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How do you get a real estate license?
To get a real estate license, you typically complete pre-licensing education, pass a state licensing exam, undergo a background check, and then affiliate with a broker, since agents must work under a broker's supervision. After licensing, a first sale can take four to six months or more, and new agents should find a mentor and focus on their personal network for initial leads.
To get an Alabama real estate salesperson license, you must be at least 19 years old, a U.S. citizen or legally present, show proof of high school graduation or equivalent, and not have been convicted of a felony or crime of moral turpitude. You must complete a 60-hour prelicense course approved by the Alabama Real Estate Commission (AREC), pass the state licensing exam administered by Pearson VUE within 6 months of course completion, and submit your application, fees, and fingerprint-based background check through Fieldprint within 90 days of the exam date. AREC issues a temporary license once the application is approved and a sponsoring broker is secured. To convert to a permanent license, you must complete a 30-hour post-license course within the first 6 months of licensure to maintain active status, or within the first year to obtain an inactive permanent license.
Sources: AREC — Become a Licensed Real Estate Professional; Alabama Administrative Code, Rule 790-X-1-.06 (Alabama Real Estate Commission); AREC — License Application Instructions.
To get an Alaska real estate salesperson license, you must be at least 19 years of age, complete 40 hours of approved pre-licensing education, and pass the Alaska real estate salesperson exam with a scaled score of at least 75. You must then apply for licensure within 6 months of passing the exam, secure sponsorship from a licensed Alaska broker, and obtain errors and omissions insurance. The exam fee is $100, and additional licensing fees apply. After licensure, new licensees must complete 30 hours of post-licensing education within one year.
Sources: Alaska Real Estate Commission — AS 08.88.171(c) via official Statutes and Regulations (September 2024); Alaska REC — Salesperson Licensing Requirements; Alaska Statutes § 08.88.095 (2024) and 12 AAC 64.064.
To obtain an Arizona real estate salesperson license, you must be at least 18 years old and complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education at an ADRE-approved school, plus a 6-hour Contract Writing course. You must also obtain a Fingerprint Clearance Card from the Arizona Department of Public Safety and pass the Pearson VUE salesperson exam, which includes a General (National) portion and a State-Specific portion, each requiring a score of 75% or higher. After passing, you must submit your license application within one year, including exam score reports, the application form, Disciplinary Action Disclosure Form, education certificates, fingerprint clearance card, and proof of legal presence. The license is issued for a two-year term, and you must be hired by an employing broker to activate it.
Sources: ADRE — Salesperson License; Arizona Revised Statutes § 32-2130 and Arizona Administrative Code § R4-28-402.
To get an Arkansas real estate salesperson license, you must be at least 18 years old and complete 60 classroom hours of pre-licensing education (30 hours in basic principles) from an accredited postsecondary school or an AREC-licensed school. You submit an application to AREC with a $50 fee (for residents) and complete state and federal criminal background checks; AREC processes completed applications in 7 to 14 business days and issues a Certificate of Exam Eligibility. You then register with Pearson VUE to take the licensing exam ($75 fee), and after passing, you must submit your score report, $50 license fee, $25 recovery fund fee, and signed post-license notice to AREC within 90 days. Within 6 months of receiving your license, you must complete an 18-hour post-licensure course to remain active.
Sources: AREC — New Applicant Licensing; Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC); Arkansas Code of Rules, 17 CAR § 220-301 (Fees) — Arkansas Real Estate Commission; Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) — Education page; AREC — Licensing FAQ.
To get a California real estate salesperson license, you must be at least 18 years old, have a Social Security number or ITIN, and complete three college-level courses (Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one elective, each a minimum of 45 hours). You then submit an application, either the combined Salesperson Exam and License Application (RE 435) or an exam-only application, through the DRE's eLicensing system or by mail, along with education documentation, a Live Scan Service Request form (RE 237), and applicable fees. After DRE approval, you pass a computer-based exam of 150 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours with a 70% passing score. With the combined application, the license is issued after you pass the exam and associate with a sponsoring broker.
Sources: CA DRE — Salesperson Requirements; California Department of Real Estate (DRE) — Current Processing Times; CA DRE — Taking the Exam.
Colorado's initial licensure process consists of six steps: (1) complete the 168-hour education requirement, (2) schedule and pass the broker exam through PSI, (3) complete a fingerprint-based background check, (4) acquire Errors and Omissions insurance, (5) review application instructions, and (6) submit the online application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and a legal U.S. citizen. Exam results are valid for one year from the passing date of each portion, and both the national and state portions must be passed to apply for a license.
Sources: Colorado DRE — Broker Qualifying Education; Colorado Association of Realtors — State Licensing.
To get a Delaware real estate salesperson license, first complete a 99-hour pre-licensing course from a state-approved provider, covering real estate principles, law, and mathematics. Next, register with Pearson VUE to take the two-part licensing exam (80 national questions and 40 Delaware law questions) and achieve a scaled score of 70 on each section. After passing the exam, submit a license application through the DELPROS online system within one year of course completion, including the $149 application fee, $25 Guaranty Fund fee, a Statement of Broker of Record form signed by a Delaware-licensed broker, and license verification from every jurisdiction where you have held a license. The Delaware Real Estate Commission may need to review and approve the application at its next scheduled monthly meeting before the license is issued.
Sources: Delaware DPR — Salesperson Licensure; Delaware Division of Professional Regulation — Real Estate Commission Fee Schedule.
To obtain a DC real estate salesperson license, you must complete 60 hours of pre-licensing education from a DC Real Estate Commission-approved provider, then pass both the national and state (DC) portions of the licensing exam administered by PSI with a minimum 75% passing score. After passing, you must find a sponsoring broker to activate your license and submit the application with required fees within 6 months of passing the exam. The application fee is $65, the salesperson license fee is $130, and the Real Estate Guaranty and Education Fund fee is $60.
Sources: DC DLCP — Real Estate Commission.
To get a Florida real estate sales associate license, an applicant must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and have a U.S. Social Security number. The process involves completing a 63-hour pre-licensing course based on the FREC Course I syllabus and passing the end-of-course exam with at least 70%, submitting an application to the DBPR with electronic fingerprints through an FDLE-registered Livescan provider, and passing the state licensing exam administered by Pearson VUE with a score of at least 75 out of 100 points. The license is issued in inactive status and becomes active once the licensee affiliates with a sponsoring broker, who activates it using the DBPR RE 11 form.
Sources: FL DBPR — License Application Checklist; FL DBPR — RE Education Requirements; Florida Administrative Code R. 61J2-3.008 (via Cornell LII) and DBPR Candidate Information Booklet.
To obtain a Hawaii real estate salesperson license, candidates must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be a U.S. citizen, national, or alien authorized to work. Candidates must create a MyPVL account, complete a prelicense course accredited by the Hawaii Real Estate Commission, and pass the PSI-administered licensing examination with a 70% score on both the uniform and state sections. After passing, candidates must submit a complete license application within 2 years. To receive an active license, the applicant must be associated with an active Hawaii real estate broker who certifies supervision on the application form.
Sources: PSI — HIRE Program Application PDF.
To get an Idaho real estate salesperson license, you must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be legally present in the U.S. Complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education (two 45-hour modules) with a 70% or higher on each final course exam, then pass the state and national portions of the licensing exam through Pearson VUE. Complete fingerprinting through Pearson VUE, where results are valid for 6 months, and submit a license application to the Idaho Real Estate Commission with the $135 application fee (effective January 1, 2026). Application processing takes a minimum of 10 business days. The license is issued on inactive status until you affiliate with a brokerage; your broker must activate the license online, and E&O insurance must be in place before activation.
Sources: Idaho DOPL — REC FAQs & Consumer Info; Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) — Real Estate Commission.
To get an Illinois real estate broker license, an applicant must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, and complete 75 hours of approved pre-license education: a 60-hour topics course and a 15-hour interactive applied real estate principles course. The applicant then passes the broker examination through PSI, which costs $58 per attempt and includes 100 national questions (70% passing) and 40 state questions (75% passing). After passing, the applicant must obtain sponsorship from a managing broker and submit a license application to IDFPR; pre-license education is valid for 2 years after completion, and the passing exam score must be used within 1 year.
Sources: Illinois General Assembly — 225 ILCS 454/5-27(a)(1), Real Estate License Act of 2000; IDFPR – Real Estate Broker 75-Hour Pre-License Curriculum (Official Document); PSI — IL Candidate Bulletin; Illinois Compiled Statutes 225 ILCS 454/5-27(a)(5) (Real Estate License Act of 2000), as amended by P.A. 101-357 (eff. 8-9-2019); Justia — IL Real Estate Act Art. 5 (225 ILCS 454/5-27).
To get an Indiana real estate license, first meet the eligibility requirements of being at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent. Complete a 90-hour pre-licensing course from a state-approved provider, then pass the Pearson VUE licensing exam (145 questions, scaled passing score of 75) within one year of course completion. Submit a broker license application with the $60 fee and the original Pearson VUE score sheet to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, complete a criminal background check, and affiliate with a managing broker to receive an active license.
Sources: Indiana Code § 25-34.1-3-4.1 (via Justia); Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) — Real Estate Licensing Information; Pearson VUE — Indiana Real Estate Candidate Handbook (March 2025); Indiana Professional Licensing Agency — Broker Application Form (State Form 44176, R16/4-23), citing 876 IAC 5-3-1.
To obtain an Iowa real estate salesperson license, you must be at least 18 years old and complete 96 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved provider: a 60-hour pre-license course (online or live) plus three 12-hour live-instruction courses (Buying Practices, Listing Practices, and Developing Professionalism and Ethical Practices). All courses must be less than one year old when the commission receives your application. You must pass both the national and state portions of the PSI exam ($95), undergo a national criminal history background check, obtain errors and omissions insurance, secure a sponsoring broker to sign your application, and submit the $125 license application electronically through the "My Iowa PLB" portal. The application must be submitted no later than the last business day of the sixth month following the exam pass date.
Sources: Iowa Code §543B.15 — Qualifications (via Iowa Legislature); Iowa DIAL — Real Estate Salesperson and Brokers License by Exam; Iowa DIAL — IREC Continuing Education Requirements.
To get a Kansas real estate salesperson license, register in the KREC Public Portal to obtain a PL number, complete 60 hours of pre-license education (30-hour Principles of Real Estate and 30-hour Kansas Practice Course) through an approved provider, pay the $85 fingerprint and application processing fee, pass both the national and state portions of the licensing exam administered by Pearson VUE, affiliate with a licensed Kansas broker, and pay the $125 license application fee. The Commission processes complete applications within 7-10 business days.
Sources: KREC — Kansas Real Estate Commission FAQ; Kansas Administrative Regulations, Agency 86, Article 1, KAR 86-1-5 (Kansas Real Estate Commission).
To obtain a Kentucky sales associate license, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. They must complete 96 hours of Commission-approved pre-license instruction (or 6 academic credit hours in real estate from an accredited college), initiate an FBI criminal background check (valid for 90 days), and pass the PSI licensing exam, which costs $100. After passing both portions of the exam, applicants must submit their license application within 60 days, pay the $130 fee for active status (or $120 for inactive), obtain errors and omissions insurance, and affiliate with a principal broker to activate the license.
Sources: KREC — New Application Overview; KREC — Education Overview; KREC — Licensing Overview; KREC — Fee Schedule.
To obtain a Louisiana salesperson license, you must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, and complete 90 hours of LREC-approved pre-licensing education from a state-certified school, including a mandatory 30-hour Louisiana-specific portion that covers license law, commission rules, law of agency, and civil law. After submitting an initial application and completing a fingerprint-based criminal history review, you must pass the salesperson licensing examination administered by Pearson VUE, secure sponsorship from a licensed Louisiana broker, and provide proof of E&O insurance to activate your license. New licensees must also complete 45 hours of post-licensing education within 180 days of the initial license date.
Sources: LREC — Salesperson Licensing; LREC — Broker Pre-Licensing Education; Louisiana Real Estate Commission — License Law.
To obtain a Sales Agent license in Maine, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Complete the 55-hour Sales Agent Course with a minimum grade of 75%, then pass the Pearson VUE Sales Agent exam, which has 80 scored national items and 40 scored Maine Law items, with a scaled passing score of 75. You must arrange to affiliate with a Maine-licensed real estate agency before applying, and submit the license application within 1 year of passing the exam. The application fee is $100 and the criminal records check fee is $21.
Sources: Maine RE Commission — Individual Licenses (Reciprocal Licensing Section); Maine JobLink — ETP Program Listing (Central Maine Community College).
To get a Maryland real estate salesperson license, you must complete a 60-hour pre-licensing course from a Commission-approved education provider, then schedule and pass both the national and state portions of the exam through PSI with a score of at least 70% on each portion. After passing, you receive an email within 3-5 business days with your registration number and application instructions, and you must obtain a commitment from a licensed broker to affiliate with. The original license application fee is $98 (including a $20 Guaranty Fund payment), effective April 27, 2026, and the license is valid for a two-year term from the date of issuance.
Sources: Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) FAQs + secondary education provider estimates; MD MREC — Forms and Fees (Affiliated Licensees).
To obtain a Massachusetts real estate salesperson license, an applicant must be at least 18 years old and complete 40 hours of pre-licensing education at a Board-approved school. After completing the course, the applicant submits an application online through the eLIPSE platform with a Certificate of Completion, 3 candidate endorsements, and a notarized DOL CORI form. Once the Board approves the application, the candidate schedules and takes the licensing exam through PSI, which consists of 120 questions (80 general and 40 state-specific) with a 4-hour time limit and a minimum passing score of 70%. The salesperson exam fee is $85, and the initial license fee ranges from $103 to $150, prorated based on the applicant's birthday. The license is issued after the exam fee is paid within 30 days of passing.
Sources: Mass.gov — RE License Exam Guide; PSI Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB), published on mass.gov by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons; Mass.gov — RE Brokers & Salespersons FAQ.
To get a Michigan real estate salesperson license, you must be at least 18 years old and of good moral character, complete 40 hours of state-approved prelicensure education (including at least 4 hours on civil rights law and equal opportunity in housing), submit an application through the MiPLUS portal ($88 fee), pass the PSI salesperson exam ($79), and secure a licensed broker to sponsor your license. After passing the exam, you enter your sponsoring broker's 10-digit license number in MiPLUS; once the broker approves, the license is issued.
Sources: MI LARA BPL — Real Estate Individual Broker Licensing Guide; Michigan Legislature — MCL 339.2504; MI LARA BPL — Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Guide; Michigan Legislature — MCL 338.2237 (State License Fee Act, Sec. 37), corroborated by LARA Salesperson Licensing Guide; PSI Services LLC Candidate Information Bulletin — Michigan Real Estate Salesperson and Broker Examinations (November 2024).
To get a Minnesota real estate salesperson license, you must be at least 18 years old, complete three 30-hour pre-licensing courses (Course I, Course II, and Course III) totaling 90 hours, and pass the salesperson examination administered by PSI Services. You must complete Course I before taking the exam, and you must complete Courses II and III before applying for the license. After passing the exam, you must become associated with a licensed Minnesota broker, who submits your license application through the PULSE Portal. You must apply within one year of passing the exam or you must retake it. The initial salesperson license fee is $110.
Sources: Minnesota Statutes 2025, Section 82.58 (revisor.mn.gov) and Minnesota Department of Commerce Real Estate Licensing Guide; MN Commerce — RE License Guide PDF; Minnesota Department of Commerce — Real Estate Applications page.
To obtain a Mississippi salesperson license, complete 60 hours of approved pre-licensing education, then submit an application to the Mississippi Real Estate Commission (MREC) with a $100 fee and required photographs. Undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check, and once MREC approves the application, schedule and pass the PSI-administered exam with at least 70% on the national portion and 75% on the state portion. After passing, designate a sponsoring broker to activate the license. MREC issues a temporary license valid for one year, during which the licensee must complete a 30-hour post-license course to receive a permanent license.
Sources: Mississippi Real Estate Commission (MREC) Pre-Licensing Course Application, Rev. 7-2025; Mississippi Real Estate Commission — Notice of Renewal Fee Changes Effective July 1, 2024; MREC Rules and Regulations (Rev 02-21-2025).
To get a Missouri real estate salesperson license, complete a 48-hour Salesperson Pre-Examination Course followed by a 24-hour Missouri Real Estate Practice Course from an approved education provider, then pass both the national (70% threshold) and state (75% threshold) portions of the PSI licensing exam. You must also complete fingerprinting for a background check through IDEMIA via the MACHS portal using MREC registration number 0004, secure a sponsoring broker to sign your application, and submit the $100 application to the Missouri Real Estate Commission within six months of your 48-hour pre-exam course completion date.
Sources: MO Prof. Registration — RE How-To; MO RE Commission — Application PDF; Missouri Secretary of State — Code of State Regulations, 20 CSR 2250-5.020.
To get a Montana Real Estate Salesperson license, you must be at least 18 years old and have completed two years of full curriculum study at an accredited high school or equivalent. You must complete 70 hours of Board-approved pre-licensing education within the past 24 months, pass the Montana Real Estate Salesperson Examination within the past 12 months through Pearson VUE, and be employed or under contract with a licensed broker who holds a supervising broker endorsement. You must also maintain proof of professional liability and errors and omissions insurance and submit an $80 application fee to the Montana Board of Realty Regulation.
Sources: Montana Code Annotated § 37-51-302(2)(a); Montana Board of Realty Regulation Broker Checklist (Updated 12/2025); Mont. Admin. r. 24.210.611 (Montana Board of Realty Regulation); Montana Board of Realty Regulation (MT DLI BSD) — Salesperson Checklist & ARM 24.210.611(8); MT DLI BSD — Broker Checklist; MT DLI BSD — RE Salesperson Licensing.
To get a Nebraska salesperson license, you must be at least 19 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and complete 96 hours of pre-license education: three 30-hour approved courses plus a 6-hour Professional Practice Standards course (Course #0003). You submit an application with a $175 fee through the Nebraska Real Estate Commission's online portal, undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check (which takes 4-6 weeks on average), and pass the licensing exam with a score of 75%. The license must be issued within 30 days of passing the exam, or you must retake the examination.
Sources: Nebraska Real Estate Commission — License Information (Applicant Information, Nebraska Resident); Nebraska Real Estate Commission — Pre-License Education Requirements; Nebraska Real Estate Commission — Notice of Application Fee; Nebraska Real Estate Commission (NREC) — Application Process page; Nebraska Real Estate Commission — Salesperson Licensing (Resident Salesperson Information PDF).
To get a Nevada real estate salesperson license, you must complete 120 hours of pre-licensing education from an NRED-approved school: 45 hours Real Estate Principles, 45 hours Real Estate Law (including 18 hours Nevada law), 15 hours contracts, and 15 hours agency (including 3 hours broker-agent foundation and 3 hours risk reduction). You must pass both the national portion (80 scored questions, 150 minutes) and the state portion (40 scored questions, 90 minutes) of the Pearson VUE exam with at least 75% on each, submit fingerprints from an approved vendor (which expire after 6 months), and file Form 549 with a $140 fee. You must also affiliate with a Nevada-licensed sponsoring broker to activate the license.
Sources: Nevada Real Estate Division (NRED) Form 501; Nev. Admin. Code § 645.435; Nevada RED — Salesperson License Requirements; Pearson VUE — Nevada Real Estate Candidate Handbook (July 2025) & Content Outlines; Nevada RED — Form 501 (Licensing Requirements); Nevada Real Estate Division — Form 501 (Real Estate Licensing Requirements).
The process begins with completing a 40-hour pre-licensing course from a NH Real Estate Commission-approved school, which must be finished within 6 months of the course start date. Next, the candidate registers online with PSI and takes the licensing exam, which has 80 national questions (150 minutes) and 40 state questions (90 minutes), with 70% required on each portion to pass. After passing, the candidate must complete a background check through the NH State Police, affiliate with a sponsoring broker if seeking active status, and submit the license application online through the OPLC portal with a $99 fee within 6 months of passing the exam.
Sources: N.H. Admin. Code § Rea 301.03 (via Cornell LII), corroborated by PSI NH Real Estate Candidate Bulletin; N.H. Admin. Code § Rea 303.05 (Partial Examinations); PSI Candidate Information Bulletin (NH Real Estate Commission exam vendor); NH OPLC — Real Estate License Fees.
To get a New Jersey real estate license, an applicant must complete a 75-hour pre-licensing course at a state-approved school, pass the state licensing exam administered by PSI, complete a fingerprint-based background check, and apply for a license through a sponsoring broker. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and satisfy the commission's standards for honesty, trustworthiness, character, and integrity. The exam can be taken before finding a sponsoring broker, but a broker is required to submit the license application.
Sources: NJ DOBI — Requirements for Licensure as a NJ Real Estate Salesperson or Broker.
To get a New Mexico real estate license, first meet the eligibility requirements: be at least 18 years old, a legal resident of the United States, and have reached the age of majority. Complete 90 hours of commission-approved prelicensing education, consisting of three 30-hour courses in Real Estate Principles and Practice, Real Estate Law, and Broker Basics, within the three years before applying for the exam. Register for and pass both the state and national portions of the broker examination through PSI with a minimum score of 75% on each, within 90 calendar days of the first attempt. Submit fingerprints for a background check and obtain errors and omissions insurance. Apply for the license through the NM-PLUS online portal within 6 months of passing the exam, including the nonrefundable application fee of up to $270. Finally, affiliate with an actively licensed qualifying broker to activate the license.
Sources: GAAR — How to Become a Realtor; NM RLD — RE Commission Licensing (Apply for License); New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department — Real Estate Commission Fees.
To get a New York real estate salesperson license, complete 77 hours of approved qualifying education and the school's proctored final exam, then schedule and pass the state licensing exam through eAccessNY. The state exam is 75 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute time limit, and results are reported as pass or fail. After passing, secure a sponsoring broker, submit your application online with the $65 fee, and the broker must authorize it before the Department of State issues the license.
Sources: NY DOS — Become a Real Estate Salesperson; NY Department of State — Become a Real Estate Salesperson.
To get a North Carolina real estate license, you must complete the 75-hour Broker Prelicensing Course from a Commission-certified education provider, obtain a criminal record report from the Commission's approved vendor, and submit a complete application with the $105 application fee. After the Commission accepts the application, you receive a Notice of Exam Eligibility and must contact Pearson VUE to schedule and pay for the two-part exam. Once you pass both sections and clear the character review, the Commission issues an inactive Provisional Broker license, which you activate by filing a License Activation/Affiliation form with a Broker-in-Charge.
Sources: NCREC — General Brochure (Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina, March 2024); NCREC Bulletins – Rule Changes (21 NCAC 58A .0302).
The process starts with completing a 90-hour NDREC-certified salesperson pre-licensure education course from an approved provider, after which you submit an online application at services.realestatend.org and pay the $161.25 combined application and credit history fee (paper applications are not accepted). You must mail completed fingerprint cards with a $40 check to the ND Attorney General for a criminal history background check, which typically takes 1-2 weeks for NDREC to receive results. You can schedule the licensing exam through PSI Services LLC at any time without prior approval from the commission, and must pass both the state and national portions. After passing, obtain errors and omissions insurance, secure a sponsoring broker's approval, and submit a request to issue your license with the one-time $20 Recovery Fund payment.
Sources: North Dakota Real Estate Commission — How to Apply; North Dakota Attorney General - Bureau of Criminal Investigation (SFN 60688 form); NDREC — How to Apply.
To get an Ohio real estate license, you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or legal alien, have a high school diploma or equivalent if born after 1950, and complete 100 hours of pre-licensing education from a postsecondary institution awarding at least a two-year degree. You must then secure a sponsoring Ohio broker, submit a Salesperson Examination Application with an $81 fee, complete state and FBI criminal records checks within 10 business days of applying, and pass both the State and National portions of the licensing exam with a score of 70.
Sources: Ohio COM — Salesperson License Requirements; Ohio Revised Code § 4735.07.
To get an Oklahoma real estate license, complete a 90-hour pre-license salesperson course from an approved provider, complete a background check through IdentoGO (service code 2B7NR3, $60), apply online through OREC with a $35 application fee, pass the Pearson VUE exam ($75 for both portions with booking discount), pay the license issuance fee, and be associated with a sponsoring broker for the license to be active. The 90-hour course completion is valid for three years, and you have one year from application submission to pass the exam.
Sources: OREC — Licensing & Exam FAQs; OREC — Nov 2024 Fee Schedule.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma, GED, or international equivalent. The process begins by registering for an eLicense account and paying the $300 nonrefundable application fee, after which the applicant receives an Applicant ID number. The applicant must then complete 150 hours of broker pre-license education from an Agency-approved school and provide the school with their Applicant ID and full name so the school can submit exam eligibility to PSI. After passing both sections of the broker license exam and being fingerprinted at a PSI test center, the license is issued when the background check clears, a managing principal broker adds the pending license to the registered business, and the Agency completes a final review.
Sources: Oregon REA — Get Broker License.
To obtain a Pennsylvania real estate salesperson license, first complete 75 hours of pre-licensing education, consisting of Real Estate Fundamentals (30 hours) and Real Estate Practice (45 hours), from an accredited college or Commission-approved provider. Register for and pass both the National and PA State portions of the licensing exam through Pearson VUE, scoring at least 75% on each portion. Obtain a Criminal History Records Check from every state where you have lived, worked, or studied for the past 5 years, with reports dated within 180 days of application submission. Secure an employing broker who holds a valid Pennsylvania broker license and is willing to certify supervision and training. Submit the license application through PALS (pals.pa.gov), send it to your broker for approval, complete the legal questions, and pay the licensing fee. Once issued, the license is mailed to the broker's main office within 7-10 business days.
Sources: PA Real Estate Commission — Salesperson Licensure Snapshot; PA Real Estate Commission — Education Information; PA DOS — Real Estate Commission Licensure Guide.
To obtain a Rhode Island real estate salesperson license, you must be at least 18 years old, complete 45 hours of pre-licensing education (including 3 hours of Agency Law) plus a separate 3-hour Lead Paint Hazards course from a state-approved school, and pass both the National and State portions of the Pearson VUE exam with a minimum score of 70 on each part. After passing, you must submit a completed application to the Department of Business Regulation (DBR) with your original Pearson VUE score reports, a BCI background check from the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General, an E&O insurance certificate, and a broker affidavit signed by your sponsoring principal broker. The application requires two separate fees totaling $165 ($140 to the RI General Treasurer and $25 to the Real Estate Recovery Account), and DBR processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
Sources: RI DBR — RE Salesperson Application; 230 R.I. Code R. § 230-RICR-30-20-2.30 (Continuing Education), Rhode Island Code of Regulations; RI Realtors — Get Started; RI DBR — Reciprocal Broker Application.
To obtain a South Carolina associate real estate license, an applicant must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and complete 90 hours of Commission-approved pre-licensing education: Unit I (60 hours) and Unit II (30 hours). Unit I must be completed before taking the PSI-administered licensing exam, which requires 70% on both the national and state portions (120 questions total); Unit II can be completed after the exam but must be finished before the license is issued. The applicant must also complete fingerprint and background checks (which can take 3 or more weeks for the Commission to receive results), affiliate with a broker-in-charge, and apply for the license within 1 year of passing the exam. An applicant with a juris doctor, bachelor of law, or baccalaureate or master's degree with a major in real estate from an accredited institution is exempt from the pre-licensing education requirement.
Sources: SC LLR — Real Estate FAQ; PSI Services LLC — South Carolina Real Estate Commission Candidate Information Bulletin; SC LLR — Real Estate Commission Pubs (Applications & Requirements).
To obtain a broker associate license, an applicant must be at least 18, be a U.S. citizen or South Dakota resident, complete a 116-hour prelicensing course from a state-approved provider, and pass the licensing exam with a minimum score of 75%. The applicant must then submit a license application with a $225 fee and a $50 fingerprint-based background check fee payable to DCI, within 60 days of passing the exam. The license remains inactive until a responsible broker contacts the commission to request activation.
Sources: SD DLR — Approved Pre-Licensing Education; SD DLR — Real Estate Fees; South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation — Real Estate Commission (official application forms, Rev. 06/2026); SD DLR — RE Exam Information.
To obtain a Tennessee affiliate broker license, you must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent. Complete a 60-hour pre-licensing course in real estate principles; your school sends proof of completion to PSI, the exam administrator. Pass the state and national exam sections with a minimum score of 70%, then complete a 30-hour Course for New Affiliates. Submit fingerprints through IdentoGO for a background check, obtain errors and omissions insurance, affiliate with a licensed broker, and submit your application through CORE at core.tn.gov with the $91 fee.
Sources: Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) — Official Website; Tennessee Code § 62-13-303 / TREC Worksheet A (May 2023); TREC — License Fees.
To get a Texas real estate license, you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien, and meet TREC's standards for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity. You must complete 180 classroom hours of qualifying education from a TREC-approved provider across six required 30-hour courses, then submit an online application through the REALM Portal with a $206 fee. TREC reviews your education and sends instructions to schedule fingerprinting ($37, paid to IDEMIA) and the licensing exam ($43, administered by Pearson VUE). After passing both the national and state portions of the exam and clearing the background check, TREC issues an inactive license. You must then find a sponsoring broker and submit a sponsorship request through the REALM Portal to activate your license.
Sources: TREC — Become a Sales Agent; TREC Fee Schedule Effective December 15, 2025.
To obtain a Utah real estate sales agent license, you must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, have a valid Social Security number, and complete 120 hours of approved pre-licensing education at a certified school. After completing the education, you must pass the Pearson VUE sales agent exam with a scaled score of 70 on both the general and state portions, then submit the license application within 90 days of passing. The Utah Division of Real Estate processes new sales agent applications in approximately 30 days and emails fingerprint instructions within 1 to 2 business days of application submission. The license must be activated under a licensed broker before you can begin working with clients.
Sources: Utah DRE — Sales Agent Licensing; Utah Division of Real Estate — Sales Agent Licensing.
To get a Vermont real estate salesperson license, you must be at least 18 years old, complete a 40-hour pre-licensing course approved by the Vermont Real Estate Commission, and pass both the national exam (administered by PSI) and the state exam (administered within the online application) within two years preceding your application. You must also affiliate with a Vermont-licensed principal broker and submit your application through the Office of Professional Regulation's Online Services System with a $100 application fee. After receiving your license, you must complete 8 hours of post-licensure education within 90 days of issuance.
Sources: Vermont Statutes, Title 26, Chapter 41, § 2292 (Eligibility) — Vermont General Assembly; Vermont Statutes — Title 26, Chapter 041, § 2255 (Fees); Vermont OPR — Salesperson & Broker FAQs; Vermont OPR — RE Broker & Salesperson Administrative Rules (PDF).
The Virginia DPOR outlines a four-step process: complete a 60-hour Board-approved pre-licensing course, pass both the State and National portions of the salesperson exam administered by PSI, get fingerprinted for a criminal background check, and print, complete, sign, and mail the license application. Exam scores are valid for one year, and background checks expire after 45 days, so a complete application must be on file with the Board within 45 days of fingerprinting. A sponsoring broker must agree to affiliate before the license can be activated.
Sources: Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) — Real Estate Board; VA DPOR — Real Estate Process PDF.
To get a Washington real estate broker license, an applicant must complete 90 hours of approved pre-licensing education (60 hours of Real Estate Fundamentals and 30 hours of Real Estate Practices), register as a student with PSI Testing Excellence, and pass both the state and national exams within 6 months of each other. After passing, the applicant must submit fingerprints for a background check, apply for the license within 1 year of passing the exams, and then accept a firm invitation through SecureAccess Washington (SAW) to activate the license.
Sources: WA DOL — Managing Broker License; WA DOL — Get RE Broker License.
To obtain a WV salesperson license, you must be at least 18 with a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a 90-hour Commission-approved pre-licensing course (scoring 70% or higher in each subject area), and pass a National Criminal Background Check through IdentoGo using service code 228Q6K (valid for 90 days). You submit the exam application online with your Official Course Completion Certificate and a copy of your valid driver's license, and the West Virginia Real Estate Commission reviews it before Pearson VUE emails you to schedule the exam. You have 90 days or two attempts (whichever comes first) to pass both the national and state portions of the exam at 70% or higher, after which you have 90 days to submit an online license application that includes proof of passing both portions and a Verification of Sponsoring Broker.
Sources: WV REC — Salesperson Licensing.
To get a Wisconsin real estate salesperson license, complete these steps: First, complete a Board-approved 72-hour pre-license education program (or 10 academic semester hour credits in real estate) within four years before applying. Second, pass the 140-question salesperson exam administered by Pearson VUE, with a minimum scaled score of 75 and a $65 fee per attempt; the exam must be passed within one year before applying. Third, affiliate with a licensed Wisconsin brokerage, as the DSPS requires all salespersons to work under a sponsoring broker. Finally, submit the application online through the DSPS LicensE portal, including Form 3166 and a $60 credentialing fee.
Sources: Wisconsin Legislature — REEB 25.033 (Wis. Admin. Code); WRA — Wisconsin Real Estate Exam Information; Pearson VUE — Wisconsin Real Estate Candidate Handbook (rev. 06/2026); Wisconsin DSPS — 2021-2023 Fee Changes for Professional Licenses/Credentials (FAQ).
To obtain a Wyoming salesperson license, applicants must submit two fingerprint cards for a background check, complete and pass Salesperson I, Salesperson II, and Wyoming Law courses from a state-approved provider, and pass the national and state licensing exams administered by Pearson VUE. Applicants must also obtain errors and omissions insurance, secure a sponsoring broker, and submit a completed application signed by that broker.
Sources: Wyoming REC — Obtain a License; Wyoming REC — Education Providers: Pre-Licensing.