For those interested in obtaining a Colorado real estate license, this guide offers a complete overview of the process, including real estate continuing education requirements.
It caters to everyone in Colorado, with particular attention to resources in Denver (CO) and other major cities.
We highlight the best real estate classes and online courses, providing you with the tools needed to excel in Colorado’s real estate industry.
Requirements
To become a real estate agent in Colorado, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
Like all US states, Colorado 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 168 hours of pre-license education through courses approved by the Colorado Division of Real Estate. These courses include:
- Real Estate Law and Practice (48 hours)
- Colorado Contracts and Regulations (48 hours)
- Trust Accounts and Recordkeeping (8 hours)
- Current Legal Issues (8 hours)
- Practical Applications (32 hours)
- Real Estate Closings (24 hours)
Examination
Pass the Colorado Real Estate Salesperson Examination administered by PSI.
The exam consists of a national portion and a state-specific portion. You need to pass both sections with a score of at least 75%.
- Exam Fee: $44.95 for one portion or $95 for both portions
Difficulty and Pass Rates
- General Consensus: Many candidates find the state-specific portion more challenging due to the specific knowledge required about Colorado’s unique laws and regulations.
- Pass Rates: The pass rates vary but can be relatively low, especially for the state portion. For instance, while the national pass rate is around 70%, the state-specific portion often sees lower success rates, sometimes as low as 37% for some providers.
It’s important to study diligently from the beginning. I also highly recommend using learning resources beyond your paid education coursework.
Background Check
Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This is required to ensure you meet the ethical standards required for licensure.
Application
After passing the exam and completing the background check, submit your license application to the Colorado Division of Real Estate.
- Application Fee: $485
Post-Licensing Education
Colorado does not require post-licensing education for new real estate agents.
Continuing Education
To maintain your license, complete 24 hours of continuing education every three years before renewing your license. This includes the mandatory 12-hour Annual Commission Update Course (ACU) and 12 hours of elective courses.
Colorado Real Estate Education Options
Online Options
- Real Estate Express: Offers comprehensive online courses for pre-licensing, post-licensing, and continuing education.
- Kaplan Real Estate Education: Provides online pre-licensing courses tailored to Colorado’s requirements.
- Colibri Real Estate: Formerly known as Real Estate Express, provides flexible online learning options.
In-Person Options by Major Cities
Denver:
- Denver Real Estate School: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education courses.
- Colorado Real Estate School: Provides in-person real estate courses, including pre-licensing education.
Colorado Springs:
- Springs Real Estate Academy: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education classes.
- Pikes Peak Community College: Provides in-person real estate education.
Fort Collins:
- VanEd Real Estate School: Offers a variety of in-person educational courses for pre-licensing and continuing education.
Reciprocity
Full Reciprocity
Colorado offers full reciprocity with the following states:
- Alabama
- Nebraska
If you hold an active real estate license in one of these states, you can apply for a Colorado real estate license without additional education or examination requirements. You must submit an application and pass a background check.
Partial Reciprocity
Colorado offers partial reciprocity with other states. If you hold an active real estate license in another state, you may qualify for a waiver of the national portion of the Colorado real estate exam.
You will need to pass the Colorado state-specific portion of the exam and fulfill other state-specific requirements.
For detailed information and required forms, visit the Colorado Division of Real Estate Reciprocity Information.
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Broker's License
To become a real estate broker in Colorado, you must:
- Have at least two years of active real estate salesperson experience within the last five years
- Complete 24 hours of broker pre-license education
- Pass the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination
- Submit a broker license application to the Colorado Division of Real Estate
Criminal Record
The Colorado Division of Real Estate 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 Division 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 Colorado Division of Real Estate directly to discuss your specific circumstances and determine your eligibility.
Cost Breakdown
Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
Total | $1,129 – $1,880 |
Pre-License Education | $500 – $1,000 |
Exam Fee | $44.95 – $95 |
Background Check | $50 – $100 |
Application Fee | $485 |
Continuing Education | $50 – $200 per cycle |
Resources and Contacts
- Colorado Division of Real Estate:
- Street and Mailing Address: 1560 Broadway, Suite 925, Denver, Colorado 80202
- Telephone: (800) 886-7675
- Email: dora_realestate_website@state.co.us
- Real Estate Broker Program
- PSI Examination Services: (800) 733-9267
Document Checklist
- Proof of age (ID, birth certificate)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status
- Completion certificates for 168 hours of pre-license courses
- Exam pass notification from PSI
- Fingerprint submission and background check confirmation
- Completed application form for the Colorado Division of Real Estate
- Payment for application fee
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Colorado
- Meet Basic Requirements: Ensure you are at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Complete Pre-License Education: Enroll in and complete 168 hours of pre-license courses approved by the Colorado Division of Real Estate.
- Schedule and Pass the Examination: Register for the Colorado Real Estate Salesperson Examination through PSI. Study for and pass the exam, ensuring you achieve a minimum score of 75% on both the national and state-specific portions. Pay the exam fee of $44.95 for one portion or $95 for both portions.
- Submit to a Background Check: Arrange for fingerprinting and a criminal background check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Ensure all required documentation is submitted to the Colorado Division of Real Estate.
- Submit Your Application: Complete and submit the real estate license application to the Colorado Division of Real Estate, including the application fee of $485.
- Find a Sponsoring Broker: To activate your license, find a licensed Colorado real estate broker to work under. This is required for both temporary and permanent licensure.
- Begin Your Real Estate Career: Once your license is issued, start your career as a licensed real estate agent in Colorado.
- Complete Continuing Education: Every three years, complete 24 hours of continuing education, including the 12-hour Annual Commission Update Course and 12 hours of elective courses, to maintain and renew your license.
Colorado Real Estate Agent Salary
In Colorado, real estate agents earn an average salary of $81,923 per year, with typical earnings ranging from $30,000 to $160,000.
The median salary is around $75,000, suggesting a fairly even distribution of income among agents.
Top earners, particularly in bustling markets like Denver, can make over $200,000 annually.
Colorado’s strong real estate market, driven by rapid population growth and a desirable lifestyle, offers significant earning potential.
However, the state’s rising cost of living, particularly in urban areas, can impact the overall value of these earnings.
FAQs
Can I become a real estate agent in Colorado if I have a felony?
The Colorado Division of Real Estate 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 Division for specific inquiries.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Colorado?
It typically takes 4-6 months to complete the pre-license education, pass the exam, and obtain your license.
What is the cost to become a real estate agent in Colorado?
The total estimated cost ranges from $1,129 to $1,880, including education, exam fees, background checks, and application fees.
Does Colorado have reciprocity with other states?
Colorado offers full reciprocity with Alabama and Nebraska, and partial reciprocity with other states. You may need to pass the Colorado state-specific portion of the real estate exam and meet other requirements.
Summary
Becoming a real estate agent in Colorado involves meeting educational requirements, passing an exam, undergoing a background check, and completing continuing education.
By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, you can successfully start and maintain your real estate career in Colorado.
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