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Tennessee Real Estate Practice Exam
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The Tennessee real estate exam is administered by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) and is notable for Tennessee's unique distinction between Affiliate Broker and Principal Broker — all new licensees in Tennessee start as Affiliate Brokers and must work under a Principal Broker. This two-tier structure and the specific supervisory requirements are heavily tested. Tennessee's mandatory seller disclosure form (TREC Residential Property Condition Disclosure) and Tennessee's strict advertising rules — including team name restrictions — are also common on the state exam.

Administered by: Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) · 120 questions · Passing score: 70%

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Updated May 2026 · Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) exam outline

📋 120 exam questions🎯 70% to pass4 hours💰 Exam fee: $63📚 90 pre-license hours required
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Free Tennessee Real Estate Practice Exam Questions

Test your knowledge with these Tennessee real estate practice questions. Each question is based on topics from the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) exam and includes detailed explanations.

Q1. Which agency regulates real estate licenses in Tennessee?

A.Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
B.Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC)
C.Tennessee Bureau of Professional Regulation
D.Tennessee Division of Licensing

Explanation

The Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) is the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating real estate licensees in Tennessee.

Q2. In Tennessee, when representing a buyer, an affiliate broker is required to:

A.Always charge the buyer a separate fee
B.Provide the buyer with an agency disclosure before substantive discussions
C.Obtain a written buyer representation agreement before showing any property
D.Disclose the buyer's financial qualifications to all sellers

Explanation

Tennessee law requires agency disclosure to be provided to a buyer before any substantive discussion about real property, so they understand who the broker represents.

Q3. In a Tennessee real estate purchase contract, earnest money serves as:

A.The buyer's guarantee to close regardless of contingencies
B.Evidence of the buyer's good faith and part of the consideration
C.Compensation for the real estate agents
D.Payment toward the seller's closing costs

Explanation

Earnest money demonstrates the buyer's good faith and becomes part of the consideration for the contract. It is typically applied toward the purchase price or closing costs at settlement.

Q4. The Federal Reserve's primary tool for influencing mortgage interest rates is:

A.Setting maximum loan amounts for FHA loans
B.Adjusting the federal funds rate
C.Requiring lenders to hold larger reserves
D.Buying and selling individual mortgage loans

Explanation

The Federal Reserve influences interest rates primarily by adjusting the federal funds rate—the rate at which banks lend to each other overnight. Changes in this rate affect mortgage rates throughout the economy.

Q5. Tennessee is NOT a community property state. Instead, it follows the principle of:

A.Common law / separate property ownership
B.Tenancy by the entirety for all married couples
C.Equitable distribution of all marital assets
D.Joint tenancy is the default for married couples

Explanation

Tennessee, like most non-community property states, follows common law (separate property) principles. Property owned individually before or during marriage (unless titled jointly) belongs to the individual spouse.

Q6. The income approach to value is most appropriate for:

A.Owner-occupied single-family residences
B.Vacant agricultural land
C.Income-producing investment properties
D.New construction homes

Explanation

The income approach is most appropriate for income-producing properties such as apartment complexes, office buildings, and commercial properties. It estimates value based on the property's ability to generate income.

Q7. Redlining is a discriminatory practice in which lenders:

A.Charge higher interest rates to borrowers with poor credit
B.Refuse to make loans or offer inferior terms in minority neighborhoods
C.Require additional inspections in older neighborhoods
D.Limit loan amounts in certain geographic areas based on property values

Explanation

Redlining is the illegal practice of refusing to make loans, provide insurance, or offer other financial services in certain geographic areas based on the racial or ethnic composition of those neighborhoods.

Q8. In Tennessee, real estate closings are most commonly handled by:

A.Licensed escrow companies
B.The listing broker
C.A licensed attorney or title company
D.The lender's in-house closing department

Explanation

Tennessee is an attorney state where real estate closings are commonly conducted by a licensed attorney or a title company. Attorneys handle title examination and closing procedures.

Q9. A home sells for $265,000. The seller pays a 5.5% commission. What is the total commission dollar amount?

A.$13,250
B.$14,575
C.$15,900
D.$12,100

Explanation

Commission = $265,000 × 0.055 = $14,575. To solve this, multiply the relevant values: $265,000 at 5.5%.. The correct answer is $14,575.. This is a common calculation on the Tennessee real estate exam.

Q10. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that enters homes primarily through:

A.Contaminated municipal water supplies
B.Cracks in foundations and floors from underlying soil and rock
C.Lead paint deterioration in older homes
D.Asbestos fibers disturbed during renovation

Explanation

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas produced by the decay of uranium in soil and rock. It enters buildings through cracks in foundations, floors, and walls. Tennessee has areas with elevated radon levels, particularly in East Tennessee.

Q11. A variance is a permission granted by local government to:

A.Rezone a parcel from residential to commercial use
B.Deviate from specific zoning requirements due to unique property hardship
C.Build in a flood plain without restrictions
D.Transfer development rights to another parcel

Explanation

A variance allows a property owner to use or develop land in a way that deviates from the strict letter of the zoning ordinance, typically because of unique physical characteristics of the property that create an undue hardship if the code is strictly applied.

Q12. In Tennessee, a property manager who collects rent and manages properties for others must hold:

A.A property management certificate from the state
B.A Tennessee real estate license under a principal broker
C.Only a business license from their city
D.A separate property management license from TREC

Explanation

In Tennessee, property management activities — including leasing, renting, and collecting rent for others — constitute acts requiring a real estate license. A property manager must be licensed and affiliated with a principal broker.

Q13. In Tennessee, the entry-level real estate license is called:

A.Real estate salesperson
B.Real estate agent
C.Affiliate broker
D.Associate licensee

Explanation

Tennessee uses the term 'affiliate broker' for entry-level licensees rather than 'salesperson.' An affiliate broker must work under a supervising principal broker.

Q14. A Tennessee affiliate broker is working with a buyer but has no buyer representation agreement. The broker is most likely acting as:

A.A buyer's agent
B.A subagent of the seller
C.A transactional broker
D.A designated agent

Explanation

Without a buyer representation agreement, an affiliate broker working with a buyer is typically a subagent of the seller (the listing broker's principal). This means the broker's duties run to the seller, not the buyer.

Q15. A contingency clause in a purchase contract allows a buyer to:

A.Close without a final inspection
B.Cancel or renegotiate the contract if a specified condition is not met
C.Extend the closing date indefinitely
D.Assign the contract to another buyer without the seller's consent

Explanation

A contingency clause makes the contract conditional on a specified event occurring (e.g., loan approval, satisfactory inspection). If the condition is not met, the buyer may terminate the contract and typically recover their earnest money.

Q16. Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is typically required when:

A.The borrower has a credit score below 700
B.The loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%
C.The property is used as a rental investment
D.The borrower is a first-time homebuyer

Explanation

PMI protects the lender if the borrower defaults. It is typically required on conventional loans when the LTV exceeds 80% (down payment is less than 20%). PMI can be cancelled once equity reaches 20%.

Q17. A condominium owner holds:

A.A cooperative share in a corporation that owns the building
B.Fee simple ownership of their individual unit and an undivided interest in common areas
C.A leasehold interest in their unit
D.Joint tenancy with all other unit owners

Explanation

Condominium owners hold fee simple title to their individual unit and an undivided interest in the common elements (hallways, lobby, grounds) as tenants in common with all other unit owners.

Q18. Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is typically prepared by a:

A.Certified appraiser for bank lending
B.Real estate licensee to help price a listing or assist a buyer
C.Government assessor for tax purposes
D.Building inspector for permit approval

Explanation

A CMA is prepared by a real estate licensee (not a licensed appraiser) to help clients understand the market value of a property. It uses recent comparable sales to estimate a likely selling price but is not an appraisal.

Q19. A landlord refuses to allow a tenant with a disability to install grab bars in the bathroom. Under the Fair Housing Act, this is:

A.Permissible because modifications alter the property
B.A violation because the landlord must allow reasonable modifications at the tenant's expense
C.Only a violation if the building has more than 4 units
D.Permissible if the landlord offers to make the modification themselves

Explanation

The Fair Housing Act requires landlords to allow persons with disabilities to make reasonable modifications to accommodate their disability, at the tenant's own expense. Refusing such a request is a Fair Housing violation.

Q20. A lis pendens recorded against a property indicates:

A.The property is subject to a pending lawsuit
B.The property has an unpaid mechanic's lien
C.The owner has filed for bankruptcy
D.The property is under a government taking

Explanation

Lis pendens (Latin: 'suit pending') is a notice recorded in public records that a lawsuit has been filed that may affect title to or ownership of the property. It warns potential buyers and lenders of the pending litigation.

Q21. Annual property taxes on a home are $3,600. The closing occurs on September 30. Using a 360-day banker's year with 30-day months, how much of the taxes is the seller responsible for (seller pays through day of closing)?

A.$2,700
B.$3,000
C.$2,550
D.$3,300

Explanation

January through September = 9 months. Daily tax rate = $3,600 ÷ 360 = $10/day. 9 months × 30 days = 270 days. Seller's share = 270 × $10 = $2,700.

Q22. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) is responsible for:

A.Issuing real estate licenses in Tennessee
B.Regulating environmental quality, including hazardous waste cleanup and water quality
C.Setting property tax rates for Tennessee counties
D.Administering the Tennessee homestead exemption

Explanation

TDEC administers Tennessee's environmental regulatory programs, including hazardous waste management, water quality, air quality, and cleanup of contaminated sites. Real estate professionals should be aware of TDEC's role regarding environmental hazards.

Q23. A nonconforming use is a land use that:

A.Was approved by a special use permit
B.Was lawful before a zoning change but no longer conforms to current zoning
C.Is prohibited in all Tennessee municipalities
D.Requires annual renewal approval from the planning commission

Explanation

A nonconforming use (or legal nonconforming use) existed lawfully before current zoning regulations were enacted. It is typically allowed to continue but cannot be expanded, and if abandoned for a specified period, the right to continue it may be lost.

Q24. The Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) applies to residential rental properties in Tennessee counties with a population of:

A.All counties regardless of population
B.75,000 or more
C.100,000 or more
D.25,000 or more

Explanation

The URLTA applies in Tennessee counties with a population of 75,000 or more. In smaller counties, the common law governs landlord-tenant relationships unless the parties' lease provides otherwise.

Q25. How many hours of pre-license education are required to obtain a Tennessee affiliate broker license?

A.60 hours
B.90 hours
C.120 hours
D.150 hours

Explanation

Tennessee requires 90 hours of pre-license education to become an affiliate broker. This includes courses in real estate principles, Tennessee license law, and contract law.

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Tennessee Real Estate Exam — What to Expect

Licensing Authority
Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC)
Total Questions
120 multiple choice
Passing Score
70%
Time Limit
4 hours
Exam Fee
$63
Pre-License Hours
90 hours required
First-Time Pass Rate
56%
Official Website
Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC)

What Is On The Tennessee Real Estate Exam?

The Tennessee real estate salesperson exam is administered by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) and tests both national real estate principles and Tennessee-specific laws and regulations. The exam contains 120 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 70% to pass.

The national portion covers topics that apply in every state: property ownership, land use controls, valuation and market analysis, financing, agency law, contracts, leasing and property management, transfer of title, fair housing laws, and real estate calculations. The state portion tests knowledge specific to Tennessee — including regulations set by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC), Tennessee agency disclosure requirements, and state-specific contract and closing practices.

Topics covered on the Tennessee exam include: Property Ownership, Agency Law, Contracts, Finance, Tennessee License Law, Fair Housing. Candidates who struggle on the TN exam typically underestimate the state-specific portion — the national content is well-covered by most study materials, but Tennessee law questions require targeted preparation.

Official Tennessee Exam Content Areas

Source: Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) · Updated June 2026

Content AreaQuestions
National Section (11 PSI topic areas)80
Tennessee State Section (TN Real Estate Commission rules, agency law, contracts, disclosures)40
  • Tennessee calls its entry-level license 'Affiliate Broker' — the exam and license terminology reflect this
  • Administered by PSI; must score 70% (56/80 national, 28/40 state) — sections scored independently
  • If one section is passed, only the failed section must be retaken within 1 year (or 2 additional attempts, whichever comes first)
  • Source: Tennessee Real Estate Commission (tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec) and PSI Candidate Bulletin #509

Practice Tennessee questions by topic — start with Tennessee License Law, Agency, and Contracts to build your foundation, then work through remaining topics.

How Many Questions Are On The Tennessee Exam?

The Tennessee real estate salesperson exam has 120 multiple-choice questions. The exam is divided into a national section covering general real estate principles and a state section covering Tennessee-specific laws administered by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC). You have 4 hours to complete the exam.

Tennessee Real Estate Exam Passing Score

You need a 70% to pass the Tennessee real estate exam. The first-time pass rate in Tennessee is approximately 56%, which means preparation is essential — most candidates who fail do so because they focused on national content and underestimated the TN-specific portion. Our Tennessee practice exam is built specifically around the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) exam outline.

Read our complete Tennessee exam study guide — state-specific topics, 5-week study plan, and what to focus on before exam day.

Most Difficult Topics On The Tennessee Exam

These are the areas where Tennessee candidates most commonly lose points — and a key reason why some states produce harder real estate exams than others.

TREC License Law

Tennessee Real Estate Commission's licensing structure — the Affiliate Broker and Principal Broker distinction — is unique and heavily tested. All new licensees start as Affiliate Brokers and must work under a Principal Broker's supervision.

Affiliate Broker vs. Principal Broker

Tennessee's two-tier licensing system means Affiliate Brokers have specific restrictions on what they can do independently vs. under supervision. Understanding these limitations and the promotion pathway is a commonly tested concept.

Tennessee Seller Disclosure (TRESD)

Tennessee's mandatory Residential Property Condition Disclosure form has specific categories and exemptions. When the form is required, what must be disclosed, and buyer remedies for non-disclosure are tested on the state exam.

Advertising & Team Name Rules

Tennessee has strict rules on team names and advertising — team names may not imply a separate brokerage, and all advertising must include the supervising broker's firm name. These rules are tested on the state portion.

Tennessee Real Estate Math

The Tennessee real estate exam includes math questions covering commission calculations, loan-to-value (LTV) ratios, property tax prorations, area and volume, and appreciation/depreciation. A common example: if a property sells for $350,000 and the total commission is 6%, split equally between listing and buyer's broker, each side earns $10,500. Proration questions — such as calculating how many days of property taxes a seller owes at closing — are also common. On the TN exam, you will not need a calculator for most math questions, but you do need to understand the formulas. Practice the "T-bar" method for commission splits and the 360-day banker's year for prorations.

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How To Get Your Tennessee Real Estate License

  1. 1Complete 90 hours of state-approved pre-license education covering topics required by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC).
  2. 2Submit your application to the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) and pay the required fees (exam fee: $63).
  3. 3Pass the Tennessee real estate salesperson exam (120 questions, 70% to pass).
  4. 4Complete a background check and fingerprinting as required by Tennessee law.
  5. 5Find a licensed sponsoring/employing broker to activate your license.
  6. 6Complete any required post-licensing education within the timeframe set by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC).

Best Study Strategy For The Tennessee Exam

Start with Tennessee license law first. State-specific regulations administered by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) make up a significant portion of the TN exam and are not covered in most national study materials.

Master the math early. The Tennessee real estate exam includes questions on commission calculations, prorations, loan-to-value ratios, and area calculations. Set aside dedicated math practice sessions — don't leave it until the last week.

Take timed practice exams. The Tennessee exam has 120 questions within a 4 hours time limit. Simulate exam conditions to build stamina and identify weak topics before exam day.

Focus heavily on agency law. Agency relationships, disclosure requirements, and fiduciary duties are consistently among the most-tested topics on the TN exam. Understand the difference between seller's agent, buyer's agent, dual agent, and transaction broker in the context of Tennessee law.

Review Fair Housing thoroughly. Federal Fair Housing Act protections apply in all states, but Tennessee may have additional protected classes. Know both federal and Tennessee-specific protections cold — this topic appears on virtually every exam.

Use active recall, not passive reading. Instead of re-reading notes, quiz yourself. Use flashcards or practice questions to test retention. Research shows active recall improves long-term retention significantly compared to passive review.

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Tennessee Real Estate Exam — Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Tennessee real estate exam?
The Tennessee real estate exam has 120 questions divided into a national portion and a Tennessee-specific state portion. The passing score is 70%, and the exam is administered by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC).
What topics are covered on the Tennessee real estate exam?
The Tennessee exam covers: Property Ownership, Agency Law, Contracts, Finance, Tennessee License Law, Fair Housing. The national portion tests general real estate principles; the state portion tests Tennessee-specific laws and Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) regulations.
What is the passing score for the Tennessee real estate exam?
You need a 70% to pass the Tennessee real estate exam. The first-time pass rate in Tennessee is approximately 56%, making targeted practice essential — especially on the state-specific portion.
How much does the Tennessee real estate exam cost?
The Tennessee real estate exam fee is $63. This covers one attempt. Retake fees may apply — check the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) website for current fee schedules.
How long does it take to prepare for the Tennessee real estate exam?
Most candidates spend 4–8 weeks on dedicated exam prep after completing their 90-hour pre-license course. Candidates who use state-specific practice questions and timed full-length mock exams pass faster — particularly those who focus on Tennessee law questions tested by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC).
How long is the Tennessee real estate exam?
You have 4 hours to complete the Tennessee real estate exam. Pace yourself — flag difficult questions and return to them rather than getting stuck.
Can you retake the Tennessee real estate exam if you fail?
Yes. If you fail the Tennessee real estate exam, you can retake it. The Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) has specific rules on waiting periods between attempts and applicable retake fees. Check the official Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) website for the current retake policy.
What is the difference between the national and state portion of the Tennessee exam?
The national portion covers universal real estate principles — agency law, contracts, financing, fair housing, property ownership, and math. The Tennessee state portion tests laws specific to Tennessee, including Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) regulations, state-specific disclosure requirements, and local contract and closing practices. Most candidates find the state portion harder because general study materials under-prepare them for Tennessee-specific content.
What is the first-time pass rate for the Tennessee real estate exam?
The first-time pass rate for the Tennessee real estate exam is approximately 56%. Candidates who use state-specific practice questions and full-length timed mock exams significantly improve their odds of passing on the first attempt.
What math is tested on the Tennessee real estate exam?
The Tennessee exam includes math questions covering commission calculations, proration, loan-to-value ratios, area and square footage calculations, and basic financing formulas. Math typically accounts for 10–15% of the exam. A calculator is generally permitted — verify current rules with the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC).

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