How to Get Your Real Estate License in Wartrace, Tennessee

If you want to sell, lease, or otherwise provide licensed real estate services in Wartrace, Tennessee, you must obtain a Tennessee real estate license. Wartrace does not issue a separate municipal real estate license; licensing is regulated statewide by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (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 Wartrace.

Most new applicants pursue an affiliate broker license, which allows them to work under the supervision of a Tennessee-licensed principal broker. The process generally includes approved pre-licensing education, the Tennessee real estate examination, fingerprinting, a background review, errors and omissions insurance, an application through Tennessee’s CORE system, and affiliation with a sponsoring brokerage.

This guide explains how to become licensed, what the process costs, how long it may take, and what career opportunities may be available in Wartrace and the surrounding south-central Tennessee market.

Does Wartrace Have Its Own Real Estate License?

No. Tennessee real estate licensing is administered at the state level by TREC. Applicants who live or work in Wartrace follow the same licensing requirements as applicants elsewhere in Tennessee. Tennessee Real Estate Commission: Affiliate Broker

Local requirements may still apply to a business location, signage, zoning, taxation, or company formation. These local obligations are separate from professional real estate licensing. Before opening an office or operating a business location, contact the appropriate city or county office.

Tennessee Affiliate Broker License Requirements

The affiliate broker license is the typical entry point for individuals who want to work in residential, commercial, land, or leasing real estate.

Current TREC requirements include:

Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete 60 hours of approved real estate education in principles or fundamentals before taking the examination.
Become eligible for and pass the Tennessee affiliate broker examination administered by PSI.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Obtain a Tennessee principal broker to supervise the license.
Provide proof of errors and omissions insurance.
Complete the Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form.
Complete electronic fingerprinting and submit the receipt with the required ORI number.
Submit the initial affiliate broker application through Tennessee’s CORE system.
Provide any additional documentation requested by TREC.

TREC reviews applications and supporting documents individually. Applicants with criminal convictions or other background issues should disclose information accurately and contact TREC before applying if they need clarification about eligibility.

Required Tennessee Real Estate Education Hours

Tennessee requires 60 hours of approved pre-licensing education in real estate principles or fundamentals before an applicant may take the affiliate broker examination. The education must be completed through a provider approved to offer Tennessee real estate courses. Tennessee Real Estate Commission: Affiliate Broker

Applicants should retain their course completion certificate or letter. The education provider must submit the required eligibility information to PSI before the applicant can register for the examination.

After passing the examination, applicants must complete the separate 30-hour Course for New Affiliates. Proof of that course must be submitted with the license application.

The two education requirements serve different purposes:

60-hour pre-licensing course: Covers foundational real estate concepts and prepares the applicant for the licensing examination.
30-hour Course for New Affiliates: Provides additional instruction for newly licensed professionals before they begin practicing under a principal broker.

Online Tennessee Real Estate Courses

Wartrace residents may choose an approved online course if the provider meets Tennessee’s education requirements. Online education can be convenient for applicants who prefer studying from home rather than traveling to a classroom in Shelbyville, Murfreesboro, Nashville, or another nearby market.

One online pre-licensing option is Leap Real Estate’s Tennessee pre-licensing course. Before enrolling, confirm that the course is currently approved and satisfies TREC’s requirements.

When comparing online providers, verify:

The school is approved to provide Tennessee real estate education.
The course includes the required 60 hours.
Attendance, identity, and progress requirements are clearly explained.
The provider administers any required course examinations.
Course completion is reported through the required process.
The material is current with Tennessee law and commission rules.

An online course does not replace the PSI examination, fingerprinting, application, insurance, or principal broker requirements. It only changes how the education component is completed.

How to Get a Real Estate License in Wartrace

1. Complete the 60-hour pre-licensing course

Enroll in an approved Tennessee principles or fundamentals course. Complete all lessons, assessments, attendance requirements, and final procedures required by the school.

Keep your completion documentation and confirm that the provider has submitted the necessary information to PSI.

2. Become eligible for the examination

Tennessee’s education provider submits an online application to PSI for examination eligibility. PSI reviews the information and sends instructions for paying for and scheduling the examination. Tennessee Real Estate Commission: PSI and Exam Information

Applicants should not assume they can schedule the exam immediately after enrolling. The education provider must submit proof of completion, and PSI must approve the candidate for testing.

3. Schedule the PSI examination

PSI administers Tennessee’s affiliate broker examination. Once approved, follow PSI’s instructions to select a testing date and location.

Bring the required admission information and acceptable identification. Testing-center rules, identification requirements, scheduling procedures, and retesting policies are governed by PSI’s current candidate materials.

4. Pass the Tennessee affiliate broker examination

The examination includes state and national components. Applicants must pass all required portions before applying for the license.

The current PSI fees listed by TREC are:

Full affiliate broker examination: $63
State-only examination: $26
National-only examination: $37

Use current PSI candidate information when preparing because examination procedures and testing policies may change.

Important study areas generally include:

Tennessee real estate law and commission rules
National real estate principles
Agency relationships
Contracts
Property ownership
Real estate finance
Leasing and property management concepts
Fair housing
Real estate mathematics
Closings and settlement procedures

A strong preparation plan should combine the approved course material, the current PSI candidate bulletin, the examination content outline, and timed practice questions.

5. Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates

After completing the required pre-licensing and examination steps, take the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates through an approved provider.

Submit the completion certificate or letter with the license application. This course is separate from the initial 60-hour course and should not be treated as optional post-license training.

Applicants may review Tennessee pre-licensing and education options, but should confirm current course approval and completion procedures before enrolling.

6. Select a sponsoring principal broker

A Tennessee affiliate broker must work under a Tennessee-licensed principal broker. The principal broker provides supervision and is involved in the application process.

The broker or brokerage may provide:

Transaction supervision
Forms and compliance systems
Training and mentoring
Office or technology support
Lead-generation opportunities
Errors and omissions insurance
Transaction coordination
Regional market coverage

The sponsoring broker is not merely an administrative requirement. The brokerage relationship affects training, compensation, expenses, supervision, and day-to-day business operations.

7. Complete fingerprinting and background processing

Initial Tennessee real estate license applicants must complete electronic fingerprinting. TREC requires the electronic fingerprinting receipt and the applicable ORI number with the application.

The ORI number listed by TREC for this process is:

TN920784Z

Fingerprinting should be scheduled early enough to avoid delaying the application. Applicants should keep the receipt and submit it exactly as required. A background review may lead TREC to request additional information or documentation.

8. Obtain errors and omissions insurance

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

Some brokerages maintain coverage for affiliated licensees, while others require agents to obtain individual coverage. Ask the prospective principal broker:

Whether affiliated agents are covered.
What activities the policy covers.
Whether deductibles or exclusions apply.
Whether coverage continues after a transaction ends.
Whether the agent must pay part of the premium.

Do not assume that a brokerage’s policy automatically covers every activity or every affiliated licensee.

9. Submit the license application

The initial affiliate broker application is submitted online through Tennessee’s CORE system. TREC currently lists the initial affiliate broker application fee as $91. Tennessee Real Estate Commission: Fees

The application package may include:

Initial affiliate broker application
PSI examination documentation
Proof of high school graduation or equivalent
60-hour course completion documentation
30-hour Course for New Affiliates documentation
Principal broker information and signature
Proof of errors and omissions insurance
Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form
Electronic fingerprinting receipt
ORI number
Additional records requested by TREC

Review every document before submission. Missing signatures, incomplete education records, or unclear background documentation can delay processing.

Tennessee Real Estate License Costs

The total cost varies by applicant. In addition to state fees, budget for education, fingerprinting, insurance, transportation, study materials, brokerage fees, and possible examination retakes.

| Expense | Current amount or description |
|---|---:|
| Full affiliate broker examination | $63 |
| State-only examination | $26 |
| National-only examination | $37 |
| Initial affiliate broker application | $91 |
| Fingerprinting | Varies by provider |
| 60-hour education course | Varies by approved school |
| 30-hour Course for New Affiliates | Varies by approved school |
| Errors and omissions insurance | Varies by policy and brokerage |
| License renewal | $75 every two years |

The full examination fee and initial application fee total $154 before education, fingerprinting, insurance, and other expenses. The $154 amount is not the complete cost of becoming licensed.

TREC lists a $75 renewal fee every two years for licensees and firms. Tennessee Real Estate Commission: Fees

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

Tennessee does not guarantee one universal processing timeline for every applicant. Completion time depends on:

How quickly the applicant completes the 60-hour course
Course-provider reporting
PSI approval and exam availability
Examination performance
Fingerprint processing
Application completeness
TREC review
Any request for additional documents

A typical sequence is:

Complete the 60-hour course.
Wait for the provider to submit eligibility information.
Schedule and pass the PSI examination.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Choose a principal broker.
Complete fingerprinting.
Obtain insurance documentation.
Submit the CORE application.
Respond promptly to any TREC request.

Applicants can reduce avoidable delays by verifying that PSI received the education information, scheduling fingerprinting promptly, using clear copies of documents, and ensuring the principal broker completes the required portions of the application.

Sponsoring Broker Requirements in Tennessee

Affiliate brokers cannot operate independently of a principal broker. The principal broker supervises licensed activity and provides the brokerage structure through which the affiliate broker conducts business.

When interviewing brokerages near Wartrace, compare:

Commission splits
Per-transaction fees
Monthly technology or desk fees
Mentoring and new-agent training
Lead programs
Errors and omissions coverage
Office accessibility
Transaction coordination
Marketing support
Geographic coverage
Performance expectations
Procedures for transferring or releasing a license

A brokerage does not need to be located directly in Wartrace. A firm serving Shelbyville, Murfreesboro, Manchester, Tullahoma, or other nearby communities may offer broader transaction volume and regional support, subject to the brokerage’s business model and supervision arrangements.

Post-License Education

The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates is an initial licensing requirement after the examination and must be completed before the application is submitted.

The course helps bridge the gap between examination preparation and real-world brokerage practice. Topics may include brokerage procedures, documentation, agency responsibilities, compliance, and the responsibilities of newly affiliated licensees.

Because requirements and commission procedures can change, confirm current course completion and submission instructions with TREC and the education provider.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Tennessee licenses and firms generally renew every two years, and TREC lists a $75 renewal fee for each renewal period.

Licensees should also verify the continuing-education requirements that apply to their license type and status. TREC’s current rules and notices should be used to confirm:

The number of hours required during the renewal cycle
Any required CORE course
Elective-hour requirements
Completion deadlines
Penalties for missing education requirements
Procedures for inactive or expired licenses

Continuing education is separate from both the 60-hour pre-licensing course and the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates. Failure to complete applicable education can affect renewal.

Tennessee Real Estate Licensing Examination

PSI administers Tennessee’s real estate examinations. TREC currently lists the following affiliate broker examination fees:

Full examination: $63
State portion only: $26
National portion only: $37

The full examination has state and national components. Applicants should use the current PSI Tennessee Real Estate Candidate Information Bulletin for identification rules, scheduling, testing-center requirements, examination policies, and retesting information.

Effective preparation includes:

Reviewing Tennessee-specific statutes and rules
Studying national real estate concepts
Practicing calculations involving commissions, prorations, finance, and measurements
Reviewing agency, contracts, finance, ownership, and fair housing
Taking timed practice examinations
Studying the PSI examination outline
Separating Tennessee-specific material from national material

Applicants must pass the required examination portions before applying for licensure.

Potential Earnings for Real Estate Professionals in Wartrace

There is no authoritative salary figure identified specifically for real estate agents in Wartrace. Income can vary significantly based on:

Number and type of transactions
Property prices
Commission agreements
Brokerage splits and fees
Experience
Market conditions
Full-time or part-time status
Marketing and operating expenses

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 2025 median annual wage of $57,400 for real estate brokers and sales agents combined. This is a national occupational statistic, not a guaranteed salary or Wartrace-specific income figure. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents

BLS also reports separate 2025 median annual wages of $73,220 for real estate brokers and $52,830 for real estate sales agents. These figures should not be interpreted as a starting wage or expected commission income.

Common business expenses include:

Marketing and advertising
Brokerage and transaction fees
Multiple-listing-service or association costs
Vehicle and travel expenses
Phone, software, and technology
Insurance
Continuing education
Photography and signage
Bookkeeping and tax preparation
Self-employment taxes

Many agents earn commissions rather than a fixed salary. Income may therefore be irregular, particularly during the first year.

Career Opportunities Around Wartrace

Wartrace is a small community, so the immediate market may offer fewer transactions than larger nearby population centers. However, a licensed affiliate broker may be able to serve clients throughout the surrounding Bedford County and south-central Tennessee region, subject to the sponsoring broker’s coverage and policies.

Potential career paths include:

Residential buyer representation
Residential listing services
Relocation assistance
Rental and leasing services
Land and rural-property transactions
Farm and acreage sales
Commercial real estate
New-construction sales
Small multifamily and investor transactions
Referral business
Transaction coordination
Brokerage administration
Property management when properly authorized and structured

A Wartrace-area agent may benefit from developing expertise in:

Rural homes and acreage
Farms and recreational land
Small-town housing
Historic properties
Commuting patterns
Regional pricing differences
Buyers comparing Wartrace with larger nearby communities
Local vendors, lenders, inspectors, and contractors

Local knowledge, accurate pricing guidance, prompt communication, and careful compliance can help a new agent compete across the broader regional market.

Affiliate Broker vs. Principal Broker

An affiliate broker is generally the appropriate starting license for a new applicant. Affiliate brokers work under principal broker supervision and do not independently operate a brokerage.

A principal broker license is designed for professionals who want to take on additional education, experience, and supervisory responsibilities. TREC’s broker requirements include qualifying active affiliate-broker experience and approved broker education; applicants should review the current TREC broker page for the exact requirements that apply to their circumstances. Tennessee Real Estate Commission: Broker Licensure

A principal broker may eventually:

Open or operate a brokerage
Supervise affiliate brokers
Manage compliance systems
Build a real estate team
Lead transaction and office operations
Expand brokerage services

Most first-time applicants should begin by determining whether they want to work under an established brokerage or pursue the longer-term path toward brokerage ownership.

Tennessee Real Estate License Checklist

Use this checklist to organize the licensing process:

Confirm that you are at least 18 years old.
Confirm that you have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Enroll in an approved 60-hour Tennessee principles or fundamentals course.
Complete the course and obtain proof of completion.
Confirm that the provider submits eligibility information to PSI.
Register for and schedule the PSI examination.
Pass the required state and national examination portions.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Select a Tennessee principal broker.
Arrange errors and omissions insurance.
Schedule electronic fingerprinting.
Use ORI number TN920784Z where required.
Gather education certificates and supporting documents.
Complete the Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form.
Submit the initial affiliate broker application through CORE.
Pay the $91 application fee.
Monitor the application for TREC requests.
Track renewal and continuing-education deadlines.

Final Takeaway

To obtain a real estate license in Wartrace, Tennessee, follow Tennessee’s statewide licensing process rather than seeking a separate city license.

The main steps are:

Complete 60 hours of approved pre-licensing education.
Become eligible for and pass the PSI affiliate broker examination.
Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
Select a sponsoring principal broker.
Complete fingerprinting and background-processing requirements.
Obtain errors and omissions insurance.
Submit the CORE application and supporting documents.

The current full examination fee is $63, and TREC lists the initial affiliate broker application fee as $91. Education, fingerprinting, insurance, brokerage costs, and business expenses vary.

Because Wartrace-specific earnings data is not available, prospective agents should evaluate the broader regional market, the support offered by potential brokerages, expected expenses, and the realities of commission-based income before beginning a real estate career.

Authoritative Sources