Key Takeaways
- Ohio salesperson applicants must be at least 18 years old; high school diploma required if born after January 1, 1950
- Pre-license education requirement is 100 hours (reduced from 120 hours as of April 2025)
- The exam is 120 questions total (80 national + 40 state) with 180 minutes (120 min national + 60 min state)
- Passing score is 70% on each section separately
- Exam fee is $63 and license application fee is $81; fingerprinting required within 10 days of application
Ohio License Requirements
Ohio has specific requirements for salesperson and broker licenses.
Salesperson License Requirements
To become an Ohio real estate salesperson, you must:
1. Basic Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or GED (required if born after January 1, 1950)
- Be of good moral character
- Be a legal resident authorized to work in the United States
2. Education Requirements
Complete 100 hours of pre-license education from a Division-approved school:
| Course | Hours | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Principles & Practices | 40 | Required |
| Ohio Real Estate Law | 40 | Required |
| Real Estate Appraisal | 20 | Required |
| Total | 100 | Reduced from 120 hours (April 2025) |
2025 Update: As of April 2025, Ohio reduced pre-license education from 120 hours to 100 hours.
3. Examination
| Detail | Salesperson Exam |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 120 multiple-choice |
| National Portion | 80 questions |
| State Portion | 40 questions |
| National Time | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| State Time | 60 minutes (1 hour) |
| Total Time | 180 minutes (3 hours) |
| Passing Score | 70% on each section |
| National Passing | 56 correct out of 80 |
| State Passing | 28 correct out of 40 |
| Exam Fee | $63 |
4. Application and Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Fee | $63 |
| License Application | $81 |
| Fingerprinting | Varies by provider |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $150+ |
5. Background Check - Fingerprinting
Critical Requirement: Applicants must submit fingerprints for a background check within 10 days of submitting their license application.
- Fingerprinting is done through WebCheck or approved vendor
- BCI (Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation) and FBI checks
- Results reviewed by Division for character fitness
Broker License Requirements
To become an Ohio real estate broker, you must meet higher standards:
Experience Requirement
2 years of active experience as a licensed salesperson within the preceding 5 years, with evidence of at least 20 completed transactions or equivalent experience.
Education Requirements
Complete additional education beyond the salesperson requirements:
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Salesperson Pre-License | 100 hours |
| Broker Pre-License Course | 40 hours |
| Total for Broker | 140 hours |
Broker Examination
| Detail | Broker Exam |
|---|---|
| Questions | Varies by vendor |
| Passing Score | 70% on each section |
| Exam Fee | $63 |
Pass Both Sections Within 12 Months
Important Rule: You must pass both the national and state portions within a 12-month period.
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Time Limit | 12 months to pass both sections |
| Partial Passing | If you pass one section, results valid for 12 months |
| After 12 Months | Must retake both sections |
License Application Process
- Complete 100 hours of pre-license education
- Submit exam application to PSI
- Pay $63 exam fee
- Schedule and pass exam (70% on both sections)
- Apply for license within 12 months of passing
- Submit fingerprints within 10 days of application
- Pay $81 license fee
- Affiliate with a broker
Important: You must work under a licensed broker. The broker must apply for your license activation.
How many hours of pre-license education are required for an Ohio salesperson license as of 2025?
What is the passing score requirement for the Ohio real estate exam?
Within how many days of submitting a license application must Ohio applicants submit fingerprints?