How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Arizona

Who can apply

• Be at least 18 years old when you apply for the license.
• Show proof of authorized legal presence in the United States (A.R.S. 41-1080).
• Hold a valid Level 1 non-IVP Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card from the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
• Not have had a license denied in the past year, or revoked in the past two years, in Arizona or any other state.
• Disclose any criminal conviction, adverse judgment, or professional license discipline on the Disciplinary Action Disclosure Form; ADRE reviews these case by case.

Step by step

1. Complete the 90-hour salesperson prelicensing course at an ADRE-certified school and pass the school's proctored final exam.
2. Apply to the Arizona Department of Public Safety for a Level 1 non-IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
3. Book and pass the Pearson salesperson exam (general and state portions).
4. Complete the 6-hour Arizona Contract Writing course.
5. Within one year of passing the exam, apply online with both score reports, the application form, the disclosure form, your course certificates, the fingerprint card, and proof of legal presence, then pay the license fee.
6. ADRE issues the license in "eligible" status. Activate it through your online account once an employing broker accepts you.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: A 90-hour salesperson prelicensing course from an ADRE-certified school, live or distance learning, with a proctored in-person final exam. The certificate must be less than 10 years old when you apply. You also need a 6-hour Contract Writing course completed within 2 years before you apply.

Exam: Pearson. General portion: 80 scored + 5 pretest questions, 150 minutes, $70. State portion: 60 scored + 5 pretest questions, 90 minutes, $60. A $75 combined price applies when you book both back to back (ADRE lists the combined exam fee as $75). Passing score is 75% correct. Each retake costs the same as the first attempt; wait 24 hours before rebooking. After a second failure you may book a one-time exam review. You must apply for the license within one year of passing.

What it costs in Arizona

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

After you're licensed

Renewal: Licenses run two years and must be renewed by the last day of the month in which they were issued. Timely renewal costs $60 for a salesperson (late renewal $125). Salespersons need 24 credit hours of ADRE-approved continuing education each two-year period (30 for designated brokers). A license expired more than one year is terminated. An inactive license can be kept up to 15 years without CE, but CE must be brought current before activation.

Good to know in Arizona

Employing broker: A new license is issued in "eligible" status. It becomes active only after you initiate activation in your online account and an employing broker accepts you. You may stay eligible as long as you keep up with CE and renew every two years.

Out-of-state license recognition: Under A.R.S. 32-4302, if you have held a license in another state for at least one year, completed that state's education and exam, and have no revocations, surrenders, discipline, or pending complaints, you may qualify by passing the 60-question Arizona state-specific exam ($60) and applying within one year. You also need the 6-hour Contract Writing course (completed within 2 years before you apply). Arizona residents show proof of residency; non-residents must instead complete 27 hours of Arizona pre-licensure education.

Military spouses: Spouses of active-duty service members relocating to Arizona on official orders can ask ADRE's Licensing Division to waive the exam under A.R.S. 32-4302(A).

Criminal history: Applicants with a felony or misdemeanor may apply only if they are not on probation, parole or community service and all restitution has been completed; ADRE then reviews eligibility.

Sources

• ADRE — How to Obtain a License
• ADRE — Salesperson License (required documents)
• ADRE — Fees
• ADRE — Licensing FAQ
• A.R.S. 32-2124 — Qualifications of licensees
• A.R.S. 32-2130 — Renewal of licenses; education requirements
• Pearson VUE — Arizona Real Estate Candidate Handbook (February 2026)
• ADRE — Out-of-State License Recognition Salesperson License
• Arizona Department of Public Safety: Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Aceable Agent: Arizona salesperson cost (seenAt page)