Connecticut Real Estate School: 60-Hour Pre-Licensing Course Guide

Connecticut requires every real estate salesperson candidate to complete a 60-hour Real Estate Principles and Practices course at a real estate school approved by the Connecticut Real Estate Commission before sitting for the state licensing exam. The course covers topics spanning real property law, agency, contracts, financing, fair housing, and Connecticut licensing law, and since April 1, 2024, must be delivered in person or through live online (synchronous) instruction, not self-paced online, under Public Act 23-84. This guide details the course syllabus, delivery formats, approved schools, final exam requirements, and the steps that follow course completion.

What the Connecticut pre-licensing course covers

The mandatory pre-licensing program is the only education requirement for salesperson candidates in Connecticut, covering subject areas that span the legal, financial, and practical foundations of real estate practice.

Course content, as outlined by the Connecticut REALTORS® association^[1], addresses the following topic groups:

The syllabus combines national real estate concepts with Connecticut-specific licensing law, so that students understand both general practice principles and the state regulations governing real estate activity in Connecticut.

Course delivery: in-person and live online only

Connecticut schools deliver the pre-licensing course through two approved methods: traditional in-person classes and live online sessions where the instructor and students interact in real time. Under Public Act 23-84, which took effect April 1, 2024, the DCP sets these format requirements for all approved providers.

For live online courses, the DCP requires that teachers verify attendance and engagement through periodic assessments or real-time communication. The Connecticut REALTORS® association^[1] notes that because virtual-live classes are approved, a school's physical location does not need to be a barrier to enrollment. Students attending live online sessions typically must keep their video and audio enabled throughout each class period.

How to find an approved real estate school in Connecticut

Prospective students can locate approved providers through a searchable database maintained by the Connecticut DCP^[2], which lists schools by course category for salesperson and broker pre-licensing and continuing education. The database is the authoritative source for verifying that a school's curriculum meets Real Estate Commission standards before enrolling.

Questions about approved schools or course status can be directed to the DCP at dcp.realestate@ct.gov. Approved providers include community colleges, local REALTOR® associations, real estate offices, and private schools vetted by the Real Estate Commission. Students searching for a real estate school near them can enroll with any approved Connecticut provider, since live online instruction is available across the state.

School final exam: passing score and retake policies

Students must pass a school-administered final exam with a score of 70% or higher to receive the course completion certificate that qualifies them to sit for the state licensing exam. The school final exam is separate from the PSI state licensing exam: it tests mastery of the course curriculum and is administered by the school at the end of the program.

The 70% threshold applies to salesperson candidates, while broker candidates must score 75% or higher on their school final exam, according to NHM REALTORS®^[3], an approved course provider.

Retake policies and attendance rules vary by school. The Greater Hartford Association of REALTORS®^[4] (GHAR) charges a $50 retake fee after the first failed attempt and requires students to complete the course within 6 months of the start date. Students who miss more than two class sessions at GHAR forfeit their tuition and are not eligible for make-ups. Other schools offer guarantees that allow students to retake classes and the final exam at no additional cost until they pass.

Course completion certificate and exam eligibility

After completing the required hours and passing the school final exam, students receive a course completion certificate that must be submitted with the DCP exam application. The certificate is the document that establishes eligibility for the state licensing exam.

According to the CT DCP salesperson initial exam application^[5], applicants may take the state examination on an unlimited basis for up to 1 year from the date of eligibility. After passing both portions of the state exam, applicants have 2 years from the date of the most recently passed portion to activate the license by affiliating with a Connecticut-licensed broker.

Course scheduling formats

Approved schools offer the 60-hour course in several schedule formats to accommodate working professionals. Daytime accelerated programs can be completed in as few as 5 weeks, evening programs typically span 7 to 10 weeks, and Saturday-only programs run approximately 10 weeks.

The Greater Hartford Association of REALTORS®^[4] offers a 5-week daytime course (Monday and Wednesday, 9am to 3:30pm) and a 10-week evening course (Monday and Wednesday, 6pm to 9pm). NHM REALTORS®^[3] offers open enrollment with daytime and evening schedules running in a continuous loop, so students can begin at any time rather than waiting for a new term.

Most schools require students to finish the course within a set period from the start date, after which re-registration and full tuition payment are required.

Course materials, tuition, and payment options

Course tuition varies among approved providers. NHM REALTORS®^[3] charges $425, and the Greater Hartford Association of REALTORS®^[4] charges $525. Most programs use textbooks covering national real estate practice and Connecticut-specific law, and the cost of these books may or may not be reflected in the listed tuition.

Students concerned about upfront cost should ask whether their chosen school offers installment options.

For students attending live online courses, a computer with webcam and microphone is required, as most virtual programs mandate that video and audio remain enabled throughout each session.

Broker pre-licensing course requirements

Broker candidates in Connecticut must complete additional pre-licensing coursework beyond the salesperson requirement, including broker-specific courses and elective hours. The broker license also requires prior active experience as a licensed salesperson under a Connecticut broker.

Next steps after course completion

After receiving the course completion certificate, the next step is to submit an exam application to the DCP, which costs $80 and must include the completion certificate. The DCP then grants exam eligibility, and the candidate schedules the state licensing exam through PSI. Broker supervision is not required to take the exam, but a sponsoring broker is needed to activate the license after passing.

The pre-licensing course provides the curriculum foundation for the state exam, but most candidates supplement it with practice tests and study materials available through PSI and other exam prep providers. To begin, search the DCP's approved schools database^[2], select a delivery format that fits your schedule, and enroll in the next available course cycle.