Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Business
Mortgage Loan Originator Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mortgage loan originator in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Mortgage Loan Originator in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 6
At least 18 years old, a resident of the state for at least 45 days, good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity, and competent to transact the business of affiliate broker, and satisfy education and examination requirements.
- 7
60 classroom hours in a pre-licensing covering basic principles of real estate at an institution approved by the commission.
- 8
A 30-hour course for new affiliates must be completed within the first year of licensure.
- 9
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:.
- 10
Examination covering business ethics, composition, arithmetic, elementary principles of land economics and appraisal, closing statements, general knowledge of the statutes of Tennessee relating to deeds, mortgages, trust deeds, contracts of sale, leases and other related matters, and the Tennessee Real Estate Broker License Act of 1973.
- 11
CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:.
Exam and processing details
- covering business ethics, composition, arithmetic, elementary principles of land economics and appraisal, closing statements, general knowledge of the statutes of Tennessee relating to deeds, mortgages, trust deeds, contracts of sale, leases and other related matters, and the Tennessee Real Estate Broker License Act of 1973. (Exemption from the uniform principles portion allowed for agents in other states passing certain recognized examinations.)
Continuing education and program notes
- certain recognized examinations
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division of Regulatory Boards • Division of Regulatory Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$63,160 median (15% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#41 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Mortgage Loan Originator licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required covering business ethics, composition, arithmetic, elementary principles of land economics and appraisal, closing statements, general knowledge of the statutes of Tennessee rela....
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Commerce and Insurance~Division of Regulatory Boards~Division of Regulatory Boards and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $63,160, Mortgage Loan Originators in Tennessee earn 15% below the national median of $74,180. Tennessee ranks #41 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$63,160Hourly estimate
$30.3715% below national median
Difference: -$11,020
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMortgage Loan Originator Salary Ranking
#41 of 50 statesfor Mortgage Loan Originator median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $98,940 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $95,090 |
| #3 | Massachusetts | $93,430 |
| #4 | Vermont | $86,490 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $84,480 |
Nearby States Comparison
Mortgage Loan Originator licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $63,160 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Kentucky | $68,600 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $79,600 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $75,820 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $72,250 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $60,750 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-2 months |
| Mississippi | $59,950 | Specific course required | State exam required | 17 years |
| Arkansas | $70,050 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-18 years |
| Missouri | $72,730 | Degree required | State exam required | 21 years |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 43 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. |
| Alabama | 70 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division of Regulatory Boards • Division of Regulatory Boards
Davy Crockett Tower 1st Floor, 500 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN, 37243-1151
Phone: 6157412273
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $85,490 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $48,010 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Certified Public Accountant | $75,500 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $97,730 | Degree required | 4-3196 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mortgage Loan Originator in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Mortgage Loan Originators in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Mortgage Loan Originators.
What education do you need to become a Mortgage Loan Originator in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Degree required for Mortgage Loan Originator licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Mortgage Loan Originator salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Mortgage Loan Originators in Tennessee is $63,160. Salaries range from $38,330 (10th percentile) to $117,820 (90th percentile).
How does the Mortgage Loan Originator salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Mortgage Loan Originators in Tennessee earn 15% below the national median of $74,180, with a state median of $63,160.
How many Mortgage Loan Originators work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 7,610 Mortgage Loan Originators according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Mortgage Loan Originator license to Tennessee from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Mortgage Loan Originators in Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Commerce and Insurance / Division of Regulatory Boards / Division of Regulatory Boards. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Mortgage Loan Originator license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.