How to become a broker and real estate agent in Tennessee

Getting a Tennessee real estate license requires completing pre-licensing education, passing a two-section exam administered by PSI, undergoing a fingerprint-based background check, and submitting a license application through the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) online system. Tennessee's entry-level license is called an affiliate broker license, the equivalent of what most states call a salesperson or agent license. The full process from coursework to license activation typically takes a few months for anyone pursuing a career as a broker and real estate agent.

Tennessee real estate license requirements

TREC sets several eligibility criteria that candidates must meet before beginning the licensing process, including minimum age, education level, residency, and background screening. The TREC licensing page^[1] lists the qualifying questions every candidate must answer.

A fingerprint-based background check is mandatory for all applicants. TREC does not allow anyone currently on parole or probation to schedule a licensing exam. Candidates with criminal convictions, particularly those involving theft, should contact TREC directly to confirm eligibility before investing in coursework.

Attorneys practicing in Tennessee are not exempt from any pre-licensing requirements. The TREC pre-licensing FAQ^[2] confirms that attorneys must complete the same education and exam steps as all other candidates.

Tennessee also offers a High School Senior Real Estate Licensing Program for students who want to begin the process before graduation.

Understanding Tennessee license types

Tennessee's entry-level real estate license is known as an "affiliate broker" license, rather than a "salesperson" or "agent" license as in most other states. An affiliate broker must work under the supervision of a licensed broker and cannot operate independently.

A broker license is the higher tier, allowing the holder to practice independently, employ affiliate brokers, and manage transactions. The Tennessee Real Estate Commission, created in 1951, regulates both license types under Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 62, Chapter 13, according to the TREC commission home page^[3]. The TREC broker licensing page^[4] outlines the experience and education requirements for upgrading from affiliate broker to broker.

Complete your pre-licensing education

Tennessee requires pre-licensing education in two parts: a principles course that must be finished before registering for the licensing exam, and a Course for New Affiliates that must be completed before TREC issues the license. The TREC pre-licensing FAQ^[2] outlines this two-course structure.

The principles course covers real estate fundamentals, and the school reports completion to PSI, which then approves exam eligibility. Candidates cannot schedule the exam until the school has submitted this information to PSI.

The Course for New Affiliates is required for affiliate brokers licensed after December 31, 2004. The certificate of completion must be submitted with the license application.

TREC maintains lists of approved pre-licensing courses^[5] for both affiliate brokers and brokers on its website. Pre-license courses cannot be used for continuing education credit.

Submit fingerprints for your background check

All affiliate broker applicants must submit electronic fingerprints through IdentoGO, the vendor contracted by TREC for background screening. The TREC broker licensing page^[4] specifies Service Code 28TZ99 for real estate commission fingerprinting.

In-state applicants schedule fingerprinting appointments through IdentoGO, while out-of-state applicants may use a non-resident card scan service. The fingerprinting receipt is a required document for the license application, and background check processing can take several weeks, so candidates should schedule early in the process.

Take the PSI affiliate broker exam

PSI administers the affiliate broker exam on behalf of TREC. The full exam costs $63, divided into a national section ($37) and a state section ($26), according to the TREC PSI exam information page^[6].

Candidates who pass one section but fail the other need to retake only the failed section. The minimum passing score is 70%, as confirmed by the TREC Worksheet A form^[7] dated May 2023.

After a first failed attempt, candidates can retake the exam the next day. After a second failed attempt, a 30-day waiting period applies between subsequent retakes. 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^[8] updated July 1, 2025.

Candidates schedule exams through PSI's Tennessee real estate portal^[9] or by calling (855) 340-3710. Exams are available at Tennessee testing centers and through online remote proctoring. Rescheduling is allowed without forfeiting the fee if PSI receives cancellation notice at least two days before the scheduled date.

Apply for your affiliate broker license

After passing the exam, candidates have one year from the date they pass their first exam section to submit a license application, per Tennessee Code Annotated section 62-13-304^[2]. The application fee is $91, paid through TREC's online CORE system.

Required documents include proof of pre-licensing education, the Course for New Affiliates certificate, electronic fingerprinting receipt, proof of errors and omissions insurance, and a photo ID.

A sponsoring broker must be affiliated with the applicant to activate the license. Candidates without a broker affiliation can apply for inactive status through CORE while they search for a firm.

Becoming a REALTOR® in Tennessee

REALTOR® is a professional designation, not a license type. According to the NAR membership page^[10], NAR national dues were $156 in 2024, plus a $45 special assessment for a consumer advertising campaign.

A principal broker must join a REALTOR® association before any non-principal licensees at the same firm can join. Each REALTOR® firm designates one principal as its "designated REALTOR®."

Next steps after getting licensed

Once your affiliate broker license is active, you must renew every two years by completing 16 hours of continuing education (including a 6-hour TREC Core course) and paying a $75 renewal fee, per the TREC fee schedule^[11].

Tennessee does not offer reciprocal licenses with other states, but out-of-state licensees may qualify for substitution of education, exam, or experience requirements by submitting Worksheet A and a certified license history to TREC, per the TREC reciprocity page^[12].

Licensees who want to upgrade to a broker license must hold an active affiliate broker license for at least 36 months (if licensed after May 12, 1988) and complete 120 hours of additional education, including a 30-hour Office/Broker Management course, according to the TREC broker licensing page^[4].

To get started, enroll in a TREC-approved principles course and schedule a fingerprinting appointment. These are the two steps you can take today.