PracticeStudy GuidesBlogFlashcardsPartner

Key Takeaways

  • Arkansas requires 60 hours of pre-license education with 30 hours in basic principles of real estate
  • The exam has 110 questions (80 national + 30 state) administered by Pearson VUE with a 4-hour time limit
  • Passing score is 70% (scaled score) on each portion of the exam
  • New licensees must complete 18-hour post-licensure course within 6 months of initial licensure
  • Arkansas is a "caveat emptor" (buyer beware) state with limited seller disclosure requirements
Last updated: January 2026

Arkansas Real Estate Salesperson Exam Overview

Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE Arkansas Real Estate Salesperson exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers Arkansas-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and state real estate laws governed by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC).

About the Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC)

The Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) is the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating real estate professionals in Arkansas. AREC operates under the Arkansas Real Estate License Law and has authority to establish rules, investigate complaints, and take disciplinary action.

AREC Contact Information

ResourceInformation
Websitearec.arkansas.gov
Phone(501) 683-8010
Fax(501) 683-8020
Address612 South Summit Street, Little Rock, AR 72201-4740
Emailarec@arkansas.gov

Arkansas Licensing Requirements at a Glance

RequirementDetails
Minimum Age18 years old (age of majority)
EducationNo specific education requirement
Pre-License Hours60 hours (30 in basic principles)
Education ValidityNo expiration for salesperson
Exam ProviderPearson VUE
Exam Questions110 total (80 national + 30 state)
Time Limit4 hours
Passing ScoreScaled score of 70 on each portion
Exam Fee$75
Application Fee$50
License Fee$50 + $25 Recovery Fund
Background CheckRequired (fingerprints)

Pre-License Education Requirements

Arkansas requires 60 hours of pre-license education from an AREC-approved school or accredited postsecondary institution.

Course Requirements

RequirementDetails
Total Hours60 classroom hours
Basic Principles30 hours required
Additional Topics30 hours in approved subjects
Certificate ValidityNo expiration for salesperson applicants

Course Content

The 60-hour Arkansas Pre-licensing course includes:

  • Basic principles of real estate (30 hours required)
  • Arkansas real estate license law
  • Agency relationships and disclosure
  • Contracts and agreements
  • Real estate finance
  • Property valuation
  • Closing procedures
  • Fair housing laws
  • Ethics and professional conduct

Education Sources

Your pre-license education may come from:

  • Accredited postsecondary school
  • School licensed by AREC
  • Organization approved by AREC

Note: The 60-hour education certificate has no expiration date for salesperson applicants, giving you flexibility in when you take the exam.

The Arkansas Real Estate Exam

The Arkansas real estate salesperson exam is administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the Arkansas Real Estate Commission.

Exam Structure

ComponentDetails
Total Questions110 scored questions
National Portion80 questions
State Portion30 questions
Time Limit4 hours total
FormatMultiple choice, computer-based
Passing ScoreScaled score of 70 on each portion

Exam Fee

FeeAmount
Exam Fee$75
PaymentCredit card, debit card, voucher, or electronic check
Payment TimeDue at reservation

Exam Topics - National Portion (80 Questions)

The national portion covers general real estate concepts:

  1. Property Ownership - Estates, interests, ownership types
  2. Land Use Controls - Zoning, environmental regulations
  3. Valuation & Market Analysis - Appraisal methods, CMAs
  4. Financing - Mortgages, loan types, calculations
  5. Agency - Relationships, duties, disclosure
  6. Contracts - Elements, types, performance
  7. Practice of Real Estate - Licensing, ethics, fair housing
  8. Property Condition - Disclosures, inspections
  9. Transfer of Title - Deeds, title insurance, recording
  10. Closing - Settlement, prorations

Exam Topics - Arkansas State Portion (30 Questions)

Arkansas-specific topics include:

  • Arkansas Real Estate Commission structure and authority
  • Arkansas Real Estate License Law
  • Arkansas agency disclosure requirements
  • Trust account regulations
  • Escrow and closing procedures
  • Arkansas property disclosure (caveat emptor state)
  • Contract requirements
  • Disciplinary procedures
  • Recovery Fund provisions

Step-by-Step Licensing Process

Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements

Verify you meet Arkansas's eligibility requirements:

  • At least 18 years old (age of majority)
  • Good moral character
  • No disqualifying criminal history

Step 2: Complete Pre-License Education

Complete 60 hours of approved education:

  1. Enroll in an AREC-approved school
  2. Complete 30 hours of basic principles
  3. Complete 30 hours of additional coursework
  4. Receive your certificate of completion

Step 3: Submit Application to AREC

To take the exam, submit to AREC:

ItemDetails
ApplicationCompleted application form
Age VerificationProof of reaching age of majority
Application Fee$50 (cashier's check or money order payable to "AREC")
Education CertificateProof of 60-hour completion

Step 4: Complete Background Check

Arkansas requires a criminal background check:

ComponentCost
Digital FingerprintsRequired
Arkansas State PoliceConducts check
FBI CheckIncluded
Background Check Fee$36.25

Submit fingerprints through the approved vendor. Results are sent directly to AREC.

Step 5: Schedule Your Exam

Once AREC approves your application:

  1. Receive authorization to test
  2. Register with Pearson VUE (pearsonvue.com)
  3. Schedule at a testing center
  4. Pay the $75 exam fee

Step 6: Pass the State Exam

On exam day:

  • Arrive early at the Pearson VUE testing center
  • Bring valid government-issued photo ID
  • Complete the 110-question exam within 4 hours
  • Achieve scaled score of 70 on both portions
  • Receive immediate pass/fail results

Step 7: Find a Sponsoring Broker

Before your license can be activated:

  • Identify a licensed Arkansas broker
  • Complete broker-specific paperwork
  • The broker will supervise your activities

Step 8: Complete License Application

Finalize your license:

ItemCost
License Fee$50
Recovery Fund Fee$25
Total$75

Total Costs Summary

ItemCost
Pre-License Education$200-500
Application Fee$50
Background Check Fee$36.25
Exam Fee$75
License Fee$50
Recovery Fund Fee$25
TOTAL (Estimated)$436-736

Post-License Requirements

Arkansas has specific post-license requirements for new licensees:

Post-Licensure Course

RequirementDetails
Hours Required18 hours
DeadlineWithin 6 months of initial licensure
Course ContentAREC-approved post-licensure curriculum
ConsequenceLicense lapses if not completed

Warning: Failure to complete the 18-hour post-licensure course within 6 months will cause your license to lapse.

License Renewal

Arkansas real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance:

Continuing Education

RequirementDetails
CE Hours7 hours per year
Annual RequirementDue each year
Must IncludeAREC-approved topics

Renewal Process

  • Complete required CE hours annually
  • Pay renewal fees
  • Maintain active status with sponsoring broker

Arkansas: A "Caveat Emptor" State

One of the most important concepts to understand about Arkansas real estate is that it operates under "caveat emptor" (buyer beware) principles.

What This Means

AspectArkansas Approach
Seller DisclosureLimited mandatory disclosure
Buyer ResponsibilityGreater due diligence required
Known DefectsSeller must disclose known material defects
InspectionsBuyer-initiated inspections crucial

Agent Responsibilities

Even in a caveat emptor state, real estate agents must:

  • Disclose known material defects
  • Not misrepresent property condition
  • Not engage in fraud or deception
  • Treat all parties honestly and fairly

Exam Tip: Understand the difference between Arkansas's caveat emptor approach and states with extensive mandatory disclosure requirements. Know what sellers and agents MUST disclose versus what they're not required to disclose.

The Arkansas Recovery Fund

The Arkansas Recovery Fund provides compensation to consumers harmed by licensee misconduct:

DetailInformation
Fund Fee$25 (part of license fee)
PurposeCompensate victims of licensee fraud/misconduct
RequirementCourt judgment typically required
AdministrationManaged by AREC

Broker License Requirements

For those planning to upgrade to broker:

RequirementDetails
Pre-License Education60 hours total
Broker Course45 hours AREC-developed course
ExperienceTypically 2 years as salesperson
Education Validity36 months prior to application
Post-License30-hour course within 6 months

What This Guide Covers

This FREE study guide focuses on Arkansas state-specific content:

Chapter 1: Arkansas Real Estate Commission & Licensing

  • AREC structure and authority
  • Arkansas License Law
  • Licensing requirements and processes
  • Disciplinary procedures

Chapter 2: Arkansas Agency Relationships

  • Agency disclosure requirements
  • Types of agency relationships
  • Duties to clients and customers
  • Transaction brokerage

Chapter 3: Arkansas Contracts & Disclosures

  • Contract requirements
  • Caveat emptor principles
  • Arkansas-specific provisions
  • Escrow and closing procedures

Chapter 4: Trust Accounts & Property Law

  • Trust account regulations
  • Record-keeping requirements
  • Arkansas property considerations
  • Recovery Fund provisions

Study Tips for Success

Recommended Study Plan

WeekFocusHours
1-2National concepts20-25
3-4Arkansas state law15-20
5Practice exams10-12
6Review & final prep8-10

Key Numbers to Memorize

TopicNumber
Pre-license hours60
Basic principles required30
Minimum age18
Passing score70 (scaled)
Exam questions110 (80 + 30)
Exam time limit4 hours
Exam fee$75
Application fee$50
Background check fee$36.25
Post-license hours18
Post-license deadline6 months
CE hours per year7

Next Steps

Ready to begin? Here's your action plan:

  1. Verify eligibility - Age 18+, good character
  2. Enroll in 60-hour course - AREC-approved school
  3. Complete education - 30 hours basic principles + 30 additional
  4. Submit application - $50 fee to AREC
  5. Complete background check - Fingerprints required
  6. Schedule exam - Through Pearson VUE
  7. Pass state exam - Scaled score 70 on both portions
  8. Find a broker - Secure sponsorship
  9. Complete post-license - 18 hours in first 6 months
  10. Get licensed - Start your career!
Real Estate SalespersonFree exam prep with practice questions & AI tutor

Let's get started with Chapter 1: Arkansas Real Estate Commission & Licensing!

Test Your Knowledge

How many hours of pre-license education are required for an Arkansas real estate salesperson license?

A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge

What is the passing score requirement for the Arkansas real estate exam?

A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge

Arkansas is known as what type of state regarding seller disclosures?

A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge

Within what timeframe must new Arkansas licensees complete the post-licensure course?

A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge

Which company administers the Arkansas real estate licensing exam?

A
B
C
D
Up Next

1.1 Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC)

Chapter 1: Arkansas Real Estate Commission & Licensing