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How to get a real estate license in Ohio. 120 pre-licensing hours required. Government fees: $214. 3-year renewal cycle. Verified 2026-03-22. Data verified 2026-03-22. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Real Estate Agent
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30% of data points are verified against official sources. 7 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Pre-License Hours
$214
Total Gov Fees
120
Exam Questions
3 hrs
Exam Time
Renewal Cycle
Reciprocity
⚠ Recent Changes in Ohio
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
Secure sponsorship from a licensed Ohio real estate broker. Broker details required on application.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Submit application to ODREPL with $81 fee and proof of education completion.
Estimated time: 2–4 weeks processing
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 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
After passing exam and background check completion, license is issued by the Division.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Within 12 months of licensure, complete 20 hours of post-licensing education.
Estimated time: Within first year
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or equivalent Required if born after 1950. |
| Residency | Not required |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident ITIN not accepted; must have SSN. |
| Background Check | Required Fingerprint-based state (BCI) and federal (FBI) background check via WebCheck provider. Must be done within 10 days after filing application. |
| 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. |
Education Requirements
VerifiedTotal Hours Required
Provider Type
Ohio Real Estate Commission-approved schools, community colleges, private schools, online providers
Required Courses
Coursework valid for 10 years preceding application. Contact (614) 466-4100 for official approved schools list.
Exam Details
Mostly verifiedExam Provider
Total Questions
120
Total Time
180 min
Format
Computer-based, multiple-choice. Available in-person at 8 Ohio PSI testing centers or via remote online proctoring.
Exam Sections
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 80 | 120 min | 70% |
| State (Ohio) | 40 | 60 min | 70% |
Retake Policy
Unlimited attempts within 12-month window. Must wait 24 hours between attempts. Only failed portion needs retaking. After 12 months, new application + $81 fee required.
Results delivered on-screen immediately. Must cancel/reschedule 2+ full days before appointment.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Examination Application Fee Paid to: Ohio Division of Real Estate (ODREPL) | |
Exam Fee (both sections) Paid to: PSI Services | |
Fingerprinting / Background Check Paid to: WebCheck provider + BCI&I/FBI | |
Total Estimated Government Fees | $214 |
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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 Ohio with pricing, reviews, and pass rates.
Renewal Details
Mostly verifiedRenewal Cycle
CE Hours
Renewal Fee
Deadline & Late Policy
On the licensee's birthday, every 3 years. Opens 90 days before deadline.
First Renewal Notes
First renewal due on licensee's first birthday after licensure. CE requirement does not apply to first renewal. Separately, 20 hours of post-licensing education required within 12 months of licensure (one-time).
Licensees age 70+: only 9 hours CE required. Age 70+ on inactive/broker-on-deposit status are exempt from CE.
Regulatory Board
Interstate Reciprocity
VerifiedHas Reciprocity
Yes
Type: Selective Reciprocity
Reciprocal States
| State | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Kentucky (KY) | MOU effective April 25, 2025. Must pass OH state law exam. Brokers need 2 years experience + 20 transactions. |
| Arkansas (AR) | Must pass Ohio state law exam with 70%. |
| Connecticut (CT) | Must pass Ohio state exam portion. |
| West Virginia (WV) | Must pass Ohio state exam. |
| Mississippi (MS) | Reciprocity agreement in place. |
| Nebraska (NE) | Reciprocity agreement in place. |
| Oklahoma (OK) | Reciprocity agreement in place. |
| Wyoming (WY) | Reciprocity agreement in place. |
All reciprocal applicants must pass Ohio state-specific exam, submit application, find sponsoring broker, complete background check, and provide letter of good standing. Timeline: ~4–6 weeks. SB 131 (2023) streamlines recognition of substantially similar out-of-state licenses.
6–20 weeks from start to active license.
Minimum with intensive full-time education + quick processing. Typical: 10–16 weeks.
2025-11-01
New eLicense LPI Portal launched for all licensing transactions.
2025-04-25
Ohio and Kentucky signed MOU reinstating reciprocity for real estate licenses across state lines.
2023-12-01
Senate Bill 131 requires Ohio to recognize out-of-state licenses that are 'substantially similar,' streamlining the reciprocity process.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Ohio.
How this state compares to 48 others for this profession
Timeline
#35 of 49
Salary
#41 of 49
Cost
#17 of 49
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Real Estate Sales Agents (SOC 41-9022)
Entry Level
$36,890
25th percentile
Median
$43,860
-22% vs. national avg ($56,320)Experienced
$61,530
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
4,230 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+67% salary growth potential
You are here
Real Estate Agent
$43,860
Pre-licensing education (40-180 hours) + state exam
You are here
Real Estate Agent
Pre-licensing education (40-180 hours) + state exam
$43,860
2-3 years experience + additional education + broker exam
$45,850
AQB courses + supervised experience (varies by tier)
$73,340
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: Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing
Estimated total: 6–20 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing
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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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