Tennessee real estate exam: format, passing score, and how to prepare
The Tennessee real estate exam is a required step to become a licensed affiliate broker. It consists of national and Tennessee-specific sections, is administered by PSI, and tests your understanding of real estate principles, contracts, finance, agency relationships, and Tennessee law. This guide explains the exam format, scoring requirements, scheduling process, and what to expect before test day.
- Tennessee real estate exam overview
- What is the passing score for the Tennessee real estate exam?
- How hard is the Tennessee real estate exam?
- Tennessee real estate exam math questions
- How to schedule the Tennessee real estate exam
- Where can you take the Tennessee real estate exam?
- Can you retake the real estate exam?
- What to expect on exam day
- Practice questions for the Tennessee real estate exam
- FAQs
Tennessee real estate exam overview
The Tennessee real estate exam is required to obtain an affiliate broker license and is administered by PSI. You must complete your required pre-licensing education before taking the exam.
| Exam Component | Details |
| Total scored questions | 120 questions |
| National section | 80 questions |
| Tennessee section | 40 questions |
| Time limit | National: 160 minutes | State: 80 minutes |
| Passing score | National: 70% (56 correct) | State: 70% (28 correct) |
| Question format | Multiple-choice |
| Administered by | PSI |
| Results | Immediate (pass/fail + score report) |
| Math questions | Yes, limited |
| Penalty for guessing | None |
The exam includes both national real estate concepts and Tennessee-specific laws. You must pass both sections, and passing one section remains valid for up to two retakes of the other section or one year, whichever comes first.
What is the passing score for the Tennessee real estate exam?
To pass the Tennessee real estate exam, you must score at least 70% on both the national and state sections.
Passing breakdown:
- National section: 56 correct answers required
- Tennessee section: 28 correct answers required
Important scoring details:
- Sections are scored separately
- You must pass both portions
- Results are provided immediately after completion
- Numeric scores are only provided to failing candidates
- Failing candidates receive a diagnostic report showing strengths and weaknesses by topic area
If you pass one section but fail the other, you only need to retake the failed section as long as you pass it within one year or within two retakes.
How hard is the Tennessee real estate exam?
The Tennessee real estate exam is challenging but manageable with preparation.
According to the Tennessee Real Estate Commission’s 2025 PSI report:
- National pass rate: 42.67%
- State pass rate: 71.53%
What test-takers commonly experience:
- Questions focus on applying concepts, not just memorization
- Tennessee-specific laws require focused study
- Time management matters across the multi-part exam
- Scenario-based questions are common on the national section
What makes it challenging:
- Broad coverage across multiple real estate topics
- Real estate math calculations
- Tennessee agency and disclosure rules
- Similar-looking answer choices designed to test understanding
Common reasons candidates fail:
- Not taking enough practice exams
- Weak understanding of Tennessee-specific material
- Poor pacing during the exam
- Memorizing terms without understanding application
Best ways to pass:
- Take multiple timed practice exams
- Focus heavily on contracts, agency, and Tennessee law
- Review answer explanations carefully
- Study consistently instead of cramming
Tennessee real estate exam math questions
The Tennessee real estate exam includes math-related questions on the national section.
Common math topics include:
- Commission calculations
- Loan-to-value ratios
- Property measurements
- Prorations
- Seller proceeds and closing costs
- Mortgage and financing calculations
You should memorize standard real estate measurements such as:
- 43,560 square feet per acre
- 5,280 feet per mile
If a math problem slows you down, skip it and return later so you can maximize time on easier questions.
How to schedule the Tennessee real estate exam
Before scheduling the Tennessee real estate exam, you must complete your required pre-licensing education.
Steps:
- Complete your required pre-licensing education
- Your education provider submits your eligibility to PSI
- Wait for your eligibility confirmation email from PSI
- Go to the PSI website and navigate to the Tennessee real estate exam page
- Create an account or log in
- Select your exam (Affiliate Broker)
- Choose your testing format (test center or remote proctored)
- Pick a location or online appointment
- Select an available date and time
- Pay the required exam fee
- Receive a confirmation with your exam details
The Tennessee real estate exam fee is $63 if you take both portions together. If you take the sections separately, the national portion costs $37 and the Tennessee state portion costs $26.
Your exam fee remains valid for one year from the date PSI receives payment.
Your name must match exactly with your valid, government-issued ID or you may not be admitted to the exam.
Scheduling early can help you get your preferred date and time, especially since appointments may fill up quickly.
You can also schedule by phone through PSI at (855) 340-3710.
Where can you take the Tennessee real estate exam?
You can take the Tennessee real estate exam at PSI testing centers throughout Tennessee and nationwide.
Tennessee testing locations include:
- Chattanooga
- Cookeville
- Dyersburg
- Jackson
- Johnson City
- Knoxville
- Memphis
- Nashville
Additional PSI testing locations may also be available throughout the United States.
Can you take the Tennessee real estate exam online?
Yes. Tennessee allows candidates to take the real estate exam online through PSI’s remote proctoring platform.
To take the exam online, you must:
- Use a desktop or laptop computer with webcam and microphone
- Have a strong internet connection
- Complete PSI’s system compatibility check before exam day
- Test in a quiet, private room free from interruptions
Remote testing rules include:
- No scratch paper is permitted
- Breaks are not allowed during remote exams
- You must remain visible on camera throughout the exam
- Cell phones and smart devices are prohibited
- The proctor may terminate your exam if testing rules are violated
Many candidates prefer remote testing because it eliminates travel time, but you should carefully review all technical requirements before scheduling an online exam.
Can you retake the real estate exam?
Yes, you can retake the Tennessee real estate exam if you do not pass.
| Retake Detail | Information |
| Number of attempts | No set limit |
| Waiting period | Next day after first failure; 30 days after second attempt |
| Retake fee | Full exam fee required |
| Sections to retake | Only the failed section |
| Passing section validity | One year or two retakes |
If you pass one section but fail the other, you only need to retake the failed section.
Your passing score remains valid for up to two retakes of the other section or one year, whichever comes first.
What to expect on exam day
You should arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
✓ Bring:
- One valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID with signature
- Identification that exactly matches your registration name
✗ Do not bring:
- Phones or smart devices
- Notes or study materials
- Bags or personal belongings
- Smart watches
Testing Details:
- Computer-based testing
- Scratch paper may be provided for in-person exams
- Immediate results after completion
- Closed-book exam
Practice questions for the Tennessee real estate exam
Question 1
Which of the following best describes an agency relationship in real estate?
a) A relationship where both parties act independently
b) A relationship where one party represents another with fiduciary duties
c) A relationship based only on written contracts
d) A relationship that only applies to buyers
Answer: b
Question 2
A buyer signs a contract to purchase a property but later decides to cancel the agreement and both parties agree to return to their original positions. What is this called?
a) Assignment
b) Novation
c) Rescission
d) Execution
Answer: c
Get ready to pass your real estate exam
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Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee
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Here’s how our Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee works:
- Complete the exam prep program
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FAQs
No. Walk-in testing is not available. You must schedule your Tennessee real estate exam with PSI in advance.
PSI recommends arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time to complete check-in and identity verification.
No. There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so it’s best to answer every question even if you are unsure.
No. The Tennessee real estate exam is closed book. Notes, textbooks, and reference materials are not allowed during testing.