1.2 Tennessee License Requirements
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee affiliate broker applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED
- Pre-license education requirement is 90 hours: 60 hours Basic Principles plus 30 hours Course for New Affiliates
- The exam has 120 questions total: 80 national and 40 state-specific questions
- Passing score is 70% on each portion (56/80 national, 28/40 state)
- Total exam time is 4 hours (160 minutes national, 80 minutes state); exam fee is \$63
Tennessee has specific requirements for affiliate broker (salesperson) and broker licenses. Understanding these requirements is essential for the state exam.
License Types in Tennessee
| License Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Affiliate Broker | Entry-level license (equivalent to salesperson in other states) |
| Broker | Advanced license with ability to supervise others |
| Principal Broker | Broker who supervises a firm |
| Firm License | Required for real estate companies |
Note: Tennessee uses the term "Affiliate Broker" instead of "Salesperson."
Affiliate Broker License Requirements
1. Age and Legal Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be of good moral character
- Have no disqualifying criminal history
2. Education Requirements
Complete 90 hours of pre-license education from a TREC-approved school:
| Course | Hours | When Required |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Principles of Real Estate | 60 hours | Before taking exam |
| Course for New Affiliates | 30 hours | Before licensure |
| Total | 90 hours |
Important: You must complete the 60-hour Basic Principles course BEFORE taking the exam. The 30-hour Course for New Affiliates must be completed BEFORE your license can be issued.
3. Examination
| Detail | Affiliate Broker Exam |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 120 multiple-choice |
| National Portion | 80 questions |
| State Portion | 40 questions |
| Time Limit | 4 hours total (160 min national, 80 min state) |
| Passing Score | 70% on each portion |
| Exam Provider | PSI |
| Exam Fee | $63 total ($37 national, $26 state) |
Broker License Requirements
To become a Tennessee real estate broker, you must meet additional requirements:
Experience Requirement
Three years of active experience as a licensed affiliate broker OR equivalent experience approved by TREC.
Education Requirements
Complete 120 total hours of approved real estate education:
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Original affiliate broker education | 90 hours |
| Additional broker courses | 30 hours |
| Must include | Office or Broker Management course |
| Total | 120 hours |
Broker Examination
| Detail | Broker Exam |
|---|---|
| Format | Similar to affiliate broker exam |
| Content | More advanced broker-level material |
| Passing Score | 70% on each portion |
License Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam fee | $63 |
| License fee | $100 (initial) |
| E&O Insurance | Required |
| Recovery Account fee | Included in licensing |
Application Process
- Complete 60-hour education at TREC-approved school
- Apply for exam through PSI (school submits application)
- Schedule and pass exam at PSI testing center
- Complete 30-hour New Affiliates course
- Find sponsoring broker (affiliate brokers must affiliate with principal broker)
- Pay license fee ($100)
- Obtain E&O Insurance
- Submit application within 6 months of passing exam
Warning: You must complete all requirements and submit your application within 6 months of passing the exam, or you will need to retake it.
What is the minimum age requirement for a Tennessee affiliate broker license?
How many hours of pre-license education are required for a Tennessee affiliate broker license?
What is the passing score for the Tennessee real estate exam?
Within what time frame must you submit your license application after passing the Tennessee real estate exam?