Tennessee licensing guide
How Tennessee Real Estate Licensing Works
Agent or broker? Can you work on your own? Does your license work in other states? Here are straight answers to the licensing questions we hear most, plus what it takes to keep your license once you have it.
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Your first license
Tennessee affiliate broker · 60 + 30 hours
How it works
Your path to a Tennessee affiliate broker license
The four steps from your first class to keeping your license active.
Take the 60-hour course
Complete the 60-hour Principles of Real Estate course in class, on Zoom, or as a home study course.
Pass the PSI exam
We report your course completion to PSI. You schedule your state exam directly with PSI.
Finish and apply
Complete the 30-hour New Affiliate course, sign on with a principal broker, and apply for your license.
Keep it current
Renew with 16 hours of continuing education every two years. After three years as an affiliate broker, you can test to become a broker.
What does it mean to be an Agent vs. a Broker?
It’s different from one state to another. In Tennessee, the difference between an agent and a broker is pretty straightforward. As a pre-licensed student, you’re going for an affiliate broker license. After passing the state exam, you’ll become an affiliate broker. Once you have three years of experience as an affiliate broker, you can pass another exam to become a broker. As a licensed real estate professional, you’ll also need to join your local board and the National Association of Realtors to become a Realtor.
Do I have to work with an agency, or can I do it on my own?
Yes, you have to work with a firm, meaning you have to be affiliated with a managing broker who has your back and takes responsibility for you. This is one of the ways that the Tennessee Real Estate Commission protects the public. Even if you’re a brand new agent, you have the support, training, and guidance of a managing broker behind you. This is important because people don’t want to make the biggest financial transaction of their lives with someone who just learned how to pass the real estate exam.
What can I do with a real estate license?
With a real estate license in Tennessee, you can do a lot of things. It’s a single license that covers all aspects of the real estate business in the state. You can sell residential, commercial, or rental properties throughout the state, and even refer clients to other agents in other parts of the state or the country. It’s a great way to start a new career or to expand your existing one.
If I’m an investor, should I get a real estate license?
If you’re an investor, getting a real estate license is definitely worth considering. With a license, you’ll have a better understanding of the industry and access to Tennessee real estate contracts, which are some of the best in the country. These contracts provide protection for your investments and can help you save money in the long run. A license isn’t required to invest, but it’s worth considering.
Does my Tennessee license work in other states? And if not, how do I get licensed in other states?
No, your Tennessee license does not work in other states, and Tennessee does not offer reciprocity. However, you can get licensed in other states by passing another test and meeting other requirements like Continuing Education and E&O Insurance. It’s important to consider where your business is going and whether getting licensed in other states is necessary or if finding referral partners is a better use of your time and resources. We discuss this in more detail in class and can help you make informed decisions.
What kind of continuing education do I need to renew my license?
In our state, you need 16 hours of continuing education every two years to renew your license. However, that’s just the minimum requirement. If you want to keep growing in this industry, consider taking additional classes and earning professional designations. By joining the local real estate board, you can also access over 200 hours of free or reduced-cost classes every year, although these classes are primarily focused on maintaining your license rather than building your business.
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Start your Tennessee real estate license
Both required courses, the 60-hour and the 30-hour. Live class for $499 (next class November 2–20, 2026) or on-demand home study for $199.