What the Tennessee Real Estate Commission does
The Tennessee Real Estate Commission is the administrative body empowered to issue, deny, suspend, and revoke Tennessee real estate licenses, and to enforce the state's real estate licensing statute. It operates under the broader umbrella of the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance.
How the Commission is structured
The Commission is composed of members appointed by the Governor of Tennessee, with most members required to have prior experience as licensed brokers or affiliate brokers in the state, alongside public members who are not engaged in the real estate business. Verify current membership composition and terms directly with the Commission for specifics.
Not the Texas Real Estate Commission
Because Texas also abbreviates its own real estate regulator as TREC, the two are frequently confused online. The Tennessee Real Estate Commission and the Texas Real Estate Commission are entirely separate state agencies with separate rules, exams, and licensees. On every page of this site, TREC refers specifically to Tennessee's commission.
RealReady is independent
RealReady is an independent licensing guide. It is not endorsed by or operated on behalf of the Tennessee Real Estate Commission, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, PSI Services, or the State of Tennessee. For official rules, forms, and license verification, use the Commission's own resources.
Distinguishing the Parties in Your Path
Candidates sometimes contact the wrong party with a question. This table clarifies who controls what.
| Party | Role | Contact for |
|---|---|---|
| TREC | Regulator; issues, reviews, and approves licenses; sets education, CE, and E&O rules; handles discipline and the recovery account | Application status, licensing rules, complaints |
| PSI Services | Administers the Affiliate Broker exam | Exam scheduling, format, retake logistics |
| Approved schools | Deliver the 60-hour and 30-hour courses | Course scheduling, format, completion reporting |
| Principal Broker | Supervises the Affiliate Broker; holds ultimate liability; required for license issuance | Sponsorship, day-to-day supervision |