Colorado Real Estate License Requirements

To sell or lease real estate in Colorado and earn a commission, you must have an Colorado Real Estate License.

The steps to obtain a CO Real Estate License:

Step #1: Complete the 168-hour Colorado Real Estate Broker Pre-license Course or a major course of study at an accredited college or university.

Step #2: Schedule your CO State License Exam.

Step #3: Submit fingerprints for a Colorado background check.

Step #4: Take and Pass the State Broker Exam.

Step #5: Purchase Errors & Omissions Insurance.

Step #6: Apply for your CO real estate broker license.

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Step 1: Complete the pre-license course

Successfully meet the pre-license education requirements either through proof of a major course of study in real estate or by completing a 168-hour pre-licensing course from a Colorado-approved education provider.

Courses are offered online or in-person. Once you successfully fulfill the 168-hours and pass the final exam, you will receive form REC-33 course completion certificate. This is necessary to complete the broker application.

Step 2: Apply for the State Exam

PSI administers Colorado's Real Estate Broker Licensure Exam. The exam costs $44.95. Schedule your exam directly by visiting https://www.psiexams.com or calling 1-855-744-0313. Exam centers are located throughout the state; search the website or see the Colorado Candidate Bulletin for a list of addresses.

Step 3: Take and Pass the State Exam

The Colorado Real Estate Broker Licensure exam is divided into two sections. The general or "national" section covers national real estate topics and is allotted 120 minutes. The state section covers Colorado-specific regulations and is allotted 110 minutes.

You will receive results on-screen upon exam completion. The results will also be submitted to the Colorado Division of Real Estate.

You must pass both sections of the exam. If you fail one section, you can retake just the failed portion. Your exam results are valid for (1) year from passing both sections of the test.

Step 4: Get Your Fingerprints Taken

All applicants must get their fingerprints taken and have a background check run through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation before applying for their broker license. The state has three approved vendors to schedule and submit your fingerprints.

Step 5: Acquire Errors & Omissions Insurance

Colorado requires all real estate brokers to have a current E&O policy before getting an active license. The state mandates an E&O policy for all real estate acts that require a license. Learn more about the broker insurance requirements.

Step 6: Apply for Your License

Apply for your broker's license within one year of successfully passing both portions of the Colorado Real Estate Broker exam. The state offers an online application for your real estate license.

You'll need to upload with your application proof of real estate education, either through the REC-33 certificate from your 168-hour course or your transcript from your major course of study in real estate. In addition, you'll answer (4) background screening questions that may require you to submit additional court documentation and sworn statements. Include detailed proof of insurance information and pay the $200 broker application fee.

To transact real estate in Colorado, you must have an employing broker. Once your application is approved, and you are hired by an employing broker, congratulations! You are now a Colorado real estate broker.

Can I take the CO pre-license course if I'm still in high school?

Yes, depending on the course provider you select, you can take the 168-hour Colorado broker pre-license course while still in high school. If you opt to take real estate as a major course of study, the college or university you enroll with likely requires a high school diploma or GED. The Colorado Real Estate Commission only requires that you are at least 18 years old.

What are the requirements to apply for a CO real estate license?

Before you apply for your Colorado real estate broker’s license, you must have successfully completed the required education, passed the state licensing exam, submitted your fingerprints for a background check, and obtained E & O insurance. You must also be at least 18 years of age. You’ll also need to identify an employing broker you will work under to get an active license.

Can I take the 168-hour CO real estate license course online?

Yes, many students prefer to take the course online because it is more affordable than enrolling at a college or university. Online classes also allow you to work through the course at your pace. As long as a state-approved education provider provides the course, you can take it online.

Colorado Real Estate License Requirements

General Requirements

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