Real EstateAll states
What is the difference between a real estate broker and a real estate agent?
A real estate sales agent is licensed to help clients buy and sell property but must work under a broker, while a broker has additional licensing that allows independent work, hiring of agents, and collection of commissions from agents' sales. Most states require broker candidates to have at least 2 years of experience as a licensed sales agent. In May 2024, brokers earned a median annual wage of $72,280, compared with $56,320 for sales agents.
A real estate salesperson (agent) is licensed to help clients buy, sell, or rent property but must work under a licensed broker. In Alabama, the agent's license is held by the qualifying broker, and the agent cannot engage in real estate business independently. A broker has completed additional education and experience requirements and is licensed to manage an independent business, hire agents, and supervise transactions. In Alabama, broker applicants must have held an active salesperson license for at least 24 of the 36 months preceding application and complete a 60-hour broker prelicense course.
Sources: AREC — AL License Law Rule 790-X-1-.18 (Reciprocal License Requirements); AREC — Become a Licensed Real Estate Professional.
A real estate salesperson (agent) is an entry-level licensee who must work under a licensed broker and cannot operate independently. In Alaska, a salesperson must be at least 19 years old, complete 40 hours of approved pre-licensing education, and pass the salesperson exam. A broker has additional requirements: 30 hours of approved broker training, 36 consecutive months of active experience as a licensee within the last 60 months with real estate as the principal occupation, and passing the broker exam. Brokers can own a real estate business or serve as the broker for a corporation or partnership, while an associate broker has met the same education and experience requirements but works under another broker rather than operating independently.
Sources: Alaska Real Estate Commission — AS 08.88.171(c) via official Statutes and Regulations (September 2024); Alaska Real Estate Commission — Education; Alaska REC — Broker Licensing Requirements.
A real estate salesperson (agent) must work under a licensed broker and cannot practice real estate independently. A broker has completed additional education and experience requirements and can work independently, hire agents, and manage a real estate business. In Arizona, salespersons must complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education and a 6-hour Contract Writing course, while brokers must have at least 3 years of experience as a licensee within the last 5 years, complete a 90-hour broker pre-licensing course, and attend 9 hours of Broker Management Clinic courses. Brokers assume supervisory and compliance responsibility for the agents they employ.
Sources: ADRE — Salesperson License; Ariz. Admin. Code § R4-28-402 (A)(2) and (A)(4); corroborated by A.R.S. § 32-2130(A); ADRE — Broker License Services; ADRE — Education Division.
A real estate salesperson must work under the supervision of a licensed broker, while a broker has completed additional education and experience requirements that allow independent practice and the supervision of other licensees. Arkansas recognizes three broker tiers: Associate Brokers, who have no supervisory authority; Executive Brokers, who may review contracts and supervise salespersons and Associate Brokers; and Principal Brokers, who are responsible for all activities of the licensed persons in their office. The distinction is set by Arkansas license law and carries different levels of authority and responsibility.
Sources: AREC — Reciprocal States; AREC — New Applicant Licensing.
A real estate salesperson (agent) must work under the supervision of a licensed broker and cannot perform licensed real estate activities independently. A broker has met additional education, experience, and examination requirements and can operate independently, hire agents, and collect commissions on both personal transactions and transactions completed by agents they supervise. In California, a salesperson must complete three college-level courses and pass a 150-question exam with a 70% passing score, while a broker must complete eight college-level courses, demonstrate two years of full-time licensed experience, and pass a 200-question exam with a 75% passing score.
Sources: CA DRE — Taking the Exam.
Colorado is a broker-only state, meaning all licensed real estate professionals hold a broker license rather than a separate salesperson or agent license. The term "agent" remains in common use, but Colorado does not issue a distinct agent credential. The state has three broker license levels: Associate Broker (FA) for those with less than two years of active broker experience, Independent Broker for those with two or more years, and Employing Broker for those who also complete a 24-hour brokerage administration course and meet experience requirements. Nationally, the distinction is that sales agents must work under a licensed broker, while brokers can operate independently and supervise agents.
Sources: Colorado DRE — Broker License Application Requirements.
A real estate agent is a licensed professional who helps clients buy, sell, or rent properties and must work under a licensed broker. A real estate broker has completed additional education, experience, and exam requirements beyond those for an agent and can work independently, hire agents, and supervise their work. In Connecticut, broker applicants must have at least 3 years of experience as a licensed salesperson, complete additional coursework totaling 90 hours beyond the initial 60-hour pre-licensing course, and pass a broker licensing exam. A REALTOR® is a separate designation for any licensed agent or broker who joins the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its Code of Ethics.
Sources: CT DCP — RE Broker Initial/Exam; CT DCP — RE Salesperson Initial Exam.
In Delaware, a Broker is licensed to work independently and is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management and supervision of a brokerage organization (24 Del. C. § 2907(d)), commonly called a "broker of record." An Associate Broker holds a broker license but does not have primary responsibility for management and supervision and typically works under another broker. A salesperson, or real estate agent, must work under a sponsoring broker and cannot practice independently; the broker holds the salesperson's license and oversees their transactions.
Sources: Delaware DPR — Salesperson Licensure; Delaware DPR — Broker and Associate Broker Licensure.
In DC, a real estate salesperson must work under a licensed broker, while a broker has completed additional education and experience requirements to operate independently. A salesperson license requires 60 hours of pre-licensing education and passing both the national and DC portions of the exam. A broker license requires 135 hours of pre-licensing education and 2 years of experience as a licensed salesperson with an active license immediately preceding the application date. Brokers can manage their own real estate businesses and supervise salespersons; salespersons cannot practice independently.
Sources: DC DLCP — Real Estate Commission.
In Florida, a sales associate is a person who performs brokerage acts under the direction, control, or management of a broker, as defined in Florida Statutes section 475.01. A broker is licensed to operate independently, manage a real estate business, and employ and supervise sales associates. To become a broker, a sales associate must have at least 24 months of active experience during the preceding 5 years, complete a 72-hour pre-licensing course, and pass the broker exam. A broker associate is a person who holds a broker license but chooses to work under another broker rather than independently.
Sources: FL DBPR — RE Education Requirements; FL DBPR — Broker Initial Application Checklist (Upgrade from Sales Associate to Broker).
A real estate salesperson (agent) must work under a licensed broker and cannot practice independently, while a broker has completed additional education, experience, and exam requirements that allow them to manage their own business and supervise agents. In Georgia, salespersons must be at least 18, complete 75 hours of pre-license education, and pass the salesperson exam. Brokers must be at least 21, have held an active salesperson license for at least 3 of the past 5 years, complete 60 hours of broker pre-license coursework, and pass a broker exam that includes scenario-based simulation problems.
Sources: Atlanta REALTORS School of Real Estate — Sales Pre-License; GA Admin Code — GREC Rules 520-1 (Licensure and Brokerage); Atlanta REALTORS® — Broker Pre-License.
A real estate broker is licensed to manage an independent real estate business and may employ sales agents, while a real estate sales agent must work under a licensed broker. Brokers complete additional education and meet experience requirements beyond those required for sales agents. In Hawaii, broker candidates must have at least 3 years of full-time experience as a Hawaii-licensed salesperson within the 5-year period before applying.
Sources: Hawaii REB — Examination & Licensing.
A real estate salesperson (agent) is licensed to act on behalf of a broker and may not practice independently, while a broker has completed additional education and experience requirements and can work independently, hire agents, and operate a brokerage. In Idaho, a salesperson's license is issued on inactive status and becomes active only when a broker adds the salesperson to their company. Brokers must have at least two years of full-time active salesperson experience, complete 90 hours of broker prelicense education, and pass the broker exam. A REALTOR® is a separate designation for members of the National Association of REALTORS® who subscribe to its Code of Ethics.
Sources: Idaho DOPL — REC FAQs & Consumer Info.
In Illinois, the entry-level real estate license is called a broker license, not a salesperson or agent license. A managing broker has additional qualifications, including at least 2 consecutive years of experience as a broker within the preceding 3 years and completion of 165 total hours of education. The term "real estate agent" is a generic description of someone who holds a broker license, while "REALTOR®" refers specifically to a licensed agent who is also a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
Sources: Justia — IL Real Estate Act Art. 5 (225 ILCS 454/5-27).
In most states, a real estate agent is a licensed professional who must work under a broker, while a broker has additional education and experience requirements and can work independently or supervise agents. In Indiana, all newly licensed real estate professionals are licensed as brokers, including those who would be called salespersons in other states. A managing broker is the next level above a broker in Indiana, requiring at least 3 years of active broker experience, completion of a 24-hour managing broker course, and passage of an exam through Pearson VUE. A REALTOR® is a separate designation for any licensed broker who joins the National Association of REALTORS® and agrees to abide by its Code of Ethics.
Sources: Indiana PLA — Real Estate Licensing Information.
A real estate salesperson (the term Iowa uses for an agent) must work under a licensed broker and cannot conduct business independently. A broker has additional education and experience requirements, can work independently, hire agents, and supervise salespersons. In Iowa, a broker must have 24 months of active salesperson experience and complete 60 hours of broker pre-license education, while a salesperson must complete 96 hours of pre-licensing education and obtain a sponsoring broker's signature on the license application.
Sources: Iowa DIAL — Real Estate Salesperson and Brokers License by Exam.
A real estate agent is licensed to help clients buy, sell, or rent property but must work under a broker, who holds the agent's license and supervises their activities. A broker has met additional education, experience, and exam requirements and may work independently, hire agents, and collect commissions directly. In Kansas, a broker applicant must have been licensed as a salesperson and actively engaged for at least 2 of the last 3 years, complete 60 hours of broker pre-license education, and pass both the national and state broker exams. Agents who are not the supervising broker cannot receive compensation directly from a closing agent; payment must go through the broker or the broker's company.
Sources: KREC — Broker Requirements.
A real estate sales associate (agent) must work under a licensed broker and cannot practice independently. A broker is licensed to manage a real estate business, supervise agents, and handle transactions without supervision. In Kentucky, a broker applicant must have at least 2 years of experience as a licensed sales associate averaging 20 or more hours per week, plus 336 classroom hours (or 21 academic credit hours) of qualifying education including 48 hours in Brokerage Management, and must pass the broker licensing exam. Sales associates need only 96 hours of pre-license education and must pass the sales associate exam.
Sources: KREC — Continuing Education; KREC — Education Overview.
A real estate agent (salesperson) is licensed to help clients buy, sell, or rent properties but must work under the supervision of a licensed broker. In Louisiana, a salesperson must be at least 18, hold a high school diploma or GED, complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education, and pass the salesperson licensing exam. A broker has additional requirements: four years of active licensee experience with two years immediately preceding the application, 150 hours of LREC-approved education, and passage of the broker licensing exam. Brokers can work independently, hire agents, and are responsible for supervising the agents under them.
Sources: LREC — Broker Pre-Licensing Education; LREC — Become a Broker.
In Maine, a Sales Agent (the entry-level license) must be affiliated with a licensed real estate agency and may perform brokerage services only under the supervision of the agency's designated broker. A Broker/Designated Broker holds the top-tier license, can act as the designated broker for an agency, and must have been licensed as an associate broker affiliated with a real estate brokerage agency for 2 years within the 5 years preceding application. The Sales Agent license is issued for 2 years and is non-renewable, while the Broker/Designated Broker license is renewable and requires completion of a Designated Broker Course with a minimum grade of 75%.
Sources: Maine RE Commission — Individual Licenses (Reciprocal Licensing Section).
A real estate agent is licensed to help clients buy, sell, and rent property but must work under the supervision of a licensed broker. A broker has additional education and experience requirements and can work independently, hire agents, and oversee transactions. In Maryland, broker applicants must complete a 135-hour pre-licensing course and hold an active salesperson license for at least 3 consecutive years, while salesperson applicants complete a 60-hour course.
Sources: MREC — Licensing FAQs.
A real estate salesperson (commonly called an agent) must be affiliated with a broker and work under the broker's supervision, and cannot operate an independent real estate business or control escrow funds. A broker is licensed to manage their own business, accept and escrow all funds, finalize transactions, and supervise salespersons. In Massachusetts, a salesperson must work for a broker for at least 3 years at a minimum of 25 hours per week, complete 40 additional hours of education, and obtain a $5,000 surety bond before qualifying for a broker license.
Sources: Mass.gov — RE License Exam Guide.
In Michigan, a real estate salesperson (agent) must work under a licensed broker and cannot practice independently or be licensed to more than one broker at a time. A broker has completed additional education and experience requirements and can operate independently, sponsor salespersons, and collect a share of commissions from agents' transactions. Salesperson licensure requires 40 hours of prelicensure education and a 70% passing score on the state exam, while broker licensure requires 90 hours of education, 3 years of full-time real estate experience, and a 75% passing score on the broker exam.
Sources: MI LARA BPL — Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Guide; MI LARA BPL — Real Estate Individual Broker Licensing Guide; Michigan Legislature — MCL 338.2237 (State License Fee Act, Sec. 37), corroborated by LARA Salesperson Licensing Guide.
A real estate broker in Minnesota can operate independently, hire salespersons, and supervise agents, while a real estate salesperson (commonly called an agent) must work under a licensed broker and cannot practice on their own. Brokers must complete a 30-hour broker course, have at least 3 years of active licensed salesperson experience within the prior 5 years, and pass the broker examination. The broker submits the salesperson's license application and oversees their transactions.
Sources: MN Commerce — Licensing Education; MN Commerce — RE License Guide PDF.
A real estate salesperson (agent) must work under the supervision of a licensed broker and cannot operate independently, while a broker is licensed to manage a real estate business and oversee salespersons. In Mississippi, a salesperson must be at least 18 years old and complete 60 hours of pre-licensing education, while a broker must be at least 21, have held an active salesperson license for 12 cumulative months, and complete 120 hours of education. Brokers can own their own businesses and employ salespersons; agents earn a portion of commissions from transactions they handle under their broker's supervision.
Sources: MREC PSI Candidate Information Bulletin.
A real estate salesperson, commonly called an agent, is licensed to work under a supervising broker and cannot operate independently. A broker may run their own firm, supervise agents, and earn commissions directly, and must meet additional requirements including at least 24 of the last 30 months of active experience as a salesperson and completion of a 48-hour broker pre-examination course. In Missouri, a salesperson must be sponsored by a broker, who holds the salesperson's license and takes responsibility for the salesperson's actions. Sales agents typically earn a portion of the commission from each transaction through their sponsoring broker.
Sources: MO RE Commission — Application PDF; MO Prof. Registration — RE How-To.
A real estate salesperson (agent) must work under or be associated with a licensed broker and cannot practice independently, while a broker has additional education and experience requirements and can operate independently, hire agents, and manage a real estate business. In Montana, salespersons must be employed or under contract with a licensed broker who holds a supervising broker endorsement (MCA 37-51-302). Brokers must complete 60 hours of pre-licensing education and have at least 2 years of experience as a licensed salesperson, compared with 70 hours for salespersons and no prior experience requirement. Brokers must also accumulate 30 experience points from closed transactions and other qualifying activities within the last 36 months.
Sources: Montana DLI — RE Broker Licensing; 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).
Nebraska issues two types of real estate licenses: a salesperson's license and a broker's license. A salesperson, often called a real estate agent, must be employed by and under the direct supervision of a licensed broker at all times and cannot work independently. A broker can operate independently as a self-employed broker or work as an associate broker employed by and under the supervision of another licensed broker.
Sources: Nebraska Real Estate Commission — License Information (Applicant Information, Nebraska Resident); Nebraska Real Estate Commission — Salesperson Licensing (Resident Salesperson Information PDF).
A real estate salesperson (agent) must work under a licensed broker and cannot practice independently, while a broker can operate independently, open a brokerage, and supervise agents. In Nevada, a salesperson license requires 120 hours of pre-licensing education and a $140 application fee, whereas a broker license requires 64 semester credits of education, at least 2 years of active full-time experience within the last 4 years, and a $160 application fee. Nevada law (NRS 645.330) prohibits a salesperson from practicing without an active broker affiliation. Both earn income primarily from commissions on sales, with commissions typically passing through the broker before being split among the agents and their firms.
Sources: Nevada RED — Salesperson License Requirements; Nevada RED — Form 501 (Licensing Requirements); Nevada Revised Statutes, NRS 645.330.
In New Hampshire, every real estate licensee begins as a salesperson, who must work under a sponsoring broker and cannot operate independently. A broker holds an upgraded license that permits managing an independent real estate business, employing salespersons, and operating a brokerage. To become a broker, a salesperson must complete 60 hours of approved broker pre-licensing education from a Commission-approved school and gain experience as a licensed salesperson, including at least one year of full-time work or equivalent part-time hours, with documented involvement in at least 6 real estate transactions.
Sources: NH OPLC — RE Commission Teacher/Broker Courses.
A real estate salesperson (commonly called an agent) must work under a sponsoring broker and cannot operate independently; in New Jersey, earning a salesperson license requires a 75-hour prelicensure course and passing the state exam. A broker has completed additional education, 150 hours of prelicensure coursework, and has at least 3 years of full-time experience as a licensed NJ salesperson. Brokers can work independently, manage their own businesses, and supervise salespersons. A broker-salesperson holds broker qualifications but is employed by and operates under the supervision of a licensed broker to perform salesperson functions.
Sources: NJ DOBI — Requirements for Licensure as a NJ Real Estate Salesperson or Broker; NJDOBI — NJ Real Estate Commission FAQs.
In New Mexico, the Real Estate Commission does not issue a separate "salesperson" or "agent" license. The entry-level license is the associate broker, who must be affiliated with an actively licensed qualifying broker. A qualifying broker has additional experience and education requirements and can operate a brokerage independently or supervise associate brokers. Nationally, the distinction is that real estate agents must work under a licensed broker, while brokers can work independently and may employ agents. Brokers typically have additional education and experience beyond what agents hold.
Sources: NM RLD — RE Commission Licensing (Apply for License); NM RLD — Real Estate Commission FAQs.
A real estate salesperson works under the supervision of a licensed broker and cannot operate independently, while a broker holds a license that permits independent practice and oversight of salespersons. In New York, a salesperson must be at least 18 years old and complete 77 hours of qualifying education, while a broker must be at least 20 years old, complete 152 hours of qualifying education, and have at least two years of experience as a licensed salesperson or three years in the general real estate field. The broker, known in New York as the representative broker, is responsible for the conduct of the brokerage business, and the salesperson acts as the broker's agent.
Sources: NY DOS — Become a Real Estate Salesperson; NY DOS — Real Estate Salesperson Syllabus (2022); NY DOS — Become a RE Broker; NY DOS — Real Estate Salesperson FAQ.
In North Carolina, every real estate licensee holds a broker license; the state does not issue a separate salesperson or agent license. The entry-level status is Provisional Broker, which requires supervision by a Broker-in-Charge and does not allow independent practice. After completing 90 hours of postlicensing education within 18 months of initial licensure, the broker removes provisional status and can work independently. A Broker-in-Charge is the highest licensure level, requiring two years of full-time brokerage experience within the previous five years and completion of a 12-hour course. The term real estate agent is commonly used to refer to NC brokers, but broker is the official license title.
Sources: North Carolina Real Estate Commission / NC General Statutes / NC Administrative Code; NCREC — General Brochure (Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina, March 2024).
In North Dakota, a real estate salesperson must work under a sponsoring broker and cannot operate independently. A broker has completed additional education, gained at least 2 years of full-time experience as a licensed salesperson, and passed the broker licensing exam, which allows the broker to work independently, employ agents, and operate a firm. NDREC licenses three categories: salespersons, brokers (who can be designated brokers of a firm), and broker associates (who hold broker licenses but choose to work under another broker). A salesperson must complete 90 hours of pre-licensure education, while a broker must complete an additional 60-hour broker pre-licensure course.
Sources: NDREC — How to Apply.
In Ohio, a real estate salesperson (commonly called an agent) works under the supervision of a sponsoring broker. To become a salesperson, an applicant must be at least 18, complete 100 hours of pre-licensing education, pass the state exam with a score of 70 on both portions, and pay an $81 application fee. A broker has additional requirements: holding an active salesperson license for at least two of the last five years, completing 20 qualifying transactions, meeting further education requirements, passing the broker exam with a score of 75, and paying a $135 application fee. Brokers can operate independently or supervise salespersons, while salespersons cannot practice without a sponsoring broker.
Sources: Ohio Revised Code § 4735.07; Ohio COM — Salesperson License Requirements; Ohio REPL — Broker License Requirements.
A real estate agent is licensed to help clients buy, sell, or rent properties but must work under a licensed broker. A broker has additional education, experience, and licensing requirements and can work independently, hire agents, and manage a real estate business. In Oklahoma, the entry-level license is the Provisional Sales Associate, which transitions to a Sales Associate after completing post-license education. A Broker Associate performs broker functions but is supervised by a Broker Proprietor, Managing Broker, or Branch Broker. Brokers who manage their own businesses must complete a 90-hour broker course and a 15-hour Broker in Charge course, in addition to having two years of active licensure within the previous five years.
Sources: OREC — Licensing & Exam FAQs.
In Oregon, the broker license is the entry-level real estate license, equivalent to what most other states call a salesperson or agent. A licensed broker can conduct professional real estate activity only while associated with and supervised by a managing principal broker. Oregon uses the term principal broker for the supervisory role that other states call a sponsoring broker or managing broker. Oregon does not have a separate salesperson license type.
Sources: Oregon REA — Get Broker License; Oregon REA — Approved Pre-License Schools.
A real estate salesperson (agent) is licensed to list, sell, buy, lease, or collect rent for real estate under the supervision of a licensed broker. A broker has completed additional education and experience requirements and can work independently, own a brokerage, and employ salespersons. In Pennsylvania, a salesperson must be at least 18, complete 75 hours of pre-licensing education, and pass the licensing exam. A broker must be at least 21, complete 240 hours (16 credits) of professional real estate education, document at least 3 years of experience as a licensed salesperson, and pass the broker exam. Salespersons cannot practice without an employing broker; brokers can operate their own businesses.
Sources: PA DOS — Real Estate Commission Licensure Guide.
A real estate broker is licensed to manage an independent real estate business and may employ other agents, while a real estate agent (or salesperson) must work under a licensed broker and cannot practice independently. Brokers meet additional education, experience, and exam requirements beyond what salespersons need. In Rhode Island, the Department of Business Regulation issues both broker and salesperson licenses under RIGL 5-20-5 and 5-20-6.
Sources: RI DBR — Real Estate Licensing; RI DBR — Reciprocal Broker Application.
In South Carolina, an associate (formerly called a salesperson) must be licensed under a broker-in-charge and may not practice independently. A broker has completed additional pre-licensing education (Unit IIIA and Unit IIIB, 60 hours total) and must hold at least 5 years of active SC associate licensure within the past 7 years. A broker-in-charge is a broker who has been designated to supervise a real estate office, with responsibilities including reviewing contracts, maintaining trust accounts, and ensuring associated licensees hold active licenses. No individual may hold more than one license classification at the same time.
Sources: SC LLR — Real Estate FAQ; South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 40, Chapter 57, Section 40-57-310.
A real estate agent is a licensed professional who facilitates property transactions but must work under the supervision of a broker, while a broker has additional education and experience requirements and can operate independently. In South Dakota, the entry-level license is called a broker associate rather than a salesperson, and the supervising license is called a responsible broker. A responsible broker must complete the same 116-hour prelicensing course plus a 24-hour Responsible Broker Course and have 2 years of active licensure.
Sources: SD DLR — RE License Types & Requirements.
A real estate agent must work under a licensed broker, while a broker can work independently, hire agents, and oversee transactions. In Tennessee, the entry-level license is called an "affiliate broker," which is equivalent to what most states call a salesperson or agent. Brokers must meet additional requirements beyond the affiliate broker license, including 120 hours of approved education (30 of which must be an Office/Broker Management course) and 24 to 36 months of active licensing experience, depending on when the candidate was first licensed.
Sources: TN TREC — Broker Licensing; TN Commerce Support — Pre-Licensing Requirements & Exam FAQs.
A real estate sales agent is licensed by TREC to act on behalf of a broker and must be sponsored by a licensed broker to perform any real estate service. A broker has completed additional education, experience, and examination requirements and can work independently, sponsor and supervise sales agents, and operate a brokerage. Sales agents cannot accept compensation from anyone other than their sponsoring broker, and all commissions must be paid through the broker. Brokers in Texas must complete 270 hours of qualifying education plus 630 hours of related education and have at least four years of active experience totaling 720 experience points.
Sources: TREC Fee Schedule Effective December 15, 2025; TRERC — Getting a Texas Real Estate License.
A real estate agent is licensed to help clients buy, sell, or rent properties but must work under the supervision of a licensed broker, while a broker has additional education and experience requirements and can work independently, hire agents, and oversee transactions. In Utah, both agents and brokers must complete 120 hours of pre-license education, but broker applicants also need three years of full-time licensed experience, at least 60 documented experience points, and must pass the broker exam with a scaled score of 75 rather than the 70 required for sales agents. A REALTOR® is a separate designation for agents or brokers who join the National Association of REALTORS® and agree to follow its Code of Ethics.
Sources: Utah Division of Real Estate — Broker Licensing Page & Official Fee Documents.
In Vermont, a real estate salesperson (commonly called an agent) must be at least 18 years old, complete a 40-hour pre-licensing course, pass national and state exams, and work under the supervision of a principal broker. A broker has additional requirements: completing a 40-hour broker pre-licensing course, passing the broker-level national and state exams, and gaining at least two years of experience as a licensed salesperson with at least eight separate and unrelated closed transactions. Brokers can work independently and supervise salespersons, while salespersons must be employed by or associated with a brokerage firm.
Sources: Vermont OPR — RE Broker & Salesperson Administrative Rules (PDF).
A real estate broker is licensed to manage an independent real estate business and can sponsor and supervise salespersons, while a sales agent must work under a broker's supervision and cannot practice independently. In Virginia, broker applicants must complete 180 hours of broker-specific courses and have been actively engaged as a salesperson for 36 of the 48 months preceding application, compared with 60 hours of pre-licensing education and no experience requirement for salespersons. Sales agents typically earn a portion of the commission from each transaction they handle under their sponsoring broker.
Sources: VA DPOR — Real Estate Board.
In Washington, the real estate license types are broker and managing broker. A broker performs brokerage services for a real estate firm under the supervision of a managing broker and cannot practice independently. A REALTOR® is a licensed real estate professional who has also joined the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and agreed to abide by its Code of Ethics; not all brokers are REALTORS®.
Sources: WA DOL — Managing Broker License; WA DOL — Managing Broker Exam.
A real estate agent is anyone who earns a real estate license, whether as a salesperson, an associate broker, or a broker. A real estate broker has completed education beyond the agent level and passed a broker's license exam, which allows a broker to work independently or hire agents. Agents must work under the supervision of a sponsoring broker and cannot practice independently. An associate broker has earned a broker's license but chooses to work under the management of another broker rather than operating independently.
Sources: WV REC — Salesperson Licensing; WV REC — Schedule of Fees.
A real estate agent is a licensed professional who facilitates property transactions between buyers and sellers and must work under the supervision of a licensed broker. A broker has additional education and experience requirements, can work independently, hire agents, and operate a brokerage. In Wisconsin, salespersons complete a 72-hour pre-license program, while brokers must complete a separate 72-hour broker pre-license program and have at least two years of experience as a licensed salesperson with 40 documented experience points. A REALTOR® is a licensed agent or broker who is also a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and adheres to its Code of Ethics.
Sources: WI DSPS — Real Estate Salesperson.
A real estate broker is licensed to manage an independent business and employ salespeople, while a sales agent must work under a sponsoring broker and cannot practice independently. In Wyoming, a salesperson becomes a broker by completing Broker I, Broker II, and Wyoming Law courses, meeting a 2-year active experience requirement, and passing national and state broker exams. Brokers assume additional legal responsibilities, including supervising agents and managing trust accounts.
Sources: BLS OOH — Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents.