How to Get a Real Estate License in Connecticut

Ready to launch your real estate career in Connecticut? Becoming a real estate agent in Connecticut offers flexibility, career growth, and the chance to help people find their dream homes in a diverse market, from small-town properties in places like Canaan and Avon to luxury coastal homes in Greenwich and Westport. With the right steps, you can meet the requirements, pass the necessary licensing exams, and begin a rewarding career.

To start your career as a real estate agent in Connecticut, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Complete 60 hours of classroom education in Principles and Practice of Real Estate 
• Provide the original certificate of course completion
• Submit to a background check
• Pass the State and National Exam within one year of enrolling on PSI’s site. Broker supervision is not required to take the exam.
• Activate your license within two years of passing both exam portions. To activate, you must be supervised by a Connecticut licensed broker. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Steps to Become a Connecticut Real Estate Agent
• Renewing Your Connecticut Real Estate License 
• Using Massachusetts Reciprocity to Get Your Connecticut Real Estate License

Steps to Earn a Connecticut Real Estate Salesperson License

While the process of becoming a real estate agent is similar across most states, each state has its specific requirements. The initial steps to become a real estate agent in Connecticut are as follows: 

Step 1: Complete Your Required Education

The Connecticut State Real Estate Commission requires prospective real estate agents to complete 60 hours of real estate education focused on the Principles and Practice of Real Estate. This pre-licensing course must be taken through an approved provider. The course will cover essential topics like real estate laws, property management, contracts, and other key areas necessary to prepare you for a career in real estate. Upon completing the course, you will receive a certificate of completion, which you will need to submit when applying to take the real estate exam. 

Kaplan offers exam prep products only in the state of Connecticut. To be eligible to sit for the official state exam, you must first complete the required pre-licensing education for the state of Connecticut.

Step Two: Pass the Real Estate Exam

After completing your 60 hours of pre-licensing education, the next step is to pass the Connecticut Real Estate Exam, administered by PSI. The exam is divided into two parts—National and State—and tests your knowledge of real estate principles, laws, contracts, and practices. You have one year from enrolling with PSI to pass both parts of the exam, after which you will receive instructions on how to activate your license.

Try Today’s Real Estate Licensing Exam Practice Question

Step Three: Submit Your Application and Background Check

Once you pass the Connecticut Real Estate Exam, the next step is to submit your application to the Connecticut Real Estate Commission. This application includes providing proof of passing the exam, your certificate of course completion, and undergoing a background check. Make sure all the necessary documents are completed accurately to avoid delays. Once your application is approved and the background check clears, you will be one step closer to your career as a licensed real estate agent in Connecticut. 

Step Four: Find a Sponsoring Broker 

To activate your real estate license in Connecticut, you need to be supervised by a licensed broker. Finding a sponsoring broker is an important step, as they will provide you with guidance, support, and the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field. When choosing a broker, consider their reputation, commission structure, training programs, and the type of real estate they specialize in to ensure they align with your career goals. 

Step Five: Activate Your License and Start Practicing

When you have found a sponsoring broker, you can activate your Connecticut real estate license. Your sponsoring broker will guide you through the activation process, ensuring that all required paperwork is properly submitted to the Connecticut Real Estate Commission. Once your license is activated, you are officially able to start practicing as a real estate agent. From here, you can begin building your client base, gaining experience, and working toward a successful career in real estate. 

Getting Your Connecticut Real Estate License Renewed for First-Time Salespersons

Renewing your Connecticut real estate license for the first time can seem overwhelming, but it’s a straightforward process if you know what to expect. In Connecticut, first-time real estate salespersons are required to complete specific steps to keep their license active and in good standing. By staying proactive and understanding the renewal requirements, you can ensure uninterrupted practice in the industry.

Important Steps for First-Time License Renewal:

• Complete Continuing Education (CE) Requirements: First-time real estate salespersons must complete 12 hours of continuing education courses, including mandatory courses on Connecticut real estate law and elective courses that can enhance your knowledge of the industry
• Submit Your Renewal Application on Time: Your license must be renewed every two years—on May 31st of even-numbered years—and it’s essential to submit your renewal application on time to avoid any late fees or gaps in your ability to practice 
• Pay the Renewal Fee: There is a renewal fee that must be paid when submitting your application. Make sure you know the correct amount and payment methods accepted by the Connecticut Real Estate Commission. 

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Using Massachusetts Reciprocity to Get Your Connecticut Real Estate License

If you’re looking to get your real estate license in Connecticut, there’s an efficient way to do so using Massachusetts reciprocity. Instead of going through Connecticut’s full real estate licensing process, you can get your Massachusetts real estate license and then apply for a Connecticut license. This approach may help you save time and leverage the reciprocity agreement between the two states, making it an attractive option for aspiring real estate agents. 

How to Use MA Reciprocity for Your CT Real Estate License:

• Get Your Massachusetts Real Estate License: Start by completing the Massachusetts licensing process, which includes 40 hours of pre-licensing education, passing the state exam, and submitting an application for your Massachusetts license
• Apply for a Connecticut Real Estate License: Once you have your Massachusetts license, you can apply for a Connecticut real estate license through the Connecticut Real Estate Commission. The reciprocity agreement allows you to bypass many of the initial steps typically required for a Connecticut license. 
• Meet Connecticut’s Specific Requirements: While reciprocity streamlines the process, you may still need to submit additional paperwork, pay application fees, and meet Connecticut’s requirements, such as providing proof of your active Massachusetts real estate license

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