License Requirements and Alternate Procedures
The 1973 Tennessee Real Estate Brokers Act, Rules, and Regulations, along with the Tennessee Timeshare Act, govern whether or not a candidate will be issued a license. Successful completion of the examination does not guarantee the issuance of any license.
On the examination day candidates must answer a series of qualifying questions, listed below.
A "yes" answer to any of questions 1 through 5 may decrease a candidate's ability to become licensed in the state of Tennessee.
After candidates have completed the pre-licensing requirements, the commission will review the information provided and make a decision on their qualifications.
The Tennessee Real Estate Commission does not allow anyone on parole or probation to be scheduled for examination unless two (2) years have passed from the date of expiration of probation, conviction, or release from incarceration, whichever is later.
QUALIFYING QUESTIONS
1. Do you now hold or have you ever held a real estate or timeshare license in Tennessee or any other state? If you hold or have held a license in another state(s), you must obtain a license certification from each state in which you are or were licensed. Your application will not be processed until the certification(s) is received.
2. Have you ever been refused a license or had a license revoked, suspended, reprimanded, or fined by any federal, state, or local government? (Do not include motor vehicle license.) If you voluntarily surrendered a license at a time that disciplinary action was pending against you or you were under investigation by a licensing body, governmental agency or professional organization you must provide information regarding the license surrender.
3. Have you ever been refused or had a real estate or timeshare salesperson license revoked, suspended, reprimanded, or fined?
4. Have you ever had a complaint filed against you with any regulatory agency or with any court?
5. Have you ever pled guilty, pled nolo contendere, or been convicted of any criminal offense? (Include traffic violations that are alcohol or drug related.)
- NOTE: Reckless Driving and/or DUI are misdemeanors and must be disclosed.
- If you answer "yes" to question 5, the Commission requires you to submit a certified copy of your conviction record in addition to an affidavit providing details of each charge.
- You may petition the Commission prior to taking or completing pre-license education and/or the licensing examination by submitting the "Application for Decision Regarding Prior Criminal Conviction(s) and/or Disciplinary Sanctions(s)" which can be downloaded. This form along with all requested documentation will then be reviewed by the Commission and you will be notified of their decision.
6. Are you at least 18 years of age?
The documentation described in each case above will be required by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission at the time a candidate passes the examination and wishes to apply for a license. The information should not be sent to the Career Institute, PSI, nor should it be brought to the examination center.
Commission rule does not allow anyone on parole or probation to be scheduled for an examination. Candidates must be off parole or probation for a minimum of two (2) years. Candidates who violate this policy will not be licensed and will not be entitled to a refund of the examination fee.
All licensees are required to be fingerprinted as of January 1, 2014. Click here [pdf] for instructions.
All licensees are required to submit eligibility verification form for entitlements act attestation. Click here [pdf] for instructions.
