Key Takeaways
- Michigan salesperson applicants must be at least 18 years old
- Pre-license education requirement is 40 hours, including a mandatory 4-hour civil rights course
- The exam has 115 scored questions plus 5-10 pretest questions with a 3-hour time limit
- Passing score is 70% on both the national and state portions
- Exam fee is $79 and license application fee is $88; PSI administers the exam
Michigan License Requirements
Michigan has specific requirements for salesperson and broker licenses.
Salesperson License Requirements
To become a Michigan real estate salesperson, you must:
1. Basic Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be of good moral character
- Have not been convicted of certain crimes within specified time periods
2. Education Requirements
Complete 40 hours of pre-license education:
| Course | Hours | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Fundamentals | 36 | Yes |
| Civil Rights/Fair Housing | 4 | Yes |
| Total | 40 |
Important: The 4-hour civil rights/fair housing course is mandatory and must be completed as part of the 40-hour requirement.
3. Examination
| Detail | Salesperson Exam |
|---|---|
| Scored Questions | 115 multiple-choice |
| Pretest Questions | 5-10 (unscored) |
| Time Limit | 3 hours |
| Passing Score | 70% on each section |
| Exam Fee | $79 |
| Administrator | PSI |
4. Application and Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Fee | $79 |
| License Application | $88 |
| Total Initial Cost | $167 |
5. Exam Validity
| Requirement | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Pass exam within | 1 year of becoming eligible |
| Apply for license within | 1 year of passing exam |
Broker License Requirements
To become a Michigan real estate broker, you must meet higher standards:
Experience Requirement
3 years of experience as a licensed salesperson within the preceding 6 years.
Education Requirements
Complete additional education beyond the salesperson requirements:
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Salesperson Pre-License | 40 hours |
| Broker Pre-License Course | 90 hours |
| Total for Broker | 130 hours |
Broker Examination
The broker exam covers advanced topics including:
- Brokerage management
- Trust account handling
- Supervision requirements
- Advanced contract law
Application Process
- Complete 40 hours of pre-license education (including 4 hrs civil rights)
- Register for exam with PSI
- Pay exam fee ($79)
- Pass exam (70% on both portions)
- Submit license application to LARA within 1 year
- Pay application fee ($88)
- Affiliate with an employing broker
Exam Retakes
| Policy | Detail |
|---|---|
| Retake Limit | No limit on attempts |
| Wait Period | Must wait 30 days between attempts |
| Fee | $79 per attempt |
| Validity | Must pass within 1 year of eligibility |
Employing Broker Requirement
Before you can practice real estate in Michigan:
- Must have an employing broker sponsor you
- Broker submits employment certification to LARA
- Cannot practice until affiliation is approved
- Broker is responsible for supervision
Key Point: You cannot practice real estate in Michigan without an employing broker sponsoring you.
How many hours of pre-license education are required for a Michigan salesperson license?
What is the passing score for the Michigan real estate exam?
Which organization administers the Michigan real estate licensing exam?