How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate License in Arkansas?

This article is your guide to understanding how much a real estate license in Arkansas costs.

We break down all the expenses involved in each step, so you can budget properly for the entire licensing process.

Keep reading to see what you’ll have to pay at every stage in order to get your real estate license in Arkansas.

Pre-Licensing Education: $250-$600+

In Arkansas, your real estate license cost list starts with pre-licensing education. This is a prerequisite for the salesperson exam.

Applicants are required to take 60 hours of pre-licensing education classes. The requirement can be completed at a post-secondary school or any of the institutions accredited by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC).

For those going for their salesperson license, half the hours must be on the basic principles of real estate.

Those applying for a broker license must also complete 60 hours, 45 of which must be in a pre-approved broker pre-licensing course.

Fingerprinting and Background Check: $56.25

When you submit your application, you’ll also complete a criminal background check form to verify your identity and approve the check.

Once this form and your application are processed, you’ll be notified to get your fingerprints done electronically and submitted to the Arkansas State Police.

You’ll have two charges associated with getting your background check completed. It’s $22 for the state check, and $14.25 for the FBI background check.

Collecting your fingerprints will cost an additional $20.

Will a previous criminal record impact your chances of getting licensed in the state? Refer to our tips for applying for an Arkansas real estate license with criminal record.

Exam Fee: $75

To schedule your real estate license exam in Arkansas, you’ll need to contact Pearson VUE. You can either register online for the test or call 800-274-2606.

You will have four hours to complete the exam regardless of license type, although the tests themselves do differ.

The salesperson test is broken up into two sections. You’ll answer 110 total questions, with 80 in the national section and 30 in the state. You must score at least a 70 in each section to pass.

The broker exam is offered in a single section, with a total of 120 questions. You also need at least a 70 to pass.

The fee is the same no matter the exam type.

Refer to our article on what to study for the Arkansas real estate exam to know the topics that will be covered in the test.

Exam Retake: $75

No matter how many times you retake the exam, you must pay the $75 and you do have unlimited attempts.

If you only fail one section of the salesperson exam, you have six months to pass it or you’ll have to retest taking both sections.

You must wait 24 hours after failing the exam before contacting Pearson VUE to schedule your retake.

To avoid paying for this fee, review my tips for passing the real estate exam on your first attempt.

License Application: $50

You can find all the information you’ll need about the Arkansas real estate license application in the license application brochure.

While the actual application fee is only $50, you’ll also submit the background check fees at this point, so you’re paying $86.25 in total at this stage.

You are required to be sponsored by a licensed broker upon filing for your license application. This ensures your license will be on active status when issued.

Browse our directory of the best real estate brokerages in Arkansas to pick one near your location.

If you need help in screening potential broker candidates, make sure to read our article on how to pick a broker to work for.

Once your application gets approved, the AREC will send you a Certificate of Exam Eligibility so you’re able to continue forward with the licensing process.

Know the time commitment involved in getting licensed in the state by reading our article on how long to get a real estate license in Arkansas.

Continuing Education: $65-$300+

For a newly licensed salesperson or broker, there are two different continuing education requirements.

Arkansas real estate agents must take 18 hours of post-licensing education within their first six months of having an active license. A broker must complete 30 hours in the same timeframe.

After that, all licensees must take seven hours of continuing education each year.

Your expenses in this section will vary based on whether it’s your first year with an active license or not.

License Renewal: $60 for Salesperson; $80 for Broker

Arkansas real estate license renewals occur every year. Information typically goes out in July with a renewal deadline of September 30th to avoid paying late fees.

The cost is $60 to renew a salesperson license, and $80 to renew a broker license.

Seeing all the costs associated with your Arkansas real estate license may feel daunting, but there are ways to save a little here and there.

The best place to look at reducing costs is in your pre-, post- and continuing education. Here, it pays to do your research and compare the price tag at different Arkansas real estate schools.

Prices will differ based on whether you decide to learn in person or remotely and whether you’re taking an instructor-led or self-paced course.

Compare the pros and cons of each method using our A-to-Z guide on real estate classes online vs. classroom courses.

Once you narrow down your options, it’s also a good idea to look at whether the class package provides any extras.

It may be worthwhile to pay a little more for an institution with a high success rate or one providing additional study materials with the course.

Reviewing both price and value when shopping around for your educational requirements will create the most cost-effective option for your real estate license coursework.

Once you get your real estate license in Arkansas, you will be faced with a lot of challenges that go with the job. It will help you immensely to research further on what it’s like to work as a realtor.

Industry experts discuss this in detail in our article that weighs the pros and cons of being a real estate agent.

It is also advisable to consult experienced agents who can give valuable insight into your real estate career. Make sure to join a real estate team to meet face to face with good mentors.

Of course, you have to have your own plan on what to do after passing the real estate exam. Create steps that will ensure you build a successful real estate practice in the state.

To help you build and grow your real estate career quickly, we at Real Estate Bees created a directory for real estate professionals.

It’s designed to help you get more exposure for your business, including receiving leads. Create a free profile by signing up here.

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About the Author

Kristina Morales is a REALTOR® with over 20 years of professional experience. She actively practices real estate in Ohio but also has practiced real estate in California and Texas. Conducting her real estate business in three states has allowed her to gain unique experiences that make her a well-rounded realtor. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and her MBA with a concentration in Banking and Finance. Prior to real estate, Kristina had an extensive corporate career in banking and treasury. She ended her finance career as an Assistant Treasurer at a publicly traded oil & gas company in Houston, TX.