How To Get a Real Estate License in Arizona

Are you ready to begin a thrilling and fulfilling profession in the real estate industry?

Arizona, with its booming housing market, stunning landscapes, and thriving communities, is an exceptional place to start your real estate journey. In this step-by-step guide, I simplify the process of obtaining your real estate license in Arizona. I’ll walk you through each step, from meeting basic requirements to passing the state exam and choosing the right brokerage.

Step 1: Meet the Requirements

Before you start the steps in the Arizona real estate license process, make sure you meet the basic requirements:

Age requirement: You must be at least 18 years old.
Residency and legal status: You must be a U.S. citizen or a legal alien with the right to work in the country.

Meeting these basic requirements is the first step in your real estate licensing journey. Once you have confirmed that you satisfy these criteria, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you are eligible to pursue a career in real estate in Arizona.

Step 2: Complete Pre-Licensing Education

To become a licensed real estate agent in Arizona, you must complete pre-licensing education. This step is vital to building a strong foundation in real estate principles and practices, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your new career.

The Arizona Department of Real Estate requires all prospective real estate agents to complete a 90-hour salesperson pre-licensing course and a 6-hour contract writing course. This full course is designed to give you the important knowledge and skills to succeed in the real estate industry.

Choose a real estate school approved by the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE). Approved schools offer courses that meet state requirements and standards, ensuring you receive a quality education. Be sure to choose a school that fits your learning style and schedule, whether it offers in-person classes, online options, or a hybrid approach.

The 90-hour pre-licensing course covers these areas of study:

Real estate laws and regulations
Property ownership and land use controls
Contract and agency relations
Financing and mortgage principles
Real estate valuation and market analysis
Ethical and professional standards

Completing your pre-licensing education requires dedication and effective study strategies. Here are some tips to help you excel:

Create a study schedule: Allocate specific times each day or week for studying to ensure consistent progress.
Take detailed notes: Write down concepts and terms to reinforce your understanding and create a valuable review resource
Use study aids: Make use of study guides, flashcards, and practice exams to test your knowledge and identify areas needing improvement.
Stay organized: Keep all your study materials and notes organized for easy access and review.

Unlock 30% off your real estate classes! Take advantage of our exclusive discounts and promotions on pre-licensing education.

STEP 3: Complete the Fingerprint Process

Fingerprinting is an essential part of obtaining your real estate license in Arizona.

You have several options for completing your fingerprinting process:

Obtaining fingerprint cards and application: You will need fingerprint cards and the non-IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card Application from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Fill out the application: Complete the DPS application form thoroughly and accurately using blue or black ink. Ensure you use the white copy only.
Prepare the fingerprint card: Fill out and include the fingerprint card as per the instructions provided with the kit
Payment: Include the fingerprint clearance card fee of $67. Accepted payment methods are cashier’s checks, money orders, or checks drawn on a business account, payable to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Step 4: Apply for the Exam

Now is the moment to register for the Arizona real estate exam. The exam for becoming an Arizona real estate salesperson is conducted by PearsonVue.

Visit the PearsonVue site and select a suitable date and venue for your exam. Make sure you have your salesperson’s education certificate, which shows you studied for 90 hours before getting your license. Also, pay the $75 certification fee and bring two forms of current signature identification, including one government-issued ID with a photo.

Step 5: Pass the Exam

After completing your pre-licensing education, the next step is to pass the exam. To pass the school exam, you must achieve a score of 75% or higher. This passing score shows that you have a solid understanding of the key concepts of real estate in Arizona.

Step 6: Submit Your License Application

After passing the Arizona real estate salesperson exam, the next crucial step is to submit your license application. This involves filling out the necessary forms, gathering the required documents, and paying the licensing fee.

When you pass the real estate salesperson exam, PearsonVue will provide you with the salesperson license application and detailed instructions. Here are the documents you need for your application:

Original salesperson’s application, complete and signed.
Arizona exam score report from PearsonVue.
Pre-licensure education certificate
Copies of the front and back of a valid ID proving lawful presence in the US.
Disciplinary Actions Disclosure Form (LI-214/244)
Disclosure Document Checklist Form (LI-400)
Contract writing course certificate

The current fee for applying for an Arizona real estate salesperson license is $60. This fee must be paid at the time of submitting your application. Payment can typically be made using a credit or debit card through the ADRE’s online message center.

Remember that your license application must be submitted within one year of passing the state examination. If you don’t submit your application within this timeframe, you’ll be required to retake the exam.

Step 7: Choose a Sponsoring Brokerage

Choosing a sponsoring brokerage is a key decision in your real estate career. Your brokerage will provide you with the support, training, and resources you need to succeed as a new agent.

A sponsoring brokerage provides these benefits:

Mentorship and training: New agents receive guidance and training to develop essential skills and knowledge.
Resources and tools: Access to marketing materials, office space, technology, and administrative support.
Legal and regulatory support: Brokers ensure compliance with state laws and regulations, reducing legal risks.
Networking opportunities: Brokers often have established networks and connections that can help you grow your business.

When choosing a sponsoring brokerage, consider the following factors to find the best fit for your career goals and working style:

Training and development programs: Look for brokerages that offer comprehensive training programs for new agents.
Support and resources: Look for assistance with paperwork, marketing, and other administrative tasks.
Commission structure: Verify split commissions and fee structure.
Company culture: Familiarize yourself with the work environment, ethics, and values.

Step 8: Start Your Real Estate Career

Now that you have obtained your real estate license, it’s time to start your new profession.

The following strategies will help you build a strong foundation, market yourself effectively, and stay informed as you grow in the real estate industry:

Networking is essential in the real estate business. Building a strong professional network can lead to valuable connections, referrals, and opportunities. Begin by joining real estate associations and attending industry events.
Effective marketing is crucial to establishing your presence in the real estate market. Develop a personal brand, build a website, and use social media.
The real estate market is dynamic, and staying informed about the latest trends and developments is essential for success. Follow market news and continue your education.

Step 9: Complete Continuing Education

Continuing education is a vital aspect of maintaining your real estate license and staying current with industry trends and regulations. In Arizona, there are specific requirements you must meet to ensure your knowledge remains up-to-date.

As a licensed real estate agent in Arizona, you need to complete continuing education courses within your first two years. This requirement helps reinforce the foundational knowledge you gained during your pre-licensing education and introduces you to more advanced topics and industry updates.

Takeaway

Pursuing a profession in the Arizona real estate industry is fulfilling. Getting your real estate license is the first step toward accessing many opportunities in this dynamic industry. Whether your goal is to help clients find their dream homes, engage in property sales, or explore investment opportunities, a real estate license is key to success.

By following these steps and staying committed to continuous learning and professional development, you’ll be well-prepared to launch and grow a successful real estate career in Arizona. Start your journey today and embrace the exciting possibilities that await in the world of real estate.

FAQ

What are the basic requirements to obtain a real estate license in Arizona?

To qualify for a real estate license in Arizona, you must be at least 18 years old, be a U.S. citizen or legal alien with the right to work in the country, and submit fingerprints for a background check.

How many hours of pre-licensing education are required in Arizona?

Arizona requires prospective real estate agents to complete a 90-hour salesperson pre-licensing course and an additional 6-hour course on contract writing from a state-approved real estate school.

How do I register for the Arizona real estate exam?

After completing your pre-licensing education, you can register for the Arizona state real estate exam through the PearsonVue website. You will need to schedule a date and location, pay the $75 exam fee, and bring the required identification and education certificates on the test day.

What score is required to pass the Arizona real estate salesperson exam?

You must achieve a score of 75% or higher on the Arizona real estate salesperson exam to pass.

What documents are needed to submit my license application?

To submit your license application, you need:

A completed and signed salesperson’s application
The Arizona exam score report from Pearson Vue
The pre-licensure education certificate
Proof of legal presence
The Disciplinary Actions Disclosure Form (LI-214/244)
The Disclosure Document Checklist Form (LI-400)
The fingerprint clearance card
The contract writing course certificate
The application fee of $60

What are the continuing education requirements for Arizona real estate agents?

Arizona real estate agents must complete 24 credit hours of continuing education, approved by the Arizona Department of Real Estate, within the 24 months preceding their license renewal date.