:: Getting Started

Getting started in real estate...

Basic Principles of Real Estate Course (Step 1)

Affiliate broker candidates must complete sixty (60) hours of real estate education in real estate principles/fundamentals before they take the examination. Proof that the education described above has been completed must be presented by each candidate at the examination center on examination day. This is issued by a school official at the real estate school the candidate attended.

Topics covered in the Basic Principles course:

Brokerage
Deeds
Property Law
Listings
Agency/Disclosure
Real Estate Math
Sales Contracts

Financing
TN State Law
Leases
Appraisal
Fair Housing
NAR Code of Ethics

Real Estate Exam (Step 2)

There are two parts to the exam: the Tennessee State Law (40 questions) and the National (80 questions). You must score 70% on each part to pass. Broker license applicants must score 75% on each part with ten additional questions in the state law portion of the exam. Pass notice given at exam site. If you fail, you may retake the failed portion at a later date. Fee for the exam is $55.00.

How To Register For The Exam

The examination is administered by PSI, a national testing service, and is available in Memphis by appointment only. The candidate is responsible for contacting PSI to schedule an appointment to take the examination. PSI will make every effort to schedule the examination, site location, and time that is most convenient for the candidate. To schedule an examination time using a touch-tone phone, call PSI 24 hours a day at 800-733-9267, Monday through Friday, between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. If space is available in the examination site of your choice, the candidate may schedule the examination 3 days prior to the examination date of choice, up to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Please be prepared to offer alternate examination appointment choices. To register on-line: www.psiexams.com . Payment is due at the time of registration.

New Affiliate Broker Course (Step 3)

Affiliate broker candidates must complete the thirty (30) hour Tennessee Real Estate Commission approved "New Affiliate Broker" course. This course is in addition to completion of the 60 hour Basic Principles of Real Estate course and satisfactorily passing both parts of the examination before applying for licensure.

Requirements For An Affiliate Broker License

You must be 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED certificate or certified college or university transcript, a resident of the State of Tennessee for at least 45 days prior to obtaining the license, and no criminal violations, including DUI, other than traffic

NOTE : The Tennessee Real Estate Commission very carefully examines all applications. Applicants who have been convicted of, pled nolo contendere to, pled guilty to or been granted first offender treatment upon being charged with any criminal offense other than a traffic violation or applicants who have held professional licenses which have been disciplined are thoroughly scrutinized. If you have a history of any of the above, you may seek a preliminary decision from the Commission prior to spending time and money taking the pre-licensing courses and the examination. The Tennessee Real Estate Commission phone number is 800-342-4031 in Nashville , TN or visit the TREC website: www.state.tn.us/commerce/boards/trec

Documents Required for an Affiliate Broker license (Step 4)

Application with picture - this is obtained at the testing center upon successful completion of the examination and must be further completed by applicant and broker with whom you will be affiliated.
Proof of high school graduation or equivalent - this can be a copy of your high school transcript, or a copy of your high school diploma, or a copy of a GED certificate, or a copy of a certified college or university transcript.
Proof of successful completion of the pre-licensing course - certificates awarded at school, or letters from the school indicating completion or page in candidate handbook with stamp from school indicating completion of required courses.
Proof of errors and omissions insurance (E&O) - discuss E&O Insurance with the Principal Broker of the firm with which you will be affiliated.
Fees paid with application:
License $100.00
Education and Recovery Fund $30.00

Documents Required For A Broker License (Step 5)

Application with picture - this is obtained at the testing center upon successful completion of the Tennessee Broker's examination, and Proof of E&O Insurance
Fees paid with application:
License $100.00
Education and Recovery Fund $30.00

For additional information regarding out-of-state licensing, candidates with criminal violations, etc., you may contact the Tennessee Real Estate Commission.