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)
Last updated: January 2026

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

ResourceInformation
Websiteazre.gov
Phone(602) 771-7799
Address100 N. 15th Avenue, Suite 201, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Emailinfo@azre.gov

Arizona Licensing Requirements at a Glance

RequirementDetails
Minimum Age18 years old
EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent
Pre-License Hours90 hours
Contract Writing Class6 hours (required before license)
Education Validity10 years
Exam ProviderPearson VUE
Exam Questions180 scored + 15 pretest
Time Limit5 hours (300 minutes)
Passing Score75% (135 out of 180)
Fingerprint Clearance CardRequired

Pre-License Education Requirements

Arizona requires 90 hours of pre-license education from an ADRE-approved school.

Course Requirements

RequirementDetails
Total Hours90 hours
Course ProviderADRE-approved school
FormatIn-person or online
Certificate Validity10 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.

RequirementDetails
Hours6 hours
When RequiredBefore license application
ContentArizona real estate contract preparation
CertificateRequired 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

ComponentDetails
Total Questions195 (180 scored + 15 pretest)
Scored Questions180 questions
Pretest Questions15 (do not affect score)
Time Limit5 hours (300 minutes)
FormatMultiple choice, computer-based
Passing Score75% (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:

  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. 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:

  1. Enroll in an ADRE-approved school (online or in-person)
  2. Complete all 90 hours of coursework
  3. Pass the course exam
  4. Receive your certificate of completion
  5. Certificate valid for 10 years

Step 3: Complete Contract Writing Class

Attend the required 6-hour Contract Writing Class:

  1. Find an ADRE-approved provider
  2. Complete the 6-hour class
  3. Receive your certificate
  4. 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:

RequirementDetails
Issuing AgencyArizona Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Filing Fee$67
ProcessFingerprinting + background check
TimelineApply 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:

  1. Visit pearsonvue.com
  2. Create an account
  3. Provide education completion information
  4. Pay the exam fee
  5. 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:

  1. Submit license application to ADRE
  2. Provide 90-hour education certificate
  3. Provide 6-hour Contract Writing certificate
  4. Provide Fingerprint Clearance Card
  5. Pay license fees
  6. 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

ItemCost
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

MilestoneDeadline
Education validity10 years from completion
Exam to license application1 year
FCC requirementBefore license application

License Renewal

Arizona real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance:

Continuing Education Requirements

RequirementDetails
CE Hours24 hours per renewal cycle
Renewal PeriodEvery 2 years
Current Issues1 hour required (effective 1/1/2025)
CategoriesSpecific 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:

AspectDetails
PurposeSeller disclosure of property condition
RequiredFor most residential transactions
FormatADRE-approved form
ContentKnown 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

WeekFocusHours
1-2National concepts25-30
3-4Arizona state law20-25
5-6SPDS, contracts, water rights15-20
7Practice exams12-15
8Review & final prep8-10

Key Numbers to Memorize

TopicNumber
Pre-license hours90
Contract writing class6 hours
Education validity10 years
Exam questions (scored)180
Exam time limit5 hours
Passing score75%
Exam to license application1 year
FCC filing fee$67
CE hours per cycle24
Renewal period2 years
Current issues CE1 hour

Next Steps

Ready to begin? Here's your action plan:

  1. Verify eligibility - Age 18+, good character
  2. Enroll in 90-hour course - ADRE-approved school
  3. Complete education - Certificate valid 10 years
  4. Complete Contract Writing - 6-hour class required
  5. Apply for FCC - Start early, $67 fee
  6. Register for exam - Through Pearson VUE
  7. Pass state exam - 75% on 180 questions
  8. Apply for license - Within 1 year of exam
  9. Find a broker - Secure sponsorship
  10. 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!

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