Key Takeaways
- Arizona requires 90 hours of pre-license education from an ADRE-approved school, valid for 10 years
- The exam has 180 scored questions plus 15 pretest questions with a 5-hour time limit and 75% passing score
- A 6-hour Contract Writing class is required before license application
- Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card (FCC) is required before applying for license
- License renewal requires 24 hours of CE every 2 years, including 1 hour on current issues (effective 2025)
Arizona Real Estate Salesperson Exam Overview
Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE Arizona Real Estate Salesperson exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers Arizona-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and state real estate laws governed by the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE).
About the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE)
The Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) is the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating real estate professionals in Arizona. ADRE enforces the Arizona Real Estate License Law and has authority over licensing, education, and disciplinary matters.
ADRE Contact Information
| Resource | Information |
|---|---|
| Website | azre.gov |
| Phone | (602) 771-7799 |
| Address | 100 N. 15th Avenue, Suite 201, Phoenix, AZ 85007 |
| info@azre.gov |
Arizona Licensing Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Pre-License Hours | 90 hours |
| Contract Writing Class | 6 hours (required before license) |
| Education Validity | 10 years |
| Exam Provider | Pearson VUE |
| Exam Questions | 180 scored + 15 pretest |
| Time Limit | 5 hours (300 minutes) |
| Passing Score | 75% (135 out of 180) |
| Fingerprint Clearance Card | Required |
Pre-License Education Requirements
Arizona requires 90 hours of pre-license education from an ADRE-approved school.
Course Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 90 hours |
| Course Provider | ADRE-approved school |
| Format | In-person or online |
| Certificate Validity | 10 years from completion |
Course Content
The 90-hour Arizona Pre-licensing course covers:
- Real estate law and principles
- Agency relationships and duties
- Contracts and purchase agreements
- Real estate finance
- Property valuation
- Arizona-specific regulations
- Fair housing laws
- Ethics and professional conduct
- Disclosures and SPDS (Seller's Property Disclosure Statement)
- Arizona water rights and property considerations
Note: Your 90-hour Pre-licensing Course Certificate is valid for 10 years from the date of completion, giving you significant flexibility.
Contract Writing Requirement
In addition to the 90-hour pre-license course, Arizona requires attendance at a 6-hour Contract Writing Class before you can apply for your license.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Hours | 6 hours |
| When Required | Before license application |
| Content | Arizona real estate contract preparation |
| Certificate | Required for license application |
The Arizona Real Estate Exam
The Arizona real estate salesperson exam is administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the Arizona Department of Real Estate.
Exam Structure
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 195 (180 scored + 15 pretest) |
| Scored Questions | 180 questions |
| Pretest Questions | 15 (do not affect score) |
| Time Limit | 5 hours (300 minutes) |
| Format | Multiple choice, computer-based |
| Passing Score | 75% (135 out of 180) |
Important: A new exam curriculum became effective January 1, 2026. Ensure your study materials are current.
Exam Topics
The Arizona real estate exam covers both national and state-specific content:
National Topics:
- Property Ownership - Estates, interests, ownership types
- Land Use Controls - Zoning, environmental regulations
- Valuation & Market Analysis - Appraisal methods, CMAs
- Financing - Mortgages, loan types, calculations
- Agency - Relationships, duties, disclosure
- Contracts - Elements, types, performance
- Practice of Real Estate - Licensing, ethics, fair housing
- Transfer of Title - Deeds, title insurance, recording
Arizona State Topics:
- Arizona Department of Real Estate authority
- Arizona Real Estate License Law
- Agency relationships under Arizona law
- Seller's Property Disclosure Statement (SPDS)
- Arizona contracts and agreements
- Trust account regulations
- Arizona water rights
- Community property laws
- Disciplinary procedures
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements
Verify you meet Arizona's eligibility requirements:
- At least 18 years old
- Honest and truthful character
- No disqualifying criminal history
- U.S. citizen or legal resident
Step 2: Complete Pre-License Education
Complete 90 hours of approved education:
- Enroll in an ADRE-approved school (online or in-person)
- Complete all 90 hours of coursework
- Pass the course exam
- Receive your certificate of completion
- Certificate valid for 10 years
Step 3: Complete Contract Writing Class
Attend the required 6-hour Contract Writing Class:
- Find an ADRE-approved provider
- Complete the 6-hour class
- Receive your certificate
- Must be completed before license application
Step 4: Obtain Fingerprint Clearance Card
Arizona requires a Fingerprint Clearance Card (FCC) before you can apply for your license:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuing Agency | Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) |
| Filing Fee | $67 |
| Process | Fingerprinting + background check |
| Timeline | Apply before or during exam preparation |
Tip: Start the FCC process early as it can take several weeks. You'll need the card before submitting your license application.
Step 5: Apply for the Exam
Register with Pearson VUE to take the exam:
- Visit pearsonvue.com
- Create an account
- Provide education completion information
- Pay the exam fee
- Schedule your exam date
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 180-question exam within 5 hours
- Achieve 75% or higher (135 correct)
- Receive immediate pass/fail results
Step 7: Apply for Your License
You have one year from passing the exam to apply for your license:
- Submit license application to ADRE
- Provide 90-hour education certificate
- Provide 6-hour Contract Writing certificate
- Provide Fingerprint Clearance Card
- Pay license fees
- Provide sponsoring broker information
Step 8: Find a Sponsoring Broker
Before your license can be activated:
- Identify a licensed Arizona broker
- Complete broker-specific paperwork
- The broker will supervise your activities
Total Costs Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education (90 hrs) | $400-800 |
| Contract Writing Class (6 hrs) | $50-150 |
| Fingerprint Clearance Card | $67 |
| Exam Fee | ~$75-100 |
| License Application Fee | ~$100-150 |
| TOTAL (Estimated) | $692-1,267 |
Important Timelines
| Milestone | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Education validity | 10 years from completion |
| Exam to license application | 1 year |
| FCC requirement | Before license application |
License Renewal
Arizona real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance:
Continuing Education Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| CE Hours | 24 hours per renewal cycle |
| Renewal Period | Every 2 years |
| Current Issues | 1 hour required (effective 1/1/2025) |
| Categories | Specific hours in required categories |
2025-2026 CE Updates
As of July 12, 2024, to qualify to renew a real estate license on or after January 1, 2025:
- Must complete 1 hour of CE on specific current issues in the real estate community
- This is part of the 24-hour total requirement
- Approved topics address evolving industry practices
Renewal Process
- Complete 24 hours of CE before expiration
- Ensure required categories are covered
- Renew online through ADRE website
- Pay renewal fees
Arizona-Specific Considerations
The Seller's Property Disclosure Statement (SPDS)
The SPDS is a critical document in Arizona real estate transactions:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Seller disclosure of property condition |
| Required | For most residential transactions |
| Format | ADRE-approved form |
| Content | Known defects, conditions, history |
Arizona Water Rights
Arizona has unique water rights considerations:
- Prior appropriation doctrine in some areas
- Groundwater regulations vary by region
- Active Management Areas (AMAs) - special groundwater rules
- Assured Water Supply requirements for subdivisions
Community Property
Arizona is a community property state:
- Property acquired during marriage is generally community property
- Both spouses typically must sign to convey community property
- Separate property rules apply to property owned before marriage or by gift/inheritance
What This Guide Covers
This FREE study guide focuses on Arizona state-specific content:
Chapter 1: Arizona DRE & Licensing Requirements
- ADRE structure and authority
- Arizona License Law
- Licensing requirements and processes
- Disciplinary procedures
Chapter 2: Arizona Agency Relationships
- Agency disclosure requirements
- Types of agency relationships
- Duties to clients and customers
- Dual agency regulations
Chapter 3: Arizona Contracts & Disclosures
- SPDS requirements
- Purchase contracts
- Arizona-specific provisions
- Escrow and closing procedures
Chapter 4: Arizona Property Law & Trust Accounts
- Trust account regulations
- Arizona water rights
- Community property
- Record-keeping requirements
Study Tips for Success
Recommended Study Plan
| Week | Focus | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | National concepts | 25-30 |
| 3-4 | Arizona state law | 20-25 |
| 5-6 | SPDS, contracts, water rights | 15-20 |
| 7 | Practice exams | 12-15 |
| 8 | Review & final prep | 8-10 |
Key Numbers to Memorize
| Topic | Number |
|---|---|
| Pre-license hours | 90 |
| Contract writing class | 6 hours |
| Education validity | 10 years |
| Exam questions (scored) | 180 |
| Exam time limit | 5 hours |
| Passing score | 75% |
| Exam to license application | 1 year |
| FCC filing fee | $67 |
| CE hours per cycle | 24 |
| Renewal period | 2 years |
| Current issues CE | 1 hour |
Next Steps
Ready to begin? Here's your action plan:
- Verify eligibility - Age 18+, good character
- Enroll in 90-hour course - ADRE-approved school
- Complete education - Certificate valid 10 years
- Complete Contract Writing - 6-hour class required
- Apply for FCC - Start early, $67 fee
- Register for exam - Through Pearson VUE
- Pass state exam - 75% on 180 questions
- Apply for license - Within 1 year of exam
- Find a broker - Secure sponsorship
- Get licensed - Start your career!
Real Estate SalespersonFree exam prep with practice questions & AI tutor
Let's get started with Chapter 1: Arizona DRE & Licensing Requirements!
How many hours of pre-license education are required for an Arizona real estate salesperson license?
What additional class is required before applying for an Arizona real estate license?
What passing score is required on the Arizona real estate exam?
What document must Arizona license applicants obtain from the Department of Public Safety?
How long is the Arizona pre-license education certificate valid?