Last updated: February 19, 2026. This guide is based on Tennessee Real Estate Commission and PSI candidate resources current in 2026.
Tennessee Real Estate License in 2026: Fast Answer
If your goal is to become a Tennessee real estate agent, the license you start with is the Affiliate Broker license. In 2026, the core path is:
- Meet eligibility rules (age, education, legal status)
- Complete required prelicense education
- Pass the PSI affiliate broker exam
- Submit your application to TREC with sponsorship and required documents
The Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) still requires 90 total prelicense hours, a 70% passing score on each exam section, and application submission within 1 year after passing all required portions.
2026 Quick Facts (Official)
| Item | 2026 Tennessee Affiliate Broker Standard |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) |
| Exam vendor | PSI |
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Minimum education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Prelicense education | 90 hours total (60-hour fundamentals + 30-hour course for new affiliates) |
| Exam structure | 80 national questions + 40 state questions |
| Exam time | 160 minutes national + 80 minutes state |
| Passing score | 56/80 national and 28/40 state (70% each) |
| Exam fee | $63 combined ($37 national + $26 state) |
| Initial license application fee | $91 |
Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed in Tennessee
1) Confirm Eligibility
You should verify these first:
- At least 18 years old
- High school diploma or equivalent
- You can pass criminal background screening and fingerprint processing
2) Complete Required Education (90 Hours)
Tennessee separates prelicense education into two required courses:
- 60-hour Real Estate Fundamentals course
- 30-hour Course for New Affiliates
You must complete the education in the order required by TREC and your school provider. Keep all completion records for your application packet.
3) Apply for Exam Eligibility and Schedule with PSI
Once your prelicense requirements are satisfied, use the Tennessee/PSI real estate testing portal to schedule your exam.
Exam format for Affiliate Broker:
- National: 80 questions, 160 minutes, pass at 56
- State: 40 questions, 80 minutes, pass at 28
4) Complete Fingerprints and Background Steps
Tennessee requires fingerprinting and criminal background checks for initial applicants. Complete this early to avoid delaying issuance after passing.
5) Pass Both Exam Sections
You can pass both sections on one day or across attempts. If you pass one section and fail the other, the passed section remains valid for a limited retake window (see retake rules below).
6) Secure Sponsorship with a Principal Broker
To activate and practice, Tennessee affiliate brokers must work under a licensed principal broker. This is a required part of your license activation workflow, not an optional career step.
7) Assemble the Application Packet
Typical TREC application documents include:
- Education proof
- PSI score report/pass proof
- Background/fingerprint completion
- Errors and omissions insurance proof
- Properly signed application forms, including broker sponsorship where required
8) Submit and Pay State Fees
Current posted state fee for the initial individual application is $91. Confirm final payment details in the TREC fee schedule at submission time.
9) Meet the One-Year Filing Rule
PSI/TREC candidate guidance requires that you apply for your Tennessee license within one year of passing all required exam portions.
10) Plan Renewal from Day One
Tennessee licenses renew every two years. You need continuing education and timely renewal payment to avoid monthly late penalties.
Full Cost Breakdown (Planning Budget)
Use this realistic 2026 planning budget:
| Cost Item | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Prelicense education (90 hours) | $300-$900 | Provider and package level drive this number |
| PSI exam fee | $63 | Official posted affiliate broker combined fee |
| Initial TREC application fee | $91 | Official posted fee |
| Fingerprint/background | Varies by vendor | Not fixed on one statewide fee table |
| E&O insurance | Varies | Required in Tennessee workflow |
| Retake fees if needed | $26-$63 per attempt pattern | Depends on section(s) retaken |
Example Total Scenarios
- Lean path (single attempt, lower-cost school): about $500-$850 plus variable background/E&O costs
- Typical path (moderate school, one retake): about $800-$1,300 plus variable background/E&O costs
- Premium path (high-end school package): about $1,200-$1,900+
Exam Retake Rules You Need to Know
From Tennessee PSI candidate policy:
- After one failed attempt, you can reschedule quickly (next-day eligibility)
- After failing the same portion twice, a 30-day wait applies before reattempt
- If only one section is passed, that pass remains valid for either two retakes of the failed section or one year, whichever comes first
This policy makes focused remediation critical after a second unsuccessful attempt.
2026 Timeline: How Long It Usually Takes
| Pace | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| Fast-track (full-time study) | 4-8 weeks |
| Standard (working professional) | 2-4 months |
| Conservative | 4-6 months |
Delays usually come from three points: unfinished education hours, rescheduling exam attempts, and incomplete application documents.
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Finishing the 60-hour course but delaying the 30-hour requirement.
- Underestimating the national section and failing to practice math/contract questions.
- Waiting too long after passing to submit your application.
- Treating sponsorship as a post-license task instead of a required activation step.
- Ignoring renewal rules until expiration and then paying monthly late penalties.
Your Best Study Funnel (Intent-Matched)
If you are in the licensing stage, use this sequence:
- Learn requirements and total cost
- Prepare for the PSI format with timed practice
- Benchmark at 80%+ before your real test date
- Submit paperwork fast once you pass
Free next step: