How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Ohio

If you're considering starting a real estate career in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, or any other city in the state, you'll need to earn a Ohio real estate license. To earn your real estate license in Ohio, you must have a high school diploma (if you were born after 1950), successfully complete 120 hours of approved prelicensing education at a degree-granting school, obtain a sponsoring broker, and pass the licensing exam. While the process to become a real estate agent is similar in most states, each state has unique steps that must be adhered to. The five steps to becoming an Ohio real estate agent are as follows:

Step 1: Be at Least 18 Years of Age

In addition to being at least 18 years of age, you must also be a US citizen or permanent resident alien and show proof of high school graduation or equivalent. More information about requirements can be found on the State of Ohio Department of Commerce website.

Step 2: Complete Your Required Education

You must have a high school diploma or equivalent (if you were born after 1950) and successfully complete 120 hours of approved real estate education within a 10-year timeframe immediately preceding your application. This education must be completed at an institution of higher education that awards a degree in at least a two-year program. Education must consist of the following:

• Real Estate Principles and Practices (40 hours)
• Ohio Real Estate Law, including instruction in civil rights, housing discrimination, and desegregation problems (40 hours)
• Real Estate Appraisal (20 hours)
• Real Estate Finance (20 hours)

To further prepare yourself, enroll in our exam prep and feel confident on exam day.

Step 3: Obtain a Sponsoring Broker

Before you submit an application to become a licensed real estate salesperson, you must be sponsored by a Broker.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

You must submit a completed Salesperson Examination Application, a $60 fee, and proof that you completed your education requirements to the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing. You may either submit a copy of your official transcripts or course completion certificates. The Division will process your application and send your information to the testing vendor. You can find this application on the State of Ohio Department of Commerce website.

Step 5: Schedule Your Test

After your application has been processed, you will receive a Candidate Information Bulletin with instructions for scheduling your test. You must pass the State and National portions of the Ohio Real Estate Exam with a 70% or higher in order for a license to be issued.