In exchange for a portion of the sales price of a property, real estate agents in Tennessee connect buyers and sellers, aid in the sales process, and ensure the entire transaction proceeds smoothly. Because real estate is so complex, an estimated 82 percent of sellers rely on a real estate professional to guide them through the process.5
Are you wondering if you might have what it takes to succeed in this field? Real estate agents not only have to become experts on their local community and market conditions, but must also be prepared to oversee the legal, administrative, and financial aspects of a transaction that is likely valued in the hundreds of thousands, or even more.
More still, successful agents should know how to forge relationships to bring in listings, woo buyers, and keep clients feeling comfortable as they prepare to part with their most valued asset or to make the biggest purchase of their lives.
If you think you’ve got what it takes to succeed in this industry, be prepared to prove it; all real estate agents in the Volunteer State must obtain a license from the state before engaging in a single transaction. Fortunately, the state makes the process simple enough that any Tennessee resident can be on the path to a new real estate career.
Tennessee Real Estate License
All real estate licenses in TN are managed by the state’s Department of Commerce and Insurance, with real estate exam requirements managed by a private partner called PSI Services, LLC (PSI).
Foundational Criteria for Gaining a Real Estate License
New agents in TN must obtain an Affiliate Broker license, which is the license used by all real estate professionals in the state working under licensed Brokers. Getting a license involves five basic steps:
- Completing education requirements
- Passing an exam
- Undergoing fingerprinting for a background check
- Securing required professional insurance
- Completing an application and paying a fee
Age and Basic Education Requirements
Almost anyone can apply for a real estate license in TN. All that is required is for applicants to be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma before beginning the process.1
Mandatory Training Period for Licensing
The very first step in procuring a real estate license in the Volunteer State is to complete the required education and training. This means completing a 60-hour course on real estate education,1 and then a 30-hour New Affiliates course.
The 60-hour course is the first step and must be completed before you can apply for the state real estate exam. You must then take and complete the 30-hour course sometime before applying for your license but may take it after taking the exam if you wish.
The Tennessee Real Estate Commission reviews and approves real estate training programs. A full list of approved courses and contact information can be found on the Tennessee Real Estate Commission website.2
Pre-Licensing Cost for Real Estate School
All schools offering pre-licensing courses in TN set their own prices for their programs. As an example for budgeting purposes, one of these courses charges $260 for the basic coursework, or $485 for a platinum package including courses, exam prep, and study tools.3
Requisite Background Validation for Real Estate (Fingerprinting Center Locations)
Before submitting an application for a Tennessee real estate license, applicants must undergo electronic fingerprinting. The state partners with an agency called Identogo to collect these fingerprints.
Applicants can visit the Identogo website and search by address to choose a location for this service.4 There are dozens of locations available statewide, and all appointments can be made online.
Can Felons Be Real Estate Agents in Tennessee?
Being a felon or having a criminal record does not automatically prevent you from earning a real estate license in Tennessee. When you apply for your license, you must disclose any felonies or theft/fraud-related misdemeanors from the last ten years.1
The Real Estate Commission will review your submission and determine whether you can get a license. You cannot take the real estate exam in TN if you are on parole or probation.
The Commission will not issue a license to anyone until they have been off of parole/probation or out of jail/prison for at least two years.
References
1TN Department of Commerce and Insurance. (2023). Real Estate Commission How to Get a License. TN.gov. Retrieved November 15, 2023, from <https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/trec/licensee-applicant-resources/how-to-get-a-license.html#collapse639a75447bf948c6aeb0b42740a641a9-2>
2TN Department of Commerce and Insurance. (2023). Tennessee Real Estate Commission Approved Pre-License Courses by Provider. TN.gov. Retrieved November 15, 2023, from <https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/commerce/regboards/trec/education/approved-pre-license-courses.html>
3The CE Shop. (2023). TENNESSEE AFFILIATE BROKER PRE-LICENSING Course Pricing and Packages. The CE Shop. Retrieved November 15, 2023, from <https://trecs.theceshop.com/tennessee/pre-licensing/tn-affiliate-broker-pre-licensing-cost>
4Identogo. (2023). Tennessee Services. Identogo. Retrieved November 15, 2023, from <https://www.identogo.com/locations/tennessee>
5U.S. Department of Justice. (2005, November 28). National Association of REALTORS® (Stevens, Thomas M.) 11/28/2005, REW-0392. Department of Justice. Retrieved November 15, 2023, from <https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/atr/legacy/2014/03/04/213400.pdf>