Tennessee real estate exam: Format, topics, and how to prepare

The Tennessee real estate exam is a multiple-choice test administered by PSI on behalf of the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC). Candidates must pass both a national section and a state section, each with its own passing threshold. A real estate exam course that combines content review with practice tests helps you master both the national real estate principles and Tennessee-specific regulations the exam covers, giving you the preparation needed to pass on your first attempt.

About the Tennessee real estate exam

Passing the Tennessee real estate exam is a requirement for affiliate broker licensure in the state. Candidates become eligible only after completing 60 hours of TREC-approved pre-licensing education in real estate principles, which the education provider reports electronically to PSI.

PSI administers the exam in a single sitting lasting approximately 4 hours, covering both national real estate principles and Tennessee-specific laws and commission rules, according to the PSI Tennessee real estate exam page^[1].

Exam structure, format, and passing score

The affiliate broker exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions across two sections: 80 questions on the national portion and 40 questions on the state portion. Candidates must score at least 70% on each section to pass, meaning 56 correct answers on the national portion and 28 correct on the state portion. The national portion allows 160 minutes and the state portion allows 80 minutes, for a combined total of approximately 4 hours, per the TREC PSI exam information page^[2].

A small number of experimental questions may be included in the exam but are not scored. They do count against your exam time. Both sections are scored independently: passing one and failing the other means you retake only the failed section.

Tennessee real estate exam fees

The TREC PSI exam information page^[2] publishes the current fee schedule for all Tennessee real estate exams.

Retake fees are identical to initial exam fees. The same fee schedule applies whether you are taking the exam for the first time or retaking a failed section.

How to register and schedule the exam with PSI

After you complete the pre-licensing course, your education provider submits an electronic application to PSI on your behalf. PSI reviews the application and, upon approval, emails you a confirmation with instructions to pay the exam fee and schedule your test date. You cannot register for the exam until your school has reported your course completion to PSI.

Retest candidates and out-of-state candidates must submit a scheduling request through their online CORE account rather than through their school. PSI offers exam sessions at least 6 weeks in advance, and booking 4 to 6 weeks before your preferred date is recommended for the best availability.

You can reschedule without forfeiting your fee if PSI receives your cancellation notice at least 2 days before the scheduled exam date. Candidates who need ADA accommodations must schedule by telephone and speak directly with a PSI registrar.

Taking the Tennessee real estate exam online or at a test center

Candidates choose between two testing formats when they schedule: in-person at a PSI testing center or online from a remote location. Both formats cover the same content and follow the same time limits.

For in-person testing, arrive at least 30 minutes early with a valid government-issued photo ID that includes your signature, such as a driver's license or state ID. You must also bring your PSI admission notice. For online proctoring, you need a dependable device with a webcam, stable internet, and a private, walled room. The check-in process takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes and includes a system check and identity verification. The entire test session is recorded from check-in to completion.

Prohibited items during the exam include reference materials, paper, calculators, mobile phones, tablets, smart watches, headphones, food, beverages, and tobacco products.

Exam content and topic outline

The national portion tests general real estate principles that apply across all states, while the state portion tests Tennessee-specific statutes, commission rules, and local practices. The PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for Tennessee^[3] provides the full content outline with the number of questions allocated to each topic area.

National portion topics:

• Property ownership
• Land use controls and regulations
• Valuation and market analysis
• Financing
• Laws of agency
• Mandated disclosures
• Contracts
• Transfer of property
• Practice of real estate
• Real estate calculations
• Specialty areas

State portion topics:

• Duties and powers of the Tennessee Real Estate Commission
• Licensing requirements
• Advertising and marketing
• Broker and affiliate relationships
• Handling of documents and record-keeping
• Handling of trust and escrow funds
• Consumer protection and improper activities
• Agency and disclosure issues
• Special areas of practice

How to study for the Tennessee real estate exam

A real estate exam prep course that combines content review with timed practice tests is the most effective way to prepare for the Tennessee real estate exam. Building a study plan around the PSI content outline ensures you spend the most time on heavily weighted topics.

Beyond your pre-licensing materials, dedicated practice resources help you identify weak areas before test day.

For candidates who want additional prep, PSI offers a Tennessee exam prep book^[4] with 10 national and 5 state practice exams, plus a state sample exam.

Additional strategies:

• Practice real estate math, including commission calculations, loan-to-value ratios, prorations, and area calculations.
• Build stamina for the test by completing at least one full simulation.
• Answer every question on the actual exam — there is no penalty for guessing.

Failing and retaking the exam

If you pass one section but fail the other, you retake only the failed section. You can schedule a retake as early as the day after your failed exam. After a second failed attempt, you must wait 30 days between any subsequent retakes, according to the PSI Tennessee real estate exam page^[1].

A passing score on one section remains valid for two retakes of the failed section or one year, whichever comes first, per the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin^[3] updated July 1, 2025. If you exceed that window, you must retake the full exam with both sections.

Your score appears on screen immediately after the exam, and a score report is emailed to you. If you fail, the report includes diagnostic feedback showing your performance by topic area. Scores are not given over the telephone for confidentiality reasons.

Exam pass rate data

No official pass rate for the Tennessee real estate exam is published by the state regulator or its exam vendor.

Focus your preparation on mastering the content outline rather than comparing your readiness to a statistic.

After you pass: applying for your license

Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 62-13-303(d), you must submit your license application within 6 months of passing the exam. If you miss this deadline, you must retake and pass the exam to regain eligibility for licensure.

To activate your license, affiliate with a sponsoring broker, complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates, submit your electronic fingerprinting for a background check, and file the Initial Affiliate Broker Application online through CORE. The application fee is $91, and your sponsoring broker must sign your application before submission. Start these steps as soon as you receive your passing score to stay within the 6-month window.