How to Get Your Real Estate License in Surgoinsville, Tennessee

How to Get Your Real Estate License in Surgoinsville, Tennessee 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 Surgoinsville.

If you want to represent buyers, sellers, landlords, or tenants in Surgoinsville, Tennessee, you generally need a Tennessee affiliate broker license. Tennessee regulates real estate licensing at the state level through the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC), so Surgoinsville does not have a separate city real estate license.

The licensing process typically includes approved education, the Tennessee affiliate broker examination, fingerprinting and background processing, errors and omissions insurance, a sponsoring principal broker, and an application through Tennessee’s online CORE system.

Surgoinsville is in Hawkins County in northeastern Tennessee. After obtaining a Tennessee license, an affiliate broker may build a local practice in Surgoinsville and serve nearby communities such as Church Hill, Rogersville, Kingsport, and other parts of northeastern Tennessee, subject to the broker’s supervision and business structure.

Does Surgoinsville Have Its Own Real Estate License?

No. Real estate licensing is administered statewide by TREC under Tennessee’s real estate licensing laws and rules.

The same affiliate broker requirements generally apply whether you plan to work in Surgoinsville, Rogersville, Church Hill, Kingsport, or another Tennessee community. Local business registrations, tax obligations, zoning rules, or permits may apply to a particular business activity, but they do not replace a Tennessee real estate license.

Tennessee Affiliate Broker License Requirements

A new applicant must generally complete the following requirements:

Complete 60 hours of approved education in real estate principles or fundamentals before taking the examination.
Complete the separate 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before the license is issued.
Pass the Tennessee affiliate broker examination administered by PSI.
Provide proof of high school graduation.
Obtain errors and omissions insurance.
Complete the Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form.
Complete electronic fingerprinting.
Submit the fingerprint receipt and required identifying information.
Obtain sponsorship from a Tennessee-licensed principal broker.
Submit the Initial Real Estate Affiliate Broker Application through CORE.
Pay the required application and examination fees.

Applicants with prior criminal convictions, professional discipline, or other eligibility concerns should review TREC’s current procedures before enrolling in a course or scheduling an examination. TREC provides forms for applicants seeking a decision regarding prior criminal convictions or disciplinary sanctions.

Required Tennessee Real Estate Education Hours

Tennessee requires two separate education components for a new affiliate broker.

1. Sixty-hour pre-licensing course

Applicants must complete 60 hours of approved education covering real estate principles or fundamentals before taking the affiliate broker examination.

The education provider must submit proof of completion to PSI. Applicants generally cannot register for the examination until PSI receives and approves that education information. The school also provides a certificate or letter of completion for the license application.

2. Thirty-hour Course for New Affiliates

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is separate from the initial 60-hour course. Tennessee requires this course before the affiliate broker license is issued, and applicants must submit the completion certificate or letter with the license application.

Together, the two courses represent 90 hours of initial education, although they serve different purposes and may be completed in a sequence established by the education provider.

Online Tennessee Real Estate Courses

Online education can help Surgoinsville residents study around work, family, or other obligations. Before enrolling, confirm that the provider and specific course are approved for Tennessee licensing education.

A Tennessee-focused option is available through Tennessee real estate pre-licensing education. Compare the provider’s format, access period, instructor support, exams, materials, and availability of both the 60-hour course and the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.

TREC publishes information about approved education courses and providers. Education providers have 10 working days to submit education rosters through the applicable reporting process.

Before purchasing an online course, verify:

Whether the provider is approved for Tennessee.
Whether the course satisfies the 60-hour principles or fundamentals requirement.
Whether the provider offers the separate 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
How course completion is reported to PSI and TREC.
Whether course exams are included.
Whether textbooks or digital materials are included.
Whether the program is self-paced, instructor-led, or both.
Whether exam-preparation tools are included.
How long course access remains available.

Online education does not eliminate the examination, fingerprinting, insurance, broker sponsorship, or application requirements.

Step-by-Step Tennessee License Application Process

Step 1: Review eligibility

Confirm that you meet Tennessee’s basic eligibility requirements and obtain proof of high school graduation.

If you have a criminal conviction or previous professional discipline, review TREC’s current forms and procedures before paying for education or testing.

Step 2: Complete the 60-hour course

Enroll in an approved Tennessee real estate principles or fundamentals course. Complete all required coursework and school examinations.

The provider must submit education-completion information to PSI before you can register for the affiliate broker examination.

Step 3: Complete the 30-hour new-affiliate course

Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates and keep the certificate or letter of completion. The document must be submitted with the license application.

Step 4: Select a sponsoring principal broker

Tennessee affiliate brokers work under principal broker supervision. The sponsoring broker must sign the required examination application, and the broker relationship is needed for the license to be issued and activated.

Interview brokerages in Surgoinsville, Hawkins County, and nearby markets. Ask about:

Commission splits.
Transaction and administrative fees.
Desk, technology, or franchise fees.
Training and mentorship.
Contract and compliance support.
Lead-generation programs.
Office or meeting requirements.
Errors and omissions insurance coverage.
Geographic service area.
Support for rural, residential, land, and leasing transactions.
Procedures for transferring or ending affiliation.

Step 5: Register for the PSI examination

PSI administers Tennessee’s real estate examinations. Once the education provider submits the required information and PSI approves eligibility, PSI provides instructions for paying for and scheduling the examination.

At the testing center, bring the admission notice and an acceptable photo identification document bearing your signature.

Step 6: Complete fingerprinting and background processing

Tennessee requires all licensees to be fingerprinted.

Applicants who reside in Tennessee 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 affiliate broker fingerprinting:

Service code: 28TZ99.
ORI number: TN920784Z.

Keep the electronic fingerprinting receipt and submit it with the application. Fingerprinting and background-processing charges are separate from the TREC application fee, so confirm the current amount when scheduling.

Step 7: Obtain errors and omissions insurance

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

Ask the sponsoring brokerage whether it provides coverage under a firm policy or requires affiliated licensees to obtain individual coverage.

Step 8: Submit the application through CORE

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

Required documentation generally includes:

PSI examination application signed by the principal broker.
Proof of high school graduation.
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 payment.

Tennessee Affiliate Broker Examination

PSI administers the Tennessee affiliate broker examination.

The examination includes state and national components. PSI currently lists the affiliate broker examination fee as $63 total:

State portion: $26.
National portion: $37.

The examination may cover topics such as:

Tennessee real estate law and commission rules.
Agency relationships.
Disclosures and licensee duties.
Contracts.
Property ownership and title.
Real estate finance.
Valuation and appraisal concepts.
Property transfer.
Leasing.
Real estate mathematics.
National real estate principles.

Effective preparation includes:

Studying current Tennessee-specific law and rules.
Reviewing the PSI candidate information.
Practicing real estate mathematics.
Using current practice questions.
Taking a reputable Tennessee exam-preparation course.
Waiting until the education provider has reported completion to PSI before scheduling.

If you do not pass one or both portions, review PSI’s current retesting instructions before scheduling another attempt. Examination policies, eligibility procedures, and fees can change.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

The principal state and examination fees currently listed by TREC and PSI are:

| Item | Current listed amount |
|---|---:|
| Initial affiliate broker application | $91 |
| Affiliate broker examination | $63 total: $26 state and $37 national |
| License renewal | $75 every two years |

Other costs may include:

Tuition for the 60-hour course.
Tuition for the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Textbooks and digital materials.
Fingerprinting and background processing.
Errors and omissions insurance.
Exam-preparation materials.
Retesting fees.
Brokerage and transaction expenses.
Transportation, marketing, technology, and association costs.

Course prices, insurance premiums, fingerprinting charges, brokerage fees, and business expenses vary. Confirm current prices directly with the provider, IdentoGO, insurer, PSI, or brokerage before making financial plans.

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

Tennessee does not publish one universal completion time for every applicant. The timeline depends on the student’s pace, course availability, provider reporting, PSI appointment availability, examination results, fingerprint processing, broker selection, and TREC application review.

A typical sequence is:

Complete the 60-hour course.
Wait for the provider to report completion to PSI.
Schedule and pass the PSI examination.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Select a sponsoring principal broker.
Obtain insurance.
Complete fingerprinting.
Submit the application and supporting documents.
Wait for state processing and license issuance.

Applicants who study part time, need to retest, or require additional eligibility review may take longer. Completing a course does not create an active license by itself; the application, documentation, broker relationship, and state approval are still required.

Sponsoring Principal Broker Requirements

A Tennessee affiliate broker cannot operate as an independent real estate broker. Affiliate brokers work under the supervision of a Tennessee-licensed principal broker.

The principal broker typically provides:

Supervision.
Contract and transaction guidance.
Compliance procedures.
Brokerage policies.
Training or mentorship.
Access to transaction-management systems.
Support with disclosures and deadlines.
Oversight of advertising and business practices.

Before joining a brokerage, request written information about compensation, fees, training, supervision, insurance, office policies, and termination procedures.

For a Surgoinsville-focused practice, a brokerage with knowledge of Hawkins County and northeastern Tennessee may help with:

Residential transactions.
Rural property and acreage.
Land and farm listings.
Small-community referrals.
Buyers relocating to the area.
Referrals from Rogersville, Church Hill, and Kingsport.
Local marketing and networking.

Post-License Education

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

It is not the same as continuing education. The 30-hour course applies at the beginning of the licensing process, while continuing education applies during later renewal periods.

Keep copies of all certificates and verify that completed education is properly reported. TREC states that education providers have 10 working days to submit education rosters.

Continuing Education and Renewal

TREC lists a two-year renewal period and a $75 renewal fee for licensees and firms.

After completing the applicable initial post-license requirement, Tennessee affiliate brokers must complete 16 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period. The required hours include:

Six hours of the TREC CORE course.
Ten elective hours.

Continuing education may address Tennessee law, commission rules, agency, contracts, ethics, fair housing, and other real estate subjects. Confirm your renewal date, education record, and current course requirements through TREC before renewing.

TREC also lists late-renewal penalties, including monthly fees that vary according to how long the license remains expired.

Potential Earnings in Surgoinsville

Real estate income is generally commission-based rather than a guaranteed salary. Earnings can vary according to:

Number of closed transactions.
Property prices.
Commission agreements.
Brokerage splits.
Transaction fees.
Referrals.
Market conditions.
Marketing expenses.
Whether the agent works full time or part time.

No authoritative TREC source establishes a guaranteed or official city-level real estate salary for Surgoinsville. A specific earnings figure should not be treated as an official estimate.

Prospective agents can evaluate the local opportunity by researching:

The number and type of active listings.
Typical transaction values.
Residential, rural, land, and leasing demand.
Competition among local brokerages.
Brokerage splits and transaction charges.
Transportation and marketing expenses.
Referral opportunities.
Access to nearby markets such as Kingsport and Rogersville.

Because commissions may be irregular during the first year, prepare a personal budget that accounts for education, insurance, transportation, marketing, technology, and other business expenses.

Career Opportunities Near Surgoinsville

A Tennessee affiliate broker serving Surgoinsville may pursue several areas of real estate, including:

Residential buyer representation.
Residential listing services.
First-time-buyer assistance.
Relocation referrals.
Rural property and acreage.
Farm and land transactions.
New-construction sales.
Leasing, where permitted under the license and brokerage structure.
Property-management-related work, subject to applicable requirements.
Commercial real estate after gaining suitable training and experience.
Real estate investment and entrepreneurship.
Future advancement toward a Tennessee broker license.

A local agent may differentiate their business through responsiveness, knowledge of Hawkins County, familiarity with rural properties, service to first-time buyers, land expertise, senior-client assistance, or relocation support.

Before selecting a niche, research local demand and confirm that the sponsoring brokerage offers suitable supervision and transaction support.

For applicants comparing study options, Tennessee pre-licensing education can be reviewed alongside other Tennessee-approved providers. Confirm current approval, course availability, tuition, and completion-reporting procedures before enrolling.

Becoming a Tennessee Real Estate Broker

A broker license is a later career step rather than the initial license for a new applicant.

TREC states that broker candidates generally must have held an active affiliate broker license for:

36 months if licensed as an affiliate broker after May 12, 1988.
24 months if licensed as an affiliate broker on or before May 12, 1988.
24 months if the candidate has a baccalaureate degree with a major in real estate.

Broker candidates must also complete 120 classroom hours of approved real estate education, including a 30-hour Office/Broker Management course.

TREC reviews education and experience documentation before authorizing a broker candidate to schedule the examination. The commission advises that the approval process takes approximately four weeks.

Tennessee Affiliate Broker License Checklist

Before submitting an application, confirm that you have:

Completed the approved 60-hour principles or fundamentals course.
Had course completion reported to PSI.
Completed the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Passed the PSI affiliate broker examination.
Selected a Tennessee principal broker.
Obtained errors and omissions insurance.
Completed electronic fingerprinting.
Retained the fingerprint receipt.
Used the correct fingerprinting information.
Obtained proof of high school graduation.
Completed the Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form.
Obtained the PSI examination application signed by the principal broker.
Prepared all required supporting documents.
Submitted the CORE application.
Paid the current $91 initial affiliate broker application fee.

For another review of Tennessee course options, visit Tennessee real estate pre-licensing education and independently confirm the provider’s current approval and course offerings before enrolling.

Authoritative Sources

Does Surgoinsville Have Its Own Real Estate License?

No. Real estate licensing is administered statewide by TREC under Tennessee’s real estate licensing laws and rules.

Tennessee Affiliate Broker License Requirements

A new applicant must generally complete the following requirements:

Complete 60 hours of approved education in real estate principles or fundamentals before taking the examination.
Complete the separate 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before the license is issued.
Pass the Tennessee affiliate broker examination administered by PSI.
Provide proof of high school graduation.
Obtain errors and omissions insurance.
Complete the Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form.
Complete electronic fingerprinting.
Submit the fingerprint receipt and required identifying information.
Obtain sponsorship from a Tennessee-licensed principal broker.
Submit the Initial Real Estate Affiliate Broker Application through CORE.
Pay the required application and examination fees.