How to Get Your Real Estate License in Ohio (2026)
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Ready to start your real estate career in Ohio? Whether you want to help buyers find their dream home or build a business in commercial real estate, getting licensed is your first step. Here is exactly what you need to do, step by step.
Ohio requires 120 hours of pre-licensing education, and total government fees run approximately $214. The entire process typically takes 6 to 20 weeks from start to finish. For the complete requirements breakdown, see our Ohio real estate license requirements page.
Step 1: Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements
Before you invest time in coursework, confirm that you meet Ohio's basic eligibility requirements:
- Minimum age: 18 years old
- Residency: Not required
- Background check: Required
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent — Required if born after 1950.
- Sponsoring Broker: Required — Must be sponsored by a licensed Ohio broker before applying.
- Character: Must be honest, truthful, and of good reputation — No felony convictions or crimes of moral turpitude. No civil rights violation findings within preceding 2 years.
Licensing is overseen by the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing.
Step 2: Complete 120 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
Ohio requires 120 hours of approved pre-licensing education before you can sit for the licensing exam. You can complete this entirely online through accredited providers, which allows you to study at your own pace.
Your coursework will cover:
- Real Estate Principles & Practices (40 hrs)
- Ohio Real Estate Law incl. civil rights/fair housing (40 hrs)
- Real Estate Finance (20 hrs)
- Real Estate Appraisal (20 hrs)
- Ohio Real Estate Law including civil rights/fair housing (40 hrs)
Complete your 120 required hours online
The CE Shop offers Ohio-approved pre-licensing courses you can take entirely online, at your own pace.
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Step 3: Pass the Ohio Real Estate Licensing Exam
After completing your education, you will need to pass the Ohio real estate licensing exam, administered by PSI.
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 80 | 120 min | 70% |
| State (Ohio) | 40 | 60 min | 70% |
Results delivered on-screen immediately. Must cancel/reschedule 2+ full days before appointment.
Step 4: Submit Your License Application
Once you pass the exam, submit your license application to the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing. Here is what the process looks like:
Complete 120 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
Take all four required courses from an Ohio-approved school: Principles & Practices (40 hrs), Ohio RE Law (40 hrs), Finance (20 hrs), Appraisal (20 hrs). Must be from institution awarding at least a 2-year degree.
Estimated time: 3–10 weeks
Find a Sponsoring Broker
Secure sponsorship from a licensed Ohio real estate broker. Broker details required on application.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Submit Examination Application
Submit application to ODREPL with $81 fee and proof of education completion.
Estimated time: 2–4 weeks processing
Complete Fingerprinting
Within 10 days of filing application, visit an approved WebCheck provider for BCI & FBI fingerprint check. Cost: ~$60–$100.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Schedule and Pass the PSI Exam
Schedule via PSI online or by phone. Pay $63 exam fee. Pass both National (56/80 = 70%) and State (28/40 = 70%) portions.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
License Issued
After passing exam and background check completion, license is issued by the Division.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Complete Post-Licensing Education
Within 12 months of licensure, complete 20 hours of post-licensing education.
Estimated time: Within first year
Key Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Examination Application Fee | $81 |
| Exam Fee (both sections) | $63 |
| Fingerprinting / Background Check | $70 |
| Total Government Fees | $214 |
Step 5: Complete Post-License Requirements
Ohio requires newly licensed agents to complete additional education after receiving their license:
First renewal is due on the licensee's first birthday following initial licensure. CE hours are not required for the first renewal period. 20 hours of post-licensing education must be completed within 12 months of initial licensure.
Get ahead on post-license requirements
Complete your Ohio post-licensing education online. Start right after you get licensed so you don't fall behind.
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Step 6: Stay Licensed — Continuing Education
Once you are licensed, Ohio requires ongoing continuing education (CE) to keep your license active.
- 30 hours of CE every 3 years
- Renewal fee: $182
- CE deadline: Due on birthday
Stay compliant with online CE courses
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Ohio Real Estate License: Quick Reference
| Pre-Licensing Hours | 120 hours |
| Total Government Fees | $214 |
| Exam Provider | PSI |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Estimated Timeline | 6–20 weeks |
| CE Requirement | 30 hours every 3 years |
| Renewal Fee | $182 |
| Licensing Authority | Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing |
For the complete, detailed requirements, visit our Ohio real estate license requirements page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Ohio?▼
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Ohio?▼
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Start Your Ohio Real Estate Education Today
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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing before making decisions. Data last verified 2026-04-02.
Real Estate Agent Licensing — Quick Reference by State
Median salary, government licensing fees, and estimated timeline. Click any state for full details.
| State | Median Salary | License Fees | Timeline | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $62,420 | $499 | 3 mo | View → |
| Texas | $50,150 | $276.25 | 8 wk | View → |
| Florida | $50,140 | $180.5 | 5 wk | View → |
| New York | $97,440 | $80 | 4 wk | View → |
| Pennsylvania | $53,590 | $178 | 4 wk | View → |
| Illinois | $51,210 | $270 | 4 wk | View → |
| Ohio | $43,860 | $219 | 6 wk | View → |
| Georgia | $56,190 | $329.25 | 5 wk | View → |
| North Carolina | $47,840 | $190 | 4 wk | View → |
| Michigan | $55,600 | $227 | 3 wk | View → |
Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024. Fees & timelines: state licensing boards.
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