South · Real Estate License
Alabama
Salesperson License Requirements
60
Pre-Licensing Hours
classroom or online
$328.25
Est. Total Cost
fees only (excl. education)
4–16 weeks
Timeline
start to license
2 years
Renewal Cycle
15 CE hours required
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
Complete 60-Hour Pre-Licensing Course
Take an AREC-approved 60-hour course.
Estimated time: 2–8 weeks
Pass the Pearson VUE Licensing Exam
Register at Pearson VUE. Pay $70 exam fee. Pass both National (56/80 = 70%) and State (28/40 = 70%) sections. Must take within 6 months of completing education.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Complete Background Check
Submit fingerprints for state and federal background check (~$48.25).
Estimated time: 2–4 weeks
Submit Application to AREC
Mail application with $210 fee and background check results within 90 days of passing exam.
Estimated time: 2–4 weeks processing
Affiliate with a Broker
Secure sponsoring broker to activate license.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Complete 30-Hour Post-Licensing
Required within 6 months (active) or 12 months (inactive) of initial licensure.
Estimated time: Within 6–12 months
Pre-Licensing Education
Hours Required
Verified60 hours of AREC-approved pre-licensing education. Must be completed within one year before the exam.
Required Topics / Courses
- Real Estate Principles and Practice (60 hrs — property law, ownership, contracts, agency, financing, closings, appraisal, fair housing, AL-specific law)
Provider type: AREC-approved education providers (classroom, online, and hybrid)
View approved education providers →Find Approved Pre-Licensing Schools
Online education providers offering Alabama-approved pre-licensing courses. Compare options to find the best fit for your schedule and learning style.
Colibri Real Estate
One of the largest national providers with instructor-led and self-paced options in 40 states.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Established education brand offering pre-licensing courses with live online and on-demand options.
The CE Shop
Nationally recognized online school offering courses in 47 states plus DC with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Licensing Exam
Exam Provider
Pearson VUE
Format
Computer-based, multiple-choice. In-person at Pearson VUE test centers. Must schedule at least 24 hours in advance.
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 80 | 150 min | 70% |
| State (Alabama) | 40 | 60 min | 70% |
| Total | 120 | 210 min | — |
Retake policy: May retake multiple times within 6 months of completing pre-licensing course. Each retake requires exam fee. After 6 months, additional coursework required.
Test centers in 20+ Alabama cities including Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, Auburn, Dothan.
Schedule your exam →Exam Prep Resources
Practice tests and study tools to help you pass the Alabama real estate licensing exam on your first attempt.
CompuCram
Adaptive exam prep with vocabulary tools, practice tests, and simulated exams for real estate licensing.
PrepAgent
State-specific practice exams, audio lessons, and flashcards covering both national and state portions.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount | Paid To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam Fee Note: Multiple sources cite $70; one source cites $79. May reflect different fee schedules or included services. (Alt: $79 per Real Estate Bees) | $70.00 | Pearson VUE | |
| License Application Fee | $210.00 | AREC | |
| Fingerprinting / Background Check | $48.25 | Fingerprinting vendor | |
| Estimated Total | $328.25 | Excludes education costs |
Requirements
Minimum Age
19 years old
Alabama's age of majority is 19 — higher than most states.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Residency
US residency required
Must show proof of bona fide residency in any US state.
Citizenship
US citizen or permanent resident
Background Check
Required
State and federal criminal background check with fingerprinting (~$48.25). Submitted with license application.
Sponsoring Broker
Required
Must affiliate with an Alabama-licensed broker to activate license.
Reciprocity
Alabama has reciprocity agreements
Type: Universal Conditional Reciprocity
Alabama reciprocates with virtually all states. Requirements: complete 6-hour Alabama Real Estate Law course, pass Alabama state exam portion, submit Certificate of Licensure from current state, background check, application fee.
Renewal & Continuing Education
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education Hours
15 hours per renewal cycle
Renewal Fee
$185.00
First Renewal Notes
Must complete 30 hours of post-licensing education within first 6 months (active) or 12 months (inactive).
Deadlines
September 30 of even-numbered years.
Find Continuing Education Courses
Alabama requires 15 hours of continuing education every 2 years. These providers offer approved CE courses online.
Colibri Real Estate
Comprehensive CE packages available in all 50 states plus DC, with live and on-demand options.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Established provider with CE packages including live online and on-demand formats.
The CE Shop
Industry-leading CE courses available nationwide with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Sources
https://arec.alabama.gov/
Accessed: Feb 24, 2026
No publication date visible
https://www.usrealtytraining.com/blogs/alabama-real-estate-exam
Accessed: Feb 24, 2026
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https://realestatebees.com/alabama-real-estate-license-fees/
Accessed: Feb 24, 2026
No publication date visible