Tennessee licensing guide
How to Get a Real Estate License in Tennessee
A practical step-by-step guide to Tennessee licensing requirements, estimated costs, timeline, official resources, and what to do after you pass.
Tennessee licensing snapshot
Last reviewed May 29, 2026
- License type
- Affiliate Broker
- Minimum age
- 18
- Pre-license education
- 90 hours
- Exam provider
- PSI Services LLC
- Estimated cost
- $800–$1,200
- Estimated timeline
- 2–4 months
- Renewal cycle
- Biennial (every 2 years)
After completing the 30‑hour Course for New Affiliates, affiliate brokers must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years, including a 6‑hour TREC Core course and 10 hours of elective courses.
Licensing path
Step-by-step licensing path
Use this as a planning sequence, then confirm each requirement with the official state source.
Meet eligibility requirements
Be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and meet the Tennessee Real Estate Commission’s character requirements.
Complete 60‑hour pre‑licensing course
Take a commission‑approved 60‑hour real estate principles course covering real estate business practices, contracts, agency, fair housing, finance and Tennessee laws.
Pass the state licensing exam
Submit your application and schedule the state and national exams with PSI; pay the exam fee and pass both portions.
Complete 30‑hour Course for New Affiliates
After passing the exam, complete the 30‑hour Course for New Affiliates and submit proof to the Commission before your license will be issued.
Obtain errors & omissions insurance
Purchase required errors and omissions insurance coverage as part of your licensing requirements.
Apply for licensure with a broker
Apply for your license through the Tennessee Real Estate Commission, pay the license fee, submit background check and fingerprints, and affiliate with a sponsoring broker.
Budget planning
Estimated costs
Estimated total cost: $800–$1,200. Actual costs vary by provider, application path, exam retakes, and local business setup choices.
| Cost item | Estimated amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre‑licensing course | $300–$600 | Cost for the 60‑hour pre‑license course varies by provider. |
| New Affiliates course | $100–$200 | 30‑hour Course for New Affiliates before licensure. |
| Exam fee | $63 | PSI charges $63 for the full licensing exam (state and national portions). |
| Application & license fee | $91 | Affiliate broker application and license fee payable to the Tennessee Real Estate Commission. |
| Fingerprint/background check | $35–$50 | Approximate cost for fingerprinting and background check. |
| Errors & omissions insurance | $200–$300 | Annual errors and omissions insurance premium required for license activation. |
| Continuing education | $50–$150 | Cost of 16‑hour CE package every two years. |
Renewal planning
Continuing education
Questions
FAQs
How many hours of education are required to get a Tennessee affiliate broker license?
You must complete a 60‑hour pre‑licensing course and a 30‑hour Course for New Affiliates (total 90 hours) before receiving your license.
What are the continuing education requirements for Tennessee real estate licensees?
Affiliate brokers must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years, including a 6‑hour TREC core course and 10 hours of elective courses.
After you pass the exam
Passing the exam does not create an operating system. New agents still need to manage contacts, follow-ups, active deals, deadlines, client communication, partners, and daily priorities.
New Agent Checklist
Set up the business basics, contacts, partners, follow-up habits, and first-deal readiness.
First 30 Days
Build a practical launch rhythm for contacts, partners, client conversations, and daily work.
License Cost Calculator
Estimate state licensing costs, education, exam, application, background, and setup expenses.
First-Year Budget Calculator
Plan startup and operating costs before your first year gets noisy.
Agent Nook workflow
Licensed is only the beginning.
Agent Nook helps new agents keep deals, deadlines, clients, partners, and daily work organized from the first transaction forward.