How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Tennessee

how to become a real estate agent
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Tennessee Real Estate Licenses

Looking to get your Tennessee real estate license? This guide provides a detailed overview of the essential steps and real estate continuing education requirements.

It’s designed for everyone across the state, with special attention to major cities like Nashville (TN).

We highlight the best real estate classes and online courses available, ensuring you have the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in Tennessee’s real estate market.

Don't Become a Realtor If...

If you’re seriously interested in getting your real estate license, here are some great additional resources:

Requirements

To become a real estate agent in Tennessee, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)

Like all US states, Tennessee allows out-of-state applicants, so you do not need to reside there to become licensed as a real estate agent.

Pre-Licensing Education

Complete 90 hours of pre-license education through courses approved by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC). These courses include:

  • 60 hours of Real Estate Principles
  • 30 hours of Tennessee-specific Real Estate Principles

Examination

Tennessee Real Estate Exam Details

Exam Structure

  • Total Questions: 120 multiple-choice questions
    • National Portion: 80 questions
    • State-Specific Portion: 40 questions
  • Time Limit: 4 hours total (2.5 hours for the national portion, 1.5 hours for the state portion)
  • Passing Score: 70% on each section

Registration and Fees

Identification Documents

  • Required ID: Candidates must bring two forms of identification on exam day, including a government-issued photo ID with a signature (e.g., driver’s license or passport).

Exam Difficulty and Passing Rates

The Tennessee Real Estate Exam is considered moderately challenging. Candidates should ensure they are well-prepared for both the national and state-specific portions.

Required Forms and Documents

  1. Pre-License Education Certificate
    • Proof of completing 90 hours of pre-license education from an accredited provider is required.
  2. Initial License Application
  3. Application Fee
    • The fee is $91, payable when submitting your license application.

Background Check

  1. Fingerprinting
    • Approved Vendor: Fingerprinting must be completed through IdentoGO, the approved vendor for Tennessee.
    • Cost: The fingerprinting fee is approximately $35, payable directly to the vendor.
  2. Submission
  3. Processing
    • The Tennessee Real Estate Commission will review the background check results before approving your license application.

Application

After passing the exam and completing the background check, submit your license application to the Tennessee Real Estate Commission.

  • Application Fee: $91

Post-Licensing Education

30-Hour Post-Licensing Course

  1. Timeframe: Newly licensed real estate salespersons in Tennessee must complete 30 hours of post-licensing education within the first year of obtaining their license.
  2. Course Content:
    • Real Estate Law and Contracts
    • Ethics and Professional Conduct
    • Agency Relationships
    • Risk Management
    • Tennessee-specific legal updates

Approved Providers

Submission

Continuing Education

Total Hours Required: 16 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their license.

  • Core Courses (6 hours):
    • Legal updates and best practices in Tennessee real estate
    • Ethics and Fair Housing
    • Agency Law
  • Elective Courses (10 hours):
    • Real Estate Finance
    • Property Management
    • Marketing and Technology in Real Estate
    • Home Inspections and Environmental Issues

Approved Providers

Submission

Consequences of Non-Compliance

  • Inactive License: Failure to complete the CE requirements within the two-year period will result in your license being placed on inactive status, preventing you from conducting real estate transactions.
  • Reactivation: To reactivate your license, you must complete the missing CE hours and submit proof to the Tennessee Real Estate Commission.

Tennessee Real Estate Education Options

Online Options

Tennessee offers a variety of options for online real estate education, with all four major real estate schools providing digital courses.

Among them, Aceable Agent stands out as the clear top choice, excelling in pass rates, customer satisfaction, and quality educational materials.

Put simply, you’re lucky to live in a state where they offer courses. 

While Aceable Agent offers courses in a limited number of states, they ensure each one is crafted to be the best available. Take advantage of our 10% discount below.

You’re welcome to explore other options as well, and we’ve secured special discounts for each. The CE Shop is a great pick for those on a very tight budget, especially since our 30% discount can be combined with their 20% military discount.

Ultimately, all courses are fairly affordable, but we strongly recommend going with the best – Aceable Agent. If their price is beyond your reach, it might be worth considering more savings before starting your journey to becoming a realtor.

1. Aceable Agent – Best Overall Course

best texas real estate school online

Aceable Agent is the best choice for real estate education in Tennessee, offering a mobile-first platform and engaging content.

Pros

  • Mobile-first platform: Study anywhere, anytime.
  • Interactive content: Engaging quizzes, videos, and real-world scenarios.
  • High pass rates: Proven success in preparing students for licensing exams.

Cons

  • Slightly higher pricing: More expensive without discounts, but worth it.

Up to 20% off with our Aceable Agent discount link.

 

2. The CE Shop – Best Budget Course

best budget real estate course

The CE Shop is the most affordable option for real estate education in TN, providing a solid self-paced curriculum.

Pros

  • Most affordable: The 30% discount makes it the cheapest option.
  • Self-paced: Flexibility for students to study at their own speed.

Cons

  • Mixed reviews: Some students report engagement issues and customer service problems.
  • No live instruction: Entirely self-paced learning.

Get 30% off with Discount Code “INBOUNDREM” using our CE Shop discount link.

 

3. Kaplan Real Estate

best online real estate school

Kaplan Real Estate offers a structured learning experience for Tennessee students, with live online and self-paced formats.

Pros

  • Multiple formats: Offers live online classes and self-paced options.
  • Experienced instructors: Known for delivering high-quality education.

Cons

  • Higher cost: More expensive than budget options, but justified for quality.

Get 10% off with our Kaplan Real Estate discount link.

 

4. Colibri Real Estate

good real estate course

Colibri Real Estate provides flexible learning formats, including self-paced courses and live webinars, suitable for TN students.

Pros

  • Flexible formats: Self-paced and live webinars available.
  • Pass guarantee: Refund if you don’t pass the state exam.

Cons

  • Additional costs: Study resources may increase the total price.

Up to 15% off with our Colibri Real Estate discount link.

In-Person Options by Major Cities

Nashville:

Memphis:

Knoxville:

Reciprocity

Full Reciprocity

Tennessee does not offer full reciprocity with any state.

Partial Reciprocity

Tennessee offers partial reciprocity. If you hold an active real estate license in another state, you may qualify for a waiver of some of the pre-licensing education requirements.

You will still need to pass the Tennessee state-specific portion of the real estate exam and fulfill other state-specific requirements. F

or detailed information and required forms, visit the Tennessee Real Estate Commission Reciprocity Information.

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Broker's License

To become a real estate broker in Tennessee, you must:

  • Have at least three years of active real estate salesperson experience within the last five years
  • Complete 120 hours of broker pre-license education
  • Pass the Tennessee Real Estate Broker Examination
  • Submit a broker license application to the Tennessee Real Estate Commission

Criminal Record

The Tennessee Real Estate Commission reviews applications from individuals with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis.

If you have a felony or other serious criminal conviction, you may still apply for a real estate license, but the Commission will consider the nature of the crime, the time elapsed since the conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation.

Crimes involving fraud, theft, or moral turpitude are particularly scrutinized. It’s recommended to contact the Tennessee Real Estate Commission directly to discuss your specific circumstances and determine your eligibility.

Cost Breakdown

Item
Cost Range
Total
$730 – $1,330
Pre-License Education
$400 – $700
Exam Fee
$39
Background Check
$50 – $100
Application Fee
$91
Post-Licensing Education
$100 – $200
Continuing Education
$50 – $200 per cycle

Resources and Contacts

Document Checklist

  • Proof of age (ID, birth certificate)
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status
  • High school diploma or GED certificate
  • Completion certificates for 90 hours of pre-license courses
  • Exam pass notification from PSI
  • Fingerprint submission and background check confirmation
  • Completed application form for the Tennessee Real Estate Commission
  • Payment for application fee

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Tennessee

  1. Meet Basic Requirements: Ensure you are at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
  2. Complete Pre-License Education: Enroll in and complete 90 hours of pre-license courses approved by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission.
  3. Schedule and Pass the Examination: Register for the Tennessee Real Estate Salesperson Examination through PSI. Study for and pass the exam, ensuring you achieve a minimum score of 70% on both the national and state-specific portions. Pay the exam fee of $39.
  4. Submit to a Background Check: Arrange for fingerprinting and a criminal background check through a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation-approved vendor. Ensure all required documentation is submitted to the Tennessee Real Estate Commission.
  5. Submit Your Application: Complete and submit the real estate license application to the Tennessee Real Estate Commission, including the application fee of $91.
  6. Find a Sponsoring Broker: To activate your license, find a licensed Tennessee real estate broker to work under. This is required for both temporary and permanent licensure.
  7. Complete Post-Licensing Education: Within the first year of obtaining your license, complete 30 hours of post-licensing education.
  8. Begin Your Real Estate Career: Once your license is issued, start your career as a licensed real estate agent in Tennessee.
  9. Complete Continuing Education: Every two years, complete 16 hours of continuing education, including mandatory and elective courses, to maintain and renew your license.

Tennessee Real Estate Agent Salary

In Tennessee, real estate agents earn an average salary of $91,707 per year, with typical earnings ranging from $35,000 to $165,000.

The median salary is around $85,000, indicating a balanced income distribution among agents.

Top performers, particularly in cities like Nashville and Memphis, can earn upwards of $180,000 annually.

Tennessee’s growing economy and diverse real estate market offer significant earning potential.

The state’s moderate cost of living enhances the value of these earnings, making Tennessee a favorable market for real estate professionals.

FAQs

Can I become a real estate agent in Tennessee if I have a felony?

The Tennessee Real Estate Commission reviews applications from individuals with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis. Certain felonies, particularly those involving fraud or moral turpitude, may disqualify you. Contact the Commission for specific inquiries.

How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Tennessee?

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the pre-license education, pass the exam, and obtain your license.

What is the cost to become a real estate agent in Tennessee?

The total estimated cost ranges from $730 to $1,330, including education, exam fees, background checks, and application fees.

Does Tennessee have reciprocity with other states?

Tennessee does not offer full reciprocity but offers partial reciprocity with other states. You may need to pass the Tennessee state-specific portion of the real estate exam and meet other requirements.

Summary

Becoming a real estate agent in Tennessee involves meeting educational requirements, passing an exam, undergoing a background check, and completing post-license and continuing education.

By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, you can successfully start and maintain your real estate career in Tennessee.

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