1.2 Ohio License Requirements
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 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?