REAL ESTATE RESOURCES
How to Get a Real Estate License in Tennessee
Kaplan Real Estate Education
The Tennessee real estate market continues to grow, offering promising opportunities for those ready to start a career in real estate. From Nashville to Knoxville and Chattanooga to Memphis, the state’s mix of urban development and rural charm makes it an ideal place to build a successful real estate business.
The path to becoming a real estate professional in Tennessee begins with earning your affiliate broker license–the state’s required entry point into the industry. This license is regulated by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC), which outlines the steps for qualification, education, and examination. Whether you’re aiming to join the fast-paced real estate scene in Nashville and Memphis or work with buyers and sellers in growing markets like Clarksville or Murfreesboro, meeting TREC’s standards is essential for launching your career.
To get your Tennessee real estate license, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Complete 60 hours of prelicensing education
- Pass the state licensing exam
- Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates
- Submit your fingerprints and background check
- Apply for your license through Tennessee’s CORE website
Table of Contents
- Steps to Get a Real Estate License in Tennessee
- Continuing Education and License Renewal in Tennessee
- Tennessee Real Estate License Reciprocity
Steps to Get a Real Estate License in Tennessee
Becoming a licensed affiliate broker in Tennessee is a multi-step process that requires focus, preparation, and attention to detail. From education to exam day and final application, this guide breaks down exactly what you need to do to move forward with confidence.
Step 1: Meet Tennessee’s Basic Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a real estate license in Tennessee, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien
- Have been a resident of Tennessee for at least 45 days
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
Step 2: Submit Your Fingerprints for a Background Check
Tennessee requires all applicants to complete a criminal background check by submitting fingerprints through an approved vendor, such as IdentoGO. Your fingerprints will be used for both state and federal background checks, and results must be received before your license can be issued.
Step 3: Complete 60 Hours of Prelicensing Education
Before you’re eligible to take the licensing exam, you must complete 60 hours of prelicensing education through a provider approved by the TREC. This course is designed to build a strong foundation in the core principles of real estate and prepare you for both the national and state-specific portions of the exam.
The curriculum typically covers topics such as:
- Real estate principles and practices
- Agency relationships and contracts
- Property disclosures, title transfer, and financing basics
- Tennessee license law and commission rules
- Fair housing laws and ethical business practices
Step 4: Pass the Tennessee Real Estate Licensing Exam
After finishing your 60-hour prelicensing education course, your education provider must electronically send proof of your course completion directly to PSI, the official test provider in Tennessee. You won’t be able to register for the exam until PSI has received and processed this information, which may take up to four weeks.
Once your eligibility has been confirmed, you can schedule and pay for your exam by visiting the PSI website or calling 1-855-340-3710. The Tennessee affiliate broker exam includes both a national section and a state-specific section, both of which must be passed to move forward in the licensing process.
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Step 5: Complete the 30-Hour Course for New Affiliates
Before you can apply for your affiliate broker license in Tennessee, you must complete the required 30-hour Course for New Affiliates. This course is mandated by the TREC and is designed to help new agents gain practical knowledge and skills essential for starting a successful real estate career. You’ll need to submit a certificate of completion as part of your license application.
Step 6: Apply for Your Affiliate Broker License
Once you’ve passed the exam and completed all required education, you can submit your application online through the Tennessee CORE website. Be prepared to upload supporting documents, including:
- Proof of education completion
- Certificate of completion for the 30-hour affiliate course
- Background check verification
Once your application is reviewed and approved by TREC, you’ll officially be licensed as an affiliate broker in Tennessee.
Continuing Education and License Renewal in Tennessee
To keep your Tennessee affiliate broker license active, you must complete continuing education (CE) and renew your license every two years. The TREC outlines specific requirements that all license holders must meet before renewing.
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Continuing Education Requirements
All affiliate brokers must complete the following CE every two years:
- 6 hours of TREC CORE Course focused on legal updates, ethics, contracts, and agency responsibilities
- 10 hours of TREC-approved elective courses on real estate topics of your choice
Your education provider will report your completed CE hours directly to the TREC, so you don’t need to upload certificates yourself.
License Renewal Process
To renew your Tennessee real estate license:
- Complete all 16 hours of CE before your license expiration date
- Log in to the TREC CORE portal to submit your renewal application
- Pay the renewal fee
- Renew on time to avoid penalties–late renewals are accepted up to 60 days after expiration with an added fee
Staying current with your CE and renewing your license on time ensures your license remains in good standing and allows you to continue working as an affiliate broker in Tennessee.
Tennessee Real Estate License Reciprocity
Tennessee does not have formal license reciprocity agreements with any other state. However, if you’re a licensed real estate agent in another state, you may still be eligible to apply for a Tennessee affiliate broker license through a process known as license recognition.
How Out-of-State Agents Can Apply
Licensed agents from other U.S. states can apply for a Tennessee real estate license by meeting specific requirements, exam, and documentation requirements. To get started, you must:
- Hold an active real estate license in good standing from another state
- Submit Worksheet A and a certified license history from each state where you are or were licensed
- Email your documents to the TREC at TREC.info@tn.gov for review
TREC will evaluate your education, license history, and exam records to determine which requirements you’ve already satisfied.
Additional Requirements for Non-Residents
Even if you’re licensed in another state, you may still need to:
- Pass the Tennessee state law portion of the licensing exam
- Complete Tennessee-specific education, such as the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates, if not previously completed
- Submit fingerprints and complete a background check
- Pay any applicable fees and submit your affiliate broker license application through the CORE system
Out-of-state agents can take advantage of Tennessee’s flexible license recognition process to expand their business and begin working in Tennessee without starting from scratch. Be sure to check with the TREC for the most up-to-date guidance.
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