South · Real Estate License
Tennessee
Affiliate Broker License Requirements
Governing Authority
TREC
Tennessee Real Estate Commission, Department of Commerce & Insurance
Official website →90
Pre-Licensing Hours
classroom or online
$356
Est. Total Cost
fees only (excl. education)
4–20 weeks
Timeline
start to license
2 years
Renewal Cycle
16 CE hours required
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
Complete 60-Hour Basic Principles Course
Take a TREC-approved 60-hour Basic Principles of Real Estate course (classroom or online).
Estimated time: 2–8 weeks
Schedule and Pass the PSI Exam
Register at test-takers.psiexams.com/tnre. Pay $63 exam fee. Pass both National (56/80 = 70%) and State (28/40 = 70%) sections.
Estimated time: 1–3 weeks
Complete 30-Hour Course for New Affiliates
Take the TREC-approved 30-hour Course for New Affiliates. Must complete before license issuance.
Estimated time: 1–3 weeks
Complete Fingerprinting and Background Check
Schedule via IdentoGO. FBI/TBI check. Cost: $35–$39.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Obtain E&O Insurance
Purchase Errors & Omissions insurance from RISC/CNA or approved provider (~$165+).
Estimated time: 1–2 days
Find a Sponsoring Principal Broker
Secure affiliation with a licensed Tennessee Principal Broker.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Submit License Application
Apply online via core.tn.gov. Pay $91 application fee. Broker provides sworn statement.
Estimated time: 1–3 weeks processing
Pre-Licensing Education
Hours Required
Verified90 hours total: 60-hour 'Basic Principles of Real Estate' (must complete before exam) + 30-hour 'Course for New Affiliates' (must complete before license issuance).
Required Topics / Courses
- Basic Principles of Real Estate (60 hrs — must complete before exam)
- Course for New Affiliates (30 hrs — must complete before license issuance)
Provider type: TREC-approved schools (classroom, online, and hybrid)
View approved education providers →Find Approved Pre-Licensing Schools
Online education providers offering Tennessee-approved pre-licensing courses. Compare options to find the best fit for your schedule and learning style.
Aceable Agent
Mobile-friendly online courses with flexible self-paced learning and a pass guarantee.
Colibri Real Estate
One of the largest national providers with instructor-led and self-paced options in 40 states.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Established education brand offering pre-licensing courses with live online and on-demand options.
The CE Shop
Nationally recognized online school offering courses in 47 states plus DC with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Licensing Exam
Exam Provider
PSI Services
Format
Computer-based, multiple-choice. Available in-person at PSI test centers or via online remote proctoring.
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 80 | 160 min | 70% |
| State (Tennessee) | 40 | 80 min | 70% |
| Total | 120 | 240 min | — |
Retake policy: Only failed section needs retaking. Passed section valid for 2 attempts or 1 year, whichever comes first. $37 national retake / $26 state retake.
120 total questions. Passing: National 56/80 (70%), State 28/40 (70%). 9 Tennessee test centers + remote proctored online option.
Schedule your exam →Exam Prep Resources
Practice tests and study tools to help you pass the Tennessee real estate licensing exam on your first attempt.
PrepAgent
State-specific practice exams, audio lessons, and flashcards covering both national and state portions.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount | Paid To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application/License Fee | $91.00 | TREC | |
| Exam Fee (full, per attempt) | $63.00 | PSI Services | |
| Fingerprinting / Background Check Note: Sources cite both $35.15 and $39.15. Variation likely reflects different IdentoGO service codes or locations. (Alt: $39.15 per Some IdentoGO locations) | $37.00 | IdentoGO | |
| E&O Insurance | $165.00 | RISC/CNA or approved provider | |
| Estimated Total | $356.00 | Excludes education costs |
Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Education
High school diploma or GED
Residency
Not strictly required
45-day TN residency guideline; commission has discretion for out-of-state applicants.
Citizenship
US citizen or lawfully admitted alien
EVEA attestation required on application.
Background Check
Required
FBI/TBI fingerprint-based check via IdentoGO. Cost: $35–$39.
E&O Insurance
Required
Errors & Omissions insurance mandatory before license issuance. ~$165+/year.
Sponsoring Broker
Required
Must have a sponsoring Principal Broker at time of application. Broker provides sworn statement.
Reciprocity
Tennessee does not have reciprocity
Type: Individual Evaluation
Out-of-state licensees may apply through an individual evaluation process (Worksheet A). May receive waivers on education and the national exam section. Must pass TN state exam. Full application and background check required.
Renewal & Continuing Education
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education Hours
16 hours per renewal cycle
Renewal Fee
$75.00
First Renewal Notes
Standard 16-hour CE requirement applies from first renewal. No special first-renewal rules beyond the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates (completed before initial licensure).
Deadlines
Biennial cycle. Late renewal results in escalating monthly penalties.
Effective January 1, 2026: grandfathered principal brokers who supervise affiliates must now complete 16 CE hours (PC0122, signed April 3, 2025).
Find Continuing Education Courses
Tennessee requires 16 hours of continuing education every 2 years. These providers offer approved CE courses online.
Colibri Real Estate
Comprehensive CE packages available in all 50 states plus DC, with live and on-demand options.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Established provider with CE packages including live online and on-demand formats.
The CE Shop
Industry-leading CE courses available nationwide with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Recent Changes
Grandfathered principal brokers supervising affiliates must now complete 16 CE hours (PC0122, signed April 3, 2025 by Gov. Lee).
Effective: 2026-01-01 · Affects: renewal
Transitional 18-month E&O insurance policy ($165) through RISC/CNA. Returns to 24-month in 2026.
Effective: 2025-01-01 · Affects: fees, requirements
NAR settlement: buyer agent compensation rules changed. Wholesaling disclosure requirements tightened.
Effective: 2024-08-01 · Affects: requirements
Sources
https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec.html
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
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https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/education/prelicensing-affiliate-broker-courses.html
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://test-takers.psiexams.com/tnre
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/licensing-info.html
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
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https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/licensing-info/fees.html
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible