How to Get a Realtor License in Tennessee: Step-by-Step Guide

To become a REALTOR® in Tennessee, you must first earn a Tennessee real estate license. The license you’ll start with is called an Affiliate Broker license. Once licensed, you can choose to join the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) to officially become a REALTOR®.

This guide walks you through the 7 steps to get your Tennessee real estate license—from meeting eligibility requirements to passing the exam, applying, choosing a brokerage, getting insured, and staying active with CE and renewals. You’ll also find documents, deadlines, tips, and common mistakes flagged along the way.

Licensing Requirements

The process for getting a real estate license in Tennessee is regulated by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC), which sets specific education, exam, and application requirements. If you want to review each step in detail and ensure you meet the commission’s requirements, visit our complete guide to licensing requirements in Tennessee.

Step 1 — Meet the Basic Eligibility Criteria

Meet TREC’s character and education standards. If you have a criminal or disciplinary record, gather supporting documents now. If you’re applying from another state, plan on extra paperwork.

Eligibility documents you’ll gather

• Diploma/GED.
• Current government photo ID.
• Any court/disciplinary rulings and signed explanations (if applicable).

Timing rules before you schedule anything

• Confirm any waiting periods before scheduling courses or exams.

Resources to confirm you qualify

• Read the TREC rules summary to understand disqualifiers early.

Eligibility mistakes to avoid

• Confusing eligibility with exam logistics. Here, you confirm you’re eligible—nothing more.

Step 2 — Complete the Required Pre-Licensing Education

Finish 90 hours at an approved provider: 60 hours of Principles and 30 hours of New Affiliates. The 30 hours must be completed before TREC issues your license. Online, live, or hybrid formats are fine if TREC-approved.

Course documents and certificates

• Official 60-hour and 30-hour certificates.

Course order and timing

• 60 hours + PSI scheduling + 30 hours = the minimum requirement to issue a license.

Study plan for the 60+30 hours

• Plan 3–5 weeks of steady study with readings, videos, and simulations aligned to PSI’s outline.
• Check this Free Sample of our Math Formulas Guide to lock in all the real estate formula.

Pre-licensing mistakes to avoid

• Mixing up pre-licensing with continuing education—they’re separate.

Study help: When you prep for the PSI, use a single checklist and practice plan. The Tennessee Exam Study Guide keeps everything in one place—content outline, key laws, and professional resources—so you don’t guess what to study next.

Step 3 — Pass the Tennessee Real Estate Exam

Schedule with PSI. You’ll take the national and state portions. Aim for 70%+ on each. Choose a date 1–2 weeks out to give yourself a clean study runway.

Required documents

• Government ID and any PSI confirmations.

Deadlines & timelines

• If you need to reschedule, do it as early as PSI allows.
• After passing, you have up to 12 months to apply through CORE.

Study tips & resources

• Practice under time. Prioritize agency, contracts, financing, and Tennessee-specific law.
• Use timed practice exams to find weak areas fast and retest until you score 80%+ consistently.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Getting stuck on one topic. Fix your lowest areas first to raise your total score.

Step 4 — Submit Your License Application

Apply for your Affiliate Broker license through CORE. Pay the state application fee. Upload education certificates, PSI score reports, and fingerprint/background confirmations. Provide a passport-style photo if requested.

Uploads for CORE (and fingerprint proof)

• 60-hour and 30-hour certificates.
• PSI score report.
• Fingerprint/background receipt.
• Photo (if requested).
• E&O proof is required if you’re activating immediately.

Application window and processing time

• Apply within 12 months of passing the exam.

File prep for a clean submission

• Collect every PDF before you start the CORE application to avoid timeouts or missing uploads.

Application mistakes to avoid

• Skipping the 30-hour New Affiliates requirement or uploading unreadable files.

Step 5 — Get Sponsorship from a Tennessee Broker

To activate, you must affiliate with a firm and a principal broker. Compare culture, mentoring, leads, tech, training, commission splits, and fees. This choice shapes your first-year income and growth.

Paperwork for broker activation

• Affiliate agreement and principal broker information for CORE activation.

Best timing for sponsorship

• Ideal: lock sponsorship before or at application, so activation isn’t delayed.

How to compare firms quickly

• Interview at least three firms. Ask for their training plan and shadowing options.

Broker-choice mistakes to avoid

• Picking a firm on split alone. Total support and lead opportunities often matter more.

Step 6 — Obtain Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance

Maintain continuous E&O coverage. You can buy the state group policy or an individual policy. Keep proof on file; you’ll need it for activation and renewal.

Proof of coverage you’ll need

• Current E&O certificate.

Renewal and lapse rules

• Avoid any lapse; penalties or suspension may apply.

How to shop your policy

• Compare deductibles, exclusions, and claim limits before buying.

E&O mistakes to avoid

• Assuming the brokerage automatically covers you. Confirm in writing.

Step 7 — Maintain Your License (Renewals & CE)

Every two years, complete 16 hours of CE (including any CORE-specific hours) and renew through the CORE portal. Keep E&O active and confirm your provider reports CE to TREC.

CE and renewal documents

• CE provider certificates (keep copies).
• Current E&O proof.

Renewal timing and fees

• Renew before expiration to avoid fees or suspension.

Smart CE pacing

• Spread your CE throughout the term.

Renewal mistakes to avoid

• Waiting until the final month and scrambling for 16 hours.

Costs to Expect

Exact numbers vary by provider and city. Plan for:

• Education (90 hours): ~$300–$600.
• PSI exam (per attempt): check PSI’s current fee when you schedule.
• Fingerprint/background: ~$35–$75.
• License application fee: about $91.
• E&O insurance: ~$200–$400/year depending on policy.
• Biennial renewal (CORE + CE): state renewal fee plus CE costs.

Typical all-in before your first closing: about $500–$1,000. Verify current fees with TREC/PSI and your school.

How to become a REALTOR® in Tennessee:

Once you’ve earned your real estate license, follow these steps to officially become a REALTOR® through the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR):

1. Activate your real estate license through TREC and affiliate with a licensed brokerage.
2. Join your local REALTOR® association. This will automatically include membership in:
   • The Tennessee REALTORS® (state-level)
   • The National Association of REALTORS® (national-level)
3. Complete the NAR Code of Ethics course (required for all new members).
4. Pay annual dues to maintain your membership.

📌 Note: Becoming a REALTOR® is optional, but many brokerages require it. NAR membership gives you access to the MLS, industry tools, legal support, and client trust.

Reciprocity for Out-of-State Agents

Tennessee doesn’t grant automatic full reciprocity. If you hold an active license elsewhere, you may waive the national portion of the PSI. You’ll still need to pass the state portion, complete the required education, meet character requirements, and obtain sponsorship from a Tennessee principal broker.

Tip: Our Tennessee State-Portion Cram helps experienced agents transition faster by focusing only on TN-specific law.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most common questions about being a realtor in Tennessee:

Are REALTOR® and agent the same thing?

No. REALTOR® is a NAR membership. Your first state credential is the Affiliate Broker license.

How long does the process take?

At a steady pace, many candidates finish in 1–3 months: education (2–6 weeks), exam/fingerprints (1–2 weeks), and activation.

What score do I need to pass?

A minimum of 70% on each PSI portion (national and state).

Can I study 100% online?

Yes—choose TREC-approved providers and save digital certificates correctly.

How many CE hours do I need to renew?

16 hours every two years (confirm any required CORE hours).

How do I choose a sponsoring broker?

Compare culture, training, leads, tech, mentorship, and total costs. Ask for a written training plan and clear expectations.

How much can a new agent earn?

It depends on market, skill, volume, and support—your training, lead system, and mentoring influence have a greater impact than the base split.

Your Next Steps

Follow this steps in following order:

1. Confirm eligibility and gather documents.
2. Enroll in a TREC-approved 60-hour + 30-hour package.
3. Build a study plan and schedule PSI.
4. Pass both exam portions (aim for 80%+ in practice).
5. Apply in CORE, complete fingerprints, secure E&O.
6. Choose a principal broker and activate.
7. Track CE and renewal dates.

Make it simpler: Our Professional Tennessee Exam Prep gives you a week-by-week plan, printable checklists, and realistic practice questions so you study less and score higher, without second-guessing your focus.

Final Thoughts

Getting your Tennessee real estate license is the foundation of your career—but it doesn’t end there. Once you’re licensed as an Affiliate Broker, you also have the option to take your professional status further by becoming a REALTOR®.

Joining a local REALTOR® association gives you automatic membership in the Tennessee REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). This membership gives you access to the MLS, legal resources, professional tools, and ongoing training. Many brokerages require it—and clients often trust it.