This guide provides a thorough overview of obtaining a Utah real estate license, including all essential steps and real estate continuing education requirements.
It’s applicable to everyone in the state, with special information for major cities like Salt Lake City (UT).
We cover the best real estate classes and online courses available, offering comprehensive resources to help you succeed in Utah’s real estate market.
Requirements
To become a real estate agent in Utah, 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, Utah 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 Utah Division of Real Estate (DRE). These courses include:
- Principles and Practices of Real Estate (120 hours)
Examination
Utah Real Estate Exam Details
Exam Structure
- Total Questions: 130 multiple-choice questions
- National Portion: 80 questions
- State-Specific Portion: 50 questions
- Time Limit: 4 hours total (2.5 hours for the national portion, 1.5 hours for the state portion)
- Passing Score: 70% on each section
Registration and Fees
- Exam Fee: $59, payable when scheduling the exam through PSI Services.
- Registration: After completing your 120 hours of pre-licensing education, submit your application to the Utah Division of Real Estate. Once approved, you can register for the exam through PSI Services.
Identification Documents
- Required ID: 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 Utah Real Estate Exam is considered moderately challenging. Adequate preparation for both the national and state-specific portions is recommended.
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 Utah Division of Real Estate after completing pre-licensing education.
- Sponsorship Form
- You must have a sponsoring broker at the time of your application, and a Sponsorship Form signed by your broker must be submitted.
- Application Fee
- The fee is $152, payable when submitting your license application.
Background Check
- Fingerprinting
- Approved Vendor: Fingerprinting must be completed through IdentoGO, the approved vendor for Utah.
- Cost: The fingerprinting fee is approximately $20, payable directly to the vendor.
- Submission
- The fingerprint results will be sent directly to the Utah Division of Real Estate as part of your application process.
- Processing
- The Utah Division of Real Estate will review your background check results before your license is approved.
Application
After passing the exam and completing the background check, submit your license application to the Utah Division of Real Estate.
- Application Fee: $152
Post-Licensing Education
18-Hour Post-Licensing Course
- Timeframe: New real estate sales agents in Utah must complete 18 hours of post-licensing education within the first year of obtaining their license.
- Course Content: The post-licensing education covers essential topics to help new agents transition into their roles, including:
- Utah Real Estate Law and Regulations
- Contracts and Agency
- Ethics and Professional Responsibility
- Property Management Basics
- Risk Management and Compliance
Approved Providers
- The post-licensing education must be completed through an approved provider listed by the Utah Division of Real Estate.
Submission
- Proof of course completion must be submitted to the Utah Division of Real Estate within the first year of licensure to maintain your active status.
Continuing Education
Total Hours Required: 18 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their license.
- Core Courses (9 hours):
- Ethics in Real Estate
- Agency Law
- Legal Updates and Best Practices in Utah Real Estate
- Elective Courses (9 hours):
- Real Estate Finance
- Property Management
- Marketing and Technology in Real Estate
- Home Inspections and Environmental Concerns
Approved Providers
- Continuing education courses must be completed through an approved provider listed by the Utah Division of Real Estate.
Submission
- After completing the required CE hours, you must submit proof of completion to the Utah Division of Real Estate through their online portal.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Inactive License: Failure to complete the required continuing education hours will result in your license being placed on inactive status, preventing you from conducting real estate transactions.
- Reactivation: To reactivate your license, complete the missing CE hours and submit proof to the Utah Division of Real Estate.
Utah Real Estate Education Options
Online Options
- Kaplan Real Estate Education: Provides online pre-licensing courses tailored to Utah’s requirements.
- Colibri Real Estate: Formerly known as Real Estate Express, provides flexible online learning options.
- The CE Shop: Offers comprehensive online courses for pre-licensing, post-licensing, and continuing education.
In-Person Options by Major Cities
Salt Lake City:
- Stringham Schools: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education courses.
- Utah Real Estate School, TSG: Provides in-person real estate courses, including pre-licensing education.
Provo:
- Institute of Real Estate Education: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education classes.
- Utah Valley University: Provides in-person real estate education.
Ogden:
- Weber State University Continuing Education: Offers a variety of in-person educational courses for pre-licensing and continuing education.
Reciprocity
Full Reciprocity
Utah does not offer full reciprocity with any state.
Partial Reciprocity
Utah offers partial reciprocity. 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 Utah state-specific portion of the real estate exam and fulfill other state-specific requirements.
For detailed information and required forms, visit the Utah Division of Real Estate Reciprocity Information.
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Broker's License
To become a real estate broker in Utah, you must:
- Have at least three years of active real estate salesperson experience within the last five years
- Complete 120 hours of broker pre-license education
- Pass the Utah Real Estate Broker Examination
- Submit a broker license application to the Utah Division of Real Estate
Criminal Record
The Utah 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 Utah Division of Real Estate directly to discuss your specific circumstances and determine your eligibility.
Cost Breakdown
Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
Total | $811 – $1,411 |
Pre-License Education | $400 – $700 |
Exam Fee | $59 |
Background Check | $50 – $100 |
Application Fee | $152 |
Post-Licensing Education | $100 – $200 |
Continuing Education | $50 – $200 per cycle |
Resources and Contacts
- Utah Division of Real Estate:
- Street Address: Heber M. Wells Building, 2nd Floor, 160 East 300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
- Mailing Address: PO Box 146711, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-6711
- Telephone: (801) 530-6747
- Email: realestate@utah.gov
- DRE License Renewal
- Pearson VUE Examination Services: (800) 274-7292
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 Pearson VUE
- Fingerprint submission and background check confirmation
- Completed application form for the Utah Division of Real Estate
- Payment for application fee
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Utah
- 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 Utah Division of Real Estate.
- Schedule and Pass the Examination: Register for the Utah Real Estate Salesperson Examination through Pearson VUE. 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 $59.
- Submit to a Background Check: Arrange for fingerprinting and a criminal background check through a Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification-approved vendor. Ensure all required documentation is submitted to the Utah Division of Real Estate.
- Submit Your Application: Complete and submit the real estate license application to the Utah Division of Real Estate, including the application fee of $152.
- Find a Sponsoring Broker: To activate your license, find a licensed Utah 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 18 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 Utah.
- Complete Continuing Education: Every two years, complete 18 hours of continuing education, including mandatory and elective courses, to maintain and renew your license.
Utah Real Estate Agent Salary
In Utah, real estate agents earn an average salary of $88,176 per year, with earnings typically ranging from $35,000 to $160,000.
The median salary is around $80,000, indicating a healthy distribution of income. Top agents, particularly in growing areas like Salt Lake City, can earn upwards of $180,000 annually.
Utah’s booming real estate market, driven by rapid population growth and economic expansion, offers significant earning potential.
The state’s moderate cost of living further enhances the attractiveness of these earnings, making it a desirable market for real estate professionals.
FAQs
Can I become a real estate agent in Utah if I have a felony?
The Utah 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 Utah?
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 Utah?
The total estimated cost ranges from $811 to $1,411, including education, exam fees, background checks, and application fees.
Does Utah have reciprocity with other states?
Utah does not offer full reciprocity but offers partial reciprocity with other states. You may need to pass the Utah state-specific portion of the real estate exam and meet other requirements.
Summary
Becoming a real estate agent in Utah 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 Utah.
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