Applications for free real estate licensing program for Tennessee high school seniors | Local News

A program launched by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission is giving high school seniors across the state a head start on their careers — without the financial burden.

The initiative, which began last year, offers students the opportunity to earn a real estate license while still in school, completely free of charge.

According to Kevin Walters, a spokesperson for the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, the program aims to provide students with practical career opportunities while they complete their high school education.

“It’s a chance for them to begin a sales career, start earning money, and get real-world experience while completing their high school degree,” said Walters.

While tuition and course fees are fully covered, Walters emphasized that the program does not lower the academic and licensing requirements to become a real estate agent in the state. Participants must still meet the state’s rigorous training criteria.

“Some of the things they would have to meet include the 60-hour Tennessee Affiliate Broker pre-licensing course, as well as the 30-hour Tennessee New Affiliate course, and that’s through our partners at Kaplan,” he explained.

Once accepted, students have 100 days following their graduation to complete the required coursework and pass both the state and national real estate exams.

The program is currently capped at 150 students statewide. Walters added that if any students drop out, their spots will be filled by applicants on the waiting list.

“In the event that some do not complete the program, we’ll offer the vacant spots to individuals on the waiting list in the order in which their applications came in,” he noted.

Though open to all high school seniors in Tennessee, the program places particular focus on students in economically distressed counties — part of a broader effort by Governor Bill Lee to revitalize struggling communities.

“Those are the counties that Governor Lee has made a focus as governor to try to increase the economy of those communities,” said Walters.

The department sees the program as a promising way to empower young Tennesseans and prepare them for successful careers in real estate.

“It gives eager, hard-working, and intelligent young people a way to get started on their career,” Walters added.

For more information on the program, you can visit the Tennessee High School Senior Real Estate Licensing Program.