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Alabama Real Estate License Requirements

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Alabama


Quick Overview

You’ll need to be 1.) At least 19 years of age and 2.) Hold a high school diploma, proof of high school graduation, or a GED.

  1. Complete 60 Hours of Required Education
  2. Pass the Course Final Exam
  3. Pass the AL Real Estate Exam
  4. Find a Sponsoring Broker
  5. Complete the Application
  6. Complete Post-Licensing Education

BUY YOUR ALABAMA PRE-LICENSING

How to Get a Real Estate License in Alabama

The Alabama Real Estate Commission requires all potential agents to complete the following steps to become a licensed real estate agent in Alabama. Follow the steps below to get started with your real estate career.

1. Complete Approved 60-hour Alabama Real Estate Pre-Licensing Education

To start, you must successfully complete an approved 60-hour Pre-Licensing course.

2. Pass Your Alabama Pre-Licensing Course’s Final Exam

After completing all the training/course materials and passing the practice exam, there is a course final exam. The passing score is at least 70%. This final must be taken in the presence of a proctor, and you’ll need to schedule an appointment in advance. Find out more about our
online proctoring process here.

3. Pass the Alabama Real Estate Salesperson Examination

A national agency called PSI administers the Alabama real estate exam questions; this test is taken under the supervision of a proctor. The state portion of this exam consists of 40 questions with a 60-minute time allowance and the national portion consists of 100 questions with a 150-minute time allowance. For more details and information, see the PSI candidate exam information here.

Figuring out how to become a real estate agent in Alabama can be difficult on its own. If you need help passing the Alabama real estate licensing exam, there are several options out there to assist you. Many comprehensive Exam Prep tools are tailored specifically to Alabama and can give you a much greater chance to pass the exam.

4. Find a Sponsoring Broker

Once you pass your licensing exam, you must become associated with a current and active Alabama sponsoring Broker. This Broker will be a career and education mentor providing you with an inside view into the day-to-day operations of a real estate agent.

5. Complete Fingerprint-Based Background Check

Applicants must submit to a fingerprint-based federal and state criminal background check, mandated by 34-27-32 Code of Alabama, by working with the Commission’s processing company, Gemalto.

6. Complete the Application

After completing your Alabama Salesperson exam, you will need to
apply for your Alabama real estate license with the Alabama Real Estate Commission. You must apply within 90 days of passing your licensing exam, and there will be a $210 license application fee. A fingerprint-based federal and state criminal background check are also required. Once your application has been accepted, you will be issued a temporary license.

7. Complete Your Alabama Post-Licensing Education

Within the first 12 months of licensure, you must complete
a 30-hour Post-Licensing course to be issued a permanent license. The Post-Licensing course must be completed along with the permanent license issued within the first six months to maintain an active license.

Registration with the Alabama Real Estate Commission is required prior to starting your post-Licensing course. This information is required to expedite the exchange of information among your instructor, the exam provider and the state of Alabama.

You should already have a temporary ID number. You can also look up your temporary ID here. You will be required to provide this number at the start of your Post-Licensing course.


Additional Information:

Common Questions About Getting Your Alabama Real Estate License.

1. How much does it cost to get your real estate license in Alabama?

The cost of an agent license in AL can vary considerably depending on the price of your Alabama real estate classes and different types of fees for your licensing, etc. An individual can typically expect to pay between $500-$700 to get an active Alabama real estate license.

Average Course Tuition $300-$400
AL State Fingerprinting $48.25
Application Fee $210
Total $500-$700

2. How long does it take to get a real estate license in Alabama?

The specific amount of time to complete your 60 hours of licensing courses can vary depending on how long each task takes you and how long you take to complete Pre-Licensing courses. Different credit hours and requirements of each brokerage will affect each Salesperson differently.

Student Learning Pace Time Period
Full-Time Student (40 hours a week) 2 weeks
20 Hours a Week 4 weeks
10 Hours A Week 6 weeks
5 Hours A Week 12 weeks

3. If you get a real estate license in Alabama, where else can you work?

If you get a real estate license in Alabama, you are automatically eligible to work in states that offer full reciprocity. States that offer full reciprocity will recognize your Alabama license, meaning you can work in their state after fulfilling significantly less requirements. Typically, this means passing the state-specific real estate exam or taking a state-specific course. States with full reciprocity include:

  • Colorado
  • Delaware
  • Georgia
  • Florida
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Maine
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Virginia
  • Washington 

The above list is not comprehensive. Please refer to this guide for more information on reciprocity.

4. How much money can I make as an Alabama real estate agent?

According to Indeed.com, the average salary for an Alabama real estate agent is $82,481. This number is 13% lower than the national average.


Alabama Real Estate Post-Licensing Requirements

Alabama real estate Post-License education requirements are that you complete 30 hours of Post-Licensing education courses within the first six months of receiving your real estate license. All new Sale Associate licensees must complete this step, in the industry it’s called the “PLE” (Post-Licensing Education)

The six-month clock to complete your PLE will start running once you affiliate yourself with a principal Broker. You’ll have six months to complete your PLE or risk having your license canceled.

You will need to make sure that you are getting these courses through a
AREC-approved education provider.


Alabama Real Estate Continuing Education Requirements

All licensed agents are required to maintain their knowledge in their particular field, for real estate agents
this requirement is fifteen (15) hours of approved Continuing Education courses.

These must be completed by September 30th of every even numbered year. The fifteen hours of Continuing Education must include:

  • Three (3) clock hours in the Commission-approved Risk Management course
  • Twelve (12) clock hours in Commission-approved courses

You will need to make sure that you are getting these courses through an
AREC-approved education provider.