California State Licensing Requirements: Salesperson 

California State Required Pre-Licensing Hours: 135 hours 
Agent Real Estate Schools California Course Hours Offered: 135 hours 

Step 1: To qualify for a real estate license (Salesperson) in California, you must meet all the state’s requirements as outlined on the California Department of Real Estate website.

They include: 

  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Be honest and come clean about past criminal record(s) as most states require background check or criminal history report as part of your application. If you decide to lie or refuse to admit to being a past felon, you can be rejected or have your real estate license revoked later. Transparency and honesty show your state's commission that you can be trusted, and this can go a long way to demonstrate that you truly deserve a chance in the real estate Industry.

 

Step 2: Complete an approved 135 hours of pre-licensing education at an accredited school. 

Step 3: Apply for the salesperson examination. 

 

Step 4: Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check. Review the Current Application Processing Time Frames page to have clear understanding of time frame. 

Step 5: Successfully pass the California real estate licensing exam by earning a score of at least 70% or higher. 

Step 6: You can then proceed to obtain sponsorship from a licensed California broker. Are you curious about how to choose the right broker for you?  
  
Step 7: Complete the California real estate license application. 

Which license is right for you? The difference between a real estate agent and a real estate broker is based on years of experience and education. Firstly, a real estate salesperson must be sponsored by a licensed broker. A broker can work for themselves and hire agents to work for them. Becoming a real estate broker requires completing additional coursework and working a minimum of two years as a real estate agent.

 

How Long Does It Take to Get a California Real Estate License?

It can take on average between 5 to 6 months to get a California real estate license depending how fast or slow you can complete both the required 135 hours of pre-licensing courses and pass your licensing examination as well as completing the application process, finding a sponsoring broker, and the application processing times. 

 

What Will I Learn to Help Me Get a Real Estate License in California?

All Agent Real Estate Schools’ Courses are approved by California Department of Real Estate. Once completed, you are eligible to sit for the California Real Estate License Exam. 

DRE Sponsor IDS0665 

Agent Real Estate Schools gives a window of 1 year from the start date to complete the 135-hour pre-license coursework for salespersons course although it is designed to be completed in 54-days. 

The required courses within the 135 hours include: 

  • Real Estate Principles (45 hours) 
  • Real Estate Practices (45 hours)

 

One course from the following list: 

  • Real Estate Appraisal
  • Property Management
  • Real Estate Finance 
  • Real Estate Economics 
  • Legal Aspects of Real Estate 
  • Real Estate Office Administration 
  • General Accounting 
  • Business Law 
  • Escrows 
  • Mortgage Loan Brokering and Lending  
  • Computer Applications in Real Estate 
  • Common Interest Developments

 

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate License in California? 

Becoming a real estate agent in California requires time and money but is very rewarding. An aspiring agent will spend up to $1,200 (minus their enrollment fee through our 100% Reimbursement Program) to get their license, while also spending an additional $245–$360 annually to keep their license active. 
 
How these costs break down: 

  • Pre-licensing exam coursework can run up to $599. At Agent Real Estate Schools, we offer a 100% Reimbursement Program, ask us about it! 
  • Exam fees run $60. 
  • License fees for an agent cost $245. 
  • Required fingerprints will cost $49. 
  • Other miscellaneous fees can run upward of $240, where applicable. 

 

Real Estate License Reciprocity 

California does not have reciprocity agreements with any other states, nor does if offer a waiver of any of the requirements to obtain a license. If you don’t live in California and you build your real estate business there, then you need to meet the same requirements as anyone else (with a few caveats). 

It’s not a requirement to be a state resident to obtain a California real estate license, you must be licensed with a California broker. When applying for the real estate salesperson exam, evidence of completion of the statutory courses (from the out-of-state institution) is acceptable only if the institution is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or a comparable regional accrediting entity.  

Out-of-state residents are required to: 

  • File a Consent to Service of Process with the DRE. This form must be completed, signed, notarized, and submitted to the DRE with the original or renewal application. 
  • Submit their fingerprints directly to the DRE. A fingerprint card will be provided with the original license application. It should be taken to a local law enforcement agency for completion. 
  • Submit the appropriate fingerprint fee with the completed fingerprint card, original license application, and license fee to the DRE. 
  • Be licensed with a California broker if engaging in business in California. 

 

Can You Apply for a California Real Estate License Online? 

The simple answer is No. You can’t apply for a California real estate license online. You must either fax or mail the completed application, along with any transcripts and fees paid by check, credit card, or money order. 

The review process takes approximately 6-weeks. After that 6-weeks you’ll be able to schedule your exam and that can be done online via California’s eLicensing system. 

 

How Do I Apply for The California Real Estate Licensing Exam?

The salesperson examinations must be taken through the California Department of Real Estate. The state requires that you achieve a score of 70% or higher to pass. Agent Real Estate Schools offers both a livestream Group Study Course and a study at your own pace online Fast Track Course. Additionally, we offer Prep Practice Course which will help you prepare for the California real estate licensing exam. Pass your California real estate license exam and ask us about our 100% Reimbursement Program. 

You will need to complete a Salesperson Examination Application and submit it along with the required fee and transcripts showing successful completion of your pre-licensing courses and the statutory college-level real estate courses and degrees. Once you receive notification that you have qualified to take your exam, you’ll either receive an Examination Schedule Notice or approval to self-schedule. You can use the eLicensing online system to check your exam date or to self-schedule.  
 
Exams are offered in five cities in California: 

  • Fresno 
  • Los Angeles 
  • Oakland 
  • Sacramento 
  • San Diego 

 

If you are not qualified at the time, you submit your application and fee, you will have 2 years from the date of receipt of the application to complete the qualifications and take the exam. If during that 2-year period, you do not qualify for and pass the exam your application will expire, and you will need to submit a new application. 

 

How Do I Submit My Fingerprints for The Background Check?

As an applicant for your real estate license, you must submit one set of fingerprints, acceptable to the State Department of Justice (DOJ). An applicant may be fingerprinted after applying for the state exam or after passing the exam. 

Fingerprint processing fees are not refunded if you do not pass the examination.

Note: Your Social security number is required on the examination application to ensure fingerprint reports are received by the DRE. 

Fingerprints must be submitted electronically through the DOJ’s Live Scan Program with a Live Scan Service Request Form. Your original real estate license will not be issued until a report from the DOJ and the FBI is received stating that there is no criminal history, or alternatively a disclosure of criminal history information is present, which then must be reviewed and evaluated. There is a $49 fingerprint processing fee and a live scan service fee which should be paid directly to the live scan provider. 

 

California Real Estate License Renewal 

California real estate licenses are good for four years, and the state will notify you within 60 days of your renewal. Renewal fees will run you $245 annually. 

 

Does California Require Post-Licensing Education? 

California real estate agents who are renewing their licenses or filing for a late renewal must complete 45 hours of approved continuing education coursework. 

 

Special Considerations

If you are an attorney who is a member in good standing of the California State Bar, then you are exempt from some of the requirements to become a licensed real estate agent. 

Obtaining Certificate of Course Completion: Upon completion of the course, you will be provided an electronic certificate of completion which can be found in the “my courses” tab in your student portal. Next to each completed course you will find an icon for the course completion certificate.  
 
You will be required to submit your certificate of completion with your license request, please refer to your license application to determine if this is necessary. 
 
California Department of Real Estate 
Website: http://www.dre.ca.gov/ 
Phone: 877-373-4542 
Fax: 916-263-8943 
Address: 1651 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815 

Arkansas State Requirements: Salesperson 

Arkansas State Required Pre-Licensing Hours: 60 hours 
Agent Real Estate Schools Course Hours Offered: 60 hours 

Step 1: To qualify for a real estate license (Salesperson) in Arkansas, you have to meet all the state’s requirements. To start with, you have to meet the state’s Salesperson Pre licensing Education requirement as outlined on the Arkansas Real Estate Commission website: 

They include: 

  • You must be 18 years of age and above 
  • You must be a legal US citizen

 

Step 2: You must successfully complete 60 hours of pre-licensing education from an accredited school licensed by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission.  

Step 3: Submit a salesperson application to the Arkansas Real Estate Commission. 

Step 4: You must receive an approval from the Arkansas Real Estate Commission for you to be able to sit for the exam. 

Step 5: You are required to pass the licensure exam with a score of at least 70%. 

Step 6: You will need to undergo a criminal background check. 

Step 7: You will need to send the required documents and fees to the Arkansas Real Estate Commission. This should be no later than 90 days after passing the examination. 

Step 8: You are required to complete 18 hours of post-licensing education by the end of your 6 months after licensing. Visit Post-license Education for more information. 

Note: You can submit your application to the AREC prior to completing your pre-license course, however the AREC will only issue your Certificate of Eligibility for Examination after the application and education certificate are received. 

 

How Long Does It Take to Get an Arkansas Real Estate License?

On the average, it takes about few months to complete an Arkansas real estate license. It also varies per person on how long it takes to get the license depending on fast you can complete the 60 hours of pre-licensing courses and pass your licensing examination. It also depends on the time it takes you to complete the application process and post-license course, and application processing times. 

 

What Will I Learn to Help Me Get a Real Estate License in Arkansas?

All courses are approved by Arkansas Real Estate Commission. Once completed, you are eligible to sit for the Arkansas Real Estate License Exam.  
 
The required courses within the 60 hours include:  

  • Arkansas License Law 
  • License Law and Math 
  • National Ownership 
  • National Brokerage 
  • National Finance 
  • National Valuation

 

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate License in Arkansas?  

Becoming a real estate agent in Arkansas requires time and money but is very rewarding. An aspiring agent will spend up to $895. 
  
How these costs break down:  

  • Pre-licensing exam coursework can run up to $599. 
  • Application fee and Criminal Background check & FBI check fees run $86.25.  
  • Exam testing fee of $75.  
  • License activation fee $75.  
  • Continuing Education course fees can run $59.

 

Real Estate License Reciprocity

Arkansas does offer reciprocity with other states, however there are a few requirements which must be met to qualify to sit for the Arkansas Law portion of the exam. 
 
Out-of-state residents are required to:  

  • Pass the uniform, general, or multi-state part of an exam for a real estate license in another state in which the exam meets the generally acceptable standards of real estate testing as determined by the Arkansas Real Commission. 
  • The other state has a minimum required passing grade no lower than 70%. 
  • The applicant is already licensed in their (or another) state at the time of taking the Arkansas examination. 

 

Note: A real estate salesperson applicant currently licensed in another state and seeking licensure in Arkansas may request a waiver of the national portion of the examination. For more information on reciprocal states, visit https://arec.arkansas.gov/licensing/reciprocal-states/  

 

How Do I Submit My Fingerprints for The Background Check?

As a real estate license applicant, you are required to complete a criminal background check. The Arkansas state Police conducts the criminal background check on the applicant, and they do this by taking fingerprints then submitting the report to the commission. 

Note: For a non-resident applicant, you will need to submit requests to both state and federal agencies for background checks using an applicant fingerprint card. 

 

How Do I Apply for & take the Arkansas Salesperson Licensing Examination?

The state requires that you achieve a score of 70% or higher to pass. Registration and scheduling for the exam can be found on Pearson Vue and the salesperson licensing exam is also taken there. You will be required to pass the state exam at maximum, 3 years after completing the pre-licensing course. It’s important you do not miss the deadline, or you will have to take your course work again. 

There are 5 exam locations: 

  • Little Rock, AR 
  • Springdale, AR 
  • Texarkana, AR 
  • Shreveport, LA 
  • Memphis, TN 

 

Note: AREC will accept applications in advance of your completion of the 60-hour pre-licensing course, but you will be required to submit evidence of completion of the pre-licensing course before receiving eligibility to take the state exam.  

 

How Do I Submit My Arkansas Salesperson Application?

After passing the exam, you must send the proper forms and fees to the Arkansas Real Estate Commission not later than 90 days after passing the exam. The criminal background check reports must be received by AREC before they will issue a license. More information can be found on AREC's website. There are some additional requirements. 

They include: 

  • A fully completed application  
  • A completed fingerprint card

 

How Do I Submit My Fingerprints for The Background Check?

As an applicant for your real estate salesperson license, you must complete both a state and federal criminal background check. The federal criminal background check requires applicants to provide fingerprints on fingerprint cards provided by AREC and this requirement applies to both resident and nonresident applicants. 

The Arkansas State Police conduct the criminal background check, including the FBI check, which requires the taking of fingerprints, then submits the report to the Commission. 

 

Does Arkansas Require Post-Licensing Education?

The Post-License Real Estate Course required by the AREC is a comprehensive practical application of the pre-license principles of real estate to the real estate marketing industry. 

The Post-License Real Estate education requires 18 classroom hours and must be taken by the end of the month six 6 months after the date the individual was initially licensed.  

Note: It is important you take the course so your license can be issued as active. 

 

Arkansas Real Estate License Renewal  

Arkansas real estate licenses are good for 1 year. Renewal fees will run you $80 annually.  

 

Special Considerations

Obtaining Certificate of Course Completion: Upon completion of the course, you will be provided an electronic certificate of completion which can be found in the “my courses” tab in your student portal. Next to each completed course you will find an icon for the course completion certificate.  
 
You will be required to submit your certificate of completion with your license request, please refer to your license application to determine if this is necessary. 
 
Arkansas Real Estate Commission 
Website: https://www.arec.arkansas.gov/ 
Phone: 334-242-5544 
Fax: 334-270-9118 
Address: 1201 Carmichael Way Montgomery, AL 36106 
Arkansas License Lookup Website 

Alabama State Licensing Requirements: Salesperson 

Alabama State Required Pre-Licensing Hours: 60 hours 
Agent Real Estate Schools Alabama Course Hours Offered: 60 hours

Step 1: To qualify for a real estate license (Salesperson) in Alabama, you must meet all the state’s requirements as outlined on the Alabama Real Estate Commission site: https://arec.alabama.gov/arec/  

They include: 

  • You must be 19 years old and above 
  • You must be a U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident 
  • Show proof of bona fide residency in any state in the U.S. 
  • Show proof of high school graduation or equivalent 
  • Not have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude 
  • Not have had a real estate application rejected or revoked in any state within the past 2 years 

 

Step 2: Complete the approved 60-hour Alabama real estate pre-license course within 1 year of start date. 
 
Step 3: Pass the Alabama and national licensing exam within six months of passing the pre-licensing course. You must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. 
 
Step 4: Submit an application for an Alabama Temporary Salesperson’s license.  
 
Step 5: Complete the required 30-hour post-license course. 
 
Step 6: Submit your application for an Alabama Permanent Salesperson’s license. 
 
Note: It is important you submit the application within 90 days of your exam date, or the exam is null and void. Applications are located at www.arec.alabama.gov 
 
Which license is right for you? The difference between a real estate agent and a real estate broker is based on years of experience and education. Firstly, a real estate salesperson must be sponsored by a licensed broker. A broker can work for themselves and hire agents to work for them. Becoming a real estate broker requires completing additional coursework and working a minimum of two years as a real estate agent.

 

How Long Does It Take to Get an Alabama Real Estate License? 

It varies from person-to-person how long it takes to get an Alabama real estate license. It depends on quickly you can complete the 60 hours of pre-licensing courses and pass your licensing exam. It also depends on the time it takes you to complete the application process, post-license course, and application processing times.

 

What Will I Learn to Help Me Get a Real Estate License in Alabama?

All courses are approved by the Alabama Real Estate Commission. Once completed, you are eligible to sit for the Alabama Real Estate License Exam. 

 
The required courses within the 60 hours include:  

  • Alabama License Law 
  • National Math 
  • National Ownership 
  • National Brokerage 
  • National Finance 
  • National Valuation 

 
Note: The state requires that your final exam must be supervised by an external body. It is required that you schedule an appointment before your final exam. For the state to confirm it was you who truly completed the course and the final exam, you will be required to sign an affidavit.  

How Do I Pre-Register with The Alabama Real Estate Commission?

Before taking a pre-license course exam, you will be required to pre-register with the Alabama Real Estate commission. The purpose of the pre-registration is to ensure rapid diffusion of information between the state of Alabama, its exam providers, and instructors.  

 

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate License in Alabama?  

Becoming a real estate agent in Alabama requires time and money but is very rewarding. An aspiring agent will spend up to $730 to get their license, while also spending an additional $150 annually to keep their license active.  
  
How these costs break down:  

  • Pre-licensing exam coursework can run up to $599.  
  • Research and education fees run $30.  
  • License fees for an agent cost $150.  
  • Criminal records search fee will cost $25.
  • Examination fee through PSI will run $77. 

 

Students will need to ensure their real estate school is approved by the Alabama Real Estate Commission. 

Real Estate License Reciprocity

Does Alabama offer real estate license reciprocity? The answer is yes, Alabama does offer reciprocity. However, you will have to meet some certain requirements.

Out-of-state residents are required to:  

  • Take a six‐hour course in Alabama real estate law and take and pass the Alabama licensing examination.
  • Submit an official “Certificate of Licensure” form which confirms that you hold a current license in another state, with the application.

 

The certification can be obtained from the Real Estate Commission Office in that state. This certification must have been issued within 120 days of the AREC’s receipt of your reciprocal license application. Exam candidates will receive an application for licensure at the test centers upon passage of the exam.

 

Can You Apply for an Alabama Real Estate License Online?  

The simple answer is No. You can’t apply for an Alabama real estate license online. You must mail the completed application, along with any transcripts and fees paid by check, credit card, or money order.  

 

How Do I take the Alabama State Licensing Exam?

The salesperson licensing exam must be taken through www.psiexams.com. The state requires that you achieve a score of 70% or higher to pass.  
 
As previously stated, you must pass the salesperson exams within a period of 12 months starting from when you registered for the course. This is extremely important because if you miss the deadline, you’ll have to start the process again.  
 
After completing the pre-licensing course at Agent Real Estate Schools, we’ll help you submit verification of course completion electronically. Without this you will not be able to schedule the state exam. 

 

How Do I Submit My Application for An Alabama Temporary Salesperson’s License?

The application for a temporary salesperson’s license must be submitted to the commission within a period of 90 after passing the required examination. You can register for your temporary ID here. You will be required to provide this number at the end of your pre-licensing course. 

The application must include: 

  • All appropriate license fees 
  • Documentation for minimum age 
  • U.S. citizenship 
  • State residency 
  • High school completion

 

Does Alabama Require Post-Licensing Education?

You are required to complete the 30-hour post licensing education for salespersons license within the first 6 months of licensure for active licensees and within one year for inactive licensees.

Individuals must also apply for an Original Salesperson License and have it issued before the expiration of the first 6-month period. However, before you can take a post-licensing course, you will be required to have a temporary license issued. You can enroll for the 30-hour post licensing course with us at Agent Real Estate Schools. 
 
Each real estate licensee must complete a minimum of 15 hours of real estate instruction approved by the Alabama Real Estate Commission every even-numbered year by 9/30. The license renewal deadline is every even-numbered year by 8/31. 

 

How Do I Submit My Application for An Alabama Permanent Salesperson’s License?

A holder of a temporary salesperson license must submit the application for an Original Salesperson License within 12 months regardless of if you’re an active or inactive agent. The 12-month period begins on the first day of the month following issuance of the temporary license and concludes on the last day of the twelfth month.

 
If you want to apply for an original salesperson’s license, you can check the commission’s website at www.arec.alabama.gov. Failure to submit an application means you will have to begin the licensing process again with the pre-license course. 

 

How Do I Submit My Fingerprints for The Background Check? 

As an applicant for your real estate license, you must follow the instructions for fingerprint scanning and processing found at www.aps.gemalto.com.  
 
The Commission can only utilize fingerprints processed through Gemalto. They also cannot accept fingerprints completed for any reason outside of pursuing a real estate license from the Alabama Real Estate Commission. The fingerprints will be utilized to conduct a federal and state criminal background check per Ala. Code Act 2016-322. 
 
Non-resident applicants who cannot come to Alabama to be fingerprinted must contact the Alabama Real Estate Commission office to obtain fingerprint cards. Click HERE  to request a set of fingerprint cards. Upon receiving the cards in the mail, non-residents must have their prints professionally rolled then submit them to Gemalto. Follow the instructions at www.aps.gemalto.com. 
 
Note: Use of fingerprint cards is only for non-residents who cannot come to Alabama to have their fingerprints scanned. 

 

Alabama Real Estate License Renewal  

All Alabama licensees are required to complete a minimum of 15-hours of approved Continuing Education (CE) prior to renewal of licensure. 
 
Every licensee must complete 3-hours of mandatory:  

  • Risk Management 
  • Initial Contact to Accepted Offer

 

12 additional hours of: 

  • Elective classes

 

Continuing Education can be completed anytime between October 1 of the first year of licensure and September 30 of the second year of licensure. All license in Alabama must be renewed prior to October 1 in even years.  

 

Special Considerations

Alabama state requires a minimum amount of seat time in the course content. Students cannot receive credit for completing more than 6 hours per course in any given day. The first attempt at the live, proctored, course final exam is not accessible until at least the 11th day after starting the course. 
 
Obtaining Certificate of Course Completion: Upon completion of the course, you will be provided an electronic certificate of completion which can be found in the “my courses” tab in your student portal. Next to each completed course you will find an icon for the course completion certificate.  
 
You will be required to submit your certificate of completion with your license request, please refer to your license application to determine if this is necessary. 
 
Name: Alabama Real Estate Commission 
Website: https://arec.alabama.gov/arec/ 
Phone: 334-242-5544 
Fax: 334-270-9118 
Address: 1201 Carmichael Way Montgomery, AL 36106