Tennessee Launches Free Real Estate Licensing Program for High School Seniors

Introduction

The Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) has officially launched the Tennessee High School Senior Real Estate Licensing Program, a groundbreaking initiative that gives high school seniors a free opportunity to begin their real estate careers while still completing their education. This innovative program offers a career-ready path for students to enter the real estate industry immediately after graduation.

Designed to support workforce development and education reform, the program introduces students to the fundamentals of real estate early—preparing the next generation of professionals for Tennessee’s fast-growing housing market.

Selected students will complete a 60-hour Tennessee Affiliate Broker pre-licensing course followed by a 30-hour Tennessee New Affiliate course, both offered through Kaplan Real Estate Education. These courses must be finished within 100 days of enrollment.

Once the coursework is completed, students will be eligible to take the Tennessee state and national real estate licensing exams. Upon passing, they can apply for an affiliate broker license, which becomes active once they turn 18 and meet all other eligibility requirements.

The program is limited to approximately 150 high school seniors, with priority given to applicants from Tennessee’s economically distressed counties. Students who do not complete the coursework in time may have their spot reassigned to someone on the waiting list, based on the order applications were received.

For more information, educators, parents, and students can email [email protected] or visit the official Tennessee Real Estate Commission website.

What Is the Tennessee High School Senior Real Estate Licensing Program?

Launched in 2024 by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission, the High School Senior Real Estate Licensing Program allows eligible students to complete the 90-hour pre-licensing education required to become a licensed real estate affiliate broker in Tennessee. The cost of the course is fully covered by the state.

Students can apply through their school counselor or directly through an approved education provider. Once accepted, they’ll receive access to the pre-licensing curriculum, support from industry professionals, and assistance with scheduling their licensing exam.

This initiative positions Tennessee as a national leader in real estate education by opening the door to a lucrative and flexible career path before students even receive their high school diploma.

Why Tennessee Is Offering This Program

Tennessee’s real estate market continues to grow, particularly in areas like Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Memphis. However, like many industries, real estate is facing an aging workforce. TREC recognized the need to invest in younger professionals and to create accessible career training options for students who may not be pursuing a traditional four-year college degree.

By offering free licensing education, the state hopes to:

• Address workforce shortages in the real estate industry
• Provide practical, real-world skills to students
• Promote financial literacy and entrepreneurship
• Support economic development in rural and urban areas

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the Tennessee High School Senior Real Estate Licensing Program, students must:

• Be in their senior year of high school
• Be at least 17 years old at the time of enrollment
• Reside in Tennessee
• Have permission from a parent or guardian (if under 18)
• Show good academic standing and recommendation from a school official

Students do not need prior real estate experience, but a strong interest in housing, business, or entrepreneurship is encouraged. The program is inclusive of students from both public and private high schools as well as homeschoolers, as long as they meet the basic requirements.

What the Program Includes

The program provides everything a student needs to complete the education requirements for a Tennessee real estate license. This includes:

• A 90-hour state-approved pre-licensing course (offered online or in-person)
• Study materials and digital learning resources
• Guidance on the application and exam registration process
• Access to practice exams and exam prep resources
• Networking opportunities with local real estate agents and brokerages

Once a student completes the course and passes the licensing exam, they can officially apply to become a licensed affiliate broker after turning 18 and meeting all final licensing requirements.

Benefits for Students

The real estate industry offers flexibility, income potential, and independence—appealing traits for young professionals. Students who complete this program can:

• Start earning income quickly after graduation
• Work part-time while pursuing college or other training
• Join an existing brokerage or team
• Build a career in residential, commercial, or rural land sales
• Learn valuable business, negotiation, and customer service skills

This program also allows students to get a taste of entrepreneurship early on. For many, it may serve as a stepping stone to future roles in real estate investing, property management, or development.

Local Impact on Communities

The Tennessee High School Senior Real Estate Licensing Program is expected to create ripple effects across cities and towns throughout the state. In urban markets like Nashville and Memphis, it can help meet rising demand for bilingual and tech-savvy agents. In rural communities such as Cookeville, Johnson City, and Columbia, it offers students a meaningful career option without leaving home.

The program could also play a significant role in reducing economic disparities by giving lower-income students access to a no-cost professional credential that can lead to real financial independence.

What Tennessee Schools and Parents Should Know

Guidance counselors and school administrators are encouraged to inform students about the program as early as possible. While the licensing process cannot be fully completed until age 18, the coursework can be finished during the senior year, and students can test immediately after graduation.

Parents should understand that the real estate profession requires self-discipline, customer interaction, and time management. Students will need to balance course requirements with regular school responsibilities, but many education providers offer flexible online formats to accommodate busy schedules.

How to Apply

Students interested in the Tennessee High School Senior Real Estate Licensing Program can apply through the official Tennessee Real Estate Commission or through approved education providers. A list of providers and additional details can be found on the official program page:

https://www.kapre.com/real-estate/tennessee

Applicants will need to submit:

• Proof of eligibility
• School approval or recommendation
• Parent or guardian consent (if under 18)

Once accepted, students can begin classes immediately and work at their own pace to complete the required 90-hour education.

What Happens After the Course?

After completing the pre-licensing course, students will be eligible to take the Tennessee affiliate broker licensing exam. Upon passing the exam, they must:

• Submit fingerprints for a background check
• Apply for an affiliate broker license through TREC
• Be sponsored by a licensed real estate broker

From there, they can begin working as an agent, either part-time or full-time, and start earning commissions.

Final Thoughts

The Tennessee High School Senior Real Estate Licensing Program is more than just an educational offering—it’s a gateway to opportunity. By making real estate education accessible and free, the program empowers young people to take control of their future and enter a field with limitless potential.

With housing demand rising in every corner of the state—from Murfreesboro to Gatlinburg—Tennessee is wisely investing in the next generation of real estate professionals. Students, parents, educators, and industry leaders should take full advantage of this forward-thinking program.

Whether you’re a senior interested in becoming a real estate agent in Tennessee, a parent looking for alternatives to traditional college, or a school official hoping to guide students toward real-world careers, the High School Senior Real Estate Licensing Program could be the opportunity that changes a student’s life.