How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Ohio

Who can apply

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a U.S. citizen or a legal alien (proof required).
• Be honest and truthful, with no disqualifying offense under Ohio Revised Code 9.79.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent if you were born after 1950.
• Complete the 100 hours of required prelicensing courses.
• Be sponsored by an Ohio broker.

Step by step

1. Complete the four required courses: Real Estate Principles and Practices (40 hours), Ohio Real Estate Law (40), Real Estate Appraisal (10) and Real Estate Finance (10).
2. Find an Ohio broker to sponsor you.
3. Submit the Salesperson Examination Application with the $81 fee and proof of education.
4. Within 10 days of applying, complete the state (BCI) and FBI fingerprint background checks.
5. When PSI sends your Candidate Information Bulletin, schedule and pass both exam portions (70% each) within 12 months.
6. Within 12 months after your license is issued, complete 20 hours of post-licensing education.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: 100 hours: Real Estate Principles and Practices (40 hours), Ohio Real Estate Law including civil rights, housing discrimination and desegregation (40 hours), Real Estate Appraisal (10 hours) and Real Estate Finance (10 hours). If you have not held a license in the past 4 years, the courses must have been completed within the past 10 years at a postsecondary school that awards at least an associate degree.

Exam: Given by PSI. National portion: 80 items, 120 minutes. State portion: 40 items, 60 minutes. Both together: 120 items, 180 minutes. Passing score is 70% on each portion. Both portions must be taken in the same session unless you already passed one, and both must be passed within 12 months of your first bulletin. PSI fee: $66 for both portions, $46 for national only, $43 for state only. To retake, submit a Retake Application service request and fee to the Division.

What it costs in Ohio

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

What other sites get wrong about Ohio

After you're licensed

Renewal: The salesperson license renews every 3 years; the statutory renewal fee is $182. Complete 30 hours of CE by your birthday 3 years after initial licensure and every 3 years after that (9 hours if you are 70 or older). Separately, 20 hours of post-licensing education are due within 12 months after the license is issued, or the license is automatically suspended.

Good to know in Ohio

Sponsoring broker: You must be sponsored by an Ohio broker to apply.

Post-licensing: Proof of 20 hours of post-licensing education is due within 12 months of licensure. If it is late, the license is automatically suspended, and it is revoked if proof is not submitted within 12 months of the suspension.

Late renewal: A renewal filed within 12 months after your renewal date costs the renewal fee plus a penalty of 50% of the three-year renewal fee (ORC 4735.15(B)(4)).

Sources

• Ohio Commerce — Requirements for an Ohio Real Estate Salesperson's License
• Ohio Commerce — Salesperson & Broker Candidate Information Bulletin
• PSI — Ohio Real Estate Candidate Information Bulletin (7/1/2026)
• Ohio Revised Code 4735.09
• Ohio Revised Code 4735.141 (continuing education)
• Ohio Revised Code 4735.15 (fees)