Get Your Ohio Real Estate License

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In Ohio, pre-licensing courses may be taken at numerous schools, universities and community colleges around the state.

How do I get my Ohio real estate license?

1. Complete your required education

You must have a high school diploma or equivalent (if you were born after 1950) and successfully complete 100 hours of approved real estate education within a ten-year time frame immediately preceding your application. This education must consist of the following:

• Real Estate Principles and Practices (40 hours)
• Ohio Real Estate Law, including instruction in civil rights, housing discrimination and desegregation problems (40 hours)
• Real Estate Appraisal (10 hours)
• Real Estate Finance (10 hours)

2. Obtain a sponsoring broker

Before you submit an application to become a licensed real estate Salesperson, you must be sponsored by a Broker.

3. Submit your application to take the Salesperson Examination

You must submit a completed Salesperson Examination Application, a $81 fee, and proof that you completed your education requirements to the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing. (You may either submit a copy of your official transcripts or course completion certificates.) The Division will process your application and send your information to the testing vendor.

4. Schedule your test

After your application has been processed, you will receive a Candidate Information Bulletin with instructions for scheduling your test.

State of Ohio Requirements to Obtain a Salesperson Licensing:

1. Be honest, truthful and of good reputation.
2. Be at least 18 years old.
3. Be sponsored by an Ohio Broker.
4. Not have been convicted of a felony or a crime of moral turpitude. Not have violated any civil rights laws regarding real estate within the past two years as determined by a court of law or violated any rules of the Ohio Division of Real Estate. In some circumstances, it is possible to have a conviction or violation disregarded, allowing you to sit for the exam. The Division may only make a determination with respect to a conviction or violation if you file an application. For additional information on this process, contact the Division directly or review the additional information found on the Division’s website. Please note the Disqualifying Offenses for Licensure. A Pre-Determination Request may be submitted to learn whether a specific conviction may disqualify you.
5. Have a high school diploma or its equivalent as recognized by the Ohio Department of Education if you were born after 1950.
6. Complete the education requirements:

• Real Estate Principles and Practices (40 hours)
• Ohio Real Estate Law, including instruction in civil rights, housing discrimination and desegregation problems (40 hours)
• Real Estate Appraisal (10 hours)
• Real Estate Finance (10 hours)

Please note: Any person who has not been licensed as a real estate salesperson or broker within a four-year period immediately preceding his/her current application for the salesperson’s exam must have completed the above instruction within a 10-year period immediately preceding the current salesperson application. This education must have been completed at an institution of higher education that awards a degree in at least a two-year program (i.e. an associate degree).

An applicant for an Ohio salesperson's license should submit:

1.  A completed Salesperson Examination Application with $81 fee. (Note: If you answer “yes” to any of the Ethical Conduct questions, please submit a detailed explanation. Your application will be reviewed by the ODRE Legal staff.)
2. Proof of completion of the Education Requirements (a copy of official transcripts or course completion certificates). Once the Division processes a complete application, the applicant’s information is sent to the testing vendor. The testing vendor will process the information and send a Candidate Information Bulletin with instructions on scheduling the exam.

The applicant must pass the State and National portions of the Ohio Real Estate Salesperson Exam in order for a license to be issued. Passing score: 70

For more information, contact the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing at 614-466-4100.

Q: I am a licensed real estate salesperson or broker in another state, does Ohio offer license reciprocity? 

A: Ohio has new guidelines for Out-of-State Applicants. Out-of-state licensees can find information on obtaining an Ohio salesperson or broker license at the Ohio Division of Real Estate.

State of Ohio Requirements to Obtain a Broker License:

The applicant must hold an active salesperson license for two (2) of the last five (5) years and comply with the requirements listed in the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing Website.

An applicant for an Ohio broker’s license should submit:

1. A Broker Examination Application with $135 fee.

2. Proof of completion of all Education Requirements (A copy of official transcripts or course completion certificates).

Once the Division processes the application, the applicant’s information is sent to the testing vendor. The testing vendor processes the information and sends a Candidate Information Bulletin with instructions on scheduling the broker exam.

The applicant must pass the State and National portions of the Ohio Real Estate Broker exam for a license to be issued. Passing score: 75

Salesperson Post Licensing Education

Not earlier than the date of issue of a real estate salesperson’s license to a licensee, but not later than twelve months after the date of issue of a real estate salesperson license, the licensee shall submit proof satisfactory to the superintendent, on forms made available by the superintendent, of the completion of 20 hours of post licensing classroom instruction that shall be completed in schools, seminars, and educational institutions approved by the commission.

Salesperson Continuing Education

Educational Requirements to renew a Salesperson License:

Ohio requires 30 hours of continuing education to be completed every three years by the licensee’s birthday. The first continuing education due date for a new licensee is three years after the licensee’s first birthday following licensure. The 30 hours must include 9 hours in 3 separate mandatory core courses.

Broker Post Licensing Education

No later than twelve months after the date of issue of a real estate broker’s license to a licensee, the licensee shall submit proof satisfactory to the superintendent, on forms made available by the superintendent, of the completion of ten hours of classroom instruction in real estate brokerage at an institution of higher education or any other institution that is approved by the commission.

Broker Continuing Education

Educational Requirements to renew a Broker License:

Ohio requires 30 hours of continuing education to be completed every three years by the licensee’s birthday. The first continuing education due date for a new licensee is three years after the licensee’s first birthday following licensure. The 30 hours must include 12 hours in 4 separate mandatory core courses.

Questions? For more information on any of the above, contact the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing at 614-466-4100. All the information provided is subject to change. If you have questions, please visit the Ohio Division of Real Estate website.