Key Takeaways
- Tennessee real estate licenses are valid for 2 years
- All licensees must complete 16 hours of continuing education (CE) for renewal
- The 6-hour TREC Core course is mandatory each renewal cycle
- The remaining 10 hours can be any TREC-approved elective courses
- Records should be kept for a minimum of 7 years (Tennessee REALTORS recommendation)
License Maintenance and Renewal
Tennessee real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms
| Item | Duration |
|---|---|
| License term | 2 years |
| Renewal | Before expiration date |
| CE deadline | Before license expires |
Continuing Education Requirements
All Licensees (16 hours per renewal cycle)
| Course | Hours | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| TREC Core Course | 6 hours | Mandatory |
| TREC-approved electives | 10 hours | Choice |
| Total | 16 hours |
Important: The TREC Core course is updated every 2-year cycle. The current course is TREC Core 2025-2026.
Non-Resident Licensees
Non-resident licensees are also required to complete the 16 hours of CE, including the TREC Core course.
TREC Core Course Content
The mandatory TREC Core course covers:
- Recent changes to Tennessee real estate law
- TREC rule updates
- License law review
- Current issues and hot topics
- Best practices
Renewal Process
- Complete 16 hours CE before license expires
- Log into TREC CORE online system
- Submit renewal application
- Pay renewal fee
- Maintain E&O Insurance
- Receive renewed license
Record Keeping Requirements
Required Records
Tennessee licensees must maintain records of all transactions:
| Record Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Listings | All listing agreements |
| Offers | Even offers that did not become contracts |
| Contracts | Purchase agreements |
| Closing statements | Settlement documents |
| Agency agreements | Buyer and seller agency |
| Agency disclosures | Confirmation forms |
| Property disclosures | Seller disclosure forms |
| Correspondence | Letters, emails, notes |
Retention Period
| Recommendation | Duration |
|---|---|
| Tennessee REALTORS recommendation | 7 years minimum |
| Statute of limitations (breach of contract) | 6 years |
| TREC escrow records | 3 years minimum |
Best Practice: Keep records for at least 7 years to protect against claims that may arise years after a transaction.
Late Renewal and Expired Licenses
Late Renewal
If your license expires but you renew within the grace period:
| Situation | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Late renewal | Pay renewal + late fee, complete CE |
| Extended lapse | May require additional steps |
Warning: You cannot practice while your license is expired.
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning | Can Practice? |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Current, affiliated with broker | Yes |
| Inactive | Not affiliated with broker | No |
| Retired | Voluntary status | No |
| Expired | Not renewed | No |
| Suspended | TREC disciplinary action | No |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled | No |
Address and Status Changes
Licensees must notify TREC of changes using the appropriate forms:
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| TREC1 | Transfer, Release, and Change of Status |
| TREC2 | Firm Updates |
Changes can be submitted through the TREC CORE online system or by email to TREC.info@tn.gov.
How many hours of continuing education are required to renew a Tennessee real estate license?
Which course is MANDATORY for Tennessee license renewal?
How long should Tennessee real estate records be kept according to Tennessee REALTORS?