1.2 Alabama License Requirements
Key Takeaways
- A salesperson applicant must be at least 19, have a high school diploma or GED, and meet Alabama's residency, legal-presence, character, and license-history requirements.
- The approved salesperson prelicense course is 60 clock hours and requires a course grade of at least 70.
- After course completion and AREC pre-registration, the candidate receives a six-month authorization to pass the Pearson VUE exam.
- Passing the exam does not itself authorize practice; the applicant must complete the license application and secure a qualifying broker.
- A new salesperson follows Alabama's temporary-to-original license and postlicense-education process under the rules then in effect.
Baseline Qualifications
An Alabama salesperson applicant must be at least 19, hold a high school diploma or GED, and satisfy the current statutory requirements concerning bona fide U.S.-state residency, legal presence, character, and prior licensing history. Disclose requested criminal, disciplinary, or license information accurately; AREC applies the governing law and application process to the facts.
Education and Authorization
Complete an AREC-approved 60-clock-hour salesperson prelicense course and earn at least 70 on the course examination. The school submits or supports the records required for pre-registration. When AREC authorizes testing, the candidate has six months to pass the current Pearson VUE examination. The course grade of 70 is a course requirement and must not be confused with the licensing exam's overall scaled score of 70.
Examination and Application
The current exam has 120 scored items plus unscored pretest items and is administered by Pearson VUE. After passing, the result is valid for 90 days for completing the license application. Follow AREC's current application instructions, fees, fingerprint or background process where applicable, and document requirements. A missed application deadline can require another examination.
Qualifying Broker and Authority to Practise
A qualifying broker is not required merely to sit for the test. To finish licensure and perform brokerage activity, however, the applicant must secure an Alabama qualifying broker and have the license issued to that broker. A salesperson may not act independently or conduct licensed activity while unlicensed or inactive.
Temporary and Original License
Alabama uses a temporary salesperson license followed by an original license after postlicense education. Under rules in force before October 1, 2028, complete the 30-hour postlicense course and obtain the original license within six months to remain active and within one year to avoid lapse. Candidates and licensees should confirm the transition rules in effect on their own issue date.
How long is the current salesperson testing authorization after approval?
Does passing the examination alone authorize brokerage activity?