It doesn’t have to be difficult to get your real estate license in Ohio. If you want to enter the real estate industry, this is the first step. You will need to follow the proper process to get your real estate license in Ohio
Before you start working towards getting your license, make sure this is the path you want to follow. Real estate is a great career, but it’s not for everybody. If you want to become a real estate agent in Ohio, follow the steps below to get your real estate license.
How To Get Your Real Estate License in Ohio in 7 Steps
Step #1 – Meet the Basic Requirements
You must be a citizen of the United States or legally able to work in the country. It’s also important to be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED. Real estate agents in Ohio also have to be honest and have a good reputation.
If you have been convicted of a felony or a crime of moral turpitude, you might not be able to get your real estate license. If you have violated any civil rights laws regarding real estate, you might also be disqualified.
Step #2 – Complete the Pre-Licensing Education
You will need to complete the 120-hour pre-licensing course. This is the biggest and most time-consuming step in the process to get your real estate license in Ohio. The course is split into four sections:
- 40 hours covering Real Estate Principles and Practices
- 40 hours covering Ohio Real Estate Law
- 20 hours covering Real Estate Appraisal
- 20 hours covering Real Estate Finance
The entire 120 hours of pre-licensing education can be completed online. You can choose a self-paced option or you can choose a Livestream option with a schedule. The best online real estate school will provide everything you need to fulfill this requirement.
Many of the online real estate schools will also provide exam prep options. If you want to make sure you pass the real estate exam in Ohio, getting your pre-licensing course with exam prep is a great option.
Step #3 – Complete the License Application
You cannot sit for the real estate exam in Ohio until you complete the Salesperson License Examination Application. You will get this application from the pre-licensing school you choose.
It’s also necessary to be sponsored by and associated with an active Ohio real estate broker.
When you mail the application, you will also need to send an $81 payment by check or money order. This all gets sent to the Ohio Department of Commerce to the Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing.
After your application is received, you will be sent the information to register for the exam. This will come in the form of a Candidate Information Bulletin, which will have all the necessary instructions.
Step #4 – Pass the Background Check
The next step after you send in your application is the background check and fingerprinting. This is done through a Webcheck location. You will need to become a Webcheck user to have your fingerprints done. Once they are done, they will be submitted to the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation.
The cost to have this done will range from about $60 to $80. You will need to go to a Webcheck location to have your fingerprints taken.
After you complete your fingerprinting, the background check will begin. The Ohio Division of Real Estate will go through the review process. They may reach out for more information if something shows up on your background check.
If you have a criminal offense or judgment, it doesn’t disqualify you automatically. These cases will be handled on a case-by-case basis. You may need to provide a written explanation of the situation.
Step #5 – Pass the Ohio Real Estate Exam
Once you have been deemed eligible, you will be able to take the Ohio Real Estate Exam. The exam will cost $61 per attempt, so you want to pass it the first time. With a good exam prep course, you can make sure you pass this exam the first time.
The exam will consist of 120 total questions. The national section includes 80 questions and the state section has 40 questions. You have three hours to finish the entire exam.
You will need to get 56 questions correct on the national section and 28 questions correct on the state section to pass the exam. After you finish, you will receive your score immediately. If you fail, you will also get a breakdown of the score in different areas of the exam. This can help with studying to retake the exam.
Step #6 – Review of Your Application
After you’ve passed the exam, you will just need to wait for your license to be issued. You have already passed the background check and application process, at this point. The process will usually take about five to ten business days to complete.
Once your license has been fully approved, you will get an email from the ODRL with your license document.
Step #7 – Complete Post-License Education
While you will gain your license without this step, it’s an important step. You will need to complete the 20-hour post-licensing course within your first year. You will likely be able to buy a package with your pre-licensing course that includes the post-licensing course.
This course can also be completed online, from the comfort of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Your Real Estate License in Ohio
What can I earn each year as a real estate agent in Ohio?
As a real estate agent, you will be paid on commission. Most agents don’t earn a salary or an hourly wage. The average yearly earnings, according to Indeed.com is about $76K. Top agents will earn more than $100K working for a good broker.
Another source, CareerExplorer.com, puts the range of earnings from about $21K to about $81K. This range is a bit lower, but it may also include part-time agents.
What will it cost me to get my real estate license in Ohio?
You will pay $230 in fees to get your real estate license. Along with these fees, you will pay between $500 and $1,000 for pre-licensing education and exam prep. This brings the total to about $730 to $1,230 to get your Ohio real estate license.
Along with these costs, new agents can expect to spend a few hundred dollars on association fees. You will also likely need to invest in the Multiple Listing Service.
How quickly can I get my real estate license in Ohio?
While you can complete the pre-licensing course in three weeks with a full-time schedule, this is rare. Most students will need two or three months to complete the portion of the process. It’s the most time-consuming step.
You will also need one or two weeks to receive your license once you pass the exam. It also takes a few weeks for the background check to be completed.
Often, it will take three to four months to get your real estate license. Some students may take up to six months to complete the entire process.
How difficult is the real estate exam in Ohio?
Only 70% of people taking the exam will pass the first time. This means 30% will have to retake the exam. Retaking the exam is possible, but it costs you time and money. With a good exam prep course, you can be prepared and pass on the first attempt.
Does Ohio offer any reciprocity with other states?
Yes, the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing has established reciprocity agreements with a few states. These include:
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- West Virginia
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Nebraska
- Oklahoma
- Wyoming
You will need to have held a license in one of these states for at least two of the past five years. It’s still necessary to take the Ohio Real Estate Law Course before you can get your Ohio real estate license, in this case.
Will I need to renew my Ohio real estate license?
Every three years, you will need to renew your real estate license in Ohio.
You will need to complete 30-hour of approved continuing education to renew your license. The cost to renew will be $135 for salespersons and $180 for brokers. If it’s your first renewal, you will also need to complete the 10-hour post-licensing course.
If you don’t renew, your license will become inactive. It can be inactive indefinitely. If you want to reactivate your license, however, you will need to follow specific steps to make this happen.
Entering a career in real estate can be very rewarding in many different ways. If you want to become a real estate agent in Ohio, you need to get the right license. Follow the steps above and you can get your real estate license in Ohio.
