How long does it take to get an Alabama real estate license?

About 5 to 10 weeks to your temporary license. The 60-hour course takes 2–6 weeks, Pearson VUE scheduling is fast, and AREC processes applications once your fingerprint results arrive from Fieldprint. Watch the deadlines: exam within 6 months of the course, application within 90 days of the exam, and your passing score is only good for 90 days.

How much does an Alabama real estate license cost?

Expect roughly $500–$1,000 in your first year: $150–$450 for the 60-hour course, $73 for the Pearson VUE exam (up from $70 on August 1, 2025), about $50 for Fieldprint fingerprinting, $210 to AREC for the temporary license, and $100–$250 for the mandatory 30-hour post-license course that converts it to a permanent license.

What score do I need to pass the Alabama real estate exam?

A scaled score of 70. The exam has 120 scored questions — 80 general (2.5 hours) and 40 Alabama-specific (1 hour) — plus 10–15 unscored pretest items, for 3.5 hours total. Each attempt costs $73, and you must pass within 6 months of your course completion date.

Do I need a broker before I get my Alabama license?

You need one before you can work. Your temporary license is physically issued to your qualifying broker, and AREC is blunt about it: salespersons may not engage in real estate business until their license has been issued to their qualifying broker. Practically, line up your brokerage while you're finishing the application so there's no dead time.

Can I get an Alabama real estate license with a felony?

Alabama is stricter than most states. By statute, applicants must not have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude, and you can't have had a license application rejected or revoked in any state within the past two years. If you have a felony, talk to AREC before spending money on the course.

What is Alabama's temporary license, and when does it become permanent?

Every new Alabama salesperson starts on a temporary license — you can practice on it under your qualifying broker right away. To convert it to the permanent 'original' license, you must complete a 30-hour post-license course within 12 months of licensure. The catch: if you don't finish it within the first 6 months, your license goes inactive until you do, and if you blow the 12-month deadline entirely, the license lapses and you start over.

Alabama · AL

How to get your Alabama real estate license

Everything you need to earn an Alabama salesperson license — from eligibility to your first sponsoring broker.

Requirements last verified July 8, 2026 by Matt Cochrell, licensed broker.

Quick answer · Verified July 8, 2026

How to get an Alabama real estate license

Hours required: 60 hrs
Total cost: $500 – $1,000
Typical timeline: 5–10 weeks
Minimum age: 19+

Step 1

Confirm you're eligible for an Alabama real estate license

You must be at least 19 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED to apply for an Alabama real estate license. A criminal background check is required — most non-violent offenses are reviewed case-by-case.

Step 2

Complete 60 hours of pre-licensing education

Note: 60-hour pre-license course, and you must pass the state exam within 6 months of completing it or retake the entire course. Alabama's entry license is distinctive: you're first issued a TEMPORARY salesperson license, then must complete a 30-hour post-license course within 12 months (within 6 months to stay active) to receive the permanent 'original' license — so budget for 90 total hours in year one. Also note: the minimum age is 19, not 18 — Alabama's age of majority.

Confirm eligibility: at least 19 years old (Alabama's age of majority), high school diploma or equivalent, U.S. citizenship/permanent residency or legal presence, and proof of residency in a U.S. state
Complete an AREC-approved 60-hour salesperson pre-license course
Schedule the exam with Pearson VUE within 6 months of finishing the course — miss that window and you retake the 60 hours
Pass the exam; your passing score is only valid for 90 days, so be ready to move straight into the application
Plan for the 30-hour post-license course — it's due within 12 months of licensure (within 6 months to keep an active license)

Step 3

Pass the Alabama real estate exam

Alabama uses Pearson VUE to administer the licensing exam. You'll need a passing score of Scaled score of 70 (0–100 scale). The exam fee is $73. Expect roughly 100 national questions and 40–50 state-specific questions. Format: 120 scored questions (80 general in 2.5 hours + 40 Alabama state in 1 hour) plus 10–15 unscored pretest items; computer-based; 3.5 hours total.

Step 4

Apply for your Alabama license

Submit the temporary salesperson license application within 90 days of your exam date — miss it and your exam score is null and void
Pay the $210 fee: $150 license fee + $30 Research and Education fee + $30 Recovery Fund fee
Complete the fingerprint-based state and FBI background check through Fieldprint (fieldprintalabama.com), AREC's processing vendor (roughly $50). Results are only available to AREC for 30 days — get fingerprinted the SAME day you submit your application
If you have felony convictions, gather certified court documents early — a felony or crime of moral turpitude is disqualifying by statute
Your temporary license is issued to your qualifying broker, and you cannot practice until the broker has it in hand
Complete the 30-hour post-license course within 12 months (6 months to remain active) to convert the temporary license into your permanent original license

Step 5

Find a sponsoring broker

Your Alabama license stays inactive until a licensed broker sponsors you. Interview at least 2–3 brokerages, compare commission splits, training, and lead sources, and pick the one that fits your career goals — not just the highest split.

Alabama real estate license cost breakdown

Here's a realistic estimate of everything you'll pay to earn your license. Course price is the largest variable — state fees are fixed.

Cost breakdown
Item	Amount
60-hour pre-license course	$150 – $450
Pearson VUE exam fee	$73 per attempt (raised from $70 effective Aug 1, 2025)
Temporary license application ($150 + $30 research/education + $30 recovery fund)	$210
Fingerprint background check (Fieldprint)	~$50
30-hour post-license course (required within 12 months)	$100 – $250
Estimated total	$500 – $1,000

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Frequently asked questions

Renewal & continuing education

Alabama: Two-year license periods; all licenses except temporary ones expire at midnight September 30 of even-numbered years (renew by the preceding August 31 to avoid penalty). 15 hours of CE per cycle, including a 3-hour Risk Management course. The temporary license converts to the permanent original license via the 30-hour post-license course within your first 12 months..

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Moving your license?

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