How to Get Your Real Estate License in Smithville, Tennessee

If you want to become a real estate agent in Smithville, Tennessee, you must obtain a Tennessee affiliate broker license through the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC). Smithville does not issue a separate city real estate license for sales 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 Smithville.

The general process is to:

Meet Tennessee’s basic eligibility requirements.
Complete the required real estate education.
Pass the national and Tennessee portions of the affiliate broker examination.
Complete electronic fingerprinting and a background check.
Affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed real estate firm and principal broker.
Submit the license application through Tennessee’s online licensing system.
Complete the required new-affiliate education before the license is issued.

Because licensing is handled at the state level, the same requirements apply to applicants living in Smithville, DeKalb County, and other Tennessee communities.

Is Real Estate Licensing Regulated by Smithville or Tennessee?

Real estate licensing in Smithville is regulated by the State of Tennessee through TREC. Applicants do not apply for a separate Smithville salesperson or real estate agent license.

Local requirements may still affect how a brokerage conducts business. For example, zoning, signage, business registration, and local tax rules may apply to a real estate office or business. Those local matters do not replace Tennessee’s education, examination, fingerprinting, application, and broker-affiliation requirements.

Tennessee Real Estate License Requirements

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

Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete the required Tennessee-approved education.
Pass the affiliate broker examination.
Complete electronic fingerprinting.
Submit to the required background review.
Provide the required application documents and fees.
Meet TREC’s character and fitness standards.
Affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker.
Obtain errors and omissions insurance as required for active Tennessee licensees.

TREC requires proof of high school graduation or a general educational development certificate as part of the licensing process.

Applicants with criminal convictions, professional discipline, prior license problems, or other background issues should disclose them accurately. A prior conviction does not automatically establish that an applicant will be denied, but TREC may request court records, explanations, or other supporting documentation.

Do not omit or misrepresent information on the application. Incomplete or inaccurate disclosure can create an additional licensing issue.

Required Tennessee Real Estate Education

Tennessee affiliate broker applicants must complete 90 hours of approved real estate education. The education is generally completed in two stages:

60-hour Basic Principles of Real Estate course: Must be completed before taking the examination.
30-hour Course for New Affiliates: Must be completed before the license is issued.

TREC’s affiliate broker requirements identify both courses as part of the education needed for initial licensure.

The 60-hour course introduces subjects such as:

Real estate principles and practices.
Property ownership.
Contracts.
Agency relationships.
Financing.
Valuation.
Tennessee real estate law.
Fair housing and professional responsibilities.

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates focuses on Tennessee brokerage procedures and practical responsibilities for newly licensed affiliate brokers.

Education providers may impose attendance, identity-verification, quiz, final-examination, or course-completion requirements. Before enrolling, confirm that the provider and specific courses are approved for Tennessee licensing.

Online Real Estate Courses for Smithville Residents

Tennessee-approved real estate education may be available through classroom, livestream, or online formats, depending on the provider. Online courses can be useful for Smithville residents who work full time, live in rural areas, or need a flexible study schedule.

When comparing online programs, check for:

Tennessee approval for the required course.
A complete 60-hour Basic Principles course.
Access to the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Instructor and technical support.
Exam-preparation materials.
Clear tuition and refund policies.
Course-completion reporting procedures.
Any deadlines for completing the coursework.

Applicants can review Tennessee online real estate pre-licensing education as one available course option. Confirm current approval, course availability, and completion requirements before registering.

An online course does not eliminate the licensing examination, fingerprinting, application, or sponsoring-broker requirements.

How to Apply for a Tennessee Real Estate License

The Tennessee licensing process generally follows these steps.

1. Complete the 60-hour education requirement

Finish the approved 60-hour Basic Principles of Real Estate course. The education provider must submit proof of completion to PSI before you can register for the examination.

Keep your course certificate or letter of completion because TREC requires education documentation with the license application.

2. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before the license is issued. Keep the certificate or letter of completion for submission with the application.

3. Review the current PSI examination information

Use the current PSI candidate information to understand the examination format, registration procedures, fees, testing locations, and retake rules. PSI administers the Tennessee affiliate broker examination.

4. Register and schedule the examination

After your education provider submits the required information to PSI, register for the exam through PSI’s Tennessee real estate testing system.

You must pass both the national and Tennessee portions unless TREC grants a specific waiver based on qualifying out-of-state licensing or examination history.

5. Pass the examination

Pass the required national and Tennessee portions of the affiliate broker examination. If you fail one portion, PSI’s current rules determine whether and when you may retake that portion.

6. Complete electronic fingerprinting

TREC requires electronic fingerprinting for initial real estate license applicants. Fingerprinting is part of the licensing application process and is not required merely to sit for the examination.

Use the authorization and ORI information specified by TREC. The current TREC affiliate broker page lists ORI number TN920784Z for the fingerprint receipt.

7. Choose a sponsoring broker

An affiliate broker must be affiliated with a Tennessee-licensed real estate firm and principal broker. New agents should interview brokerages serving Smithville, DeKalb County, and nearby markets before applying or immediately after passing the exam.

8. Submit the initial license application

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

The application may require:

Proof of education.
Examination documentation.
Fingerprint receipt.
High school diploma or equivalent documentation.
Principal broker information and signature.
Errors and omissions insurance documentation.
Background or character-related documents, if requested.
Required forms and payment.

9. Confirm issuance and affiliation

Do not perform activities requiring a real estate license until TREC has issued the license and the affiliation with the sponsoring firm has been properly recorded.

Tennessee Affiliate Broker Examination

The affiliate broker examination is administered by PSI and includes:

A national portion covering general real estate principles and practices.
A Tennessee portion covering state-specific laws, rules, licensing procedures, agency, contracts, and related subjects.

The PSI bulletin lists the affiliate broker examination as:

| Examination option | Current listed fee |
|---|---:|
| National and Tennessee portions together | $63 |
| Tennessee portion only | $26 |
| National portion only | $37 |

The listed PSI fees are subject to change. Verify the amount before scheduling.

The PSI bulletin lists the affiliate broker national examination as 160 minutes and the Tennessee portion as 80 minutes.

Exam preparation

Use the following materials to prepare:

Your approved pre-licensing course materials.
Tennessee real estate laws and rules.
The current PSI candidate bulletin.
Practice questions covering both national and Tennessee topics.
A study schedule that separates general real estate concepts from Tennessee-specific law.

The examination fee is separate from tuition, fingerprinting, the TREC application fee, and any retake costs.

Examination retakes

Candidates who do not pass may retake the failed portion under PSI’s current policies. Retake eligibility, scheduling, and fees can change, so use the current PSI information rather than an older school advertisement.

Background Check and Fingerprinting

TREC requires fingerprints for all initial Tennessee real estate license applications. Fingerprinting is separate from the examination and may involve a vendor processing charge.

Applicants should:

Follow TREC’s current electronic fingerprinting instructions.
Use the correct Tennessee real estate licensing authorization.
Provide accurate identifying information.
Keep the fingerprint receipt.
Disclose criminal history honestly.
Gather court dispositions or other documents if TREC requests them.
Allow additional time for a background or character review.

A background issue can lengthen the application process if TREC requests additional information. Applicants should not assume that an old or unrelated matter can be omitted.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

The total cost varies by education provider, fingerprint vendor, examination attempts, and brokerage arrangements.

Current known licensing costs include:

PSI affiliate broker examination: $63 for both portions, or $26 for the Tennessee portion and $37 for the national portion.
Initial affiliate broker application: $91.
Pre-licensing education: Varies by provider.
Fingerprinting and background processing: Varies by vendor.
Exam retakes: Subject to PSI’s current fee schedule.
Errors and omissions insurance: Required for active licensees, with cost depending on the applicable policy or brokerage arrangement.
Brokerage expenses: May include transaction fees, monthly fees, technology charges, association dues, marketing, transportation, and multiple-listing-service access.

Because fees can change, confirm current amounts through TREC, PSI, and the education provider before creating a budget.

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

Tennessee does not guarantee one universal processing time. The total timeline depends on:

How quickly you complete the required education.
Course schedules and completion policies.
PSI appointment availability.
Whether you pass both exam portions on the first attempt.
Fingerprint-processing time.
TREC application review.
Any requests for additional background documentation.
How quickly you find a sponsoring broker.
Whether your application is complete when submitted.

A motivated applicant may complete the education and examination steps quickly, but the process can take longer if an exam retake or character review is required.

PSI materials state that the examination fee is valid for one year, while TREC information indicates that applicants must complete the licensing process within the applicable examination and affiliation deadlines. Confirm the current deadline directly with TREC and PSI when you pass the examination.

TREC educational guidance also states that an applicant must affiliate with a firm within six months after completing the examination or retire the license.

Finding a Sponsoring Broker in Smithville

A Tennessee affiliate broker works under the supervision of a principal broker. The sponsoring firm must be licensed by TREC and maintain the required brokerage structure.

When interviewing brokerages serving Smithville and nearby communities, ask about:

Commission splits.
Transaction and administrative fees.
Monthly desk or technology fees.
Training and mentoring.
Lead-generation programs.
Office and showing support.
Contract review and compliance assistance.
Geographic coverage in DeKalb County and surrounding areas.
Marketing restrictions and advertising approval.
Errors and omissions insurance arrangements.
Part-time-agent policies.
Access to transaction-management systems.
Continuing education and professional development.

Pre-licensing education teaches legal and technical concepts, but practical brokerage training is essential for contracts, negotiations, disclosures, inspections, pricing, and transaction coordination.

Post-License Education for New Affiliates

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

The course helps new licensees transition from general education into Tennessee brokerage practice. Topics may include:

Brokerage relationships.
Tennessee laws and rules.
Contracts and forms.
Agency responsibilities.
Advertising.
Professional conduct.
Transaction procedures.
Recordkeeping.
Compliance responsibilities.

Confirm course availability and completion requirements with TREC or a TREC-approved education provider.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Tennessee licensees generally renew their licenses on a two-year cycle. TREC educational guidance identifies 16 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period, including the required six-hour TREC Core course.

Continuing education may cover:

Tennessee laws and rules.
Agency and fiduciary duties.
Contracts and disclosures.
Fair housing.
Ethics and professional conduct.
Risk management.
Brokerage operations.
Current industry practices.

Complete education through approved providers and verify that course completion has been properly reported. For renewal education or additional licensing coursework, applicants can review Tennessee real estate course options and confirm eligibility before registering.

Potential Earnings for Smithville Real Estate Agents

Real estate income is not guaranteed. Many agents earn primarily through commissions, so income can vary based on:

Number of closed transactions.
Property prices.
Commission arrangements.
Brokerage splits and fees.
Market conditions.
Lead generation.
Experience and specialization.
Business and operating expenses.

City-specific earnings data for Smithville may not be published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. State, regional, or national statistics should therefore be treated as broad context rather than a forecast for an individual agent.

The BLS reported the following 2025 national wage figures for the real estate industry:

Real estate sales agents: median annual wage of $49,850.
Real estate brokers: median annual wage of $72,700.

These figures do not predict what a Smithville affiliate broker will earn. Commission-based income, self-employment expenses, and differences in employment arrangements can make an individual agent’s results substantially different from wage statistics.

Career Opportunities Around Smithville

After obtaining a Tennessee affiliate broker license, an agent serving Smithville may pursue opportunities in:

Residential buyer representation.
Residential listing services.
New-construction sales.
Land and acreage transactions.
Farm and rural-property sales.
Recreational-property sales.
Rental and leasing services, where permitted.
Relocation assistance.
Commercial real estate.
Property-management-related work, subject to Tennessee licensing and brokerage requirements.
Transaction coordination.
Brokerage administration and operations.

Smithville and the surrounding DeKalb County market may offer opportunities connected to residential housing, land, rural properties, rentals, and nearby communities. Applicants should research local inventory, pricing, development, buyer demand, and brokerage service areas instead of assuming that statewide or national trends apply directly to Smithville.

Affiliate Broker Versus Principal Broker

The entry-level Tennessee license is the affiliate broker license. An affiliate broker generally works under a principal broker and does not independently operate a brokerage.

A principal broker has broader responsibility for:

Supervision.
Compliance.
Trust funds and escrow procedures.
Records.
Brokerage policies.
Affiliated licensees.
Firm operations.

Tennessee broker applicants must meet additional education, experience, examination, and application requirements. TREC educational materials identify experience and additional education requirements for broker candidates, including active affiliate-broker experience and approved broker education.

New agents should first focus on obtaining the affiliate broker license and gaining supervised transaction experience. Those who later want to own or manage a firm should review TREC’s current broker-license requirements.

Smithville Real Estate License Checklist

Use this checklist when planning your Tennessee licensing process:

Confirm that you are at least 18 years old.
Confirm that you have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Choose a Tennessee-approved 60-hour Basic Principles course.
Complete the 60-hour course before registering for the exam.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Save all education certificates and records.
Review the current PSI candidate bulletin.
Register for the national and Tennessee exam portions.
Budget for tuition, examination, fingerprinting, application, insurance, and brokerage expenses.
Complete electronic fingerprinting.
Disclose criminal and licensing history accurately.
Pass both required exam portions.
Interview sponsoring brokers serving Smithville and surrounding communities.
Submit the initial affiliate broker application through CORE.
Pay the current $91 application fee.
Confirm that TREC has issued the license.
Verify the sponsoring-broker affiliation before conducting licensed activities.
Complete the required continuing education during each two-year renewal period.
Complete the six-hour TREC Core course as required.
Track renewal dates and education deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Smithville require its own real estate license?

No. Real estate licensing for Smithville is handled by the State of Tennessee through TREC. Local business or property rules may still apply to brokerage operations.

Can Tennessee pre-licensing education be completed online?

Yes, approved online options may be available. Confirm that the specific provider and course satisfy current Tennessee requirements before enrolling. One available option is online Tennessee pre-licensing education.

How much is the Tennessee real estate exam?

PSI currently lists the affiliate broker examination at $63 for both the national and Tennessee portions. The listed fee is $26 for the Tennessee portion alone and $37 for the national portion alone.

Are fingerprints required before taking the exam?

Fingerprints are required for an initial Tennessee real estate license application. They are not required merely to sit for the examination.

Do Tennessee real estate licenses expire?

Tennessee licenses generally renew on a two-year cycle. Licensees must complete the required continuing education and pay the applicable renewal fee.

Can a new Tennessee agent work without a broker?

An affiliate broker generally must be affiliated with a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker. Do not conduct licensed activities until the license and affiliation are active.

How many education hours are required?

Tennessee requires 90 hours for the affiliate broker path: a 60-hour Basic Principles course and a 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.

What is the current initial application fee?

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

Authoritative Sources