How to Get a Real Estate License in Arizona

This article thoroughly explains the requirements and steps to become a licensed real estate professional in The Grand Canyon State.

You’ll find information on everything, from the classes you must take to how to apply. We also detail cost and time requirements and include links to helpful documents.

It’s a quick read. So, dive in right now and let us guide you on how to get your real estate license in Arizona.

As an applicant for a real estate license in AZ, your requirements include these general qualifiers:

• You must be 18 or older.
• You must be legally present in the U.S.

You must also meet education, background check, exam, and application requirements.

The mandated pre-licensing education consists of 96 hours completed at any of the local real estate schools in Arizona.

It’s split into two courses. One is a 90-hour pre-exam course. The other covers contract writing.

You’ll also need to obtain a Fingerprint Clearance Card.

Getting this card involves a criminal history records check conducted by the Department of Public Safety (DPS).

The fact that DPS does a background check doesn’t exempt you from disclosing convictions or disciplinary actions.

You must also submit a disclosure form with your application.

Before you can apply, you must first pass the salesperson exam. It has 195 questions specific to the practice of real estate in Arizona.

You need to answer 75% of them correctly to pass.

For more information about the exam, download the Candidate Handbook put out by the test vendor Pearson VUE.

It tells you all you need to know, including what content is on the exam.

One other thing you must do before applying if you want to receive an active license is affiliate with a broker.

As a salesperson, you must have a sponsoring broker supervise you.

Use our guide on choosing a real estate brokerage to work for to navigate that process.

You can then check out our database of the best real estate brokers in Arizona as you choose.

If you’re applying for a broker license, you must also meet the basic requirements for a real estate license in Arizona.

You have to be 18 years old and must submit proof of legal presence in the U.S. Additionally, you’re required to have worked as an agent or broker. Specifically:

• You need at least three years of experience.
• It must have been gained in the prior five years.
• Each employing broker must verify your time with them.

You also need to get fingerprinted and undergo a background check.

That’s all part of getting a Fingerprint Clearance Card (FCC), which you must submit when you apply.

FCCs are obtained from the DPS, and you initiate the process by applying on their website.

Submission of a disclosure form is required as well. It’s where you’ll divulge any criminal convictions or occupational disciplinary actions.

Other requirements include pre-licensing and broker management courses and an exam.

• The pre-licensing course is 90 hours of instruction taught at an approved school. It’s a prerequisite for the exam.
• The exam has 195 questions and must be completed within 5.25 hours. You need a score of 75% or higher to pass it.
• The Broker Management Clinic must be completed before you’re allowed to activate your license. It’s three 3-hour courses that you can take in any order.

What Is Real Estate License Reciprocity?

Many states have agreements for granting licenses to real estate licensees from other states. This is referred to as reciprocity.

Think of it as a pre-arranged acceptance of another state’s license.

While the specifics vary, all these agreements allow you to fast-track the licensing process. Often, all you must do is take the state portion of the exam.

One of the stricter states for licensing, Arizona doesn’t offer formal reciprocity with other states. However, it does have a policy for out-of-state license recognition.

To qualify, you must meet the established criteria, which includes being an Arizona resident when applying. You must also pass the state-specific exam.

Full details on how to obtain a real estate license in Arizona if you’re currently licensed elsewhere are spelled out in an Out-of-State Recognition brochure.

What States Have Reciprocity with Arizona Real Estate License?

In Arizona, real estate license reciprocity is not a formal arrangement offered to other states.

Instead, Arizona follows a procedure for out-of-state license recognition.

Survey of Experts

How difficult was it for you to study and pass the Arizona real estate license exam?

How many attempts did it take you to pass your real estate license exam?

Pre-Licensing Classroom Courses

Your options for classroom courses include in-person and virtual learning.

Both provide a regular schedule, which can help if you procrastinate or are easily distracted from studying.

They also offer a dynamic learning environment. You can ask questions and engage with classmates. However, you’ll likely pay more to gain that benefit.

While the block of time for class is fixed, you get flexibility in what schedule you’d prefer. Providers teach morning, full-day, evening, and weekend classes.

Pre-Licensing Online Courses

Online courses are readily available whether you’re obtaining a real estate license to be an agent or broker.

Confirm that the provider is on the list of approved schools before enrolling.

The salesperson courses are typically offered as a discounted package and often include an exam prep course.

Individual workshops and prep courses are also available for both licenses.

They serve as a springboard for review and offer practice tests that simulate the actual exam.

A primary benefit of online courses is their budget-friendly price tag. You can also study whenever you want and save travel time.

However, engagement is typically by discussion board and you’ll likely have limited live interactions.

Read our video guide comparing online real estate classes vs. classroom courses to know which method can help you study more effectively.

Survey of Experts

Did you take your pre-licensing real estate course online or in person?

Do you think taking a real estate pre-licensing course online can save students time compared to in-person courses?

What is the name of the school where you completed your pre-licensing course?

Expert Insight

Do you see any advantages of taking an online course over the in-person class?

I think in person is better. It holds you more accountable. But it is very personality-based, so if someone learns better online, that might work.

— Rebecca Hidalgo Rains, Integrity All Stars Realty, CEO/Designated Broker

If you can go at your own pace, that would be great. You can save money on gas and other expenses related to attending in person, i.e., food, etc., as well.

— Josh Carmona, Jason Mitchell Group, Realtor

You tend to not pay attention online, and you miss the opportunity to network with potential peers and learn best practices. Books can’t teach you that.

— Denise van den Bossche, Realty Executives, Team Leader/Associate Broker/Licensed Agent

I am an in-person learner, so this was the best avenue for course delivery for me. The ability to ask questions and have more class engagement was valuable for me.

— Sara Weller, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Realtor

What would you recommend real estate students to invest extra in to ensure passing the exam on the first try?

In the package that I selected through ASREB, an in-person review course was offered as an optional class.

I opted to take this and feel as though it was extremely helpful in passing the course exam after 2 attempts. The average is 7, so I felt that was worthwhile!

— Sara Weller, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Realtor

Any type of cram course can help!

— Josh Carmona, Jason Mitchell Group, Realtor

You must take the exam at a Pearson VUE authorized test center. You can use the locator to find the one nearest you when you register for the test.

Locations include the following:

• Flagstaff
• Tucson
• Phoenix
• Chandler
• Tempe
• Yuma

Our article on what to study for the Arizona real estate exam tackles the topics you need to study for the test.

One of the questions you may have is, “How do I get my real estate license once I’ve passed the exam?”

Pearson VUE will give you an Examination Score Report as soon as you pass the test. It includes the application and instructions for applying.

The most expedient way to apply is online. The Department of Real Estate will email you a number to access the Licensee Login portal.

In addition to submitting your application and the appropriate fee, you’ll also need to upload supporting documents. See the Original Licensing Brochure for details.

Once a license is issued, a designated broker can access it in the Department of Real Estate’s online database.

The broker can print the certificate or keep an electronic copy.

When you’re licensed, you can then start thinking of ways to jumpstart your real estate career.

You can begin by jotting down ideas on what to do after getting your real estate license.

Additionally, you may want to read our article on the pros and cons of being a real estate agent.

Insight shared by experts can help inspire you as you build your own real estate business.

The time it takes to get your license is primarily impacted by how quickly you finish the courses, pass the exam, and complete the background check.

Your fastest path to course completion is 2-3 weeks, with the longer time for broker applicants. Extend that to 6-8 weeks if you take evening classes.

Processing time for the background check usually ranges from 10-30 days. It can take 8-10 weeks, though, if you have a criminal history that requires research.

Ideally, you’ll pass the exam in one try and only need one day. Add prep time on top of that. A couple of weeks is a rule of thumb.

Read our article on how to pass the real estate exam the first time to shorten the time it takes for you to get licensed in the state.

You can finish up your classes as quickly as you can manage.

For example, if you study 40 hours per week, you can have the salesperson or broker course behind you in 2.5 weeks.

Then, looking at what’s required on the other side of your pre-licensing classes, anticipate:

• 10-30 days for your background check if your history is clean.
• 8-10 weeks if your criminal history records must be researched.
• At least one day for the exam (add more if retakes are needed).
• A couple of weeks to do some extra exam prep.

Read our article on how long to get an Arizona real estate license for an estimated timeline to get licensed in the state.

Survey of Experts

How long did it take you to get your real estate license? From the time you signed up for school till your license was issued.

Expert Insight

Knowing what you know now, what would you do differently to get your license faster?

I took the 2-week in-person course and jumped right into the exam as soon as I could.

I missed passing by 1 point the first time, but the experience the first time allowed me to focus more on the areas of the test I was least comfortable with.

I reviewed and took the test the next day allowed, and passed. I scheduled the state exam the very next morning and passed as well.

I feel as though getting testing done as soon as possible made a world of a difference from a knowledge retention standpoint.

— Sara Weller, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Realtor

I did it as fast as I could, and it was the best way in my opinion. Time is your enemy; if you take too long, then you will never get through it.

— Rebecca Hidalgo Rains, Integrity All Stars Realty, CEO/Designated Broker

Attend class more frequently/faster pace.

— Josh Carmona, Jason Mitchell Group, Realtor

You’ll need a Fingerprint Clearance Card issued by the DPS to obtain a license. Undergoing a criminal history records check is part of getting that clearance.

DPS conducts the background check at the state and national levels.

So, you apply to DPS and pay a $67 fee. In addition, you may incur a cost for fingerprinting, depending on where it’s done.

Your pre-licensing education is a large portion of your investment in getting your real estate license in Arizona.

• Agents pay about $400 to $750 for classes.
• Broker pre-licensing is in the $600 to $700 range.

The cost for the background check is $67 regardless of the license type. The exam fee is $75 for salesperson applicants.

Real estate agents in Arizona applying to become brokers must pay the $125 exam fee.

Then, you’ll pay $60 to have a salesperson license issued. Brokers must shell out $145.

Read our article discussing the cost to get a real estate license in Arizona to get an idea of the fees involved when completing each step of the licensing process.

Survey of Experts

In your opinion, was the cost of getting your real estate license reasonable?

Approximately how much did it cost you to get your real estate license? Including school fees, study materials, and other related expenses.

Expert Insight

What were your ‘surprise costs’?

The packages were laid out very clearly and I don’t feel there were any surprise costs incurred.

— Sara Weller, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Realtor

What were your ‘surprise costs’ after getting your license?

A year of establishing and marketing an area without enough income to cover it, and the next year in the red paying back the first year debt.

I was unaware that it was a three-year process before I would be in the black.

— Denise van den Bossche, Realty Executives, Team Leader/Associate Broker/Licensed Agent

All the board dues, MLS dues, key dues, real estate lock boxes, signs, and signing on with a broker.

— Rebecca Hidalgo Rains, Integrity All Stars Realty, CEO/Designated Broker

What costs could have been avoided and how?

If I were smart, I would have joined a team. A team consolidates expenses like marketing and advertising, and helps you to make an income in that first year.

In addition, it provides coaching, lessons learned, motivation, and camaraderie. I wish I had known and had not allowed my ego to “go it alone.”

— Denise van den Bossche, Realty Executives, Team Leader/Associate Broker/Licensed Agent

Don’t pay for extra prep classes.

— Rebecca Hidalgo Rains, Integrity All Stars Realty, CEO/Designated Broker

I don’t feel as though there were any unnecessary or avoidable expenses.

— Sara Weller, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Realtor

Pearson VUE requires you to wait 24 hours before scheduling a retest. Your reservation is based on availability.

However, it could work out that you get an exam date the day after you call.

You’re not restricted in the number of times that you may retest.

Also, if you fail the exam twice, you’re allowed to schedule an appointment to review the questions you answered incorrectly.

Yes, there is a registration fee for every retake.

Salesperson candidates pay $75 for each attempt. The cost for broker applicants is $125.

You’re ineligible if you’re currently incarcerated or on probation or parole for a felony offense. Also, you may not get a license if you have a prior felony conviction.

The Department of Real Estate can deny a license for any felony conviction by state law.

Offenses that reflect poorly on honesty and character are among the serious red flags.

You have to disclose any convictions when you apply. You must also provide documents related to the offense and in support of your case for being licensed.

You can also ask for a predetermination of whether your criminal record may disqualify you.

There aren’t any misdemeanor convictions that are automatic disqualifiers. However, Arizona is not known for leniency in these instances.

Offenses like forgery, theft, crimes of moral turpitude, and such are among those that will likely result in a “no.”

You must prove you’re upstanding enough to be licensed despite the conviction.

You can find out how likely it is that your application will be rejected before you apply. Fill out the required paperwork and request a predetermination.

Should you have a misdemeanor or any other criminal offenses on your record, read our tips for applying for an Arizona real estate license with criminal record.

While you can get a real estate license if you have a DUI, the conviction can have negative repercussions, depending on your case.

For example, the Department of Real Estate won’t issue a license if you have a felony DUI and you’re currently serving jail time or are being supervised on probation or parole.

Even if it’s a prior conviction and the sentence is complete, there could still be problems if aggravating circumstances are involved.

If you’re anxious about the outcome for your application, you can petition the Department of Real Estate to predetermine what that may be.

Survey of Experts

Is it more challenging to get a real estate license with violations on one’s record?

Do you know any people who got a real estate license with violations on their record?

Graduation from high school is not required to be licensed as an Arizona real estate agent or broker.

Now that you know how to get your license, you can launch your journey in the business.

You can start by joining a real estate team. Being part of one allows you to meet experienced agents who can teach you a thing or two about the business.

Accelerating visibility and lead generation should be a priority for a new agent like you.

The resources on our platform will help you get a strong start right out of the gate.

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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If you want to contribute your expert advice on a topic of your expertise, feel free to apply to our Expert Contributor Program.

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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.