How to become a real estate agent in Tennessee
Tennessee real estate agents are licensed by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (Department of Commerce and Insurance). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed real estate agent in Tennessee, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a real estate agent in Tennessee?
- High school graduation
- Electronic fingerprint background check (TBI and FBI)
- Errors and omissions insurance
- Eligibility for Entitlements Verification form
Tennessee real estate agent license requirements
| Licensed by | Tennessee Real Estate Commission (Department of Commerce and Insurance) |
|---|---|
| License name | Affiliate Broker |
| Education or training | 60 hours of real estate principles/fundamentals before the exam, plus the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates |
| Exam | PSI administers the exam, which has a state and a national portion. |
| Works under a broker | Yes. Your Principal Broker must sign the PSI examination application, and active licensees must be affiliated with an active firm. |
| License term | 2 years |
| Continuing education | 16 hours of CE per renewal period, tracked through CE Broker. |
| Reciprocity | Tennessee does not offer a reciprocal license, but out-of-state education, the national exam and experience may substitute for Tennessee requirements. |
How much does it cost?
| Initial affiliate broker application | $91 |
|---|---|
| PSI exam, full (state and national) | $63.00 |
| PSI exam, state only | $26.00 |
| PSI exam, national only | $37.00 |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a real estate agent in Tennessee
- Complete the 60-hour principles course
- Pass the PSI exam
- Complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates
- Get fingerprinted through IdentoGO
- Get errors and omissions insurance and a principal broker's signature
- Apply online at core.tn.gov with the $91 fee
Apply on the official Tennessee site
How do you check a real estate agent's license in Tennessee?
- Search the name or license number on the official Tennessee real estate agent license lookup.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.