Real Estate Broker License Requirements by State

A real estate broker is licensed above the salesperson level and may own or manage a firm and supervise sales agents. Every state requires broker applicants to complete extra pre-licensing coursework and pass a state broker exam, and most require several years of active salesperson experience, with costs and rules varying by jurisdiction. The exact hours, fees and exams are set by each state's board - here is the state-by-state breakdown, sourced from official licensing authorities.

Last updated August 7, 2026. Licensing rules change - confirm with the official board before applying.

National exam basics

Broker exams combine a national portion with state-specific broker law; most states also require prior salesperson experience and additional coursework.

Real Estate Broker License requirements by state

Alabama24 classroom hours of approved broker pre-lice…Alaska30 classroom hours of approved broker pre-lice…Arizona90 classroom hours of approved broker pre-lice…Arkansas60 classroom hours of approved broker pre-lice…California360 classroom hours (8 courses) of approved br…Colorado168 classroom hours plus 108 hours of broker c…Connecticut60 classroom hours of approved broker pre-lice…Delaware99 classroom hours of approved broker pre-lice…District of Columbia60 classroom hours of approved broker pre-lice…Florida72 classroom hours of approved broker pre-lice…Georgia75 classroom hours plus 60 hours of broker cou…Hawaii60 classroom hours plus 8 hours of approved br…Idaho90 classroom hours plus 60 hours of broker cou…Illinois75 course hours plus 60 hours of broker manage…Indiana90 classroom hours of approved broker pre-lice…Iowa120 classroom hours of approved broker pre-lic…Kansas48 classroom hours of approved broker pre-lice…Kentucky96 classroom hours plus 48 hours of broker cou…Louisiana90 classroom hours plus additional broker educ…Maine60 classroom hours of approved broker pre-lice…Maryland60 classroom hours plus 12 hours of broker cou…Massachusetts40 classroom hours of approved broker pre-lice…Michigan40 classroom hours plus 6 hours of broker educ…Minnesota30 classroom hours plus 30 hours of broker edu…Mississippi60 classroom hours plus 30 hours of broker cur…Missouri36 classroom hours of approved broker pre-lice…Montana60 classroom hours plus 24 hours of broker cou…Nebraska72 classroom hours plus 60 hours of broker cou…Nevada84 classroom hours of approved broker educatio…New Hampshire40 classroom hours of approved broker pre-lice…New Jersey30 classroom hours of broker coursework beyond…New Mexico60 classroom hours plus 120 hours of broker ed…New York45 classroom hours of approved broker pre-lice…North Carolina105 classroom hours of approved broker pre-lic…North Dakota60 classroom hours of approved broker pre-lice…Ohio120 classroom hours of approved broker pre-lic…Oklahoma90 classroom hours plus broker education requi…Oregon120 classroom hours of approved broker pre-lic…Pennsylvania12 classroom hours of approved broker pre-lice…Rhode Island45 classroom hours of approved broker pre-lice…South Carolina60 classroom hours plus 15 hours of broker cou…South Dakota60 classroom hours of approved broker pre-lice…Tennessee60 classroom hours plus 60 hours of broker cou…Texas180 classroom hours plus 900 hours of broker c…Utah120 classroom hours plus 60 hours of broker co…Vermont40 classroom hours plus 20 hours of broker cou…Virginia180 classroom hours plus 60 hours of broker co…Washington60 classroom hours of approved broker pre-lice…West Virginia180 classroom hours of approved broker pre-lic…Wisconsin72 classroom hours plus 36 hours of broker cou…Wyoming60 classroom hours plus 30 hours of broker cou…

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FAQ

How long must I be a salesperson before becoming a broker?

Most states require 2-4 years of active experience as a licensed salesperson or broker before you can qualify for the broker exam, though a few states waive experience with a degree.

Do I need extra education for a broker license?

Yes. Nearly every state requires additional post-salesperson coursework, typically 30-120 classroom hours covering brokerage management, agency law, and supervision.

Can I transfer my broker license to another state?

Reciprocity is decided state by state. Most states credit some out-of-state education or experience, but still require passing that state's own broker law exam.

What does broker renewal require?

Broker renewals usually run on 1-4 year cycles with 12-45 hours of continuing education per cycle, typically including 3 hours of ethics.