Whether you're a real estate Affiliate Broker or Broker in Tennessee, this guide covers everything you need to know to make your continuing education and license renewal process simple and stress-free. We will cover TN real estate license renewal requirements, important deadlines, and the simplest way to stay compliant—plus a few insider tips (including how to get FREE CE) to help you stay on track.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- Continuing education requirements for all designations
- Key deadlines for TN real estate license renewal
- How to renew a TN real estate license
- Why choose Empire Learning for your CE and license renewal process
- Common questions about TN CE requirements
- Tips for completing CE requirements on time
TN CE Requirements for All Designations
According to the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC), all licensees must complete continuing education. All Affiliate Brokers and Brokers are required to complete 16 hours of continuing education every renewal cycle. Within these 16 hours, 6 hours must be the TREC Core course, 2024-2026 Tennessee Core: Legal Hot Tips. The remaining 10 hours are electives, which you can choose based on your professional interests and practice focus.
Key Deadlines for TN License Renewal
Tennessee Real Estate License Expiration Date
Your Tennessee real estate license expiration date is two years from the date of issuance. It’s important not to wait until the last minute because missing the real estate CE deadline in Tennessee can result in late fees or even license suspension.
Timely Completion of CE
To renew real estate license Tennessee, you must successfully complete your required CE hours before your license expires. TREC’s recommendation is to complete your coursework early in the renewal cycle to avoid any last-minute hassles. Courses that are self-paced and online can make this process significantly easier.
Renewal Cycle and Penalties
The standard renewal cycle is every two years, and if you fail to renew by your expiration date, you may need to pay additional fees or face a lapse in your license. A lapsed license means you cannot legally practice real estate. If you continue to operate with an expired license, you risk serious penalties or disciplinary action from TREC. Click here for more information about TN expired licenses.
How to Renew Your TN License
Follow this simple 3-Step Process to renew your Tennessee real estate license.
1. Complete the Required CE Hours
First things first: finish your 16 hours of Tennessee real estate continuing education courses. Make sure you include the Core course as mandated by TREC. Online courses like those offered by Empire Learning are flexible and self-paced, enabling you to fit them into your schedule whenever it’s most convenient.
2. Submit Your Renewal Application
After completing your CE, you’ll need to submit a renewal application through the TREC’s official platform, TN CORE. Be sure to double-check your personal information, CE course completion certificates, and payment details.
3. Pay the Applicable Fees
You’ll also need to pay a license renewal fee. If you miss your deadline, you may incur late fees, so it’s best to renew early.
Keep an eye on TREC’s official website or your email inbox for confirmation that your renewal has been processed. Once you receive your updated license, you’re set for another renewal cycle—just remember to stay on top of your next TN real estate license renewal deadline.
Why Choose Empire Learning
Looking for a fast, flexible, and affordable way to complete your Tennessee real estate continuing education? Read on to learn about our Free TN CE Course (a $30 value)—no cost, no commitment, and the perfect way to see how effortless completing your CE can be.
- Flexible, Self-Paced Learning on any device, with no exams required in Tennessee
- 45-day Money-Back Guarantee on CE packages, plus exceptional customer support
- Intuitive Course Content with interactive enhancements and fast reporting to TREC
- Wide Range of Topics tailored to your real estate interests
Check out our full Tennessee catalog of real estate CE courses to complete the rest of your TN real estate continuing education requirements. You can also find a summary of the Tennessee CE Requirements & Renewal Information on our website.
Common Questions About TN CE Requirements
1. Can I complete all my CE hours online?
Yes! Tennessee allows you to complete all your required CE hours through online courses. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for professionals who need to fit coursework around busy schedules and who want to complete CE in their own time and space.
2. What happens if I don’t complete my hours by the deadline?
If you miss the real estate CE deadline in Tennessee, you risk incurring late fees, and your license could be placed on inactive status until you fulfill the requirements. This would mean you cannot legally practice real estate until your license is reinstated. Click here for more information from TREC on the reinstatement requirements.
3. Do I need to submit my course completion certificates to TREC?
No. Providers are required to report your course completions directly to CE Broker. Your course completion certificates are your official records of CE completion so keep them in your files.
4. Is the mandatory Core course included in my Empire Learning package?
Absolutely. When you enroll in our Tennessee 16-Hour CE Package, the Core course is included to ensure you meet all mandatory requirements.
5. Are there any exceptions for newly licensed Affiliate Brokers and Brokers?
Newly licensed Affiliate Brokers must complete the required 16 hours of continuing education for license renewal described above in this article.
Newly licensed Tennessee Brokers must complete one hundred-twenty (120) additional hours of Commission-approved education before the third anniversary of their broker license.
Empire Learning does offer this post-license education for newly licensed Brokers in Tennessee.
TN Broker Post-License Education Note: If during these three years, the 120 hours are not completed, the Broker will have one additional year to complete the required hours while accruing a $50 fee each month. If the 120 hours are not completed by the end of the fourth year, the Broker has the option to downgrade their license or retest/reapply for licensure. During this three (3) year period continuing education (CE) for renewal is not required.
Tips for Completing CE Requirements on Time
- Plan Ahead:
The best way to stay on top of Tennessee real estate license renewal is to start your CE early. Mark your calendar with your license expiration date and set reminders a few months in advance. - Break It Down
Completing 16 hours of coursework can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Break your hours into manageable chunks according to your schedule. Online platforms like Empire Learning allow you to log in and out of your course seamlessly with course progress saved. - Use a Reputable CE Provider
Choosing a trusted provider is crucial. A user-friendly platform with excellent customer support can significantly streamline your CE experience. With Empire Learning, you’ll enjoy intuitive courses, next-business-day reporting, and no final exam in Tennessee. - Keep Records Handy
Even though your provider will typically report your course completions, save your completion certificates. Keep them in one digital folder in case you need to reference them or prove you’ve met TREC’s requirements. - Engage with the Material
CE courses are more than a state requirement; they’re an opportunity to expand your skills and stay current on industry trends. Look for interactive course elements, case studies, or real-life scenarios that help you connect the coursework to your day-to-day real estate practice.
Empire Learning: We Make Tennessee CE Easy
When you’re ready to knock out your TN real estate continuing education, Empire Learning offers an easy, flexible, and rewarding path to completion.
Start with our Free CE Course—no credit card required—and see for yourself why thousands of real estate professionals trust Empire Learning.
For more information, visit the official Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) website for the most up-to-date information.