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Real Estate Agent
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
To get a Ohio real estate license in 2026, you must complete 120 hours of Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing-approved pre-licensing education, pass a background check, take and pass the PSI licensing exam, and find a sponsoring broker. Most applicants finish in 8–16 weeks and spend $363–$714 including course tuition.
Pre-License Hours
$214
Total Gov Fees
120
Exam Questions
3 hrs
Exam Time
Renewal Cycle
Reciprocity
CE Required
Renewal Fee
18 years old
Min. Age
ODREPL
Authority
⚠ Recent Changes in Ohio
| 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. |
Not sure if you need a real estate license? Check whether your state requires one.
| 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 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
See the full cost breakdown with our License Cost Estimator →
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.
See our picks for the best real estate programs in Ohio.
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
Candidates may retake only the failed section(s). Must wait at least 24 hours between attempts. The eligibility window is tied to the application approval period; if it expires, a new application and $81 fee are required.
Results delivered on-screen immediately. Must cancel/reschedule 2+ full days before appointment.
For study strategies and what to expect on test day, see our guide to passing the real estate exam.
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
Renewal Details
Mostly verifiedRenewal Cycle
CE Hours
Renewal Fee
Deadline & Late Policy
License expires on the licensee's birthday every 3 years. Renewal window opens 90 days prior.
First Renewal Notes
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.
Licensees age 70+: only 9 hours CE required. Age 70+ on inactive/broker-on-deposit status are exempt from CE.
Regulatory Board
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our real estate license renewal guide or compare deadlines across all 50 states.
See full CE requirements in Ohio: Continuing education details →
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Ohio with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Real Estate Agent Schools in Ohio
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Official Sources
Real Estate Agent requirements in Ohio verified against Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing, April 2026.
All data on this page was verified against the following official sources. Last verified: 2026-04-02.
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