How to Get Your Real Estate License in Troy, Tennessee

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

An affiliate broker may represent buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants, but must work under the supervision of a Tennessee-licensed principal broker and affiliated real estate firm.

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 pre-licensing education.
Pass the Tennessee affiliate broker examination.
Complete electronic fingerprinting.
Satisfy TREC’s eligibility and background-review requirements.
Provide proof of errors and omissions insurance.
Complete the required 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Affiliate with a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker.
Submit the initial license application through Tennessee’s CORE system.
Pay the required application and examination fees.

Applicants with criminal convictions, probation, parole, or other eligibility concerns should review TREC’s current instructions before enrolling in a course or scheduling an examination. TREC states that candidates may not be scheduled for the examination while on parole or probation and generally must be off parole or probation for at least two years.

A criminal record does not automatically answer every licensing question. TREC may review the specific facts and request additional documentation, so applicants with a record should contact the Commission before making significant education or examination expenses.

How Many Education Hours Are Required?

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

The education provider must submit proof of completion to PSI, the testing administrator. Candidates cannot register for the examination until PSI receives and approves the required education information.

After passing the examination, candidates must complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before the affiliate broker license can be issued. The completion certificate or letter must be included with the license application.

The standard initial education path is therefore:

60 hours of pre-licensing principles and fundamentals education.
30 hours in the Course for New Affiliates.
90 total hours of required education during the initial licensing process.

The 30-hour course does not replace the initial 60-hour course. Before enrolling, confirm that both courses are approved for Tennessee affiliate broker licensing.

Online Tennessee Real Estate Courses

Online education can be convenient for Troy residents who work full time, have family responsibilities, or prefer studying from home. Course formats vary and may include self-paced lessons, instructor-led classes, practice tests, and scheduled student support.

Before paying for a course, verify:

The provider is approved for Tennessee licensing education.
The course includes the required 60-hour curriculum.
The provider explains how completion is reported to PSI.
You will receive the certificate or letter required for the TREC application.
The course includes Tennessee-specific laws and regulations.
The provider clearly identifies whether the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is included or sold separately.

One Tennessee-focused option is Leap Real Estate’s Tennessee pre-licensing program. Compare the curriculum, delivery format, instructor access, exam-preparation tools, refund policy, and documentation process before enrolling.

An online course does not eliminate the examination, fingerprinting, insurance, broker affiliation, or application requirements. It only changes how the education is delivered.

Step-by-Step Process to Get Licensed in Troy

1. Confirm your basic eligibility

Verify that you meet Tennessee’s age and education requirements. If you have a criminal conviction or are currently on probation or parole, review TREC’s eligibility rules before purchasing a course.

2. Complete the 60-hour course

Enroll in and complete a Tennessee-approved 60-hour principles and fundamentals course. Keep your completion certificate or letter for the license application.

3. Wait for the education record to reach PSI

Your school must submit proof of completed education to PSI. You cannot schedule the examination until PSI has approved your eligibility information.

4. Register for the examination

After PSI approves your eligibility, PSI provides instructions for paying for and scheduling the examination. PSI administers the Tennessee real estate examination on behalf of TREC.

5. Pass the national and Tennessee portions

The full affiliate broker examination includes:

A national portion.
A Tennessee state portion.

Candidates who already hold qualifying credentials or have examination credit should confirm with TREC or PSI whether they need to take both portions.

6. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

After passing the examination, complete the required 30-hour course and obtain the completion documentation needed for the application. A provider offering Tennessee licensing education may also offer this course; Leap Real Estate’s Tennessee course information should be reviewed to determine which course components are included.

7. Choose a sponsoring principal broker

An affiliate broker must be connected with a Tennessee-licensed firm and principal broker. The principal broker signs the PSI examination application and supervises the affiliate broker’s professional activities.

8. Obtain errors and omissions insurance

TREC requires proof of an errors and omissions insurance policy with the application. Ask the brokerage whether it provides coverage, requires agents to obtain individual coverage, or deducts the cost from commissions.

9. Complete electronic fingerprinting

Schedule fingerprinting through the process designated by TREC. Tennessee applicants generally use IdentoGO, which transmits fingerprints to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

10. Submit the CORE application

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

11. Submit the supporting documents

The application package generally includes:

PSI examination application signed by the principal broker.
Proof of high school graduation or equivalent.
Proof of the 60-hour pre-licensing education.
Proof of the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Proof of errors and omissions insurance.
Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form.
Electronic fingerprinting receipt and required ORI number.
The $91 application fee.

Background Check and Fingerprinting

Tennessee requires real estate license applicants to complete electronic fingerprinting.

For applicants living in Tennessee, TREC directs candidates to make an appointment through IdentoGO. The fingerprints are transmitted for processing by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the FBI.

TREC identifies the following information for real estate applicants:

Service code: 28TZ99.
Affiliate broker ORI number: TN920784Z.

Fingerprinting costs are separate from the TREC application and examination fees. Because vendor fees and appointment procedures may change, confirm the current charge and identification requirements when scheduling.

Submitting fingerprints does not guarantee license approval. TREC may review criminal history and request additional information before deciding whether an applicant satisfies the Commission’s eligibility requirements.

Tennessee Real Estate Licensing Exam

PSI administers Tennessee’s real estate licensing examinations.

The current full affiliate broker examination fee listed by TREC is $63, divided as follows:

National portion: $37.
Tennessee state portion: $26.

The examination fee is separate from the $91 initial license application fee.

Candidates should review the current PSI admission instructions before test day. The examination appointment generally requires an admission notice and acceptable government-issued photo identification with a signature.

Topics to Study

A thorough study plan should cover:

Tennessee real estate license law.
TREC rules and regulations.
Agency relationships and fiduciary duties.
Contracts and disclosures.
Property ownership.
Land use and zoning concepts.
Real estate finance.
Settlement and closing procedures.
Fair housing requirements.
Real estate calculations.
National real estate principles.
Tennessee-specific practices.

If you do not pass one or both portions, review PSI’s current retesting instructions before registering again. Retesting procedures may differ for national-only, state-only, and full examination attempts.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

The following are the principal known fees for a first-time affiliate broker applicant:

| Expense | Current amount or status |
|---|---:|
| Full affiliate broker examination | $63 |
| Initial affiliate broker application | $91 |
| Pre-licensing education | Varies by provider |
| 30-hour Course for New Affiliates | Varies by provider |
| Electronic fingerprinting | Vendor charge; confirm current amount |
| Errors and omissions insurance | Varies by policy and brokerage |
| License renewal every two years | $75 |
| Transfer to a new firm | $25 |

The known examination and initial application fees total $154, before education, fingerprinting, insurance, retesting, and brokerage expenses.

TREC lists the affiliate broker and firm renewal fee as $75 every two years and the transfer-to-a-new-firm fee as $25. Course prices, insurance premiums, fingerprinting charges, association dues, and multiple-listing-service costs are not included in the state application fee.

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

Tennessee does not guarantee one statewide timeline for every applicant. The total time depends on:

The pace of your 60-hour course.
How quickly the school submits your education record to PSI.
Examination appointment availability.
Whether you pass on the first attempt.
Fingerprinting and background-review processing.
How quickly you find a sponsoring broker.
Insurance documentation.
Whether TREC requests additional information.

A practical sequence is:

Complete the 60-hour course.
Confirm that the school submitted your education information to PSI.
Schedule and pass the examination.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Select a sponsoring principal broker.
Obtain errors and omissions insurance.
Complete fingerprinting.
Submit the CORE application and supporting documents.

Completing the course does not create an active license. The examination, broker affiliation, application, fingerprinting, insurance, and eligibility requirements must also be completed.

Sponsoring Broker Requirements

Tennessee affiliate brokers cannot operate independently. They work through a licensed firm under the supervision of a principal broker.

A sponsoring brokerage may provide:

Supervision of brokerage activity.
Transaction and contract review.
Tennessee forms and compliance procedures.
Agency and disclosure guidance.
Training for showings, negotiations, and closings.
Lead-generation systems.
Marketing support.
Access to transaction-management software.
Errors and omissions insurance, depending on the firm’s policy.

When comparing brokerages in Troy, Union City, Martin, Dyersburg, or other nearby markets, ask about:

Commission splits.
Transaction and technology fees.
Monthly desk fees.
Training and mentorship.
Broker availability.
Lead-generation programs.
Marketing requirements.
Insurance coverage.
Residential, land, farm, commercial, and property-management opportunities.

A high commission split is not always the best choice for a new agent. Strong supervision, accessible transaction support, and practical training can be especially valuable during the first year.

Post-License Education for New Affiliate Brokers

Tennessee requires new affiliate brokers to complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before the license is issued.

This course is separate from the 60-hour principles and fundamentals course. It provides additional instruction for transitioning from general real estate education to supervised brokerage practice.

Before enrolling, confirm with the provider that the course satisfies Tennessee’s current Course for New Affiliates requirement. Leap Real Estate’s Tennessee licensing program is one option to review, but applicants should verify the exact course package and completion documentation directly with the provider.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Tennessee licensees generally must complete 16 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period.

The required education includes:

6 hours of the mandatory TREC CORE course.
10 hours of elective education.

Providers report continuing-education completion through CE Broker. Licensees should monitor their CE Broker record and complete education before the license expiration date.

TREC lists the standard affiliate broker and broker renewal fee as $75 every two years. Late renewal charges may apply when a license is renewed after expiration, so licensees should track both the renewal deadline and continuing-education status.

Upgrading From Affiliate Broker to Tennessee Broker

An affiliate broker who wants to operate as a principal broker must meet additional education and experience requirements.

TREC states that broker candidates generally need:

120 classroom hours of approved real estate education.
A 30-hour Office/Broker Management course included within that education.
Qualifying active affiliate broker experience.
36 months of active affiliate broker licensure if licensed after May 12, 1988.
Or 24 months of active licensure for an applicant with a bachelor’s degree majoring in real estate.

Broker candidates must receive TREC approval before scheduling the broker examination. TREC states that the eligibility review takes approximately four weeks.

Brokers licensed after January 1, 2001, must also complete 120 additional hours of Commission-approved education before the applicable post-license deadline. After completing that requirement, brokers must complete 16 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period.

Potential Earnings in Troy, Tennessee

TREC does not establish a guaranteed salary or commission level for real estate agents in Troy. Income varies according to:

Number of closed transactions.
Property prices and types.
Commission agreements.
Brokerage splits.
Part-time or full-time status.
Lead-generation costs.
Marketing expenses.
Insurance and technology fees.
Local market conditions.
Taxes and other business expenses.

Because a reliable, authoritative Troy-specific income statistic is not established in the licensing materials, online salary estimates should not be treated as guaranteed earnings.

Before joining a brokerage, ask for a written explanation of:

Commission splits.
Transaction fees.
Monthly fees.
Lead fees.
Marketing charges.
Errors and omissions insurance costs.
Payment timing.
Fees charged when a transaction cancels.
Typical first-year business expenses.

Gross commission income is not the same as take-home income. A realistic business budget should include licensing renewals, continuing education, transportation, advertising, professional dues, technology, insurance, taxes, and client-service expenses.

Career Opportunities Around Troy

A Tennessee license may allow an affiliate broker to serve clients in Troy and surrounding communities, subject to the brokerage’s service area, supervision, local market knowledge, and business strategy.

Potential career paths include:

Residential buyer representation.
Residential listing services.
Rental and relocation assistance.
Land and acreage transactions.
Farm and rural-property sales.
New-construction sales.
Commercial real estate support.
Property management, where separately permitted and properly structured.
Transaction coordination.
Brokerage operations.
Advancement to principal broker.

Troy-area agents may choose to specialize in residential properties, rural land, farms, acreage, rentals, or small-business and commercial transactions. Before advertising a specialty, learn the applicable contracts, disclosures, financing issues, valuation considerations, and brokerage procedures.

Building a local network can also help. Useful relationships may include lenders, home inspectors, appraisers, contractors, attorneys, surveyors, property managers, and other licensed professionals.

Practical Checklist for a Troy Applicant

Use this checklist to organize the licensing process:

Confirm that you meet Tennessee’s age and education prerequisites.
Review TREC’s eligibility requirements if you have a criminal record.
Choose a Tennessee-approved 60-hour principles and fundamentals course.
Compare online and classroom providers.
Confirm how the school reports completion to PSI.
Budget for the $63 examination fee and $91 application fee.
Allow for education, fingerprinting, insurance, and possible retesting costs.
Begin interviewing Troy-area and regional brokerages.
Complete the required 60-hour course.
Pass the national and Tennessee examination portions.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Choose a sponsoring principal broker.
Obtain errors and omissions insurance.
Complete electronic fingerprinting.
Submit the application through CORE.
Track continuing education and renewal deadlines after licensure.

Authoritative Sources