If you are thinking about a career change in Ohio, now is a great time to consider real estate. Ohio has a diverse economy and excellent business climate, making it an ideal place to buy and sell real estate. Think of all the beautiful properties in Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus that you can help your customers purchase! With an Ohio real estate license, you’ll enjoy a flexible schedule and the ability to earn a good income.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Of course, before you can become a real estate salesperson in Ohio, you’ll need a license. Keep reading and we’ll teach you how to get your Ohio real estate license in five easy steps.
How to Get an Ohio Real Estate License
How to Get an Ohio Real Estate License
To be eligible for an Ohio real estate license, you must:
- be at least 18 years old
- have a high school diploma or equivalent
- be determined to be of good character
1. Complete a 120 Hour Prelicensing Course
The first step in earning your real estate license in Ohio is to take a 120-hour prelicensing course. Ohio is unique in that the state requires real estate students to take their prelicensing courses from an institution that also awards at least an associate degree. Here are the details of required class hours by state.
Ohio Real Estate Education Requirements
| Real Estate Principles and Practices | 40 hours |
| ohio real estate law | 40 hours |
| real estate appraisal | 20 hours |
| real estate finance | 20 hours |
| total hours | 120 hours |
|---|
Ohio education providers like The CE Shop offer real estate programs that you can complete in just a few months. CE Shop’s classes are offered online through their local school partner, Davis College. They have built-in exam preparation and 24/7 access to instructors.
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2. Find a sponsoring broker to hire you
Long before you take the Ohio real estate agent exam, you should start connecting with brokerages in your area and find a sponsoring broker. You will be asked to provide your sponsoring broker’s information when applying to sit for the licensing exam.
As a new real estate agent, the state requires you to work under a managing broker. When you work for a brokerage, you’ll split your commissions — usually your only source of income as an agent — with your brokerage. Some brokers will require a 50-50 split on commission in exchange for office, promotional materials and other professional benefits.
Some may allow you to keep a higher percentage of your commission in exchange for a monthly desk fee. In general, you have to pay this fee every month whether you earn any commission or not.
The cap is the maximum amount that the brokerage will charge from the commission you earn during a year. Once you have earned a certain amount for the agency, you will be able to keep the rest of your earnings with yourself.
I recommend that you talk to several brokers and compare offers before making a decision. You may find that the big-name agencies have built-in strategies to help you succeed in your new career. Conversely, smaller brokerages may be willing to offer you better deals and provide more personalized training.
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3. Apply for the Ohio License Exam
Once you’ve completed the 120-hour course and found a broker willing to hire you, it’s time to apply for your license exam. You can complete the application online or send a paper copy.
You must include proof that you have completed your prelicensing coursework, which can be a copy of your official transcript or a certificate of course completion from an educational institution. You must also include the $81 application fee.
In addition to providing your contact information, date of birth and Social Security number, you will also need to include your new employer’s signature and their agency’s file number. The application also asks a series of yes or no questions about your ethical conduct and legal history.
Once the department has processed your application, they will send your information to the test vendor, and you will then receive instructions on scheduling your test.
4. Pass a background check
You must complete a fingerprinting background check within 10 days To file your license application. Background checks are conducted by WebCheck, and you can find a location near you by visiting the Ohio Attorney General’s website.
You will need state and federal background checks. Therefore, be sure to choose a site that is approved by Ohio’s Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI&I) and capable of submitting records from both your state and the FBI. Be sure to bring your government-issued photo ID. The cost of biometrics and background checks varies by location, but ranges from $50 to $80.
Provide these “reason codes” to webcheck:
- BCI&I Reason Code: 4735 05
- FBI Reason Code: 121 08
Also, ask them to direct your biometrics results to the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing.
Applicants who have not been convicted of any felony or offense of moral turpitude in the past should participate in this exercise. But even if there is something related to your past, you should still apply and disclose it. The state can’t waive if you violate their application rules, but they can waive some convictions or violations. You can find the questions you will need to answer at the bottom of the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing seller application.
5. Pass the Ohio Real Estate License Exam
Schedule
Completion Time:
3 hours
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Format:
Computer Based, 120 Multiple Choice Questions
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what to bring:
Two valid forms of ID
The licensing exam is administered by PSI and you can schedule your exam online and pay the $58 exam fee directly to PSI. You can also choose whether you would like to take the test online or in person. The test sites are at the following locations:
- akron
- cambridge
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus (two locations)
- toledo
- Troy
If you want to feel more confident about your licensure exam, consider investing in quality test preparation materials. The CE Shop’s prelicensing package includes useful tools such as digital flashcards, a real estate glossary, and a study schedule to help you study.
Visit CE Shop
Immediately after the completion of the exam, you will know whether you have passed the exam or not. If you do not pass, you will receive your score detailing the percentage of questions you answered wrong in each subject area. This information will help you in preparing for the retake. You will retake only that part of the exam in which you failed.
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How Much Does It Cost To Get An Ohio Real Estate License?
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Ohio Real Estate Governing Bodies:
Real Estate and Professional Licensing Division
Schedule
Prelicensing Requirements:
120 hours
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Estimated Total Cost:
$1,400 – $2,000
fact check
Price Range for Real Estate Licensing Courses:
$2,009 – $2,029
It costs approximately $2,000 to get your Ohio real estate license. Ohio State requires you to complete a 120-hour prelicensing course, and the cost varies depending on the school you choose. Some costs involved in obtaining your Ohio real estate license are fixed, such as application and exam fees. Here are the details of your expected costs:
Sample Ohio Real Estate License Cost
| Prelicensing Classes (120 h) | $1,499 (via) CE shop, |
| license application | $81 |
| exam registration | $58 |
| fingerprinting | $30-50 |
| total cost | $1,688 |
(Ohio real estate license cost as of June 2023)
The cost of getting your real estate license in Ohio can vary depending on the real estate school you choose. We like the CE Shop’s value-packed options, which are offered locally through Davis College.
readers of The Close can save 35% on prelicensing classes from CE shop using promo code closed35,
How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in Ohio?
According to Indeed, real estate agents in Ohio earn an average of $78,475 per year. Remember, this figure is based on the number of commissions earned by the real estate agent. As a commission-based career, there is no limit to the income a realtor can earn.
How to Get a Real Estate License in Ohio: Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have more questions about how to become a real estate agent in Ohio? We’ve got the answers! If we missed anything, let us know in the comments section below—we love hearing from you!
How Long Does It Take To Become A Real Estate Agent In Ohio?
It takes approximately three months to obtain a real estate license in Ohio. Even though some schools (such as Sinclair College) claim that students can complete materials within eight weeks, the application process may require a few additional weeks to finalize your Ohio real estate license.
Can I Get My Ohio Real Estate License Online?
Yes, you can get your Ohio real estate license online. You can take your prelicensing classes and license exam from the comfort of your home. But you have to go to webcheck location to get fingerprints for your background check.
Which Online Real Estate Classes in Ohio Are Right for Me?
Even though Hondros College is our pick for top online real estate school in Ohio, the other online Ohio real estate schools on our list are excellent options with a variety of features and benefits.
Begin by considering whether you would like to take your course online or in person, and whether you would like to have a live schedule class or complete the work at your own pace. Check out our guide to the best real estate classes in Ohio to see which one is right for you.
How Hard Is It To Pass The Ohio Real Estate Exam?
The Ohio Seller Exam includes 80 questions about national real estate matters and 40 state-specific questions. To pass, you must score at least 70% on each section. You will need to review and study material in order to pass the Ohio real estate exam.
What should I bring to the test center?
You will need to bring two forms of identification on the day of your test. One of them should be a government-issued ID that includes your photo and your signature, such as a driver’s license or passport. The second ID must have your signature and your preprinted name. The name on both the IDs should match with the name entered by you in the exam registration form.
The only other item you are allowed to have with you during the test is a silent, non-programmable calculator. Leave your purse, wallet, phone, watch, food and drinks at home or in the car.
What if I have a real estate license from another state?
The Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- nebraska
- oklahoma
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
To qualify for reciprocity, you must have an active broker’s license in that state for two out of the last five years. You must also take Ohio real estate law courses at an institution of higher learning.
To learn more about the process of transferring your real estate license to Ohio, visit the Department of Real Estate and Professional Licensing website, or see our guide on real estate license reciprocity.
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