Back to home

Guide · Tennessee licensing

The Tennessee Real Estate Commission, in plain English.

Who TREC is, what it requires of you, and how to make sure the classes you take actually count.

What the Commission is

  • The Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) is the state board that licenses and regulates real estate brokers and affiliate brokers. It sits within the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance.
  • TREC enforces the Tennessee Real Estate Broker License Act and the Commission's rules — the law you are tested on and practice under every day.

What TREC does for you as a licensee

  • Issues and renews licenses, and tracks your continuing education.
  • Approves real estate schools, courses and instructors. Only approved courses count toward licensing and renewal.
  • Investigates complaints and can discipline licensees who break license law.

Education TREC requires

  • Before the exam: a 60-hour Principles course.
  • Before your first renewal: the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates.
  • Every renewal after that: 16 hours of continuing education, including the TREC Core course.

How to check whether a course is approved

  • Ask the school for the course approval and confirm it on the Commission's site before you pay. A school should be able to tell you exactly which approved course you are buying and how many hours it carries.
  • Our classes are TREC approved. Brand-new classes still in review, like the 2027/2028 6-Hour Core, are labeled "Pending TREC approval" until they are approved.

Official rules and forms are on the Tennessee Real Estate Commission website.

Common questions

What does the Tennessee Real Estate Commission do?

TREC licenses and regulates Tennessee real estate brokers and affiliate brokers, approves schools and courses, sets education requirements and handles complaints against licensees.

How many CE hours does the Tennessee Real Estate Commission require?

16 hours every two-year renewal cycle, including the TREC Core course. New affiliate brokers complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates before their first renewal instead.

Is TREC the same as the exam company?

No. The Commission issues licenses; the license exam itself is given by PSI. You pass the exam, then apply to TREC for your license through a principal broker.

Which class do I need?License renewal guide