Getting a real estate license can be a tricky business if you’re entirely new to everything real estate.
From pre-licensing to background checks and paperwork, getting through the steps can be difficult if you haven’t the slightest clue where to start.
So if you’re looking for a complete, up-to-date guide on how to get a real estate license online in Tennessee, then you’ve come to the right place.
I’ve compiled everything you need to know about the process and more. With this, you can get started on your real estate journey.
Let’s get into it.
Note: in Tennessee, real estate agents/salespeople are referred to as affiliate brokers.
Real Estate License Qualifications in Tennessee
To be eligible for a real estate license in Tennessee, you must:
- Be at least 18-years old
- Hold a high-school diploma or GED
- Be a US citizen or legal alien
- Be a resident in Tennessee for at least 45 days
The Steps to Getting a Real Estate License Online in Tennessee
Here’s a summary of the steps required to obtain a real estate license in Tennessee:
Step 1: Take a real estate pre-licensing course
Step 2: Pass the Tennessee real estate exam
Step 3: Complete a background check
Step 4: Get a sponsoring broker
Step 5: Obtain Errors and Omissions Insurance
Step 6: Apply for a real estate license
Now, let’s get into the details.
Step 1: Take a real estate pre-licensing course
Before anything else, you’ll have to complete a 90-hour real estate pre-licensing course.
The course consists of two portions amounting to 60 hours and 30 hours of learning modules respectively.
That said, you’ll only need to complete the 60-hour course to sit for the Tennessee real estate exam (step 2). As for the 30-hour course, you can finish it just before you apply for a real estate license (step 5).
Most schools will require you to pass an end-of-course exam before you can get a certificate of completion (this certificate is proof that you’ve completed the educational requirements).
Looking for a reliable online real estate school?
We highly recommend Colibri Real Estate!
They are a renowned online real estate school, offering one of the best online affiliate broker courses in the state.
With their courses, you’ll get more than just the study materials. You’ll also get tools and resources, such as a real estate dictionary, to make the learning experience more interactive and enjoyable.
Step 2: Pass the Tennessee real estate exam
Once you finish the 60-hour course, you can sit for the Tennessee real estate exam conducted by the PSI.
You can schedule your exam online through the PSI website. You will be asked to provide a pre-approved document from the Commission (get the application form here on page 19), your certificate of completion, all the required identification details, and an exam fee of $39.
Note: To use the PSI website, you’ll have to create an account if you don’t already have one.
Now, the exam consists of a national and state portion in which you’ll need to score 56/80 and 28/40 to pass respectively. For the national portion, you are given 160 minutes (2.6hrs) to complete, while the state portion takes 80 minutes (1.3hrs).
Don’t forget to bring 2 forms of identification when you arrive at the examination center.
Even better, you can take the exam completely online!
However, a Proctor has to be present to supervise the candidate - some online real estate school may be able to arrange this for you.
For more information, check the PSI’s Candidate Information Bulletin.
Step 3: Complete a background check
After passing the Tennessee real estate exam, the next step is to submit your fingerprints for a background check.
To get your fingerprints, make an appointment with IndentoGO® with the service code 28TZ99.
Upon receiving your fingerprint center location details, go to the center and get your fingerprint scans. You must take an appropriate form of identification with you.
These fingerprints shall then be used to conduct a background check. For more information, refer to this state guide.
The Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) states that it does not allow anyone on parole or probation to receive a license “unless two (2) years have passed from the date of expiration of probation, conviction, or release from incarceration, whichever is later.”
Also, while felons can receive a license if their sentence/probation ended over 2 years ago, the final decision shall rest with the TREC if they will accept you or not.
A felon should first submit this application to the TREC and wait for commission approval before applying for a pre-licensing course.
Step 4: Get a sponsoring broker
Affiliate brokers will have to work under a broker to practice real estate in Tennessee.
You should carefully select a broker and evaluate all the local options available before making a final decision.
Step 5: Obtain Errors and Omissions Insurance
After or during the background check process, you may obtain the Errors and Omissions Insurance required for the final license application.
This insurance is intended to protect affiliate brokers from lawsuits formed on the basis of errors and unintentional mistakes that you, the agent, may commit.
If you’re looking for a good insurance provider, we recommend The Hartford.
Step 6: Apply for a real estate license
After all that, you can finally apply for a Tennessee real estate license.
The application process is conducted online at the Tennessee Department of Insurance website. In the application, you’ll have to provide all the required documents, including exam score, insurance details, sponsoring broker details, course certificate of completion (all 90 hours), etc...
Note: you’ll have to create an account if you don’t already have one.
You’ll also need to attach this eligibility verification document, along with a license processing fee of $90.
Real Estate License in Tennessee FAQs
How long is the real estate pre-licensing course in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the pre-licensing or Affiliate broker course is 90 hours long. This consists of two portions amounting to 60 and 30 hours respectively.
Take note that the course will contain a timer, so you won’t be able to complete it in less than 90 hours regardless of how quickly you learn.
When do I have to complete real estate continuing education courses in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, you’ll have to complete 16 hours of real estate CE courses every 2 years in order to renew your license.
A great online real estate school for CE courses in the state is McKissock.
They offer the best value for money package with their TN McKissock CE PLUS Membership.
For only $146, you get unlimited access to all CE courses in the state, plus coaching tools, webinars, 100+ job aides, a 90-day boot camp, and much more.
Should I choose online or in-person real estate courses?
While in-person courses do have a few advantages in that you get to network with your peers and engage directly with your instructors, it can be hard to attend due to the rigid class timetables.
Online real estate courses solve this by providing aspiring agents the opportunity to do their courses whenever they feel like it. This is because the online course content is always available 24/7.
You’ll also get a whole host of different features with online courses that can make the learning experience so much more engaging compared to an old-fashioned 500-page textbook.
How much do real estate courses cost in Tennessee?
The cost of a real estate course will vary greatly, depending on the school and learning method you choose.
In-person schooling can cost between $400-$700. On the other hand, online courses allow you to choose from a selection of different package options, with some packages costing as little as $200.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to get your real estate license online in Tennessee and are having a hard time wrapping your head around all the procedures, then the list above gives you a concise and simple roadmap to getting your license in the state.
Additionally, the online courses mentioned make learning much simpler and allows you to study no matter what busy schedule you may be facing.
So what are you waiting for?
Apply for an online course today to get one step closer to a great career!
Good luck!