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Real 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

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Real Estate Broker in Tennessee

Estimated timeline: 1-18 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Certification: Certification required.

  5. 5

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  6. 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. 7

    EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:.

  8. 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. 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. 10

    EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:.

  11. 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

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division of Regulatory Boards • Division of Regulatory Boards

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $66,670 median (8% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #28 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 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. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 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. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Commerce and Insurance~Division of Regulatory Boards~Division of Regulatory Boards and monitor board communications.
  7. 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)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,297

Median annual salary

$66,670

Hourly estimate

$32.05
8% below national median

Difference: -$5,610

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$32,930
  • P2525th percentile$57,510
  • P50Median$66,670
  • P7575th percentile$103,240
  • P9090th percentile$145,410

State vs National Median

State: $66,670
National: $72,280

Total employment: 550 | Annual openings: N/A

Real Estate Broker Salary Ranking

#28 of 50 statesfor Real Estate Broker median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Iowa$116,920
#2Massachusetts$112,180
#3New York$94,170
#4New Jersey$92,890
#5Connecticut$90,910

Nearby States Comparison

Real Estate Broker licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Tennessee$66,670Degree requiredThird-party exam required1-18 years
Kentucky$64,210Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Virginia$55,660No educational requirementsThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
North Carolina$62,660Varies by state boardState exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$72,280Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Alabama$62,000Varies by state boardState exam required1-19 years
Mississippi$43,670No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$63,890Specific course requiredBoth state and third-party exams required1-18 years
Missouri$58,690Varies by state boardState-approved exam18 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Tennessee50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky78HighBoard-specific review required.
Virginia60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
North Carolina68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Georgia43LowLimited or restricted active licensing status.
Alabama54LowState-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

Website Pending VerificationCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Tennessee

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$85,490Degree requiredVaries by board
Audio and Video Technicians$48,010Degree requiredVaries by board
Certified Public Accountant$75,500Degree requiredVaries by board
Civil Engineer$97,730Degree required4-3196 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.