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How to get your Texas Real Estate Salesperson License
How to Get Your Texas Real Estate License in 5 Steps
In this article you will learn how to get your Ohio Real Estate License including the amount of time it takes and approximate cost. Whether you’re just looking for information or ready to take the next step, we’ve got all of the information that you will need to become a real estate agent in Ohio.
Did you know the average Ohio real estate agent salary is $77,209 per year according to Indeed?
That's $29,346 more than the average Ohio salary.
5 Steps to get your Ohio Real Estate License
Ohio Real Estate Licensing Requirements
Before you read further on how to get your Ohio Real Estate License, it is important to make sure that you can qualify in the first place. To summarize the below requirements, you need to be a high school graduate and in general have a fairly clean track record. If you can meet those criteria, chances are good that you’ll be able to become a real estate agent in Ohio.
Here are the requirements for an Ohio Real Estate Salesperson’s License from the Ohio Department of Commerce:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a United States citizen or a legal resident alien* (must provide proof of being a legal resident alien)
- Be honest and truthful.
- Have not been convicted of a disqualifying offense as determined in accordance with section 9.79 of the Revised Code.
- Have not been finally adjudged by a court to have violated any municipal, state, or federal civil rights laws relevant to the protection of purchasers or sellers of real estate or, if the applicant has been so adjudged, at least two years have passed since the court decision and the superintendent has disregarded the adjudication because the applicant has proven, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the applicant is honest and truthful, and there is no basis in fact for believing that the applicant again will violate the laws involved.
- Have not, during any period in which the applicant was licensed under this chapter, violated any provision of, or any rule adopted pursuant to this chapter, or, if the applicant has violated such provision or rule, has established to the satisfaction of the superintendent that the applicant will not again violate such provision or rule;
- Have a high school diploma or its equivalent as recognized by the Ohio Department of Education if you were born after 1950.
- Be sponsored by an Ohio broker.
Did you know that to become a real estate agent in Ohio your need 120 Hours of pre-licensing classes?
That might sound like a lot, but compare it to becoming a lawyer which takes 7+ years.
To clarify some terminology so it doesn’t become confusing later, to become a real estate agent in Ohio the State refers to license you need as a real estate salesperson’s license. You have to take Ohio real estate salesperson pre-license classes to meet that requirement. An Ohio REALTOR is a licensed real estate agent who has signed up for the trade association called the National Association of REALTORS and agrees to abide by their code of ethics.
Step 1 - Take 120 of approved pre-licensing classes
In Ohio, you’re required to take your pre-license (real estate agent) classes from a school that also offers at a minimum a two years associates degree. The price for these classes ranges from $1,050 (The CE Shop) to $5,050 (Edison State Community College).
Our partner The CE Shop was ranked the overall best real estate school in Ohio by agent advice. They provide the self-paced online class option for Davis University so that students can learn from the comfort and convenience on their own homes.
Here are the four classes required to meet the Ohio real estate license education requirement:
- Real Estate Principles and Practices: 40 hours
- Ohio Real Estate Law: 40 hours
- Real Estate Appraisal: 20 hours
- Real Estate Finance: 20 hours
In Ohio, all of the required classes can be taken online or in-person, depending on the student’s needs.
Step 2 - Pass the pre-licensing final exam
To get credit for your Ohio real estate pre-licensing course, you’ll need to pass the final exam with a 70% or better for each course. One positive thing to note is that the course completion certificate is valid for 10 years from the issue date, so you have plenty of time to get your license if you happen to struggle with passing a particular class on your first try.
Did you know that to it can cost anywhere from ~$1,050 to $5,050 to get your Ohio real estate license?
That's a large range! With The CE Shop ($1,050), you can also pay using a monthly payment plan.
Step 3 - Look for a sponsoring broker
To get your Ohio real estate license, you need to be sponsored by and connected with an active Ohio real estate broker. Take your time to choose the right broker for you because they will be your guide and resource as you start your new job in real estate.
Remember that you’re interviewing the broker just as much as they’re interviewing you. Make sure that you find a good fit before you sign up.
Some things to consider when choosing a brokerage:
- Do you prefer to work independently or on a team?
- What sort of training and education resources does the brokerage provide?
- What is the work culture like?
- What support do they have for new agents?
- What is their commission and fee structure like?
Step 4 - Complete a Background Check
Before you can get your Ohio real estate license, the State requires you to get your fingerprints taken for a security check.
Background checks at both the State and Federal are required, so make sure to pick a location that can send information between the state and the FBI. The provider should be approved by Ohio’s Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI&I).
When you go in to get your background check, be sure to bring a government issued ID like a drivers license. Depending on where you live, biometrics and background check cost ranges between $50 to $80.
The Ohio Attorney General website lists accredited locations near you for this step.
Important: Don’t forget to ask them to send the results of your fingerprints to the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing.
Step 5 - Pass the Ohio Real Estate License Exam
Once you’ve completed the other 4 steps, it is time to take your State and National real estate exam to get your Ohio real estate license.
Important: Before you can take the exam you need to submit supporting documentation first.
- A completed Salesperson License Examination Application with $81 fee. Check, money order, credit card only. Cash will not be accepted.
- Submit proof of completion of the education requirements (a copy of official transcripts or course completion certificates).
Once the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing, Department of Commerce processes a complete application, the applicant’s information is sent to the testing vendor (PSI).
The testing vendor will process the information and send the applicant a Candidate Information Bulletin with instructions on scheduling the exams. The applicant must pass the State and National portions of the Ohio Real Estate exam with a 70% or better in order for a license to be issued.
PSI is in charge of administering the Ohio real estate salesperson exam. The separate fee is for both exams is $74.0. There are two parts to the test that cover both State and National requirements. You have 2 hours to finish the 80 questions on the National test and 60 minutes to finish the 40 questions on the State test.
As soon as you finish the test, you’ll know if you passed or not. If you didn’t pass, it shows how many questions you got wrong in each subject area but not the actual answers.
This information should help you get ready for the retake test. You will only retake the portion of the test that you failed.
You can take your Ohio real estate license State & National exams in-person at these locations:
- Akron
- Cambridge
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Toledo
- Troy
Summary
While it is an investment of time, money and energy to get your Ohio real estate license, if you can earn the State average you will be able to easily pay for your education costs. If you compare the expense to many professionals that require a four-year degree, it is quite reasonable by comparison.
To get your Ohio real estate license, you’re looking at in investment of around $1,500 to $5,500 and 120 hours of class time.