Tennessee Real Estate License Requirements: Complete Guide

# Tennessee Real Estate License Requirements: Complete Guide

Tennessee uses the title "affiliate broker" for newly licensed real estate agents — not "salesperson" as many other states do. Here is how to earn your Tennessee affiliate broker license.

Step 1: Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a Tennessee affiliate broker license, you must: - Be at least 18 years old - Be a United States citizen or lawfully admitted alien - Have a high school diploma or equivalent (or be currently enrolled in high school) - Have no felony convictions without TREC disclosure and review

Criminal history does not automatically disqualify you, but TREC reviews convictions case by case. Disclose all criminal history honestly on your application — failure to disclose is treated as a separate and serious violation.

Step 2: Complete 90 Hours of Pre-License Education

Tennessee requires 90 hours of pre-license education split into two courses: - 60-hour Real Estate Fundamentals course: Covers property ownership, agency, contracts, finance, valuation, and fair housing - 30-hour Affiliate Broker course: Focuses on Tennessee-specific practice, TREC rules, and license law

Both courses must be completed at a TREC-approved school. Upon completion, you receive a certificate that you submit with your license application.

Step 3: Pass the PSI Exam

Schedule your exam through PSI at an approved Tennessee testing center. The exam: - 120 total questions (80 national + 40 state) - 4 hours total testing time - 70% passing score required on each section independently

PSI provides immediate results. If you fail one section, you only need to retake that section.

Step 4: Complete a Background Check

Submit fingerprints through the TREC's designated vendor. Results are sent directly to TREC. This step can take 2-4 weeks, so complete it promptly after your exam.

Step 5: Submit Your Application to TREC

Apply online through the TREC website. You will need: - Pre-license education certificates - PSI exam score report - Completed background check - Application fee - Sponsoring principal broker information

Your license is inactive until affiliated with a licensed Tennessee principal broker.

Step 6: Activate Your License Under a Principal Broker

Your supervising principal broker submits an affiliation request to TREC. Once approved, your affiliate broker license is active. Tennessee law requires affiliate brokers to work under a principal broker for at least 3 years before applying for a broker's license.

Continuing Education and Renewal

Affiliate broker licenses renew every 2 years. You must complete 16 hours of CE, including: - 3 hours of core (TREC-mandated content) - 13 hours of electives

First-time renewal requires completion of the TREC-required 30-hour post-licensing course (separate from CE) within the first renewal period.

Reciprocity

Tennessee has reciprocity agreements with several states. Applicants from reciprocal states may apply for licensure by completing only the state portion of the PSI exam.