Before you become a real estate agent in NY, you need to get your New York real estate license, which is easier now that courses are available online. We will lay out the requirements, the cost, and our top choices of online real estate schools to take your 77-hours of pre-licensing education. So, you can get your NY salesperson license and start your journey as a licensed real estate agent in New York.
New York Real Estate License Requirments
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Have a current NY driver’s license or non-driver ID card
- Must complete 77-hours of pre-licensing coursework
- Pass the New York real estate license exam
- Find a licensed real estate broker to sponsor you
- Apply for your New York real estate license
- Get a real estate salesperson photo ID card
4 Easy Steps to Getting Your New York Real Estate License
Step 1: Complete 77-Hours of Pre-license Education
In New York, you must complete a total of 77-hours of pre-license education before taking the state exam and getting your NY real estate agents license. Suppose you have completed 75-hours of pre-licensing coursework before 12-21-2022. In that case, you must take the 2-hour continuing education courses on fair housing and implicit bias before you submit your salesperson application.
Many people choose to take the pre-license course online from the comfort of their own homes because it works great with their own schedule. Here are our top online real estate schools in New York.
With real estate industry-leading exam pass rates, you can be sure that Aceable Agent is a great choice!
Career Education for Agents, Brokers & Property Managers
Colibri has helped over 520,000 aspiring real estate agents and brokers get licensed.
Choosing to take your 77-hour pre-licensing course online will give you the ease of going at your pace. Our top picks offer practice tests, e-books, flashcards, video and audio lessons, private tutoring, live webinars, Q&As, and instructor support.
You can skip this step if…
- you send the New York Department of State an official transcript from an accredited college or university indicating satisfactory completion of the course(s) you would like them to consider, along with a description of the subject matter and a letter requesting an education waiver.
- you send the New York Department of State an original Certificate of Course Completion from a recognized real estate school and a letter requesting an education waiver.
Step 2: Pass the New York Real Estate Exam
Once you have successfully completed the 77-hours of coursework and taken the course final exam and some exam prep, you are ready to take the salesperson exam. You will need to create an account through eAccessNY to schedule to take to New York real estate agent license exam. It costs $15 per attempt, and there is no limit to how many times you can take it.
The New York real estate salesperson exam consists of a written, multiple-choice exam based on the curriculum you completed in the 77-hours of training. You will have one and a half hours to complete the exam.
Bring This
1 form of ID* – 1 government-issued photo ID (Driver’s License, non-driver ID, IDNYC Card, Passport, Military ID, United States INS-issued ID, Certificate of US citizenship, or Foreign Passport)
Summary of Your Submission – You were requested to print the page when you scheduled your exam on eAccessNY. It includes all of your exam information, including exam details and your candidate number.
Calculator – You may bring a silent solar-powered calculator (with no letters) to a testing center.
*Identification must be up-to-date and not expired.
Don’t Bring This
Do not bring any personal items to the exam site!
- Your phone, watch, wallet, hat, and jacket must be left outside of the testing area.
- You will need to leave everything in your car or put them in a locker (electronics turned off) until the completion of the exam.
The test center will provide everything you need for the exam.
When you complete the New York state exam, you will receive a passed or failed notification for your exam results. You can log in to see if you passed online through your eAccessNY account; if you passed, you can apply online for your New York salesperson license. If you failed, you will be able to re-schedule another examination date.
Is the NY Real Estate Exam Hard?
The exam pass rate for real estate licenses in New York is only around 60% which means it is difficult but not impossible. We recommend checking out The CE Shop; they have a real estate exam pass rate of an impressive 96%!
Step 3: Connect with a Sponsoring Broker
You have completed the training and passed the New York salesperson license exam. To become a licensed agent, you must find a licensed broker who will sponsor you. There are four different kinds of associate brokers that you can partner with; let’s take a look at each.
Residential Rental Broker
If you’re starting out as an agent, it’s often easiest to work in real estate rentals. These are less complicated than home sales and can be completed quicker, with less paperwork and jargon to boot. This is an ideal way to earn a commission as soon as possible.
Residential Sales Broker
If you’re comfortable diving right into residential sales, this type of real estate often generates higher commissions, though the work is lengthier and more involved. It’s common to find brokers that do both rentals and sell real estate if you’d like to vary your portfolio. This a great option to help jump-start your new career as licensed NY real estate agents.
Commercial Sales Broker
If a piece of residential real estate spans more than four units, it’s considered a commercial sale. These can include apartment buildings or related multi-family properties. While these sales are more complex than those for single-family properties, the commission payout can exceed $100,000 per deal, making it worth the extra effort. That said, it’s best to save this type of broker until you have at least a few years of residential agent experience under your belt.
Commercial Lease Broker
You may also work with a broker that leases office or retail space. These are similar to commercial sales, featuring higher payouts but requiring more time in the field.
Step 4: Apply for Your New York Salesperson License
Once you find a sponsoring broker that meets your needs, you’re ready to finalize your NY real estate salesperson license application. Using the eAccessNY account you created to take your New York license exam, log on to complete the licensing process by following these steps:
- Upon login, provide the required personal information
- Enter your sponsoring broker’s licensing/unique ID number
- Enter the name of the school where you completed your 77-hour training course
- Pay the $65 application fee
- Click “Submit”
From there, your sponsoring associate broker will log into their eAccessNY account to confirm and authorize your application. Once these steps are finished, the state will receive and review your online application. If approved, your New York real estate license will be mailed to your business address. You will also receive your real estate salesperson photo ID card as well.
Congratulations, you now have your real estate license in NY! Take time to celebrate your accomplishments and dream about your new future!
New York Real Estate License FAQs
How much does it cost to get a New York real estate license?
The cost of obtaining a New York real estate license varies depending on the pre-licensing course provider, but it typically ranges from $300 to $500. Additionally, you’ll need to pay a $15 exam fee, a $65 license application fee, and possibly a $50 broker affiliation fee (if applicable).
How long does it take to get a New York real estate license?
The time it takes to get a NY real estate license depends on the individual. Completing the 77-hour pre-licensing course can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the course format and your schedule. Once you have completed the course, you can schedule and take the state licensing exam. After passing the exam, you’ll need to find a sponsoring broker and submit your application which can take several more weeks to process, before you become a salesperson agent.
How much does a licensed real estate agent make in New York?
The average licensed NY salesperson makes around $89,797 per year. However, if you work for one of the top companies as a New York real estate agent, you can earn $201,509 annually.
How do I find a sponsoring broker to work with after passing the state exam?
To find a sponsoring broker, consider the following tips:
- Networking: Attend local real estate events and meetings to meet and connect with brokers in your area.
- Online research: Search for local brokerages and review their websites to learn more about their services, company culture, and real estate agent support.
- Seek recommendations: Reach out to friends, family, other agents, or acquaintances in the industry for broker recommendations.
- Interview potential brokers: Set up meetings with prospective brokers to discuss their expectations, commission structures, training programs, and the support they offer to new real estate agents.
How often do I need to renew my New York real estate license?
In New York, real estate licensees must be renewed every two years. To renew your license, complete 22.5 hours of approved continuing education and submit a renewal form application with the required fees. Therefore, it’s important to complete your continuing education and submit your renewal application before your current license expires to avoid any lapse in licensure.
Can I take the New York real estate pre-licensing course online?
Many approved course providers offer online options for the 77-hour pre-licensing course. Online courses provide flexibility for students, allowing them to complete the required coursework at their own pace and on their schedule. However, verifying the New York State Department approves the online course provider meant before enrolling is essential.
What topics are covered in the 77-hour pre-license course?
The 77-hour pre-license course covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Real estate laws and regulations
- Property ownership
- Land use controls and regulations
- Real estate valuation and market analysis
- Financing and mortgages
- Contracts and closing procedures
- Real estate ethics
- Property management
- Fair housing and discrimination laws
Can I get a New York real estate license if I’m licensed in another state?
Yes, New York has reciprocity agreements with several states. If you are a licensed real estate salesperson or broker, you can apply for a New York real estate license without having to complete the 77-hour pre-licensing course or pass the state exam.
