The Tennessee real estate licensing examination is administered by the state’s official testing vendor, PSI. While the licensing process is strictly regulated by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC), PSI offers flexibility in how the test is delivered. Candidates have the choice between taking the exam in person at an approved physical testing center or utilizing a secure, online remote proctoring service. This dual-option approach allows aspiring affiliate brokers to select the testing environment that best suits their needs.
The Current Status of the Tennessee Real Estate Exam
Historically, applicants were required to travel to physical testing centers across Tennessee, such as those in Nashville, Memphis, or Knoxville. The option to take the exam through secure online remote proctoring is now available directly through the vendor, PSI, providing a convenient alternative for candidates.
Regardless of whether the test is taken in-person or remotely, the integrity of the examination remains a top priority. The online option involves secure remote proctoring, which utilizes specialized software to monitor the test-taker’s computer, webcam, and environment throughout the session. This technology ensures compliance with all security protocols, maintaining the high standards expected for licensure. Candidates must ensure their home computer system meets PSI’s specific technical requirements before scheduling.
Prerequisites for Taking the Exam
Before scheduling the examination, prospective affiliate brokers must meet several eligibility requirements established by TREC. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and provide proof of having a high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a GED.
Meeting the educational mandate involves completing 60 hours of approved coursework in real estate principles and fundamentals. This 60-hour course must be completed before a candidate can apply to take the state licensing exam. The state also requires a 30-hour “Course for New Affiliates,” which must be completed before the license is ultimately issued. A background check is also mandatory, requiring the applicant to submit fingerprints through an approved vendor for a criminal history review.
How to Register and Schedule the Examination
Once the mandatory 60-hour pre-licensing course is finished, the education provider is responsible for electronically submitting proof of completion directly to PSI. This confirmation of eligibility allows the candidate to schedule the exam appointment. Candidates register and select their preferred testing location or the online proctored option by visiting the PSI website or calling their dedicated registration number.
The fee to take the Tennessee real estate salesperson licensing exam is $63 for each attempt, covering both the national and state portions of the test. This fee is paid directly to PSI during the registration process. Candidates must take the exam within one year of the date the fee is paid, or the fee will be forfeited.
What to Expect on Exam Day
The examination is a multiple-choice test divided into two main components: a national section and a state-specific section. The combined duration for both portions of the affiliate broker exam is approximately four hours. Candidates must pass both sections to receive a successful score report.
For those testing in person, strict security protocols are enforced, often involving fingerprinting and the prohibition of personal items inside the testing room. All candidates must bring two forms of valid, non-expired identification, with at least one being a government-issued photo ID that includes a signature. A silent, non-programmable calculator is permitted for the mathematical questions.
Next Steps After Passing the Exam
Upon successfully passing the examination, the candidate will receive a score report immediately. This report starts a strict six-month clock for the remainder of the licensing process. The Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) requires that all candidates formally submit their license application within this six-month window from the date they passed the exam.
If the six-month deadline is missed, the candidate’s exam results expire, and the entire examination must be retaken before a license can be issued. The final application to TREC must include proof of the completed 30-hour “Course for New Affiliates” and documentation confirming the applicant has secured an Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance policy. The candidate must also be affiliated with a licensed Tennessee real estate broker who will sponsor the license before the application is fully processed.