Application Fee
See agencyReal Estate Broker Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for real estate broker in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Real Estate Broker in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 1-18 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 of age, a resident of the state for at least 45 days, reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity and competent to transact the business of broker, satisfy experience and education and examination requirements.
- 7
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:.
- 8
A high school diploma GED, 120 hours of classroom training in real estate including at least 30 classroom hours covering office or brokerage management , and Obtained license as affiliate broker after May 12, 1988 and have held an affiliate broker's license for at least 36 months
- or have a degree in real estate and have held an affiliate broker's license for at least 24 months.
- 9
Obtained license as affiliate broker on or before May 12, 1988 and engaged as a real estate licensee for at least 24 months or have degree in real estate and evidence of engagement as a real estate licensee for at least 12 months.
- 10
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:.
- 11
A written examination covering uniform principles and Tennessee specifics.
Exam and processing details
- state for at least 45 days, reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity and competent to transact the business of broker, satisfy experience and education and examination requirements
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
$66,670 median (8% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#28 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (At least 18 years of age, a resident of the state for at least 45 days, reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity and compet...).
- 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 state for at least 45 days, reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity and competent to transact the business of broker, satisfy experience and education and examina....
- 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 $66,670, Real Estate Brokers in Tennessee earn 8% below the national median of $72,280. Tennessee ranks #28 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$66,670Hourly estimate
$32.05Difference: -$5,610
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationReal Estate Broker Salary Ranking
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Iowa | $116,920 |
| #2 | Massachusetts | $112,180 |
| #3 | New York | $94,170 |
| #4 | New Jersey | $92,890 |
| #5 | Connecticut | $90,910 |
Nearby States Comparison
Real Estate Broker licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $66,670 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1-18 years |
| Kentucky | $64,210 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $55,660 | No educational requirements | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $62,660 | Varies by state board | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $72,280 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $62,000 | Varies by state board | State exam required | 1-19 years |
| Mississippi | $43,670 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $63,890 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | 1-18 years |
| Missouri | $58,690 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 18 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 | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 43 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. |
| Alabama | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. 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
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 Real Estate Broker in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Real Estate Brokers in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Real Estate Brokers.
What education do you need to become a Real Estate Broker in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Degree required for Real Estate Broker licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Real Estate Broker salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Real Estate Brokers in Tennessee is $66,670. Salaries range from $32,930 (10th percentile) to $145,410 (90th percentile).
How does the Real Estate Broker salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Real Estate Brokers in Tennessee earn 8% below the national median of $72,280, with a state median of $66,670.
How many Real Estate Brokers work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 550 Real Estate Brokers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Real Estate Broker 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 Real Estate Brokers 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 Real Estate Broker license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.