Getting a Real Estate License in Missouri 2024: All Requirements for Taking the Exam
The process to become a licensed salesperson or broker in Missouri isn’t difficult to navigate if you understand how it works. Use this article as your guide.
We will discuss the ins and outs of earning a real estate license in the state. From the requirements you need to accomplish to how to take the real estate exam, we’ve got you covered.
Read below to learn all about it.
Missouri Real Estate License Requirements for Salespeople
Some Missouri licensing requirements are the same for all applicants.
Others differ based on whether you are a first-time candidate, a licensed attorney, or a licensed agent in another state.
As for requirements that are the same, everyone applying for a salesperson’s license must:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Clear a fingerprint-based background check.
- Apply within a six-month time window.
What’s required in terms of pre-licensing education and the licensing exam is where differences come into play.
If you’re a newcomer to the real estate profession, your qualifying education consists of 72 hours of pre-licensing instruction from any of real estate classes offered in Missouri.
There are two courses, and you must take them in a specific order.
The first one is where you’ll earn the bulk of your educational hours. It’s a 48-hour course that prepares you for the exam.
You can take the remaining 24 hours on real estate practice only after you’ve completed the pre-exam course. This must be completed before applying for a license.
You’re also required to take both portions of the salesperson exam. There’s a national portion that tests you on the knowledge you need to practice real estate day-to-day.
The state section covers knowledge areas specifically for Missouri real estate salespeople.
There are 100 questions on the national topics and 40 on state-specific content areas.
To pass the exam, you must get 70 correct answers on the national section and 30 right on the state.
It’s essential that you know the two portions are not separated on the exam. The questions are intermingled, and you have a total of four hours to answer them all.
If you are licensed as an attorney, you must also take and pass both portions of the exam. The requirement you don’t have to meet is pre-licensing education.
You’re exempt from taking both courses.
You should also know that if you don’t pass both sections of the exam at the same time, your deadline for applying is six months from the date you get your first passing score.
Those licensed out of state can also take a shortcut to get a Missouri salesperson’s license when they apply.
We’ve included specifics on what’s required and what’s not in the section of this article that covers licensing reciprocity.
Now, no matter which set of requirements you fulfill in obtaining your license, you’ll need to find a broker to sponsor you before you can work in the business.
Our in-depth article on choosing the right broker breaks down what to look for in a brokerage and how to weigh your options.
You can then browse our directory of the best real estate brokerages in Missouri to select one that’s near your location.
Missouri Real Estate License Requirements for Brokers
For starters, you must be at least 18 to be a real estate broker in Missouri.
You must also pass a background check that cross-references your fingerprints with state and federal databases.
In addition, you must fulfill specific eligibility requirements based on your current licensure.
Missouri real estate agents who want to apply for a broker’s license must meet particular experience, education, and examination requirements. Specifically, they must have:
- Been actively engaged in the real estate business for a minimum of 24 months.
- Gained that experience within the immediately preceding 30 months.
- Successfully completed an approved 48-hour pre-exam broker course.
- Achieved a passing score on both portions of the broker licensing exam.
If you’re a real estate salesperson or broker in another state, what you’re required to do is determined by Missouri’s policies on nonresident license recognition.
More information about that follows in the chapter on reciprocity.
If you’re a licensed attorney, the pre-exam course and experience requirements are waived.
But you won’t be excused from satisfying conditions related to the licensing exam.
You’ll have to pass the national and state portions of the test if you have a law license and an active salesperson’s license.
If you’re not a licensed salesperson, you must pass that exam first, then take the broker exam. You’re required to pass both portions of each one.
You’re allowed 2.5 hours to take the national portion of the exam.
It has 10 simulation problems, each of which is made up of a narrative, information gathering (IG), and decision making (DM) section.
You’ll score points for the IG and DM sections. Your score must meet or exceed the minimum passing level established for that part.
The state portion is composed of 75 multiple-choice questions. You’ll have two hours to complete it, and you must get 57 correct answers to earn the minimum passing score.
You’ll receive your license application along with your score sheet after you pass the exam. You must apply for your license before your six-month eligibility window ends.
Reciprocal States
What Is Real Estate License Reciprocity?
States often make the licensing process easier for you if you’re already licensed in another state.
That facilitation is known as reciprocity, and it’s based on the premise that at least some of the standards you met for your current license are acceptable for getting your new one.
Sometimes two states will mutually agree on which requirements applicants can bypass and put that in writing.
Some states also adopt policies that dictate what requirements an individual who holds a license in another state must meet to earn a license in theirs.
Missouri’s policy specifies that nonresident licensees must:
- Have a current, active license in their state.
- Undergo a criminal background check.
- Submit a license history from the other state.
- Pass the state portion of the licensing exam.
- Apply for their license within six months.
There are also additional specifications for the license sought.
If you’re applying to become a salesperson, you must complete the 24-hour course on real estate practice.
You don’t have to take the 48 hours of instruction on basic real estate principles or the national portion of the exam.
If you’re a salesperson applying for a Missouri broker license, you must have two years of active experience which you obtained in the prior 30 months.
You also have to complete the broker pre-licensing course and pass the national portion of the exam in addition to the state section.
The broker course and the national part of the exam are waived for those seeking a comparable license.
You do have to meet the experience requirement of being an active salesperson or broker for 24 of the last 30 months.
An important note: If you’re currently licensed in a state that only issues broker licenses, it will be recognized as a salesperson’s license.
US States Having a Reciprocal Agreement with Missouri
Missouri does not have formal agreements for full license reciprocity with any other state.
However, Missouri has a license recognition policy for nonresident agents and brokers.
How to Study for a Real Estate License Exam in Missouri
Survey of Experts
How difficult was it for you to study and pass the Missouri real estate license exam?
How many attempts did it take you to pass your real estate license exam?
Pre-Licensing Classroom Courses
Both the salesperson and broker courses are available in classroom settings for those who learn better that way. Daytime classes are popularly offered.
Some schools also have night classes for those studying to be a salesperson, which provides more opportunities to fit the coursework into your schedule.
You’ll also find salesperson classes delivered via Zoom. Virtual hybrid options are offered as well. So, you can study in the classroom and do independent study, too.
The Missouri Real Estate Commission makes it easy for applicants to find classroom options.
It provides three separate lists of accredited schools offering classroom delivery:
- a 48-hour salesperson pre-exam course
- a 24-hour real estate practice course
- a 48-hour broker pre-exam course.
You can expect to find the two salesperson courses bundled together at a discounted price. They are typically offered in two parts.
You must take the 48-hour course first to learn the basic real estate principles for everyone applying for a salesperson’s license in Missouri.
The broker course has two parts. One covers general real estate information, and the other is on Missouri law. Together, they prepare you for the exam.
To get more information about what is on the real estate exam, read our article – How Hard Is the Missouri Real Estate Exam?
Also, read my article for tips to help you pass the real estate exam the first time.
Pre-Licensing Online Courses
You can complete your coursework online if in-person classes aren’t convenient due to location or schedule.
There are a good number of options for salesperson and broker students. Just be sure to use the list of schools provided by the Commission.
A primary advantage of taking an online course is that it’s a convenient way to go if you don’t have blocks of free time in your schedule.
However, you’ll have to buckle down to stay on top of your coursework.
Moreover, if you typically ask a lot of questions and gain clarity by interacting with your instructors, online courses limit those options.
There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between classroom and online learning. It’s all about what’s right for you.
There are objective benefits and downsides, though. Two of our experts talk this through in the A to Z video guide comparing real estate online classes 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?
For the person with limitations where they really can’t afford to go out of town for it, or who have such other responsibilities that they cannot be separated, perhaps online classes can be beneficial.
The reality is that the courses to get your license do not really prepare you for the real world of being a broker.
It enforces business ethics and processes, but especially for the commercial broker, only through actual practice and collecting experience will you learn the industry.
I know many agents who have taken in-person classes that only took 1 week to get through. Due to the rapid pace of the course, all of those agents failed their test over and over.
Taking it online allows you to breeze past topics you understand and spend more time on things that you need extra help on.
I think the online course is absolutely the best way to go due to the fact that you can slow down and hyper-focus on difficult subjects.
What would you recommend real estate students to invest extra in to ensure passing the exam on the first try?
It is not so much of an investment from a cost standpoint, but do what you can to clear your plate.
When I went for my CCIM classes, I went out of town, stayed in a hotel room, did not do any work, had no other responsibilities but to learn and pass those exams.
Same with a real estate license school. Clean your plate. Hire childcare, make your spouse responsible for even the day-to-day activities because as a student you have to focus.
Eat well, sleep very well, and focus on your health and strength. Clear mind of anything and have a focused mind. If it costs something to get that done, budget for it.
I bought the app “Smart Agent”. I think it was something like $50 but well worth it. I could quiz myself over and over on similar questions that were going to be on the exam.
Where to Take the Real Estate Exam in Missouri
The Missouri real estate licensing exam is an in-person, proctored test administered by computer.
The exam is given by appointment only, and you can book a date and time online.
You must take the exam at one of the official test centers run by PSI Services. They have locations in five Missouri cities and one in Kansas.
- St. Louis
- Springfield
- Jefferson City
- Kirksville
- West Plains
- Kansas City (in Olathe, Kansas)
How to File for Your License After the Exam in Missouri
You will receive your passing score sheet from PSI at the exam site. Your license application is part of that document.
Follow the detailed instructions to complete and submit the application and any required attachments.
It’s important to note that you must apply for your license within six months of completing the pre-licensing education unless you are exempt from taking the course(s).
If the latter is the case, you must apply within six months of passing the state portion of the exam. Your application will be denied if you apply after that deadline.
You’ll need to submit an entity application packet in addition to applying for your individual license if you’re becoming a broker and planning to run your own company.
If you’re an attorney, you must submit a copy of your current Bar card with your application.
How to Receive Your Real Estate License in Missouri
Licenses are mailed to the broker’s business address. Do note that the license is not active until the broker receives it.
As a licensed real estate salesperson, you are now qualified to join a real estate team.
Being a part of one allows you to learn from experienced agents who can share their knowledge of the business.
The actions you’ll take next also determine your success in the industry. Read our article on what to do after you get your real estate license.
How long does it take to get a Missouri real estate license when studying in the class?
The time frame for obtaining your license includes time spent completing your pre-licensing education.
For those studying to be a salesperson, that can be two to five weeks. One to three weeks for broker students.
According to the Candidate Handbook for the exam, you can typically schedule an appointment to take the test within seven business days of contacting the exam administrator PSI Services.
The exam will take about a half-day.
Results are typically returned from the background check in three to five days unless you are out of state and need to submit a fingerprint card by mail.
You must also add in time to get your fingerprints taken. The fingerprinting process takes approximately 10 minutes.
You can calculate your travel time to the identity services site using their location finder.
You’ll also need to allow time for the Commission to process your application and mail your license to the brokerage office address.
How long does it take to get a Missouri real estate license online?
Some students prefer taking an online class because it allows them to manage the most time-consuming part of the process.
In many cases, it shortens the time to get a license.
For example, even if you study the same number of hours per day as the average night class, you can finish faster by including more days of the week.
If speed isn’t the main reason you opted for the online route, you can still complete the coursework in a few weeks.
After that, allow a minimum of a week for getting the exam under your belt, and another week or two for getting a fingerprinting appointment and a background check.
Then what’s remaining is submitting your application and waiting on the Commission’s decision.
For an estimated timeline of all the steps in the state’s licensing process, read our article discussing how long it takes to get a Missouri real estate license.
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?
Invest your time in getting through school as fast as you possibly can. Sacrifice free time for a month or so and cram information into your brain. Trust me, things will start to slip if you take too long.
Nothing. I was working and prepping for the costs of the license. It gave me enough time to work and pay bills, as well as learn everything I needed to. It also allows for some downtime so you don’t get burnt out before you even start.
Is there a background check for a Missouri real estate license?
Everyone who applies for a Missouri real estate license must submit fingerprints and undergo a Missouri and federal criminal background check.
IdentoGO is the approved vendor. Therefore, you’re required to be fingerprinted at one of their locations available throughout the state.
If you live out of state, you must have your fingerprints taken by your local law enforcement agency and then mail the fingerprint card to IdentoGO.
The fee is $41.75 for fingerprinting and the background check.
The Commission usually receives results within three to five days if your fingerprints are digitally captured at one of the IdentoGO locations.
The process will take longer if you mail the card.
To learn more about what’s required for the fingerprinting process and the background check, you can refer to the Commission’s Q&A sheet on the topic.
How much does a Missouri real estate license cost?
You’ll need to invest in your pre-licensing education, of course. Look to pay $350 to $500 if you’re planning to become a salesperson.
The range for the broker course is $300 to $450.
If you’re getting a salesperson’s license via out-of-state licensing recognition, you’ll only have to pay the cost of the 24-hour course.
This ranges between $100 to $250 depending on the delivery format.
You must pay $62 to register for the licensing exam. Fingerprinting and the state and federal background check will cost you about $42.
A $50 fee must also be paid for the license application.
You’ll also pay a fee for the issuance of your license. It varies by the type you obtain.
- Salesperson: $40
- Broker: $97
- Nonresident salesperson: $100
- Nonresident broker: $150
For more information on the licensing fees, read our article on Missouri real estate license cost.
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’ after getting your license?
NAR fees, KCRAR fees. I knew about split fees with the office, but I wasn’t aware of office fees on top of that. Also, coaching fees.
Brokerage office fees and supra costs.
What costs could have been avoided and how?
I cannot think of any costs that could have been avoided, if the agent wanted to be a well-resourced commercial real estate broker.
Sure, you can get away with cheap signs, not be a member of any organization, or have all free tools, but you will not have at least 60 percent of the tools and resources you need to be a good and effective commercial real estate broker.
When the rest of the market is well resourced and has the tools, including training and education, one has to focus on where those resources are offered.
As a new Realtor, you will get a plethora of marketing calls trying to sell you their business. And, it’s not cheap. Stay away from their gimmicks and stick to your spear of influence and build upon that.
You cannot avoid the supra costs. As for the license costs, I’m sure some companies would pay for it if you got your license. Everything is negotiable.
How long do you have to wait to retake the real estate exam in Missouri?
You have to make an appointment to retake the exam.
While availability will determine your specific testing date, you can contact PSI the day after you failed the test. Your appointment can be as soon as space permits.
How many times can you retake the Missouri real estate exam?
If you fail the exam, you can retest as many times as you need to. You’ll have to pay the registration fee every time you do.
Do you have to pay to retake the real estate exam in Missouri?
Every registration requires payment of the testing fee, no matter if you’re retaking the entire exam or just one portion.
How much does it cost to retake the real estate exam in Missouri?
Retaking the national and state portions will cost $62. The price is the same if your retest includes only one of the two.
Can you get a real estate license with a felony in Missouri?
Certain felony convictions will result in your license being automatically denied. These offenses are outlined in Missouri statutes.
Generally speaking, they are serious offenses and include sex-related crimes, offenses against the family (i.e., child abandonment, child abuse, etc.).
Dangerous felonies such as arson, kidnapping, murder, mortgage fraud are also on the list.
Other convictions for which the Commission has the authority to refuse to issue a license include forgery, extortion, criminal conspiracy to defraud, and embezzlement.
The Commission will evaluate your case individually.
It conducts a background investigation and makes a decision using court records, statements, and any other supporting documentation.
If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal under Missouri law. You can challenge the Commission’s determination, and a hearing will take place.
Can you get a real estate license with a misdemeanor in Missouri?
You may be successful in obtaining a license if your conviction does not constitute grounds for denial.
You can familiarize yourself with the offenses that can affect your license application by reading the Commission’s detailed outline on criminal convictions.
As you might expect, offenses that involve unethical or dishonest behavior are likely to disqualify you from licensure.
Crimes like forgery, embezzlement, and conspiracy to defraud negatively reflect on your ability to practice real estate with trustworthiness and integrity.
The Commission will conduct a background investigation and gather court records and other pertinent information to consider in its decision.
Missouri law allows you to appeal a “no” decision and have an administrative hearing.
Read our article on getting a Missouri real estate license with violations on the record for more information on how a misdemeanor conviction may affect your chances of getting licensed in the state.
Will a DUI prevent you from getting a real estate license in Missouri?
The Commission can reject your application even if your conviction does not result in an automatic denial.
In carrying out its background investigation, the Commission will likely look at the severity and age of the conviction and whether or not it’s a repeat offense.
These factors can affect whether you can get a real estate license if you have a DUI.
If your application is tossed out because of a DUI conviction, you can request a hearing.
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?
Can I get a real estate license without a high school diploma in Missouri?
The answer is yes. You don’t need a high school diploma or equivalent certificate to be eligible for a real estate license in Missouri.
Earning your first salesperson’s license or becoming a broker are big steps in your real estate career, and each is a new beginning.
It helps to know the challenges that will come your way when taking on the role of a real estate agent as a career.
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.