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A step-by-step guide to Tennessee real estate salesperson licensing, including education, exam, application, and activation requirements.
By Leap Real Estate Team | 5 minutes read
Becoming a real estate agent in Tennessee requires completing state-approved education, passing the required examinations, meeting screening requirements, and applying for licensure through the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC). In Tennessee, the entry-level real estate license is generally known as an affiliate broker license.
An affiliate broker may perform real estate activities under the supervision of a licensed principal broker. This structure allows new professionals to begin working in residential sales, commercial transactions, leasing, and other permitted real estate services while gaining experience and building a client base.
Before beginning the licensing process, applicants should confirm that they meet Tennessee’s basic eligibility standards. These commonly include being at least 18 years old and having the honesty, trustworthiness, character, and competence expected of a real estate professional.
Applicants should also be prepared to provide identifying information and documentation as part of the application process. Certain criminal convictions, professional disciplinary matters, or other background issues may require additional review by TREC. A past issue does not necessarily mean an applicant cannot become licensed, but it may affect the application process.
Because eligibility decisions can depend on the specific circumstances, anyone with concerns about their background should review the current guidance from TREC before investing in education or examination fees.
The standard education requirement for a Tennessee affiliate broker license is 90 hours of approved pre-licensing coursework. The coursework is designed to introduce future real estate professionals to the legal, ethical, financial, and practical concepts involved in real estate transactions.
Topics typically include:
The education must be completed through a provider and course approved for Tennessee licensing purposes. Course formats may include online, classroom, or other approved delivery methods, depending on the provider and current state rules.
Students should complete all required assignments, attendance requirements, quizzes, and examinations. The referenced Tennessee course program describes a 90-hour curriculum and includes a course final exam as part of the education process.
After successfully completing the course, retain the completion certificate and any other records provided by the school. These documents may be needed when applying for the license or scheduling the licensing examination.
After completing the required education, applicants must pass the Tennessee affiliate broker licensing examination. Tennessee licensing examinations are administered through PSI Examination Services, according to the referenced course information.
The examination includes both a national portion and a Tennessee-specific state portion. The course page states that applicants must earn at least 70% on both portions to pass. Applicants should confirm the current examination structure, fees, identification requirements, scheduling procedures, and retake policies before registering.
A practical preparation plan may include:
If an applicant passes one portion but not the other, the applicable retesting rules should be reviewed carefully. Testing policies, fees, and score-validity periods may change.
Tennessee applicants should expect to complete a criminal background check and any required fingerprinting as part of the licensing process. The referenced course page identifies background-check completion as a step toward obtaining a Tennessee affiliate broker license.
Applicants should use the screening process specified by TREC or its authorized vendor. Submitting fingerprints through an unapproved method or failing to follow the required instructions can delay an application.
It is also important to answer background questions accurately. Omitting information or providing an incomplete response may create additional problems, even when the underlying event would not automatically prevent licensure.
Once the education, examination, and screening requirements have been addressed, the applicant can submit an affiliate broker license application to TREC. The application generally requires supporting documentation, proof of education, examination results, background-screening information, and payment of applicable state fees.
Tennessee affiliate brokers typically operate under a principal broker rather than independently. As a result, applicants should identify a Tennessee brokerage that is willing to supervise them and confirm any affiliation or activation requirements before submitting the application.
Application processing times can vary. TREC may request additional documents or explanations if information is missing or requires further review. Applicants should monitor communications from the Commission and respond promptly to avoid unnecessary delays.
Receiving a license is the beginning of a real estate career, not the end of the process. New affiliate brokers should complete the brokerage’s onboarding requirements, learn the firm’s transaction procedures, and become familiar with Tennessee forms, disclosures, advertising rules, and recordkeeping expectations.
New agents should also consider:
Tennessee may require post-licensing education or continuing education depending on the license holder’s timing, status, and applicable rules. Before renewing or changing license status, check the latest TREC instructions to determine which education requirements apply.
The safest approach is to treat licensing information as time-sensitive. Confirm the current 90-hour education requirement, examination procedures, background-check instructions, application forms, fees, and continuing-education obligations with TREC before taking the next step.
Ready to start? Explore the Tennessee real estate pre-licensing course from Leap Real Estate for course options and enrollment information.
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