How can I learn more about what a real estate career really offers?
Visit the career information section of our Web site for a helpful overview of the exciting world of real estate. Talking to successful professionals is another great way to learn more about being a real estate agent on a daily basis. Check out our free articles to help you decide if a real estate career is right for you!

What is the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC)?
TREC is the Tennessee state agency whose mission is to protect the public through the establishment and administration of minimum requirements for candidates and licensees, effective professional education of licensees, and enforcement of professional conduct.

How can I obtain the necessary application forms?
TREC’s Web site, www.state.tn.us/commerce/boards/trec, is an excellent source for forms and information on licensing requirements.

How long does it take to complete the program of study?
All told, most students complete the required education and testing in about two months. The Tennessee prelicense program is 90 hours total. You’ll spend the first 60 hours in a course called “Principles/Fundamentals.” You will be reading, reviewing key definitions, taking quizzes, and practicing for the state exam by taking mock final exams. After you’ve taken and passed the state exam, you will then need to take the 30-hour “Course for New Affiliates” and ally yourself with a licensed broker prior to receiving your real estate license. 

How can I learn more about what a real estate career really offers?
Visit the career information section of our Web site for a helpful overview of the exciting world of real estate. Talking to successful professionals is another great way to learn more about being a real estate agent on a daily basis.

Should I get any additional books on the subject of real estate?
Sure, reading as much as you can about succeeding as a real estate agent is a wise strategy. ProSchools offers an array of books, including Real Estate Field Manual, On Track to Success in 30 Days, Real Estate Prospecting and many more in our online bookstore.

What activities require a license?
The solicitation, negotiation, listing, sale, purchase, exchange, and lease of real estate requires a real estate license.

What could keep me from obtaining a Tennessee real estate license?
The 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 required education and the examination by completing the "Application for Decision Regarding Prior Criminal Convictions and/or Disciplinary Sanctions" and submitting it to the Commission with required backup documentation. The Commission will review what is submitted and provide you with a preliminary decision concerning whether a license may be granted based on what is submitted.

What do I need to send the Commission along with my application?
Documents required for an affiliate broker's license are:

• 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 for whom you will be working,
• Proof of high school graduation or equivalency- copy of high school transcript, diploma, GED certificate, or a college transcript indicating when and where you graduated from high school,
• Proof of successful completion of the prelicensing course- certificate awarded at school, or letter from school indicating completion or page in candidate handbook with stamp from school indicating completion of course,
• Proof of errors and ommissions insurance (E&O)- discuss E&O Insurance with the Principal Broker of the firm you will be an affiliate. If you wish to purchase the state provided insurance, you should contact the contractor for an application. If your firm uses alternative E&O insurance, your principal broker should provide a "Certificate of Coverage Form" for coverage other than the Commission's contracted E&O Insurance which must be included with the application.
• If you answered "yes" to any of the questions numbered 2-5 on the application you must provide information concerning the incident(s),
• Payment of all fees due- $100 application fee, $30 Education and Recovery Fund fee.

I am licensed in another state. Can I visit Tennessee to list or sell real estate and "partner" or "cooperate" with a Tennessee licensee in order to avoid obtaining a Tennessee real estate license?
No, a real estate licensee from another state or jurisdiction cannot "partner" or "cooperate" with a Tennessee licensee in order to conduct business in Tennessee that requires a real estate license in this state without obtaining a license issued by TREC. TREC will accept an application from non-resident applicants from any state. TREC also has reciprocal agreements with many states.