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How to get a real estate license in Tennessee. 90 pre-licensing hours required. Government fees: $284.15. 2-year renewal cycle. Verified 2026-03-22. Data verified 2026-03-22. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Real Estate Agent
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Pre-License Hours
$284.15
Total Gov Fees
120
Exam Questions
4 hrs
Exam Time
Renewal Cycle
Reciprocity
⚠ Recent Changes in Tennessee
Take a TREC-approved 60-hour Basic Principles of Real Estate course (classroom or online).
Estimated time: 2–8 weeks
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
Take the TREC-approved 30-hour Course for New Affiliates. Must complete before license issuance.
Estimated time: 1–3 weeks
Schedule via IdentoGO. FBI/TBI check. Cost: $35–$39.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Purchase Errors & Omissions insurance from RISC/CNA or approved provider (~$165+).
Estimated time: 1–2 days
Secure affiliation with a licensed Tennessee Principal Broker.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Apply online via core.tn.gov. Pay $91 application fee. Broker provides sworn statement.
Estimated time: 1–3 weeks processing
| 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. |
Education Requirements
Officially verifiedTotal Hours Required
Provider Type
TREC-approved schools (classroom, online, and hybrid)
Required Courses
Course cost typically $200–$500 depending on provider and format.
Exam Details
Mostly verifiedExam Provider
Total Questions
120
Total Time
240 min
Format
Computer-based, multiple-choice. Available in-person at PSI test centers or via online remote proctoring.
Exam Sections
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 80 | 160 min | 70% |
| State (Tennessee) | 40 | 80 min | 70% |
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. Remote proctoring available through PSI.
120 total questions. Passing: National 56/80 (70%), State 28/40 (70%). 9 Tennessee test centers + remote proctored online option. Remote proctoring available through PSI. 6 months from passing exam to apply for license. No applicant on parole/probation; must be 2 yrs post-parole/conviction.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application/License Fee Paid to: TREC | |
Exam Fee (full, per attempt) Paid to: PSI Services | |
Fingerprinting / Background Check Paid to: IdentoGO | |
E&O Insurance Paid to: RISC/CNA or approved provider | |
Total Estimated Government Fees | $284.15 |
Ready to get started in Tennessee?
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Compare top-rated schools: See our picks for the best real estate schools in Tennessee with pricing, reviews, and pass rates.
Renewal Details
Mostly verifiedRenewal Cycle
CE Hours
Renewal Fee
Deadline & Late Policy
Biennial cycle. Late renewal results in escalating monthly penalties.
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).
Effective January 1, 2026: grandfathered principal brokers who supervise affiliates must now complete 16 CE hours (PC0122, signed April 3, 2025).
Regulatory Board
Interstate Reciprocity
VerifiedHas Reciprocity
No
Type: Individual Evaluation
No formal reciprocity agreements. Endorsement available via Worksheet A process. 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.
4–20 weeks from start to active license.
Minimum with intensive courses and fast processing. Typical: 6–12 weeks.
2026-01-01
Grandfathered principal brokers supervising affiliates must now complete 16 CE hours (PC0122, signed April 3, 2025 by Gov. Lee).
2025-01-01
Transitional 18-month E&O insurance policy ($165) through RISC/CNA. Returns to 24-month in 2026.
2024-08-01
NAR settlement: buyer agent compensation rules changed. Wholesaling disclosure requirements tightened.
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All data on this page was verified against the following official sources. Last verified: 2026-03-22.
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