How to Get a Real Estate License in Arizona

In the State of Arizona, exams, licensing, and continuing education for real estate agents are governed by the Department of Real Estate, www.re.state.az.us. Much of the licensing information pertains not only to the sale of houses, but also to anyone who wishes to sell cemetery plots or camping memberships in the state.

There are two basic real estate licenses in Arizona, a broker’s license and a salesperson’s license. Generally, a salesperson’s license allows the holder to sell real estate only under the auspices of a licensed broker. (Salesperson’s licenses are generally what people refer to when they say they have a real estate license.)

To obtain the salesperson’s license, a person must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the United States. The initial questionnaire also asks whether a person, either directly or through a corporation or other entity, has ever had a professional or business license suspended or revoked, and whether they have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, including DUI. Answering “yes” to any of the questions pertaining to personal conduct may either require additional documentation or can be grounds for rejection of an application.

Other requirements include taking three college-level courses by an accredited school, Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and electives totaling 90 hours of classroom work from a state-approved school (available online). If the applicant has held an Arizona real estate license previously, and it expired (but was not revoked or suspended), some or all of the educational requirements might be waived. Those holding a license from another state may also apply for a partial waiver, asking that the general real estate courses be waived. However, all waivers are at the discretion of the Real Estate Commissioner, and an application for waiver must be submitted.

Once the coursework is completed, applicants must take and pass an exam. Upon passing the exam, applicants have one year to apply for a real estate license by submitting an official application and the required proof of passing the exam and doing related coursework.

For a detailed list of requirements, procedures, and exceptions, visit the Arizona Department of Real Estate web site, www.re.state.az.us, and download the PDF file entitled, “Candidate Information Bulletin”. This e-booklet provides over 25 pages of information, from starting the application process to taking the exam, continuing education, and more.