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

Alaska is one of the fastest states — often 4 to 10 weeks. The 40-hour course can be finished in a week or two of focused study, and the Pearson VUE exam runs weekly in Anchorage (less often in Fairbanks and Juneau, so factor in exam scheduling if you're outside Anchorage). Application processing time varies, and the division reviews files in order of receipt.

How much does an Alaska real estate license cost?

Plan on roughly $1,150 to $1,800 for the first year. The state's fee package alone is $370 ($200 application + $120 license + $50 Recovery Fund), plus the $100 exam, the 40-hour course (typically $300-$700), E&O insurance, and the 30-hour post-licensing course you'll need within year one.

What score do I need to pass the Alaska exam?

A scaled score of 75. The exam has a national section and an Alaska-specific section covering state statutes and regulations, administered by Pearson VUE for $100 per attempt. Remember your passing scores are only valid for 6 months — apply promptly.

Do I need a broker before I apply in Alaska?

Yes — earlier than in most states. Alaska law requires a salesperson to work for a licensed broker, and the application package itself includes an Employing Broker Information form (08-4972) plus proof of E&O insurance. Practically, that means you should be interviewing brokerages while you're still in your 40-hour course, not after you pass the exam.

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

Alaska has one of the clearest rules in the country: if you've been convicted of a felony, forgery, theft, extortion, conspiracy to defraud creditors, or fraud, a license will not be granted until seven years have passed since you completed the sentence imposed. You also can't be under indictment for those crimes when you apply. Outside that window, 'yes' answers on the fitness questions get individual review — disclose with court documentation.

What is Alaska's 30-hour post-licensing requirement?

Every new salesperson must complete 30 hours of post-licensing education (PLE) within one year of initial licensure — separate from the 20 hours of CE needed for renewal. After finishing, you file the Affidavit of Post Licensing Education (form 08-4326) with certificates and fees within 30 days after your one-year mark, or your license lapses. One exemption: licensees coming in by endorsement who've held an active out-of-state license for a year or more skip PLE entirely.

Alaska · AK

How to get your Alaska real estate license

Everything you need to earn an Alaska 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 Alaska real estate license

Hours required: 40 hrs
Total cost: $1,150 – $1,800
Typical timeline: 4–10 weeks
Minimum age: 19+

Step 1

Confirm you're eligible for an Alaska real estate license

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

Step 2

Complete 40 hours of pre-licensing education

Note: Alaska's 40 classroom hours of pre-licensing education is among the lowest in the nation — but there's a catch: every new licensee must also complete a 30-hour post-licensing education (PLE) course within one year of initial licensure, and file the PLE affidavit within 30 days after that year, or the license lapses (AS 08.88.095). Also mind the clocks: education certificates are valid only 18 months, and exam scores only 6 months.

Confirm you're at least 19 years old — Alaska's minimum age is a year higher than most states.
Complete 40 classroom hours of Commission-approved pre-licensing education (approved course list at commerce.alaska.gov under the Real Estate Commission's Education page).
Register with Pearson VUE and pass the Alaska salesperson exam — your course certificate stays valid for 18 months from the date of application, so don't sit on it.
Calendar your post-licensing obligation now: a 30-hour PLE course due within one year of licensure, on top of the 20 hours of CE you'll need to renew.

Step 3

Pass the Alaska real estate exam

Alaska uses Pearson VUE to administer the licensing exam. You'll need a passing score of 75 (scaled score) on the national and Alaska state sections. The exam fee is $100. Expect roughly 100 national questions and 40–50 state-specific questions. Format: Computer-based; national plus Alaska state-law sections. Offered weekly in Anchorage, semi-monthly in Fairbanks, and quarterly in Juneau — testing at other locations can be arranged for an additional $50..

Step 4

Apply for your Alaska license

Pass the Pearson VUE salesperson exam ($100), then apply for licensure within 6 months — exam scores expire after that.
Submit the Real Estate Salesperson by Examination application (form 08-4179) with $370 in fees payable to the State of Alaska: $200 nonrefundable application fee, $120 biennial license fee, and $50 Real Estate Surety (Recovery) Fund fee.
Include your 40-hour education certificate, exam score sheet, and — if you've ever held a real estate license anywhere — verification of licensure sent directly from each jurisdiction.
Provide proof of errors & omissions insurance (AS 08.88.172), either through the RISC master policy or equivalent coverage.
Submit the Employing Broker Information form (08-4972) — Alaska salespersons must work for a licensed broker, so you need your brokerage lined up at application time.
Answer the professional fitness questions honestly (there's no fingerprint card requirement, but the application asks about convictions within the last 7 years and pending charges); once complete, the division issues the license, then complete your 30-hour PLE within one year.

Step 5

Find a sponsoring broker

Your Alaska 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.

Alaska 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
40-hour pre-licensing course	$400
Pearson VUE exam fee	$100
Application + license + Recovery Fund fees ($200 + $120 + $50)	$370
E&O insurance (approx., RISC master policy or equivalent)	$250
30-hour post-licensing course (due within first year)	$300
Estimated total	$1,420

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Frequently asked questions

Renewal: Every 2 years — all Alaska real estate licenses expire January 31 of even-numbered years regardless of issue date (licenses issued within 90 days of expiration roll to the next cycle); renewal is $120 plus 20 hours of CE.

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