Ohio Real Estate Licenses
For those pursuing an Ohio real estate license, this guide covers all the necessary steps, including real estate continuing education requirements.
It’s designed for everyone across the state, with special insights for major cities like Columbus (OH).
We provide information on the best real estate classes and online courses, ensuring you have the resources needed to thrive in Ohio’s real estate industry.
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 Ohio, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
Like all US states, Ohio 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 120 hours of pre-license education through courses approved by the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing. These courses include:
- 40 hours of Real Estate Principles and Practices
- 40 hours of Real Estate Law
- 20 hours of Real Estate Finance
- 20 hours of Real Estate Appraisal
Examination
Ohio Real Estate Exam Details
Exam Structure
- Total Questions: 120 multiple-choice questions
- National Portion: 80 questions
- State-Specific Portion: 40 questions
- Time Limit: 3 hours total (120 minutes for national, 60 minutes for state)
- Passing Score: 70% on each section
Registration and Fees
- Exam Fee: $61, payable when scheduling the exam.
- Registration: After completing your 120 hours of pre-licensing education, submit your application to the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing. Upon approval, register for the exam with PSI Services.
Identification Documents
- Candidates must bring two forms of identification on exam day, including a government-issued photo ID with a signature (e.g., driver’s license or passport).
Exam Difficulty and Passing Rates
The Ohio Real Estate Exam is considered moderately difficult, with a passing rate typically around 50-60%. Proper preparation for both the national and state-specific portions is crucial.
Required Forms and Documents
- Pre-License Education Certificate
- Proof of completing 120 hours of pre-license education from an accredited provider is required.
- Initial License Application
- Submit your initial license application through the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing after completing pre-licensing education.
- Sponsorship Form
- You must have a sponsoring broker before applying, and the Sponsoring Broker Statement is required as part of the application process.
- Application Fee
- The fee is $81, payable when submitting your license application.
Background Check
- Fingerprinting
- Approved Vendor: Schedule an appointment for fingerprinting through an authorized WebCheck® provider.
- Cost: The fee varies by provider but is typically around $50.
- Submission
- The fingerprint results will be sent directly to the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing.
- Processing
- The Ohio Division of Real Estate reviews the background check results as part of your license application process. The background check must be completed within 12 months prior to submitting your application.
Application
After passing the exam and completing the background check, submit your license application to the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing.
- Application Fee: $81
Post-Licensing Education
20-Hour Post-Licensing Course
- Timeframe: Newly licensed real estate salespersons must complete a 20-hour post-licensing course within the first 12 months of receiving their license.
- Course Content: This post-licensing course is designed to cover more practical, hands-on topics than pre-licensing education. It focuses on:
- Real Estate Law and Regulations
- Ethics in real estate
- Best Practices for Real Estate Transactions
- Agency Responsibilities
- Marketing and Sales Strategies
- Handling Escrow Accounts and Trust Funds
- Risk Management and Professional Conduct
Approved Providers
- The course must be completed through an approved Ohio real estate education provider.
Proof of Completion
- After completing the course, you must submit proof of completion to the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Failure to Complete: If you fail to complete the post-licensing education within the 12-month period, your license will be placed on inactive status. To reactivate it, you must complete the course and submit proof to the Division, but during the inactive period, you cannot practice real estate.
Continuing Education
Total Hours Required: 30 hours of continuing education every three years.
- Core Courses (9 hours)
- Civil Rights (3 hours): This course focuses on anti-discrimination laws, fair housing regulations, and civil rights issues pertinent to real estate professionals.
- Ethics (3 hours): This course ensures that agents understand ethical obligations, conflict of interest, and professional responsibilities.
- Ohio Real Estate Law (3 hours): Covers any updates to Ohio real estate law, local regulations, and legal responsibilities for real estate transactions.
- Elective Courses (21 hours)
- Property Management
- Real Estate Marketing Techniques
- Appraisal Principles
- Financing Options for Buyers
- Home Inspections and Environmental Issues
- Technology and Digital Marketing in Real Estate
Approved Providers
- The continuing education must be completed through an Ohio Division of Real Estate-approved education provider.
Submission of Proof
- You are required to submit proof of completing your 30 hours of continuing education to the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing within each three-year cycle.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Inactive License: If you fail to meet the continuing education requirements, your license will become inactive, meaning you cannot legally conduct any real estate transactions.
- Reactivation: To reactivate your license, you must complete all outstanding continuing education hours and file the necessary paperwork with the Division.
Ohio Real Estate Education Options
Online Options
1. The CE Shop – Best Overall and Best Budget
The CE Shop is the only available option for real estate education in Ohio. While it may not have the highest ratings, it provides a comprehensive self-paced curriculum at an affordable price.
Pros
- Affordable: The 30% discount makes it budget-friendly.
- Self-paced: Flexibility for students to study at their own speed.
Cons
- Mixed reviews: Some students report issues with engagement and customer service.
- No live instruction: Entirely self-paced without live classes.
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In-Person Options by Major Cities
Columbus:
- Hondros College: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education courses.
- Columbus State Community College: Provides in-person real estate courses, including pre-licensing education.
Cleveland:
- Cuyahoga Community College: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education classes.
- Cleveland State University: Provides in-person real estate education.
Cincinnati:
- University of Cincinnati Real Estate Center: Offers a variety of in-person educational courses for pre-licensing and continuing education. Offers a variety of in-person educational courses for pre-licensing and continuing education.
Reciprocity
Full Reciprocity
Ohio offers full reciprocity with the following states:
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- Oklahoma
- West Virginia
If you hold an active real estate license in one of these states, you can apply for an Ohio real estate license without additional education or examination requirements. You must submit an application and pass a background check.
Partial Reciprocity
Ohio offers partial reciprocity with other states. If you hold an active real estate license in another state, you may qualify for a waiver of some of the pre-licensing education requirements.
You will still need to pass the Ohio state-specific portion of the real estate exam and fulfill other state-specific requirements.
For detailed information and required forms, visit the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing Reciprocity Information.
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Broker's License
To become a real estate broker in Ohio, you must:
- Have at least two years of active real estate salesperson experience within the last five years
- Complete 120 hours of broker pre-license education
- Pass the Ohio Real Estate Broker Examination
- Submit a broker license application to the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing
Criminal Record
The Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing 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 Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing directly to discuss your specific circumstances and determine your eligibility.
Cost Breakdown
Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
Total | $742 – $1,342 |
Pre-License Education | $400 – $700 |
Exam Fee | $61 |
Background Check | $50 – $100 |
Application Fee | $81 |
Post-Licensing Education | $100 – $200 |
Continuing Education | $50 – $200 per cycle |
Resources and Contacts
- Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing:
- Street Address: 6606 Tussing Rd, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
- Telephone: (614) 466-4100
- Fax: (614) 644-0584
- Email: webreal@com.state.oh.us
- License Renewal Website
- License Lookup Website
- CE Transcript Website
- PSI Examination Services: (800) 733-9267
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 certificates for 120 hours of pre-license courses
- Exam pass notification from PSI
- Fingerprint submission and background check confirmation
- Completed application form for the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing
- Payment for application fee
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Ohio
- Meet Basic Requirements: Ensure you are at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
- Complete Pre-License Education: Enroll in and complete 120 hours of pre-license courses approved by the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing.
- Schedule and Pass the Examination: Register for the Ohio 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 $61.
- Submit to a Background Check: Arrange for fingerprinting and a criminal background check through a Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation-approved vendor. Ensure all required documentation is submitted to the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing.
- Submit Your Application: Complete and submit the real estate license application to the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing, including the application fee of $81.
- Find a Sponsoring Broker: To activate your license, find a licensed Ohio real estate broker to work under. This is required for both temporary and permanent licensure.
- Complete Post-Licensing Education: Within the first year of obtaining your license, complete 20 hours of post-licensing education.
- Begin Your Real Estate Career: Once your license is issued, start your career as a licensed real estate agent in Ohio.
- Complete Continuing Education: Every three years, complete 30 hours of continuing education, including mandatory and elective courses, to maintain and renew your license.
Ohio Real Estate Agent Salary
In Ohio, real estate agents earn an average salary of $66,326 per year, with a typical range from $30,000 to $120,000.
The median salary is around $65,000, suggesting a balanced income distribution among agents.
Top performers, particularly in major markets like Columbus and Cleveland, can earn upwards of $150,000 annually.
Ohio’s diverse real estate market and affordable living costs provide a favorable environment for real estate professionals.
The state’s moderate cost of living enhances the attractiveness of these earnings, offering a comfortable lifestyle for successful agents.
FAQs
Can I become a real estate agent in Ohio if I have a felony?
The Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing 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 Ohio?
It typically takes 3-6 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 Ohio?
The total estimated cost ranges from $742 to $1,342, including education, exam fees, background checks, and application fees.
Does Ohio have reciprocity with other states?
Ohio has full reciprocity with several states and partial reciprocity with others. You may need to pass the Ohio state-specific portion of the real estate exam and meet other requirements.
Summary
Becoming a real estate agent in Ohio 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 Ohio.
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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.
