How to Get a Real Estate License in Tennessee 2024: All Requirements for Taking the Exam

Taking some of the most popular questions into account, we’ve pulled together all the important, and most helpful, information related to getting a Tennessee real estate license.

This includes how to qualify, what prerequisites are required, and what to expect on the exam.

If you’re ready to learn how to obtain a real estate license in TN, read on to fully prepare yourself.

Real estate agents in Tennessee who are just entering the field typically apply to become an Affiliate Broker.

Basic eligibility requirements are that you’re a U.S. citizen, or qualified alien, and have a high school diploma, or its equivalent.

Additional TN real estate license requirements, to get things started, are to complete a real estate license application, submit a picture, and provide electronic fingerprints.

You’ll also need proof of an errors and omissions insurance policy in order to complete the licensing process.

This type of insurance, also known as professional liability insurance, helps protect you from the full cost of defending yourself should a negligence claim get made by a future client.

Finally, you’ll need to complete the required pre-licensing education and pay the $91 fee in order to qualify to move on to the exam.

There are 90 total hours of coursework you must complete in any of the real estate schools in Tennessee.

This is broken down into two courses — a 60-hour course in real estate principles and fundamentals, and then 30 hours in a course specifically for new affiliates.

Once all the requirements are met, you’re able to schedule your exam with PSI Services.

A leading private administrator of state licensing exams, PSI provides a Tennessee-specific contact number to call when you’re ready for your exam: (855) 340-3710.

The exam consists of 120 total questions, broken down into 80 within a national portion, and 40 within a state-specific portion.

You have 160 minutes to finish the national section and 80 to complete the state piece. The cost to take the exam is $39.

You are also required to work for a brokerage firm as part of your license application.

It is important to choose the right broker to work for when starting as a new agent to help you build a lasting career in real estate.

Upon knowing the qualities you want in a broker, you can browse through our directory of the best real estate brokerages in Tennessee and pick the one that’s near your location.

For those who already have a real estate license, a secondary option in Tennessee is to apply for your broker’s license.

To do this, you must be actively licensed as an affiliate broker for at least 36 months if licensed after May 12, 1988, or for 24 months if licensed on or before May 12, 1988.

If you have a bachelor’s degree in a real estate major, no matter what year you got your license, you only have to have had it for 24 months.

As with the affiliate broker license, there is also an educational component, if you were licensed after 2001.

You must complete 120 hours of real estate education approved by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC).

Thirty hours of this pre-licensing coursework must be within an Office/Broker Management course, taken at a TREC-approved school.

Once that’s complete, you must submit an examination application and get commission approval before you can make your examination appointment.

This process takes around four weeks to complete.

Other eligibility requirements align with what the affiliate broker licensing process and include:

• Being a U.S. citizen
• Having a high school diploma or its equivalent
• Providing proof of an error and omissions insurance policy
• Paying the $91 application fee

What Is Real Estate License Reciprocity?

As a licensed real estate agent, when you move from one state to another you may potentially be able to take advantage of reciprocity.

This is where some, or all, of your existing credentials and experience allow you to skip some, or all, of the requirements needed in your new state to continue on as a licensed agent.

While Tennessee does offer reciprocity for agents coming from a few states, others moving in have the option to submit their professional history for review.

You may still qualify to have your real estate education, the national portion of the license exam, and/or your experience substitute for the same category within the Tennessee real estate licensing process.

To establish whether you qualify, you’ll need to send TREC Worksheet A, and a Certified License History from all the states where you hold, or have held a real estate license.

From there, your information gets reviewed, and you’re notified if any requirements are waived based on your current status as a real estate licensee.

US States Having a Reciprocal Agreement with Tennessee

The states that offer reciprocity are always subject to change, but according to current information, Tennessee offers it to agents moving from:

• Arkansas
• Connecticut
• Georgia
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• South Dakota
• Virginia
• West Virginia

For those leaving the state of Tennessee, the following states offer reciprocity to real estate agents who’ve decided to relocate:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• North Carolina
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington

Survey of Experts

How difficult was it for you to study and pass the Tennessee real estate license exam?

How many attempts did it take you to pass your real estate license exam?

Pre-Licensing Classroom Courses

While the educational, pre-licensing requirements vary based on the type of license you’re applying for, each one has specific courses you must take.

They both also require you to provide proof of completion before registering for your license exam.

A certificate of completion must be submitted to both PSI and TREC.

While there are plenty of options for where you take your pre-licensing coursework across the state, you’ll have to decide what kind of format works best for you.

Some prefer learning in an actual classroom, where you work through a set schedule to stay on track.

In-class learning can also provide you with more opportunities to meet future colleagues, network, and even form helpful study groups.

Pre-Licensing Online Courses

For those who prefer an online format for their Tennessee pre-licensing coursework, most virtual schools offer a single package, and sometimes even a pass guarantee.

You can gain more flexibility when studying virtually since you’re able to set your own pace, and your own schedule.

Often, those going through the coursework solely online finish faster than those learning in-person as a result. It may take as little as two weeks.

However, since you may have other commitments that make it hard to work that quickly, it’s best to weigh the pros and cons of online real estate classes vs classroom.

Survey of Experts

Did you take your pre-licensing real estate course online or in person?

Do you think taking a real estate pre-licensing course online can save students time compared to in-person courses?

What is the name of the school where you completed your pre-licensing course?

Expert Insight

Do you see any advantages of taking an online course over the in-person class?

For those who work well on their own, I would recommend taking an online or correspondence pre-licensing course. This will allow you to move at your own pace and not be rushed or slowed down by other students.

Those who do better in group settings with frequent interaction with teachers and other students, should definitely go the in-person classroom route.

— Joe Hafner, Hafner Real Estate, Broker/Owner

Yes, I believe online was better because I could stop and study to fully comprehend the subject before moving on.

Moving on too fast like they can in in-person classes causes me confusion because I mix everything together if I don’t fully understand a subject before moving on, especially if they are related.

— Jessica Lewis, Century 21 Prestige, Realtor

I do like online courses because they usually include online study tools to help test prep.

— John Sullivan, Fridrich And Clark Realty and Nashville Realtor Team, Realtor

Taking the classes on your own schedule and time frame.

— Andrew McGranaghan, Wallace Real Estate, Chief Development Officer/Partner

What would you recommend real estate students to invest extra in to ensure passing the exam on the first try?

Study guides, and reaching out to a local established real estate company for advice and other study aides.

We have study groups and brokers ready to help new students at Wallace Real Estate in Knoxville.

— Andrew McGranaghan, Wallace Real Estate, Chief Development Officer/Partner

Vocabulary! I can’t stress enough how much knowing the vocabulary saved me. I made flash cards that I carried with me and watched YouTube videos all the time.

— Jessica Lewis, Century 21 Prestige, Realtor

Good test simulator online. With it, you can practice the test as many times as needed to feel comfortable with the test and process.

— John Sullivan, Fridrich And Clark Realty and Nashville Realtor Team, Realtor

If taking tests is a challenge for you, many real estate schools offer “cram” courses that help you prepare for the exam after completing all of the required courses.

— Joe Hafner, Hafner Real Estate, Broker/Owner

There are locations across Tennessee that offer the real estate license exam. Administered by PSI, you must make a reservation by calling (855) 340-3710.

PSI has Tennessee testing center locations in:

• Chattanooga
• Cookeville
• Dyersburg
• Jackson
• Johnson City
• Knoxville
• Memphis (4 locations)
• Nashville (2 locations)

The minimum passing score is 70%, and the cost for the test is $39.

To pass the test, read our article providing in-depth information on how to pass the Tennessee real estate exam the first time.

Additionally, we have tips on studying for the real estate exam.

You have six months after you pass the affiliate broker exam to submit your completed application. You can submit everything online, or email items directly to [email protected].

The required set of items include proof of passing the pre-licensing coursework, the passing score on your exam, submission of your electronic fingerprints, proof of insurance, and proof of eligibility.

Once you’ve passed the test score and the complete application is in, you’re eligible to receive your real estate license in Tennessee.

After everything is complete and you’ve received notification of your active license, there are a few more steps to prepare yourself for your career.

Make sure you know what to do next after getting your real estate license. And, don’t forget to join a real estate team to get a good start on your real estate career.

To maintain your real estate license in Tennessee, you must complete 16 hours of state-approved courses every two years.

Six hours of this block must consist of mandatory core courses, while the remaining time can be filled with electives.

The time it takes to complete the pre-licensing coursework depends on what format you take the classes in, and which license you’re applying for.

Based on your schedule, and the number of hours you can devote to classes each week, you will most likely complete the coursework in a few months.

Working online enables you to devote more time to your pre-licensing coursework, potentially getting it done faster than if you were taking in-person classes.

This is all dependent on your schedule, and the number of hours you need for completion. For some, the requirements can get done in just a few weeks.

For an estimated timeline to complete all the other steps in the licensing process, read our article on how long to get a Tennessee real estate license.

Survey of Experts

How long did it take you to get your real estate license? From the time you signed up for school till your license was issued.

Expert Insight

Knowing what you know now, what would you do differently to get your license faster?

I would choose to have stayed dedicated continuously. I would get burnt out and take weeks without doing work. I would have been done a lot faster if I hadn’t.

— Jessica Lewis, Century 21 Prestige, Realtor

Take classes online.

— Andrew McGranaghan, Wallace Real Estate, Chief Development Officer/Partner

Yes. Applicants are required to submit their fingerprints electronically for a background check.

Total costs will vary based on the expense of your pre-licensing classes, but you will pay $165 for sure in fees.

This includes $35 for fingerprinting, $91 for the application fee, and $39 to take the real estate license exam.

For a complete breakdown of licensing fees, check out our article on how much a real estate license costs in TN.

Survey of Experts

In your opinion, was the cost of getting your real estate license reasonable?

Approximately how much did it cost you to get your real estate license? Including school fees, study materials, and other related expenses.

Expert Insight

What were your ‘surprise costs’?

Just minor things like the fingerprints. I did research before, so I knew about the fees to get started with a broker already and all the fees for NAR and my local association.

The whole process was fairly easy and self-explanatory.

— Jessica Lewis, Century 21 Prestige, Realtor

Fingerprinting, application fees.

— Andrew McGranaghan, Wallace Real Estate, Chief Development Officer/Partner

What were your ‘surprise costs’ after getting your license?

I don’t remember any surprises, but as each expense (licensing, cost of exam, NAR dues, E&O insurance, lockbox expenses, etc.) stacks up, it can get very expensive for new agents to get established.

— Joe Hafner, Hafner Real Estate, Broker/Owner

None for licensing, but I was surprised by all the “options” available for a charge with my first broker RE/MAX.

— John Sullivan, Fridrich And Clark Realty and Nashville Realtor Team, Realtor

MLS dues.

— Andrew McGranaghan, Wallace Real Estate, Chief Development Officer/Partner

What costs could have been avoided and how?

Some companies and real estate teams will offer to pay some of your pre-licensing expenses if you align with them before getting licensed.

It’s definitely worth interviewing companies and/or teams before starting the process and asking them what — if any — assistance they offer to new agents.

— Joe Hafner, Hafner Real Estate, Broker/Owner

I didn’t have any costs that could have been avoided. The process is easy. You just need to dedicate yourself and study!

— Jessica Lewis, Century 21 Prestige, Realtor

None to my knowledge. I could have saved money by taking the classes online instead of in person.

— Andrew McGranaghan, Wallace Real Estate, Chief Development Officer/Partner

You must wait 24 hours before retaking all or part of the real estate exam in Tennessee. After a second failed attempt, you must wait 30 days before retaking any part of the exam.

If you fail only one part of the exam, your passing score stays valid for up to two retakes of the failed section, or six months, whichever comes first.

After that, you have to retake the entire exam, but there is no limit on attempts.

Yes. You must pay each time you retake the real estate license exam in Tennessee.

The fee is $39 whether taking one or both parts.

Yes, but having this charge on your record can decrease your ability to get a real estate license in Tennessee.

You must submit a certified copy of your conviction record, in addition to an affidavit that goes into detail about the charge to the Tennessee Real Estate Commission.

You may preemptively submit the above documentation and petition the Tennessee Real Estate Commission before taking or completing your pre-licensing coursework as well.

Use this form: Application for Decision Regarding Prior Criminal Conviction(s) and/or Disciplinary Sanctions(s).

For more information, read our guide on getting a Tennessee real estate license with violations on your record.

If you are on parole or probation, you must wait two years after that period has passed to be eligible for a real estate license in Tennessee.

Once you reach that time period, you must appear in front of the Tennessee Real Estate Commission for licensure consideration.

If you’re denied, you must wait six months, from the date of denial, to have your eligibility reconsidered.

DUI convictions in Tennessee are slightly different than in other states since all require mandatory jail time.

Getting a real estate license if you have a DUI on your record is possible, but you may have to wait the aforementioned two years if you end up on parole or probation.

Survey of Experts

Is it more challenging to get a real estate license with violations on one’s record?

Do you know any people who got a real estate license with violations on their record?

No, you cannot get a real estate license in Tennessee without a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Once getting your real estate license in Tennessee, prepare to have a busy career ahead.

Our article on the pros and cons of being a real estate agent walks you through the ups and downs of choosing a real estate agent job as a career.

To help you build and grow your real estate career quickly, we at Real Estate Bees created a directory for real estate professionals.

It’s designed to help you get more exposure for your business, including receiving leads. Create a free profile by signing up here.

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About the Author

Kristina Morales is a REALTOR® with over 20 years of professional experience. She actively practices real estate in Ohio but also has practiced real estate in California and Texas. Conducting her real estate business in three states has allowed her to gain unique experiences that make her a well-rounded realtor. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and her MBA with a concentration in Banking and Finance. Prior to real estate, Kristina had an extensive corporate career in banking and treasury. She ended her finance career as an Assistant Treasurer at a publicly traded oil & gas company in Houston, TX.