How to Apply for the Georgia Real Estate Exam

Georgia’s real estate welcomes all, whether you are a first-time applicant or an experienced professional looking to switch careers. 

Working in Georgia’s booming real estate landscape is a good way to achieve financial freedom with a flexible work schedule. 

Home to some of the hottest and most promising real estate markets in the country such as Norcross, Sandy Springs, Temple, and Brookhaven. 

Georgia enjoys a pleasant climate, diverse culture, thriving economy, and booming population making it a highly lucrative real estate opportunity. 

If you are ready to start your career as a real estate agent or broker in Georgia, now is a good time.

Did you know that an experienced real estate professional can make as high as $150K annually - and that’s not inclusive of the commissions and other perks? 

The Peach State is witnessing a strong demand for residential and commercial real estate with plenty of opportunities for home buyers and real estate investors.  

Industry data suggests that the real estate market in GA is poised to grow at an impressive 7 percent year-on-year in the next decade. Even the median home price has increased by a whopping 14% compared to last year. 

The data and statistics point towards the fact that now could be a great time to enter Georgia’s real estate market as a salesperson, broker, or realtor. 

However, to get started, you will need to earn your Georgia real estate license first and foremost. 

Without a license, you will not be able to help clients buy, sell, or lease real estate in GA. 

Let us take you through the steps on how to approach the licensing process and what are the steps involved. 

You will also learn a few practical tips to navigate the licensing journey smoothly.

Requirements for Obtaining a Georgia Real Estate Agent License

If you want to make a living by helping people sell, buy, and lease real estate, then working as an agent is a good career path. 

One of the most common career choices, you work as a residential and commercial real estate agent. 

Typically, real estate agents can earn between a salary range of $50K - $150K or even higher annually. 

Wondering how to get a Georgia real estate license and start your professional journey? 

Let us take a look at the two preliminary criteria as established by the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC) below: 

• Be at least 18 years of age or older. 
• Be a legal resident of the state of Georgia. 
• Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

If you meet the basic eligibility requirements, you can move on to complete the next steps for obtaining a salesperson license in Georgia. 

According to the GREC qualifying requirements, all applicants must complete 75 hours of prelicensing education to become eligible for taking the licensing exam. 

After you have successfully completed pre-licensing education from a state-approved education provider, you need to complete a background check. 

To do so, you need to submit your electronic fingerprints along with a copy of your criminal history from the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC). It will cost you $25 to get it. 

Once you have completed your background identity and criminal history check, you can pay the $115 exam fee to take the Georgia state licensing exam. 

You will have to face 152 multiple-choice questions which will cover both state and national-specific portions. You will get 4 hours to complete the test. 

To clear the exam, you must score at least 75% or above in the final test.

If you have successfully cleared the licensing exam, you can submit your real estate salesperson application to the GREC.

Benefits of Pre-Licensing Courses in Georgia

Completing pre-licensing education is not only mandatory for licensure, but it is also advantageous for your career growth. 

If you are wondering what are the benefits of taking a real estate course in Georgia, here are some of the reasons why you must seriously consider it. 

• It gives you the opportunity to upskill and expand your knowledge of your profession. The real estate industry is highly competitive and you must always be learning to stay relevant.
• It helps you stay abreast with the emerging industry trends. The real estate market is constantly evolving with new laws, rules, and regulations and it is important to keep yourself updated.
• It boosts your career growth and improves your chances of success. Completing classes and courses gives you the chance to grow your network and learn from fellow professionals.
• It adds to your network and gives you opportunities to connect with industry professionals. Completing pre-licensing education will expose you to fellow students, teachers, trainers, and industry experts.
• It enhances your trustworthiness and perceived professionalism in the eyes of the clients. The more knowledgeable you are, the more confident you will be in your client interactions and business dealings. 

If you want to build a solid foundation for long-term success, then completing pre-licensing courses is a must. 

These courses are designed to give you the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to succeed in a competitive, dynamic industry like real estate. 

Choosing Online Pre-Licensing Courses in Georgia

Completing pre-licensing education is easier if you opt for online courses as they are more flexible. 

You can easily learn at your own pace and save time and effort by not commuting to a classroom location. 

When it comes to choosing the right online Georgia real estate course, there are numerous options available for students. 

Before deciding, you should see whether the education provider is state-approved or not. As per the GREC guidelines for qualifying education, you must only enroll in a state-approved college or course. 

To learn more about the list of state-approved education providers and courses, you can visit the GREC website.