OHIO licensing guide
How to Get Your Real Estate License in Ohio
Your complete step-by-step guide to becoming a licensed real estate professional in the Buckeye State. From education requirements to exam preparation, we'll walk you through everything you need to know.
Licensing Timeframe
3 TO 6 MONTHS
STEP
1
Meet Baseline
Eligibility
STEP
4
Background
Check
STEP
2
100-Hour
Course
STEP
5
Submit
Application
STEP
3
Sponsoring
Broker
STEP
6
Pass State
Exam
Your Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these proven steps to become a licensed real estate professional in Ohio
1
Meet Baseline Eligibility
Before starting your real estate education, ensure you meet Ohio's basic eligibility requirements set by the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing (ODRE).
Age Requirement:
Must be at least 18 years old
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident:
Valid Social Security Number required
Education Requirement:
High school diploma or GED equivalent
Good Character
Must demonstrate honest, truthful, and ethical conduct.
2
Complete 100 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
Enroll in and complete an Ohio Division of Real Estate approved 100-hour Salesperson Pre-Licensing course. The curriculum is strictly split into four mandatory parts: a 40-hour Real Estate Principles & Practices course, a 40-hour Ohio Real Estate Law course, a 10-hour Real Estate Appraisal course, and a 10-hour Real Estate Finance course. You must pass the school's final examinations to receive your official completion certificates.
3
Secure a Sponsoring Broker
In Ohio, you must have a sponsoring broker lined up before you can apply to sit for your salesperson license exam. Your sponsoring broker will sign your application and is responsible for supervising your real estate activities.
Choosing the Right Brokerage
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Research brokerages that align with your career goals—consider commission splits, training programs, office culture, and market specialization. Interview multiple brokers before committing. Popular options in Ohio include national franchises like Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and Howard Hanna, as well as boutique independent brokerages throughout the state.
Broker Sponsorship Requirements
Your sponsoring broker must hold an active Ohio real estate broker license. They will co-sign your Salesperson Examination Application. This signature is legally required before your application can be submitted to the ODRE.
4
Complete a Background Check
Ohio requires all real estate salesperson applicants to submit digital fingerprints and complete a criminal background check through both the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the FBI.
Finding a BCI Fingerprinting Location
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Finding a BCI Fingerprinting Location: You must have your fingerprints processed at an approved vendor. You can find an authorized location near you by searching the official Ohio Attorney General Webcheck Community Listing.
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Criminal History Review
Your results will be sent directly to the ODRE. If you have prior criminal convictions, the Division will review your history on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility.
Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. The Ohio Division of Real Estate reviews each application individually. Factors such as the nature of the offense, time elapsed since conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation are all considered. You may contact the ODRE directly to inquire about your specific situation before submitting a full application.
5
Submit Your Salesperson Examination Application
Once you have completed your 100-hour pre-licensing education, secured a sponsoring broker's signature, and submitted your background check, you are ready to officially apply to the state.
Where to Apply
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You can submit your application, required documents, and the $81 state application fee securely online via the official Ohio Department of Commerce eLicense Portal.
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What to Include
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Your application will be rejected if it is incomplete. Ensure you attach your course completion certificates, proof of legal presence, and the broker sponsorship form.
6
Schedule and Pass the State Exam
Once your application is approved by the ODRE, they will forward your information to the state's testing vendor. You will receive a Candidate Information Bulletin granting you authorization to schedule your exam.
Scheduling Your Exam
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Ohio real estate exams are administered by PSI. You must create an account and book your testing date directly through PSI Exams.
Exam Details
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The exam consists of 120 total questions (80 National, 40 State-specific). You will have 3 hours to complete it. You must pass both sections with a score of 70% or higher to successfully earn your license.
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Cost Breakdown: What to Expect
Here's a detailed breakdown of all costs associated with getting your Ohio real estate license
Total Estimated Cost
All required fees to get licensed
~$375 - $800
Depending on course selection
Pre-Licensing Course (100 Hours)
ODRE-approved education
$200 - $600
Background Check (BCI & FBI)
Ohio Webcheck location
$50 - $75
Salesperson Examination Application
Submitted to ODRE
$60.00
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State Examination
Paid to PSI Exams
$65.00
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about getting licensed and advancing your real estate career in Ohio
To become a licensed real estate salesperson in Ohio, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. You are required to complete 100 hours of approved prelicensing education. Additionally, you must secure a sponsoring broker, submit your application to the state, complete fingerprinting for a background check, and pass the Ohio real estate exam.
The total cost to get your Ohio real estate license typically ranges around $1,500, depending on the education provider you choose. This includes your 100-hour pre-licensing course, an $81 state application fee paid to the Ohio Division of Real Estate, approximately $50 to $100 for digital fingerprinting and background checks, and a $63 state exam testing fee.
Most students complete the entire Ohio real estate licensing process in 2 to 3 months. This timeframe heavily depends on your chosen learning format for the 100-hour coursework, which can take anywhere from 2 to 10 weeks. State application processing takes about 2 to 3 weeks, and exam scheduling typically takes an additional 1 to 2 weeks.
The Ohio real estate salesperson exam consists of two parts covering both State and National requirements. You are given 180 minutes in total to complete the test. To earn your license, you must achieve a passing score of at least 70%. With a reputable pre-licensing course and proper exam preparation, most dedicated students pass successfully.
