All Requirements for Getting a Real Estate License in New York

This article will serve as your comprehensive guide to how to get a real estate license in NY.

We cover the qualifications, rules, and requirements for licensure. We also tell you all you need to know to work through each step in the process smoothly.

Read on for details and expert insights on becoming a real estate salesperson or broker in The Empire State.

What does it take to get a salesperson real estate license in New York? Requirements include the following criteria.

You must:

• Be 18 years old when you apply.
• Have a valid NY driver’s license or ID card.
• Not have a felony or sex offense on your record.

If you have a criminal history as indicated above, you must take the extra step of having your right to apply for a license restored before proceeding.

Assuming you’re eligible, you can follow the steps below on how to get a NY real estate license as a first-time applicant.

Complete Qualifying Education

You must pass a 77-hour pre-licensing course approved by the Department of State. It covers the basics of the profession and NY real estate laws.

Pass the Exam

The Department of State administers the exam. So you have to schedule a test slot through their online portal, eAccessNY.

The exam has 75 multiple-choice questions based on the pre-licensing curriculum. You need to answer 53 questions correctly to pass.

Sign On With a Brokerage

As a salesperson applicant, you can’t get an active NY real estate license without sponsorship from a broker.

For expert guidance, check out our in-depth article on how to choose the right broker to work for.

Then, pick one from our directory of the best real estate brokerages in New York.

Submit a License Application

You can apply online and pay the appropriate fee. Once your application is approved, you’ll be ready to launch your new career.

In looking at how to get a real estate broker license in New York, let’s begin with what makes someone eligible to apply.

To prequalify, you must be 20 or older and have no convictions for felonies or sex offenses (or a certificate from the Department of Corrections removing this disqualifier).

You must also have related experience plus a minimum number of points earned for transactions completed. There are three ways to meet this requirement:

• 2+ years working as a full-time licensed salesperson and 3,500 points
• 3+ years of equivalent experience in the real estate business and 5,250 points
• Combined general real estate and licensed salesperson experience (equivalent to 3+ years as an active salesperson) plus 5,250 points

Also, for applicants for a broker real estate license in NY, requirements include pre-licensing education and an exam.

Specifically, you must have 152 hours of state-approved qualifying education composed of salesperson and broker courses.

Required hours for the latter can be 75 or 77, depending on the salesperson pre-licensing requirement you met. See the broker application for specifics on what can comprise the total.

The qualifying broker exam is a 2.5-hour multiple-choice test managed by the Department of State. The content covers the combined salesperson and broker curriculum.

You must make an exam appointment via the eAccessNY licensing management system.

Passing the exam is the last requirement to satisfy before you can apply. Once you get the notification, you can submit your application.

What Is Real Estate License Reciprocity?

Reciprocity refers to an agent or broker’s ability to become licensed in a different state without starting over.

Typically, licensees will be exempt from most of the education and exam requirements.

Reciprocal states detail their mutual recognition in a formal agreement. That includes rules regarding how to obtain a real estate license via reciprocity.

Here’s what you need to provide to New York:

• A completed application and the appropriate license fee
• An irrevocable consent form making you subject to NY court jurisdiction
• Certification dated within six months proving your license is valid and in good standing
• Proof you’ve completed at least two hours of training on the topic of cultural competency

Also, if you’re applying for a reciprocal salesperson’s license, you must be sponsored by your home-state broker, who must be currently licensed in NY.

What States Have Reciprocity with New York Real Estate License?

The list below shows what states are reciprocal with a New York real estate license. See the Department of State website for additional information.

• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Georgia
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• West Virginia

If you’re wondering, NJ and NY have no real estate license reciprocity. They may waive the salesperson course, though. So, you’d only have to pass an exam either way.

What’s the case for NY licensees wanting to fast-track licensing in the top states that attract New Yorkers for permanent or part-time residence?

For those with a New York real estate license, reciprocity in California is a no-go. There are no waivers for any state.

How about a NY real estate license and reciprocity with Florida? Also no.

Given that, you may specifically be wondering:

• Is a NY real estate license valid in Florida? A Florida license is required to practice real estate within the state. But you can do deals remotely (likewise in CA).

• Does Florida have mutual recognition with any other states? Yes.

• Can I transfer my NY real estate license to Florida? You must meet all Florida requirements to be licensed there.

Survey of Experts

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

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

Pre-Licensing Classroom Courses

You have a couple of options for classroom courses. You can attend in person or study in a live virtual class.

Both allow you to have a regularly scheduled time for classes. You’ll also benefit from being an active participant in real-time discussions.

However, you’ll need to organize other obligations around the set schedule. There are also extra costs that come with commuting. You’ll also likely pay more to enroll than you would if studying online.

Pre-Licensing Online Courses

If flexibility and convenience are top priorities, you can enroll in an online course.

However, you must ensure that the provider is among the accredited real estate agent schools in New York.

The courses are self-paced. So, you can study as it suits your schedule. You can also log on anywhere. You can typically save money on enrollment costs as well.

You will sacrifice face-to-face interaction, though. You’ll also have increased personal responsibility for getting the coursework done.

Before choosing which method to go for, refer to our A-to-Z guide comparing real estate classes online vs classroom courses.

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 it could, but it could also result in ‘I can do it later’ and it could take MONTHS for someone to complete the requirements.

But I can absolutely see the advantages of taking a class online. I think it is important to distinguish between asynchronous classes, pre-recorded modules, and classes that are distance learning via Zoom with live instructor and class interaction.

Except for during the pandemic when I had no choice but to take classes online to fulfill my CE requirements, I prefer in person for the interaction and also potential networking with fellow classmates.

— Nikki Beauchamp, Sotheby’s International Realty, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

I think it depends on how best one learns. I personally learn better in person vs online.

I took an intense weeklong course, but this was years ago and the hours needed now are longer, so it might take longer for in person.

— Adie Kriegstein, Founder of the NYC Experience Team at Compass, Sales Agent

Online courses are much preferable to in-person classes because you can learn at your own pace, work on it whenever you have spare time (on your own schedule), and pause to review and make sure you understand difficult topics whenever you need to.

— Eddie McGowan, DynamicEdge Realty, Real Estate Broker

Yes, if classes are on-demand and you can view anytime (after work, before work, if children are in school, etc.) and you are not limited to the times the in-person classes are given. One would be able to finish sooner.

— Debbie Zolan, Compass, Principal of the Zolan Rossiter Team

Both work well, but online classes will give you more flexibility to finish faster.

— Augusto Bittencourt, Compass, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

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

I would recommend actually using the course materials to study and the practice exams included with the materials.

I did not use additional resources that required additional out-of-pocket investments.

— Nikki Beauchamp, Sotheby’s International Realty, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

If you can’t get it online for free, I strongly recommend purchasing a real estate practice exam with questions and answers.

— Augusto Bittencourt, Compass, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Practice questions and a study guide.

— Eddie McGowan, DynamicEdge Realty, Real Estate Broker

You must take the licensing exam at one of the Department of State’s exam sites. There are 11 locations within New York State, with most of them being State Office Buildings.

• Albany
• Binghamton
• Buffalo
• Franklin Square
• Hauppauge
• New York City
• Plattsburgh
• Pomona
• Rochester
• Syracuse
• Utica

Read our article on how to study for the New York real estate exam to know the topics covered in the test and how you can pass it the first time around.

Your exam results are available through your account on New York State’s online licensing management system. It typically takes 2-4 weeks for them to be ready.

As soon as you receive the pass notification, here’s how to apply for your real estate license.

• Applicants for an initial salesperson license can apply online.
• To apply for a broker license, submit a completed paper application.

Your sponsoring broker must accept your salesperson application before a license is issued. If you’re an associate broker, the sponsoring broker must sign to affirm your affiliation.

After applying, you may ask: Where can I get my real estate license in NY once my application is approved?

The Department of State will mail your certificate and ID card to your brokerage office.

Your course schedule will dictate how fast you complete your pre-licensing education. It generally ranges from two weeks full-time to seven for a part-time effort.

If you need a sponsoring broker, a couple of weeks will likely suffice to get that done, and it can be concurrent with other steps.

The wait time you’ll have for the exam depends on appointment availability. Allow 1-2 weeks and block off a half day for the test.

Application processing time depends on how quickly your broker approves your application and how long it takes the state to review it. A ballpark figure is two weeks, assuming no delays.

With a self-paced course, you determine how long it takes to finish it. For example, if you study on a workweek schedule, you can speed through in two weeks.

You also need to factor in the remaining time commitments when exploring how to get a real estate license in NY online.

Here are some estimates for other steps in the process:

• About 1-2 weeks wait time for an exam slot
• One-half day to take the exam
• Generally, 1-2 weeks to pick a broker
• At least a couple of weeks for application review

We explain all the factors that impact the timeline in our article discussing how long it takes to get a real estate license in NY.

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?

It is worth noting that at the time I got my salesperson’s license, the required hours were 45 hours (it has since gone up to either 75 or 77 in NYS), and additionally, when I did the pre-licensing for my broker’s license, there were 45 hours (this recently was also increased to, I believe, 77, in addition to the transaction/experience requirements).

I think it’s important that when you are planning to do your coursework, it is likely easier to do better on the test on the first try if you have taken your classes in close proximity (it is worth noting that when I took my pre-licensing education, online was NOT an option).

— Nikki Beauchamp, Sotheby’s International Realty, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

I had a small child and had a sitter twice a week, so those were the days I attended the class.

There were no online classes then. I would have been able to finish quicker NOW due to the online classes given.

— Debbie Zolan, Compass, Principal of the Zolan Rossiter Team

I had scheduling conflicts and couldn’t attend the classes as frequently as I wanted to. If you have a tight schedule, like I did, I recommend taking the classes online.

— Augusto Bittencourt, Compass, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

The Department of State doesn’t list a background check in the licensure requirements. However, they ask about criminal activity on the application.

You must disclose convictions and pending charges. You’re also required to provide court documents and a written explanation for the offense(s).

It’s imperative that you answer these questions truthfully and submit all required paperwork. Otherwise, you could be disqualified from obtaining a real estate license.

The cost of pre-licensing education will depend on the delivery format and the school you pick. The sales course runs from $100-$1,000. An online 75-hour broker course is around $700.

You’ll pay a $65 application fee if you’re applying as a salesperson and $185 as a broker candidate. The exam fee, which is $15, is the same for both license types.

For a complete breakdown of licensing fees in the state, refer to our guide discussing the cost of a real estate license in NY.

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’?

No surprise costs. I only had to pay for the course, a book, and the fee to take the exam.

— Augusto Bittencourt, Compass, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

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

Before deciding to go for my real estate license, I had spoken with someone who was currently licensed to understand what other related fees I would also be responsible for (association dues, licensing fees, continuing education, advertising, communications devices, and other marketing costs).

I also asked how long on average the sales cycle was for different types of transactions (in my market, leases, coop sales, condo sales, and coop/condo leasing).

— Nikki Beauchamp, Sotheby’s International Realty, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

No surprises for me, but most agents don’t realize that they are responsible for buying their own technology (CRM, etc.), leads, and marketing materials.

— Eddie McGowan, DynamicEdge Realty, Real Estate Broker

What costs could have been avoided and how?

Becoming a real estate agent is an entrepreneurial endeavor, and there are startup costs involved in starting any business.

There may be ways where, depending on firms or teams you may associate with, they may offer some costs to be covered.

But it is imperative to understand what you are agreeing to in your agreement with your brokerage or firm—what they bring to the table, so to speak, as well as what you are responsible for, for example.

— Nikki Beauchamp, Sotheby’s International Realty, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

You don’t need to buy the book if you have a friend who you can borrow it from.

— Augusto Bittencourt, Compass, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

There’s no required waiting period between retakes. So, you can make an appointment as soon as possible by using your account in eAccessNY.

You can schedule and sit for as many retakes as needed If you fail the exam.

To avoid retakes, read my tips on studying for the real estate exam.

Yes, you have to pay the exam fee of $15 for every attempt to pass the test.

The retake fee is $15.

New York has strict laws regarding felonies and licensure. In short, being a felon is a disqualifier.

However, there’s one exception regarding how to get your New York State real estate license despite a felony past. You must clear your name through a process that restores your rights.

You can do this in one of two ways:

• Certificate of Relief – To be eligible, you can have only one felony in your past.
• Certificate of Good Conduct – This remedy is available if you were guilty of more than one felony. However, you must have 3-5 years of good conduct.

Both certificates remove legal barriers to being considered for a license. However, neither guarantees you’ll get one.

Those convicted of a misdemeanor sex crime will have difficulty getting licensed. Otherwise, most misdemeanor offenders are among those who can have a real estate license in NY.

The Department of State reviews all information you submit about your conviction and rehabilitation. And unless either of the following applies, they are apt to issue a license:

• There is a direct relationship between your criminal offense and licensee duties
• Granting a license would create an unreasonable risk to the general public

If you have several misdemeanor convictions or one for a sex offense, it helps to have a Certificate of Relief or Certificate of Good Conduct.

We have an in-depth article discussing the topic on getting a New York real estate license with violations on your record.

How likely you are to get a real estate license if you have a DUI depends on your case.

For instance, a first offense you’ve proved is behind you won’t likely be a problem.

But with a felony DUI for two or more offenses or other circumstances that worsened the violation, your application is subject to rejection.

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?

Lack of a high school diploma will not prevent you from getting a real estate license in NY.

Getting your license is only the beginning. As a new real estate agent in New York, you need a solid plan that details what happens after you pass your real estate exam.

It also helps to know the pros and cons of being a real estate agent from insights provided by industry experts.

You should also consider joining a real estate team to be guided by more experienced agents.

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.