How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Alabama

how to become a real estate agent
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Table of Contents

Alabama Real Estate Licenses

This guide provides all the information you need to obtain an Alabama real estate license, covering essential steps and real estate continuing education requirements.

It caters to everyone in the state, with a special focus on major cities like Birmingham (AL) for additional resources.

Whether you’re just starting out or seeking to advance your career, we offer insights into the best real estate classes and online courses available across Alabama.

Don't Become a Realtor If...

If you’re seriously interested in getting your real estate license, here are some great additional resources:

Requirements

To become a real estate agent in Alabama, you must:

  • Be at least 19 years old
  • Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)

Like all US states, Alabama allows out-of-state applicants, so you do not need to reside there to become licensed as a real estate agent.

Pre-Licensing Education

Complete 60 hours of pre-license education through a course approved by the Alabama Real Estate Commission. These courses can be taken online or in a classroom setting.

Examination

Pass the Alabama Real Estate Salesperson Examination administered by PSI. The exam consists of a national portion and a state-specific portion. 

Required Hours: 60 hours

Exam Fee: $77

Quick Note: Before you finish the pre-license course, make sure to register online with the Alabama Real Estate Commission at arec.alabama.gov. You can get started here.

Final Exams: You need to score at least 70% to pass the final exams, and you can take them up to two times. You can check your reported credits on the Commission’s website using the state’s CMAP instructions here.

Proctoring: The state requires the final exam for the 60-hour Salesperson course to be proctored. You’ll need to set up an appointment with an online proctor ahead of time. After passing the final exam, you’ll have to sign an affidavit confirming that you completed the course and the exam. The 6-Hour Reciprocal course doesn’t need a proctored final exam.

Licensing Exam: The licensing exam is handled by Pearson Vue. Registering for the state licensing exam is a separate process from the course final exam proctoring. For instructions on registering with Pearson VUE, click here.

Certificates: Once you’ve submitted the signed affidavit, you can download your certificate of course completion, which will also be emailed to you. Your certificate will be stored for at least five years, so you can get extra copies if needed. Check your license application to see if you need to include your certificate. The date on the certificate will be in Central Standard Time.

Background Check

Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check through Gemalto (Now called Thales DIS). The background check ensures that you meet the ethical standards required for licensure.

Application

After passing the exam and completing the background check, submit your license application to the Alabama Real Estate Commission.

  • Application Fee: $210 (includes both salesperson and temporary license fees)

Post-Licensing Education

Salespersons (in this case, real estate agents) must complete a 30-hour post-licensing course within the first six months if they hold an active license or within one year if their license is inactive.

Additionally, they must apply for and obtain their Original Salesperson License before the end of the initial six-month period.

Brokers are not required to complete a post-licensing course.

Continuing Education

To maintain your license, complete 15 hours of continuing education every two years before renewing your license. This helps you stay updated with industry changes and legal requirements.

Alabama Real Estate Education Options

Best Alabama Real Estate Courses Ranked

Alabama offers a variety of excellent online real estate education options, with most of the major providers offering digital courses.

Kaplan stands out as a top choice, surpassing Colibri thanks to its impressive pass rates, strong customer satisfaction, and high-quality course materials.

If you’d like to explore other alternatives, we’ve arranged special discounts for additional programs as well. The CE Shop is the most affordable option, and by combining our 30% discount with their 20% military discount, you can maximize your savings.

Although all of the courses are reasonably priced, Kaplan is still our top recommendation for its strong reputation and high success rates. If you’re aiming for the best possible start to your real estate career, it’s definitely worth considering.

1. The CE Shop – Best Budget Course

The CE Shop is the most affordable option for real estate education in Alabama, providing a solid self-paced curriculum.

Pros

  • Most affordable: The 30% discount makes it the cheapest option.
  • Self-paced: Flexibility for students to study at their own speed.

Cons

  • Mixed reviews: Some students report engagement issues and customer service problems.
  • No live instruction: Entirely self-paced learning.

Get 30% off with Discount Code “INBOUNDREM” using our CE Shop discount link.

2. Kaplan Real Estate

Kaplan Real Estate offers a structured learning experience for Alabama students, with live online and self-paced formats.

Pros

  • Multiple formats: Offers live online classes and self-paced options.
  • Experienced instructors: Known for delivering high-quality education.

Cons

  • Higher cost: More expensive than budget options, but justified for quality.

Get 10% off with our Kaplan Real Estate discount link.

3. Colibri Real Estate

Colibri Real Estate provides flexible learning formats, including self-paced courses and live webinars, suitable for Alabama students.

Pros

  • Flexible formats: Self-paced and live webinars available.
  • Pass guarantee: Refund if you don’t pass the state exam.

Cons

  • Additional costs: Study resources may increase the total price.

Up to 15% off with our Colibri Real Estate discount link.

In-Person Options by Major Cities

Birmingham:

Mobile:

  • Mobile Area Association of REALTORS®: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education classes.
  • University of South Alabama Center for Real Estate Studies: Provides in-person courses for aspiring real estate agents.

Huntsville:

Montgomery:

Reciprocity

Alabama offers full reciprocity with all other states.

To obtain real estate license reciprocity in Alabama, follow these steps:

  1. Complete a 6-hour course on Alabama real estate law.
  2. Pass the Alabama-specific portion of the licensing exam.
  3. Submit an official “Certificate of Licensure” form, which shows your current license status in another state, along with your application. This certification must be dated within 120 days of when your reciprocal license application is received.

For detailed information and required forms, visit the Alabama Real Estate Commission Reciprocity Information.

However, the best option is to contact the AREC directly via email or phone. Find those below in our Resources and Contacts Section. 

Non-Residents Working in Alabama: Section 34-27-3 allows you to collaborate with an Alabama licensee by signing a written co-broker agreement with an Alabama broker for each property transaction.
 
This agreement must be filed with the Alabama Real Estate Commission. By signing, you agree to comply with Alabama law and consent to any potential legal actions in Alabama.
 
Alternatively, if you frequently work with real estate in Alabama, you can obtain an Alabama real estate license through reciprocity.

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Broker's License

To become a real estate broker in Alabama, you must:

  • Have at least 24 months of active real estate salesperson experience within the past 36 months
  • Complete 60 hours of broker pre-license education
  • Pass the Alabama Real Estate Broker Examination
  • Submit a broker license application to the Alabama Real Estate Commission

Criminal Record

The Alabama Real Estate Commission reviews applications from individuals with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis. 

If you have a felony or other serious criminal conviction, you may still apply for a real estate license, but the Commission will consider the nature of the crime, the time elapsed since the conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation. 

Crimes involving fraud, theft, or moral turpitude are particularly scrutinized. It’s recommended to contact the Alabama Real Estate Commission directly to discuss your specific circumstances and determine your eligibility.

Cost Breakdown

Item
Cost Range
Total
$737 – $1,287
Pre-License Education
$200 – $400
Exam Fee
$77
Background Check
$50 – $100
Application Fee
$210
Post-License Education
$150 – $300
Continuing Education
$50 – $200 per cycle

Resources and Contacts

Document Checklist

  • Proof of age (ID, birth certificate)
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status
  • High school diploma or GED certificate
  • Completion certificate for 60-hour pre-license course
  • Exam pass notification from PSI
  • Fingerprint submission and background check confirmation
  • Completed application form for the Alabama Real Estate Commission
  • Payment for application fee

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Alabama

  1. Meet Basic Requirements: Ensure you are at least 19 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
  2. Complete Pre-License Education: Enroll in and complete a 60-hour pre-license course approved by the Alabama Real Estate Commission. This can be done online or in a classroom setting.
  3. Schedule and Pass the Examination: Register for the Alabama Real Estate Salesperson Examination through PSI. Study for and pass the exam, ensuring you achieve a minimum score of 70% on both the national and state-specific portions. Pay the exam fee of $77.
  4. Submit to a Background Check: Arrange for fingerprinting and a criminal background check through Gemalto. Ensure all required documentation is submitted to the Alabama Real Estate Commission.
  5. Submit Your Application: Complete and submit the real estate license application to the Alabama Real Estate Commission, including the application fee of $210.
  6. Find a Sponsoring Broker: To activate your license, find a licensed Alabama real estate broker to work under. This is required for both temporary and permanent licensure.
  7. Complete Post-License Education: Within the first six months of obtaining your license, complete a 30-hour post-license course to convert your temporary license to a permanent one.
  8. Begin Your Real Estate Career: Once your permanent license is issued, start your career as a licensed real estate agent in Alabama.
  9. Complete Continuing Education: Every two years, complete 15 hours of continuing education to maintain and renew your license.

Alabama Real Estate Agent Salary

In Alabama, real estate agents earn an average salary of $74,556 per year, with a typical range from $25,832 to $135,505. 

The median salary is $133,929, reflecting a higher earning potential for top performers, as the highest 10% can make over $216,599 annually. 

The significant gap between average and median salaries suggests that while many agents earn less, a smaller number of high-earning agents substantially increase the median. 

Cities like Tuscaloosa see even higher average earnings, around $153,375, highlighting the state’s varied earning potential.

FAQs

Can I become a real estate agent in Alabama if I have a felony?

The Alabama Real Estate Commission reviews applications from individuals with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis. Certain felonies, particularly those involving fraud or moral turpitude, may disqualify you. Contact the Commission for specific inquiries.

How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Alabama?

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the pre-license education, pass the exam, and fulfill the post-license education requirements.

What is the cost to become a real estate agent in Alabama?

The total estimated cost ranges from $737 to $1,287, including education, exam fees, background checks, and application fees.

Does Alabama have reciprocity with other states?

Yes, Alabama offers full reciprocity with all other states. You need to pass the Alabama portion of the real estate exam and meet other state requirements.

Summary

Becoming a real estate agent in Alabama involves meeting educational requirements, passing an exam, undergoing a background check, and completing post-license and continuing education. 

By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, you can successfully start and maintain your real estate career in Alabama.

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We have an agreement with The CE Shop to promote online course information to consumers and real estate licensees. We are not the developer of these courses and is simply providing a referral. All education is provided by The CE Shop and any questions regarding course content or course technology should be directed to The CE Shop.

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