Key Takeaways
- The Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing regulates real estate licensees under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4735
- The Division operates under the Ohio Department of Commerce and is led by the Superintendent of Real Estate
- Ohio Real Estate Commission consists of 5 members appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation
- Ohio requires 100 hours of pre-license education (reduced from 120 hours as of April 2025)
- The exam has 120 questions total (80 national + 40 state) with 180 minutes total time
Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing
Important: This content covers Ohio-specific real estate laws and regulations. You should complete the National Real Estate Exam Prep first, as the Ohio exam includes 80 national questions in addition to 40 state-specific questions.
The Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing is the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating real estate professionals in Ohio. The Division operates under the Ohio Department of Commerce.
Division Structure
The Division is led by the Superintendent of Real Estate, who is appointed by the Director of Commerce.
Ohio Real Estate Commission
The Ohio Real Estate Commission consists of 5 members appointed by the Governor:
| Member Type | Number | Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Brokers | 4 | Active Ohio broker license |
| Consumer Member | 1 | Not licensed in real estate |
Members serve 5-year staggered terms and must be confirmed by the Ohio Senate.
Division Authority and Functions
The Ohio Division of Real Estate has broad regulatory authority:
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Issue, renew, suspend, and revoke licenses |
| Education | Approve pre-license and continuing education schools |
| Enforcement | Investigate complaints and take disciplinary action |
| Rulemaking | Adopt rules under Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 1301:5-1 |
| Recovery Fund | Administer the Real Estate Recovery Fund |
Ohio Real Estate Law
Ohio real estate law is found in:
- Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Chapter 4735 - Ohio Real Estate License Law
- Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Chapter 1301:5-1 - Division Rules
Key provisions include licensing requirements, prohibited conduct, trust fund handling, and disclosure requirements.
Exam Tip: The Division can impose civil penalties, require education, suspend or revoke licenses, and take other disciplinary action. Criminal violations are referred to the Attorney General.
Division Contact Information
Address: 77 South High Street, 20th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215 Phone: (614) 466-4100 Website: com.ohio.gov/real-estate
How many members serve on the Ohio Real Estate Commission?
Under which state department does the Ohio Division of Real Estate operate?