How to Get Your Real Estate License in Arizona

Have you ever wanted to sell the most extraordinary luxury homes in Phoenix? What about residential properties in breathtaking Scottsdale? Since you’ve found your way to this page, you must at least be thinking about getting your Arizona real estate license. That’s great! There really has never been a better time to get involved with the real estate industry, and Arizona is a thriving state with plenty of opportunities. Plus, Phoenix is frequently mentioned in lists of the best cities to live in the United States. 

Whether it’s been your goal to become a real estate agent for a while now, you’re just now considering it as a new career option, I can tell you that the real estate business can offer you everything you want in a career. 

So, you want to know how to get your real estate license in Arizona. The overall licensing process and education requirements are typically pretty similar across the U.S., but some of the specifics may change, depending on your home state. Let’s take a look at the list of basic requirements you’ll need to meet to become a licensed real estate salesperson in the state of Arizona. 

1. Meet all pre-qualifications.
2. Complete your pre-licensing courses.
3. Pass your education course final exam.
4. Collect the required documents to apply for a new license. 
5. Pass the Arizona state real estate exam. 
6. Submit your real estate license application. 
7. Find a sponsoring broker. 

1. Make sure you meet the pre-qualifications. 

Before you can start working on your license education, the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) requires that you meet a few qualifications. To start, all applicants must be at least 18 years of age. You’ll also need to provide proof of residency as a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or legally present immigrant. Lastly, you’ll need to have your high school diploma or GED. 

It’s worth pointing out that you’ll also be submitting to a background check as part of the application process. Having felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions on your record doesn’t necessarily bar you from becoming a licensee. ADRE reserves the right to decide which convictions represent moral turpitude or questionable character. Convictions involving theft, forgery, extortion, fraud, and violence against another person are more likely to bar you from taking the state exam. 

2. Complete your pre-licensing coursework.  

Now that you’re eligible as an applicant, your real first step is to begin your license education. You’ll need to complete 96 total course hours with an approved licensing school, such as a real estate school or community college. You may take your required coursework in person or through online classes. 

In Arizona, your required education consists of two real estate courses. The first is a 90-hour Salesperson Pre-Licensing course that will cover general principles of real estate practices, as well as Arizona-specific real estate laws. The second is a six-hour contract writing class. Please note that passing these education courses does not guarantee that you’ll pass your real estate exam. Students most commonly struggle with math principles taught in the 90-hour course, so it’s recommended that you study these as thoroughly as possible. 

3. Pass your course final exam. 

Once you’ve finished your real estate education courses, the next step is to pass your course final. Note that this is not the same thing as your actual license exam. Think of this final as a sort of practice exam you need to pass before you’re eligible to take the official salesperson licensing exam. 

Unlike your coursework, which allows you to take online courses, the final exam must be taken in person at an approved testing facility. Use the proctor locator map to find the testing center closest to you. Make sure to print out your proctor form and bring it with you on the exam date. 

You’ll complete your final on a computer provided at the testing center. The only things you can bring with you are a container of water with a lid, pencils, and a basic calculator. Scratch paper and all other needed materials will be provided by your proctor. If you don’t pass the final on your first attempt, you’ll be able to retake it two more times. After three consecutive failed exams, you’ll have to retake your license courses. You’ll need to earn a passing grade of at least 75% to be eligible for the state’s licensing exam. Once you pass your final, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion for your courses. 

4. Collect the necessary documents to register for your state exam. 

Before you schedule your state exam, it’s a good idea to start getting your application documents together. Some of these can take weeks to arrive, and you don’t want them holding up your entire process. First, in order to complete your criminal background check, you’ll need to obtain a fingerprints clearance card from the Arizona Department of Public Safety. This card will be used to conduct both a state background check and an FBI background check. 

You’ll also need to obtain the Disciplinary Actions Disclosure Form from the Department of Real Estate. A valid social security number is required to complete this form. The Department of Real Estate will be unable to issue a license number to any applicant who is currently incarcerated, paroled, or on probation. 

Finally, if you do have any previous convictions on your record, you’ll need to go over the Disclosure Documents Checklist to ensure you’re providing all the information the Department of Real Estate will require from you. 

5. Pass your real estate salesperson exam. 

Once you’re ready to take your real estate salesperson license exam, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with Pearson Vue, Arizona’s third-party exam provider. You can use the locator tool on their site to find a testing center near you. You’ll need to schedule your appointment at least 24 hours in advance of your desired test date. You’ll also need to be able to cover the $75 exam fee to reserve your spot. 

On your exam date, you’ll need to bring two valid forms of signature ID, and at least one of them must be a photo ID. It’s also recommended that you bring a basic calculator with you. All other materials will be provided at the testing center. 

The real estate salesperson exam is comprised of 180 multiple-choice questions. You’ll have a total of 300 minutes to complete the exam. The test is divided into two sections: a national portion and a state portion. The national portion of the exam covers general real estate practices and national laws, such as fair housing regulations. The state portion of the real estate license exam covers Arizona-specific laws and practices. 

When you’ve complete the exam, you’ll receive your test results immediately in the form of a “pass” or “fail.” If you passed the exam on your first try, you’ll receive your score report and written instructions on how to complete your license application. If you didn’t pass the exam, you’ll receive a diagnostic report to help you better prepare for the next attempt. You can retake the state exam as needed, but you’ll have to cover the $75 exam fee for each attempt. For additional information on the real estate license exam and accommodations, please see the Pearson Vue Arizona Real Estate Candidate Handbook. 

6. Submit your application for your initial license. 

You’re nearly there! Now that you’ve fulfilled your licensing requirements, you’ll just need to submit your full license application within one year of passing your state exam. Otherwise, your score will expire. A full application requires your Certificate of Completion for your course hours, your exam score report, and all disclosure documents previously discussed. To get your salesperson license, you’ll also need to cover an initial license fee of $50 and a recovery fund of $10. 

Assuming your full application is in order, the Department of Real Estate will send your license document in the mail. Congratulations on becoming a new licensee! I should point out that completing these steps does not make you an Arizona Realtor, however. This is because “Realtor” is a copyrighted term owned by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). NAR has its own list of requirements to join, and each member of NAR is bound to specific ethical standards. 

7. Select your sponsoring broker. 

Now there’s just one final step you need to take before you can legally practice real estate in Arizona. When you first receive your license document, you’ll have an inactive license status. In order to activate your license, you’ll need to find a real estate broker to work under, so they can submit the license activation paperwork to the Department of Real Estate. In Arizona, a new salesperson doesn’t actually have the legal authority to complete real estate transactions on their own. A broker, however, operates their own real estate company, and can oversee salespeople in real estate activities. 

Even if the state didn’t require you to work through real estate brokerage services at first, I would still strongly recommended it to any new real estate agent. When I first started, I didn’t join a team, and I look back on that as one of my biggest mistakes. If I could give you one piece of advice on how to pick the right broker to work with, it’s this: Make sure that the broker you’re considering matches your needs, and don’t worry about the other way around. 

Before you commit to anything, I recommend researching each brokerage you’re considering. Start with their reputation. Does this broker seem to be on solid ground with a good reputation in the state? Ask them about how much room you’ll have to grow at their brokerage. What kind of training program or further education do they offer? What is their commission structure like? Do they charge desk fees to work at the brokerage? If so, do they offer any technological advantages, such as a multiple listing service (MLS)?

Once you’ve found the right broker, your license can be updated to active status. Congratulations on earning the right to practice real estate! 

FAQs 

Does Arizona have license reciprocity with other states? 

Arizona does not have traditional reciprocity agreements with any other states. Those looking for out-of-state license recognition may be able to get an education waiver for the 90-hour education course. However, they’ll still need to pass the state’s real estate exam and complete all other steps. These applicants will also have to provide proof of Arizona residence. 

How much time does it take to get your real estate license? 

This is really a question for yourself more than it is for anyone else. How long do you want it to take? Driven students who treat their course hours like a job can complete their education within a few weeks. The longest process for them will likely be waiting on their fingerprints card. It’s also not uncommon for some students to take around six months to complete everything. 

 There are only two things about this that I can tell you for sure. The best time to start working toward your initial license is right now, and you have the ability to control your own pace after you start. 

Is there anything aspiring real estate professionals can do to get an advantage? 

You bet there is! In fact, I’ve created the training program that I wish I had when I first started my journey into real estate. With the Sell It Like Serhant: Pre-Licensing Accelerator, you’re getting a full state-qualifying education combined with my own sales system that my team and I use at my brokerage. 

In addition to getting all the course hours you need from our state-approved program, this package includes plenty of unique benefits. You’ll have support from state-approved expert instructors who are here to answer all of your questions within a single business day. We provide you with ebooks that you’ll need to succeed as well, including Principles of Real Estate Practice, The Real Estate Math Handbook, and my own “Quick Start Guide”. Each helps you prepare for your state exam with the latest information and tips. 

Speaking of exam prep, this course package contains five practice exams (three state and two national) to get you ready for test day. We’re so confident you’ll pass your exam the first time that Arizona students even get our Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee. If you don’t pass your state exam on your first attempt, we’ll refund all your money! 

The good news doesn’t stop there, either. I’ll continue to help you out even after you’ve activated your license. How? This course package also includes a membership to additional resources from SERHANT. to help you start achieving success from your first day in the business. Perhaps the most notable of these is my Sell It Like Serhant: Real Estate Core video course. This is a 42-video online course that teaches you the same techniques that I use with my team to generate leads, create markets, close deals, and much more. 

You already have the potential to get your license and build a successful real estate career inside you. Let us help you unlock that potential today! 

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