• To become a licensed real estate agent in Tennessee, you must:
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education (60-hour Basic Principles and 30-hour New Affiliates course)
• Pass the Tennessee real estate exam
• Submit fingerprints and pass a background check
• Apply for a license with the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC)

It typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on how quickly you complete your coursework, schedule your exam, and submit your application.

Costs vary but typically include:

• Pre-licensing course: $300–$600
• Exam fee: $39
• License application fee: $91
• Fingerprinting & background check: $35
• Errors & Omissions Insurance: $200–$300 (varies by provider)

Total estimated cost: $700–$1,300

You must score at least 70% on both the national and state-specific portions of the exam.

The exam has 120 questions:

• 80 National Questions
• 40 Tennessee-Specific Questions

You can retake the exam. If you fail one portion, you only need to retake that section. You must pass both portions within 6 months of your initial exam date.

The exam can be challenging. The pass rate is around 50-60%, so studying with practice exams and review materials is highly recommended.

Yes. You must work under a licensed Tennessee real estate broker before your license becomes active.

Research and interview brokers, considering:

• Commission splits
• Training programs
• Office culture
• Fees & support services

Yes. Many state-approved real estate schools offer online, in-person, and hybrid classes.

Yes, but you must:

• Prove you have an active license in another state
• Pass the Tennessee-specific portion of the real estate exam
• Submit an application to TREC

• Complete 16 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years
• Pay the renewal fee ($75)
• Submit your renewal through the TREC website

16 hours every two years, including:

• 6-hour TREC Core Course
• 10 hours of elective CE courses

Possibly. The Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) reviews applications on a case-by-case basis. You must submit:

• A detailed written explanation of the conviction
• Court documents
• Evidence of rehabilitation

Yes, E&O insurance is required to protect agents from lawsuits related to real estate transactions. You must show proof of coverage before receiving your license.

Yes, but success in real estate often depends on availability and commitment. Many agents start part-time while transitioning to full-time.

Salaries vary by location and experience. On average:

• New agents: $30,000–$50,000/year
• Experienced agents: $60,000–$100,000+/year
• Top producers: $150,000+

Yes! Many real estate agents buy, sell, and invest in properties. However, you must disclose your licensed status when engaging in transactions.

• Real Estate Agent: Licensed to sell real estate under a broker
• Broker: Has additional education, experience, and can manage agents

To become a broker, you must:

• Hold an active affiliate broker license for at least 3 years
• Complete 120 hours of broker education
• Pass the Tennessee broker exam

To become a real estate instructor, you must:

• Be approved by TREC
• Have 4 years of real estate experience or a bachelor’s degree in real estate
• Pass an instructor exam or demonstrate expertise