Commission, “Fall 2025 Newsletter” — https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/commerce/documents/regboards/trec/newsletters/Fall-2025.pdf
• Leap Real Estate, “Tennessee Pre-Licensing” — https://leaprealestate.com/state-licenses/tennessee-pre-licensing