Real Estate Pre-Licensure Education and Exam Prep

• Upon registration and payment, access to online course provided via email within one to two business days
• Meets 120 hours of required training for Ohio licensure
  • 40 hours in real estate practice
  • 40 hours in real estate law, including civil rights law on housing discrimination*
    • *May be waived if currently in legal field
  • 20 hours in real estate appraisal
  • 20 hours in real estate finance
• Curriculum offered entirely online
• Optional coaching opportunity available with a local real estate agent active in the field

1. Be honest, truthful and of good reputation.
2. Be at least 18 years old.
3. Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent if you were born after 1950.
4. Be sponsored by an Ohio Broker.
5. Not have been convicted of a felony or a crime of moral turpitude.
6. Not have violated any civil rights laws regarding real estate within the last two years.
7. Complete the education requirements (our online class meets these requirements):
   1. Real Estate Principles and Practices (40 hours)
   2. Ohio Real Estate Law (40 hours)
   3. Real Estate Appraisal (20 hours)
   4. Real Estate Finance (20 hours)
8. Complete the Salesperson Examination Application and included fee. 
   • Your information will be sent to the testing vendor, PSI. They will process your information and send you a candidate information bulletin with instructions on scheduling your exam.

Visit the Ohio Division of Real Estate website for more information.

How do I find a broker?

You can google "real estate brokerages" in Northeast Ohio. You're probably familiar with the larger firms, but there are many small firms, as well. Take the time to interview. Ask questions about their training for new agents, management style, office availability, fees, technology availability, legal representation, the number of people in the office and the proximity to your home or work. What else is important to you?

You will need a sponsoring broker to apply for the exam.

How do I submit an application for the exam? 

The Ohio Division of Real Estate — part of the Ohio Department of Commerce — has all the info you need to apply.

License applications can be obtained from prelicensing schools, real estate brokers' offices, local boards of realtors, or from the Real Estate & Professional Licensing's website on the left-hand side of the web page under "Salespersons & Brokers."

If you are approved by the division, PSI will mail you a Candidate Information Bulletin with more details.

How do I schedule the exam? 

All this information is contained on the website for your classes. 

The Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing has contracted with PSI to conduct the exam. Exams are provided through a network of computer exam centers in Ohio. PSI works closely with the state to make sure the exams meet local and national requirements.

The PSI website offers the most updated information on testing. PSI will provide you with information about the exam and the application process for obtaining the license in the state of Ohio.

Remember that you will be applying for a "Real Estate Salesperson" license — not a "Broker."

How do I study for the exam?

PSI will send you a Candidate Information Bulletin, which contains a content outline. It breaks down the percentage of questions on each topic on the exam to help you determine how much focus to give to each subject. The booklet also offers examples of sample questions.

At the end of each unit, your class site also provides a study sheet with the most important information to study for the exam and study tips. Examples of tips are "study every day," "write out notes," "use word association," and "memorize the formulas you will need and write them down on a scrap paper as soon as you get into the exam so they're handy when you need them."

The site also has sample tests for you to take over and over until you feel comfortable with the material.  

What requirements are due in my first year as a salesperson?

There are three due dates to be aware of when you first become licensed:

• First-year renewal: The first renewal is due on your first birthday following licensure. You will need to provide renewal information and pay a $182 fee. You can renew online through the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate eLicense Center. If you were licensed within 60 days of your birthday, please double-check your due date — it may be your second birthday following licensure.

• 20-Hour Post Licensure Course Certificate: This certificate is due one year from the date your license was first issued. This course is 20 hours long. It is not a compilation of courses adding up to 20 hours. Be sure to email your certificate to PostCert@com.ohio.gov on or before your due date. The actual certificate from the licensee must be received to mark the requirement as complete.
• Third-year renewal: This renewal is due three years from your first-year renewal and requires 30 hours of continuing education. You will receive a renewal notice 60 days prior to your due date with instructions on how to submit your renewal information, confirmation of your continuing education and the fee to the division. You can also find the renewal form on the Ohio Department of Commerce website.

For more frequently asked questions, visit Real Estate FAQ | Ohio Department of Commerce.