Vermont Real Estate Licenses
Looking to obtain a Vermont real estate license? This guide covers all the necessary steps and requirements, including real estate continuing education.
It’s designed for everyone in the state, with specific insights for residents of Burlington (VT).
We highlight the best real estate classes and online courses available, providing comprehensive resources to help you succeed in Vermont’s real estate market.
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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 Vermont, 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, Vermont 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 40 hours of pre-license education through courses approved by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR). These courses include:
- Salesperson Pre-License Course (40 hours)
Examination
Vermont 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: $110, payable when scheduling the exam through PSI Services.
- Registration: After completing your 40 hours of pre-licensing education, submit your application to the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR). 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 Vermont Real Estate Exam is considered moderately challenging, and adequate preparation is recommended for both the national and state-specific portions.
Required Forms and Documents
- Pre-License Education Certificate
- Proof of completing 40 hours of pre-license education from an accredited provider is required.
- Initial License Application
- Submit your initial license application through the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) after completing pre-licensing education.
- Application Fee
- The fee is $100, payable when submitting your license application.
Background Check
- Fingerprinting
- Approved Vendor: Fingerprinting must be completed through a Vermont-approved vendor, such as IdentoGO.
- Cost: The fingerprinting fee is approximately $25, payable directly to the vendor.
- Submission
- The fingerprint results will be sent directly to the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation as part of your application.
- Processing
- The Vermont Office of Professional Regulation will review your background check results before approving your license application.
Application
After passing the exam and completing the background check, submit your license application to the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation.
- Application Fee: $100
Post-Licensing Education
8-Hours Post-Licensing Course
- Timeframe: New real estate licensees in Vermont must complete 8 hours of post-licensing education within the first 90 days of obtaining their license.
- Course Content: The post-licensing education covers important aspects of real estate practice, including:
- Vermont Real Estate Law
- Ethics and Professional Conduct
- Contracts and Agency
- Risk Management
Approved Providers
- The post-licensing education must be completed through an approved provider listed by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR).
Submission
- Proof of course completion must be submitted to the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation within the first 90 days of licensure to keep your license active.
Continuing Education
Total Hours Required: 16 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their license.
- Core Courses (8 hours):
- Vermont Real Estate Law Updates
- Ethics and Fair Housing
- Elective Courses (8 hours):
- Real Estate Finance
- Marketing and Technology in Real Estate
- Property Management
Approved Providers
- Continuing education courses must be completed through an approved provider listed by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR).
Submission
- After completing the required CE hours, you must submit proof of completion through the Vermont OPR’s online portal.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Inactive License: If the CE requirements are not met within the two-year period, your license will be placed on inactive status, preventing you from conducting real estate transactions.
- Reactivation: To reactivate your license, complete the required CE hours and submit proof to the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation.
State-Specific Education Options
Online Options
Unfortunately, Vermont doesn’t have as many options as other states when it comes to online pre-license real estate education.
Put simply, The CE Shop is the best budget option. We have a 30% discount code, plus veterans and their immediate family get an additional 20% discount.
That said, real estate license education isn’t expensive by any measure, and you should go with the best you can get.
In Vermont, that’s Kaplan. We also have a special discount code for Kaplan RE below.
1. The CE Shop – Best Budget Course
The CE Shop is the most affordable option for real estate education in Vermont, 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 – Best Overall Course
Kaplan Real Estate offers a structured learning experience for Vermont 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.
In-Person Options by Major Cities
Burlington:
- Vermont Real Estate School: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education courses.
- Community College of Vermont: Provides in-person real estate courses, including pre-licensing education.
Rutland:
- Rutland Regional Real Estate School: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education classes.
- Castleton University: Provides in-person real estate education.
Montpelier:
- Vermont Technical College: Offers a variety of in-person educational courses for pre-licensing and continuing education.
Reciprocity
Full Reciprocity
Vermont does not offer full reciprocity with any state.
Partial Reciprocity
Vermont 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 Vermont state-specific portion of the real estate exam and fulfill other state-specific requirements.
For detailed information and required forms, visit the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation Reciprocity Information.
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Broker's License
To become a real estate broker in Vermont, you must:
- Have at least two years of active real estate salesperson experience within the last five years
- Complete 40 hours of broker pre-license education
- Pass the Vermont Real Estate Broker Examination
- Submit a broker license application to the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation
Criminal Record
The Vermont Office of Professional Regulation 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 Office 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 Vermont Office of Professional Regulation directly to discuss your specific circumstances and determine your eligibility.
Cost Breakdown
Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
Total | $658 – $1,189 |
Pre-License Education | $300 – $600 |
Exam Fee | $110 |
Background Check | $50 – $100 |
Application Fee | $100 |
Post-Licensing Education | $48 – $79 |
Continuing Education | $50 – $200 per cycle |
Resources and Contacts
- Vermont Office of Professional Regulation:
- Street Address: Office of Professional Regulation, 89 Main St Fl 3, Montpelier, VT 05620-3402
- Telephone: (802) 828-3228
- Fax: (802) 828-2465
- Email: judith.roy@vermont.gov
- License Renewal Website
- Licensee Lookup 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 40 hours of pre-license courses
- Exam pass notification from PSI
- Fingerprint submission and background check confirmation
- Completed application form for the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation
- Payment for application fee
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Vermont
- 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 40 hours of pre-license courses approved by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation.
- Schedule and Pass the Examination: Register for the Vermont 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 $110.
- Submit to a Background Check: Arrange for fingerprinting and a criminal background check through a Vermont Criminal Information Center-approved vendor. Ensure all required documentation is submitted to the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation.
- Submit Your Application: Complete and submit the real estate license application to the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation, including the application fee of $50.
- Find a Sponsoring Broker: To activate your license, find a licensed Vermont real estate broker to work under. This is required for both temporary and permanent licensure.
- Complete Post-Licensing Education: Within the first 90 days of obtaining your license, complete 8 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 Vermont.
- Complete Continuing Education: Every two years, complete 16 hours of continuing education, including mandatory and elective courses, to maintain and renew your license.
Vermont Real Estate Agent Salary
In Vermont, real estate agents earn an average salary of $81,044 per year, with typical earnings ranging from $30,000 to $150,000.
The median salary is around $75,000, reflecting a balanced income distribution. Top agents, particularly in desirable locations like Burlington, can earn over $170,000 annually.
Vermont’s real estate market, characterized by steady demand and a relatively low cost of living, provides a stable environment for real estate professionals.
The state’s scenic beauty and quality of life further enhance the appeal of working in Vermont’s real estate industry.
FAQs
Can I become a real estate agent in Vermont if I have a felony?
The Vermont Office of Professional Regulation 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 Office for specific inquiries.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Vermont?
It typically takes 2-4 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 Vermont?
The total estimated cost ranges from $560 to $1,060, including education, exam fees, background checks, and application fees.
Does Vermont have reciprocity with other states?
Vermont does not offer full reciprocity but offers partial reciprocity with other states. You may need to pass the Vermont state-specific portion of the real estate exam and meet other requirements.
Summary
Becoming a real estate agent in Vermont 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 Vermont.
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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.