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How to get a real estate license in Alabama. 60 pre-licensing hours required. Government fees: $328.25. 2-year renewal cycle. Verified 2026-03-22. Data verified 2026-03-22. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Real Estate Agent
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60% of data points are verified against official sources. 4 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Pre-License Hours
$328.25
Total Gov Fees
140
Exam Questions
3.5 hrs
Exam Time
Renewal Cycle
Reciprocity
Take an AREC-approved 60-hour course.
Estimated time: 2–8 weeks
Register at Pearson VUE. Pay $70 exam fee. Pass both National (70/100 = 70%) and State (28/40 = 70%) sections. Must take within 6 months of completing education.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Submit fingerprints for state and federal background check (~$48.25).
Estimated time: 2–4 weeks
Mail application with $210 fee and background check results within 90 days of passing exam.
Estimated time: 2–4 weeks processing
Secure sponsoring broker to activate license.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Required within 6 months (active) or 12 months (inactive) of initial licensure.
Estimated time: Within 6–12 months
| 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. |
Education Requirements
Mostly verifiedTotal Hours Required
Provider Type
AREC-approved education providers (classroom, online, and hybrid)
Required Courses
Post-licensing: 30 hours required within first 6 months (active) or 12 months (inactive) of initial licensure.
Exam Details
VerifiedExam Provider
Total Questions
140
Total Time
210 min
Format
Computer-based, multiple-choice. In-person at Pearson VUE test centers. Must schedule at least 24 hours in advance.
Exam Sections
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 100 | 150 min | 70% |
| State (Alabama) | 40 | 60 min | 70% |
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.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Exam Fee Paid to: Pearson VUE | |
License Application Fee Paid to: AREC | |
Fingerprinting / Background Check Paid to: Fieldprint | |
Total Estimated Government Fees | $328.25 |
Ready to get started in Alabama?
Pre-license courses start at a fraction of the total licensing cost. Study online, at your own pace.
Compare top-rated schools: See our picks for the best real estate schools in Alabama with pricing, reviews, and pass rates.
Renewal Details
Mostly verifiedRenewal Cycle
CE Hours
Renewal Fee
Deadline & Late Policy
September 30 of even-numbered years.
First Renewal Notes
Must complete 30 hours of post-licensing education within first 6 months (active) or 12 months (inactive).
Regulatory Board
Interstate Reciprocity
VerifiedHas Reciprocity
Yes
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.
4–16 weeks from start to active license.
Minimum with intensive study. Typical: 8–12 weeks.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Alabama.
How this state compares to 48 others for this profession
Timeline
#8 of 49
Salary
#32 of 49
Cost
#33 of 49
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Real Estate Sales Agents (SOC 41-9022)
Entry Level
$37,790
25th percentile
Median
$48,740
-13% vs. national avg ($56,320)Experienced
$64,770
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
1,880 employed in this state
Note: Real estate agent compensation is heavily commission-based. BLS OEWS data reflects base wages reported by employers and may undercount total earnings.
Source: BLS OEWS – Real Estate Sales Agents (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+1.8%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+6,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
42,900
per year (avg.)
359,300 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Real Estate Career Ladder+9% salary growth potential
You are here
Real Estate Agent
$48,740
Pre-licensing education (40-180 hours) + state exam
You are here
Real Estate Agent
Pre-licensing education (40-180 hours) + state exam
$48,740
2-3 years experience + additional education + broker exam
$62,000
AQB courses + supervised experience (varies by tier)
$53,050
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: AREC — Official Website
Estimated total: 4–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: AREC — Official Website
Study guides and practice tests for the real estate licensing exam.
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All data on this page was verified against the following official sources. Last verified: 2026-03-22.
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