Best Online Real Estate Schools in Tennessee (2026)
Compare 8 Tennessee TREC-approved schools. Find the best price with exclusive CertLaunch discounts and get your affiliate broker license faster.
Course Cost
$149 – $799
Time to License
2 – 4 months
Avg Salary
$60,000/yr
Required Hours
90 hours
Top 3 Tennessee Real Estate Schools at a Glance
1. RealEstateU
Best value for Tennessee's 90-hour pre-license course. Audio-based, self-paced learning with 12-month access.
$149
with code CERTLAUNCH
2. AceableAgent
Best mobile experience. Interactive activities, videos, and AI-powered virtual instructor.
$195
3. TREES
Tennessee's oldest and largest school. Best for in-person classroom learning with multiple schedule options.
$377
Best Real Estate Schools in Tennessee
All 8 schools are Tennessee TREC-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
RealEstateU
Best ValueStarting at
$199
$149.2
- 90-hour course
- Audio lessons
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Available Packages (3)
Course Only
- 90-hour TREC-approved pre-license course
- On-demand audio lessons
AceableAgent
Starting at
$195
- 90-hour TREC-approved pre-license course
- Mobile app
- Instructor support
Available Packages (3)
Basic
- Interactive activities and videos
- Mobile app (iOS & Android)
- Instructor support
The Career Institute
Starting at
$285
Available Packages (2)
60-Hour Pre-License Course
- 60-hour TREC-approved pre-license course
The CE Shop
Starting at
$339
- Best Interactive Platform
Available Packages (4)
Standard
- 90-hour TN pre-licensing course
- Business ebooks
TRECS School
Starting at
$360
Available Packages (1)
Pre-License Course (In-Person)
- 60-hour pre-license course
- Textbook and workbook included
TREES (Tennessee Real Estate Education Systems)
Starting at
$377
- Best for Classroom Learning
Available Packages (4)
Pre-License (Classroom)
- 60-hour pre-license course
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Starting at
$399
Available Packages (2)
Licensing with Exam Prep Package
- 90-hour TREC-approved pre-license course
- Live Online Learning Hub
- 24/7 Student Community access
- Kaplan Commitment (18-month support if you don't pass)
Colibri Real Estate
Starting at
$419
- Best for Audio Learners
Available Packages (4)
The Basics
- 90-hour TREC-approved pre-license course
- AI-powered tutor (Rubi)
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in Tennessee?
Average Annual Income
$50,000 – $75,000
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) & ZipRecruiter 2024
Top Earners
$100,000 – $150,000+
Experienced agents in top markets
Commission Structure
Tennessee real estate affiliate brokers typically earn 2.5%–3% commission per transaction. On a $350,000 home (near the Tennessee median), that's approximately $8,750–$10,500 per sale. New agents on a 70/30 split with their brokerage would keep $6,125–$7,350. Closing 6–8 deals your first year is a common benchmark, putting first-year earnings at $36,750–$58,800.
Top-Earning Tennessee Markets
Is a Tennessee Real Estate License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + Booming Markets: Nashville is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., driving strong real estate demand statewide.
- + No State Income Tax: Tennessee has no state income tax, meaning you keep more of your commissions.
- + Affordable Entry: Course costs start at $149 with CertLaunch discounts, and total licensing costs are manageable.
- + Population Growth: Tennessee is attracting relocations from higher-cost states, creating consistent buyer demand.
👎 Cons
- - Commission-Only Income: No salary — you don't get paid until you close a deal.
- - 90-Hour Requirement: Tennessee requires 90 hours of pre-license education, more than many states.
- - Competitive Nashville Market: The hottest market also has the most agents competing for listings.
- - Broker Sponsorship Required: You must find a sponsoring principal broker before you can activate your license.
How to Get a Real Estate License in Tennessee
Complete 90 Hours of Pre-License Education
Enroll in a TREC-approved 90-hour pre-license course (60-hour Real Estate Principles + 30-hour Course for New Affiliates). All schools listed above are approved. Courses can be completed online at your own pace.
Pass the Course Final Exams
Each course requires you to pass a final exam. The 60-hour course exam has 120 questions with a 70% passing score. This is separate from the state exam.
Submit Fingerprints & Background Check
Schedule fingerprinting through an approved vendor. TREC requires a criminal background check as part of your application. Cost: ~$40.
Pass the Tennessee State Exam
Register with PSI Exams to take the Tennessee real estate exam. It has a national portion and a state-specific portion. You need 70% on each section. Cost: $39 per section.
Find a Sponsoring Principal Broker
Tennessee affiliate brokers must work under a licensed principal broker. Research brokerages in your area — your broker will submit your license application to TREC.
Apply for Your Affiliate Broker License
Your principal broker submits the application to TREC on your behalf. Application fee: $91. Once approved, you can start working as a licensed affiliate broker in Tennessee.
Tennessee Real Estate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien
- Tennessee resident for at least 45 days
- Must pass criminal background check
- Must find a sponsoring principal broker
Education & Exam Requirements
- 90 hours of TREC-approved pre-license education
- 60-hour Real Estate Principles course
- 30-hour Course for New Affiliates
- Pass Tennessee state exam (PSI Exams)
- 70% passing score on national & state sections
Tennessee Real Estate License Cost
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Tennessee real estate license in 2026:
| Pre-License Course (90 hours) | $149 – $799 | Use CertLaunch discount |
| State Exam Fee | $78 – $78 | PSI Exams ($39 × 2 sections) |
| License Application | $91 – $91 | TREC application fee |
| Fingerprinting & Background Check | $35 – $45 | Approved vendor |
| E&O Insurance | $200 – $400 | Required annually |
| Estimated Total | $553 – $1,413+ | Save up to 20% with CertLaunch |
The Tennessee Real Estate Exam
Exam Details
- Format: Multiple-choice questions (national + state)
- Passing score: 70% on each section
- Sections: National portion + State portion
- Provider: PSI Exams
- Cost: $39 per section ($78 total)
Exam Topics
- Real estate principles & practices
- Tennessee license law & TREC regulations
- Contracts and agency relationships
- Property ownership and land use
- Real estate math and calculations
💡 Exam Prep Tip
The Tennessee real estate exam covers both national principles and state-specific TREC regulations. Tennessee license law and agency relationships are common stumbling blocks. Schools that include exam prep packages (practice tests, flashcards, simulated exams) significantly improve your chances of passing on the first try. Consider the Exam Preparation package from Colibri or the Value Package from The CE Shop for comprehensive exam prep tools.
How Long Does It Take?
4–6 weeks
Full-time
Studying 4–6 hours/day
2–3 months
Part-time
Studying 1–2 hours/day
4–5 months
Casual pace
A few hours per week
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Compare Real Estate Licensing in Other States
Curious how Tennessee's 90-hour requirement and licensing costs compare to other states? Explore your options below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Tennessee?
Total costs range from $500 to $1,200+. This includes the 90-hour pre-license course ($149–$799), state exam fee ($39 per section), license application fee ($91), fingerprinting and background check (~$40), and errors & omissions insurance ($200–$400/year). Using the CertLaunch discount code saves 20% on RealEstateU courses.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Tennessee?
Most students complete the process in 2–4 months. The 90-hour pre-license course can be finished in 4–6 weeks studying full-time, or 2–3 months part-time. After passing the course final, you can schedule your PSI state exam within 1–2 weeks.
What are the requirements to get a real estate license in Tennessee?
You must be at least 18 years old, be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien, have been a Tennessee resident for at least 45 days, complete 90 hours of approved pre-license education (60-hour Principles + 30-hour New Affiliates), pass the state exam, submit fingerprints, pass a background check, and find a sponsoring broker.
Is the Tennessee real estate exam hard?
The Tennessee real estate exam is challenging but passable with good preparation. It is administered by PSI and consists of a national portion and a state-specific portion. You need a score of 70% or higher on each section. Most accredited pre-license courses include exam prep tools to help you prepare.
Can I take the Tennessee real estate course online?
Yes. Most schools listed on CertLaunch offer online, TREC-approved 90-hour pre-license courses. Online courses are self-paced, meaning you can study on your own schedule from anywhere. Some schools like TREES also offer classroom and Zoom options.
How much do real estate agents make in Tennessee?
Tennessee real estate affiliate brokers earn an average of $50,000–$75,000 per year. Top agents in markets like Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville can earn $100,000–$150,000+. Income depends on commission structure, brokerage split, and market activity.
Do I need a college degree to become a real estate agent in Tennessee?
No. Tennessee does not require a college degree to obtain a real estate license. You need to complete the 90-hour pre-license course, pass the state exam, and meet the basic eligibility requirements including residency and background check.
What is the best real estate school in Tennessee?
The best school depends on your budget and learning style. RealEstateU offers the best value starting at $149 with the CertLaunch discount. The CE Shop is top-rated for interactive content. TREES is the top choice for in-person classroom learning in Tennessee. Compare all options above to find your best fit.
What is the difference between a real estate agent and an affiliate broker in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the entry-level real estate license is called an "Affiliate Broker" license, not an "agent" license. Affiliate brokers must work under a supervising principal broker. After gaining experience, you can upgrade to a Broker license.
Can I get my Tennessee real estate license if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the offense. TREC reviews each application individually. Crimes involving fraud, theft, or dishonesty may be grounds for denial, but many offenses do not automatically prevent licensure. You must disclose all criminal history and submit fingerprints for a background check.