How to Get Your Real Estate License in Tennessee (2026)
Get your Tennessee real estate license in 4 steps. 90 education hours, pass the 120-question exam (70%), and apply with TREC. Free practice test included.
Getting your real estate license in Tennessee requires 90 hours of pre-licensing education, a passing score of 70% on the Tennessee real estate exam, and an application to the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC). TREC regulates all real estate licensing activity in the state, enforcing education standards, examination requirements, and professional conduct rules for affiliate brokers and principal brokers. The process follows four steps: complete your pre-licensing education, pass the state exam, submit your license application, and activate your real estate license with a sponsoring principal broker. Most candidates earn their Tennessee real estate license within 3-5 months.
Tennessee Real Estate License Requirements at a Glance
Tennessee requires all real estate salesperson candidates to meet these requirements before receiving a license.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | 90 hours of approved pre-licensing courses |
| Exam | 120 questions, 70% passing score |
| Exam Fee | ~$39 |
| Background Check | Fingerprint-based |
| Regulatory Body | Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) |
Each requirement must be completed in sequence. Your pre-licensing education must be finished before you can register for the exam, and you must pass the exam before submitting your application to TREC.
Step 1 — Complete 90 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
Tennessee requires 90 hours of approved pre-licensing education from a state-approved school before you can sit for the real estate exam. TREC maintains a list of approved providers offering both classroom and online courses. Coursework covers property ownership, contracts, agency law, real estate finance, and Tennessee-specific regulations.
Full-time students typically complete the 90-hour requirement in 6-10 weeks. Part-time students working through the material on evenings and weekends should plan for 3-4 months. Online programs offer self-paced flexibility, while classroom programs provide structured schedules with instructor interaction.
Tennessee uses the term “affiliate broker” for entry-level licensees working under a principal broker. Verify your school appears on the TREC-approved list before enrolling. Courses from non-approved providers will not satisfy the Tennessee real estate license requirement. Upon completing your education, you receive a certificate of completion needed for exam registration.
Step 2 — Pass the Tennessee Real Estate Exam
After completing your education requirements, schedule the Tennessee real estate exam through PSI. Registration is available online at the PSI website or by phone. Bring two forms of valid identification to the testing center — one must be a government-issued photo ID. The exam is computer-based with results provided immediately upon completion. The national portion has 80 scored questions plus 5 unscored pretest questions.
Tennessee exam structure and topics
The Tennessee real estate exam has two sections with 120 total questions. The national section contains 80 scored questions plus 5 unscored pretest items covering general real estate principles. The state section contains 40 questions on Tennessee-specific laws and regulations. You need a score of 70% on each section to pass.
National Section (80 Scored Questions + 5 Pretest)
| Topic | Questions | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Property Ownership | 6 | 8% |
| Land Use Controls and Regulations | 4 | 5% |
| Valuation and Market Analysis | 6 | 7% |
| Financing | 8 | 10% |
| General Principles of Agency | 10 | 13% |
| Property Disclosures | 5 | 6% |
| Contracts | 14 | 17% |
| Transfer of Title | 6 | 8% |
| Practice of Real Estate | 10 | 13% |
| Real Estate Calculations | 6 | 7% |
| Property Management | 2 | 3% |
| Specialty Areas | 3 | 3% |
State Section (40 Questions)
| Topic | Questions |
|---|---|
| Duties and Powers of Real Estate Commission | 4 |
| Licensing Requirements | 4 |
| Advertising and Marketing | 7 |
| Broker/Affiliate Relationships | 5 |
| Handling of Documents and Record Keeping | 4 |
| Handling of Trust/Escrow Funds | 4 |
| Other Improper Activities and Consumer Protection | 3 |
| Agency and Disclosure Issues | 6 |
| Special Areas of Practice | 3 |
The math portion includes approximately 6 questions (7%) on the national section covering property valuation, commission calculations, prorations, LTV ratios, mortgage calculations, and closing process computations.
How to pass the Tennessee real estate exam
Passing the Tennessee real estate exam requires focused study on the highest-weighted topics and consistent practice testing.
- Focus on Contracts. 14 of 80 national questions (17%) test contract elements, making this the single heaviest topic. Master offer and acceptance, contingencies, breach remedies, and the statute of frauds.
- Master Advertising and Marketing. 7 of 40 state questions make this the heaviest state topic. Tennessee has strict advertising rules covering licensee identification requirements, team advertising, and social media compliance.
- Study Agency and Disclosure Issues. 6 state questions test Tennessee agency relationships and required disclosures. Know the differences between exclusive buyer agency, seller agency, and the required disclosure forms.
- Practice math calculations. 6 national questions test commissions, prorations, LTV ratios, and mortgage computations. Memorize the core formulas and practice with timed problems. Review key real estate exam terms that appear in word problems.
- Take our free Tennessee practice exam to identify weak areas. Focus your remaining study time on the topics where you score lowest. Use our free national practice exam to build confidence on the 80-question general section.
For more preparation strategies, read our guide on how to pass the real estate exam and review proven real estate exam tips.
Step 3 — Submit Your License Application to TREC
After passing the exam, submit your license application to the Tennessee Real Estate Commission with the required documents and fees.
- Obtain your exam score report. PSI provides a printed score report at the testing center. Keep this document — you will need it for your application.
- Gather your education certificate. Your pre-licensing school issues a certificate of completion for the 90-hour course requirement.
- Complete your fingerprint-based background check. Tennessee requires all applicants to submit fingerprints for a criminal history review. Schedule your fingerprinting appointment promptly, as processing can take 2-4 weeks.
- Submit your application and fees. Include your exam score report, education certificate, and application fee ($100-$200). TREC accepts applications through its online portal and by mail. Tennessee calls entry-level licensees “affiliate brokers,” so your application is for an affiliate broker license.
- Wait for processing. Application review typically takes 2-4 weeks after all documents are received.
Step 4 — Find a Sponsoring Broker and Activate Your License
Your Tennessee real estate license is not active until you affiliate with a licensed principal broker who will sponsor your license. Tennessee uses “principal broker” and “affiliate broker” terminology — you are the affiliate broker working under the principal broker’s supervision.
Interview at least three brokers before making your decision. Compare commission split structures (50/50 to 80/20 is typical for new agents), training programs, office culture, and market specialization. Some brokers charge desk fees or technology fees in addition to the commission split. After selecting a broker, the principal broker files the necessary paperwork with TREC to activate your real estate license. Activation typically takes 1-2 weeks. For a complete guide to the broker selection process, read what to do after passing the exam.
How Much Does a Tennessee Real Estate License Cost?
The total cost to get your real estate license in Tennessee ranges from approximately $800 to $1,500, depending on your choice of school and broker.
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-licensing education (90 hours) | $300–$600 |
| Exam fee | ~$39 |
| License application | $100–$200 |
| Background check | $30–$75 |
| E&O insurance | $200–$500/year |
| MLS/association dues | $500–$1,000/year |
| Total first year | $800–$1,500+ |
Tennessee has one of the lowest exam fees nationally at ~$39. Budget for the higher end of these ranges when planning your career transition. E&O insurance and MLS dues are recurring annual expenses that continue throughout your real estate career.
Tennessee-Specific Laws and Recent Changes
Tennessee has several state-specific real estate laws and regulatory requirements that appear on the licensing exam.
- Tennessee advertising and marketing regulations — 7 exam questions. TREC enforces strict advertising rules covering licensee identification, team advertising, social media posts, and brokerage name requirements. This is the heaviest state topic on the exam.
- Broker/affiliate broker relationship requirements and supervision duties. Principal brokers must maintain supervision over affiliate brokers. The exam tests specific duties related to document review, transaction oversight, and liability allocation.
- Trust and escrow fund handling requirements under TREC rules. Tennessee mandates specific timelines for earnest money deposits and strict accounting procedures for trust accounts. Violations carry disciplinary penalties including license suspension.
- Tennessee agency disclosure issues including required forms. Licensees must provide agency disclosure at prescribed points in the transaction. The exam tests knowledge of Tennessee-specific disclosure forms and timing requirements.
- Document handling and record keeping requirements for licensees. TREC requires licensees to maintain transaction records for specified periods. On the exam, you will likely see questions about retention timelines and required documentation.
This information is for educational purposes. Requirements may change — verify with the Tennessee Real Estate Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Tennessee?
Getting a real estate license in Tennessee takes 3-5 months due to the 90-hour education requirement. Full-time students complete coursework in 6-10 weeks. Add time for exam scheduling, the background check (2-4 weeks), and broker affiliation.
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Tennessee?
The total cost ranges from $800 to $1,500. Major expenses include pre-licensing education ($300-$600), the PSI exam fee (~$39), application fees ($100-$200), and first-year E&O insurance and MLS dues. Compare passing scores by state to understand how Tennessee’s 70% threshold compares nationally.
Can I get a Tennessee real estate license online?
Tennessee allows you to complete the 90-hour pre-licensing education requirement online through TREC-approved schools. The licensing exam must be taken in person at a PSI testing center. Online education offers the same curriculum as classroom instruction with self-paced scheduling flexibility.
Does Tennessee have real estate license reciprocity?
Tennessee may have reciprocity agreements with certain states. Contact TREC for current reciprocity agreements and specific requirements for out-of-state licensees seeking a Tennessee real estate license.
What is an affiliate broker in Tennessee?
Tennessee calls its entry-level real estate licensees “affiliate brokers” instead of salespersons. Affiliate brokers work under a principal broker’s supervision. They must complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education, pass the 120-question state exam, and maintain their license through continuing education requirements.
Test Your Knowledge — Free Tennessee Practice Exam
Prepare for the Tennessee real estate exam with our free practice test covering national and state-specific topics including advertising rules, agency disclosure, and trust fund handling. Our practice questions mirror the format and difficulty of the actual PSI exam.
