Tennessee Commission approves 48 new real estate courses and addresses CE broker issues

The Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) made significant strides during its February Board Meeting held on February 11, 2025, focusing on educational improvements and course approvals that aim to enhance the real estate licensing process for aspiring professionals in the state.

One of the key highlights was the approval of 48 new real estate courses, which were unanimously accepted by the commissioners. This decision is expected to expand educational opportunities for individuals seeking to enter the real estate field, ensuring they meet the necessary requirements to obtain their licenses. The courses were deemed compliant with the established track rules, marking a step forward in maintaining high educational standards.

In addition to course approvals, the meeting featured a report from the Director of Education, who addressed the exam pass rates for 2024 and introduced a new structure for reporting educational data. This change aims to provide clearer insights into student performance and course effectiveness, which is crucial for continuous improvement in the educational offerings.

A notable discussion centered around the challenges faced with the CE Broker system, which had previously hindered the renewal of courses and reporting of credits. However, collaboration between TREC and CE Broker has resolved these issues, ensuring smoother operations for future renewal cycles.

The meeting also included a presentation from Kaplan North America, which is partnering with TREC to provide a unique high school real estate education program. Kaplan's Vice President highlighted the program's innovative approach, aiming to equip high school students with foundational knowledge in real estate. Despite facing low completion rates, Kaplan is committed to enhancing student engagement through new strategies, including a revised enrollment period and additional support sessions.

Overall, the TREC meeting underscored a commitment to improving educational pathways in real estate, with a focus on accessibility and student success. As these initiatives roll out, they are expected to foster a more informed and prepared workforce in Tennessee's real estate sector. The commission plans to continue monitoring progress and making adjustments to ensure the program meets the needs of its students effectively.