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.

Tennessee Real Estate License Requirements

To qualify for a real estate license in Tennessee, you must meet the following state requirements outlined by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC):

• Eligibility (Step 1): Be 18+ with a high school diploma/GED and meet the character standards for an affiliate broker license (per TREC).
• Pre-Licensing Education (Step 2): Complete 90 total hours at an approved school: 60 hours of Principles + 30 hours of New Affiliates.
• Exam (Step 3): Pass the PSI Tennessee real estate exam with a minimum of 70% on each portion (national and state).
• Application (Step 4): Apply through CORE and pay the license fee. Upload education certificates and complete fingerprints/background.
• Activation (Steps 5–6): Affiliate with a firm under a principal broker and maintain E&O (errors and omissions) insurance.
• Maintenance (Step 7): Every two years, complete 16 hours of CE and renew through CORE.
• Coming from out of state? Tennessee does not offer blanket full reciprocity; see notes below for waivers and what still applies.

Study help: When you prep for the PSI, use a single checklist and practice plan. The Lexawise 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 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.

Required documents

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

Deadlines & timelines

• Confirm any waiting periods before scheduling courses or exams.

Study tips & resources

• Read the TREC rules summary to understand disqualifiers early.
• Use the Lexawise Pre-Licensing Checklist to track what you’ve completed and what’s next.

Common 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.

Required documents

• Official 60-hour and 30-hour certificates.

Deadlines & timelines

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

Study tips & resources

• Plan 3–5 weeks of steady study with readings, videos, and simulations aligned to PSI’s outline.
• Use a Math Cheat Sheet to lock in all the real estate formula

Common mistakes to avoid

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

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.

Required documents

• 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.

Deadlines & timelines

• Apply within 12 months of passing the exam.

Study tips & resources

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

Common 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.

Required documents

• Affiliate agreement and principal broker information for CORE activation.

Deadlines & timelines

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

Study tips & resources

• Interview at least three firms. Ask for their training plan and shadowing options.
• Use the Lexawise Brokerage Interview Worksheet to compare splits, desk fees, and support side-by-side.

Common 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.

Required documents

• Current E&O certificate.

Deadlines & timelines

• Avoid any lapse; penalties or suspension may apply.

Study tips & resources

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

Common 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.

Required documents

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

Deadlines & timelines

• Renew before expiration to avoid fees or suspension.

Study tips & resources

• Spread your CE throughout the term.
• Use Lexawise CE Planner to set reminders and avoid last-minute crunches.

Common 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)

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

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.