How long does it take to get a real estate license in Arizona?

Most people finish in 6 to 12 weeks. The 96 hours of coursework (90-hour pre-licensing plus the 6-hour contract writing course) is the biggest chunk — full-time students can do it in 2–3 weeks, part-timers usually take 6–8. The wildcard is the Fingerprint Clearance Card from AZ DPS, which can take several weeks to arrive, so apply for it while you're still in class, not after.

How much does an Arizona real estate license cost?

Plan on $650 to $1,050 all-in. That's roughly $450–$800 for the 90-hour course plus contract writing, $75 for the Pearson VUE exam (combo price for both portions), $60 for the license (which includes a $10 Recovery Fund payment), and about $77–$92 for the Fingerprint Clearance Card and live-scan fee.

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

75% on each portion. As of January 1, 2026, Arizona split the exam into two parts: a General portion (80 scored questions, 150 minutes) and an Arizona State portion (60 scored questions, 90 minutes). You need 75% on each, and you'll get two separate score reports — you need both to apply. If you fail one portion, you only retake that portion.

Do I need a broker before I apply for my Arizona license?

No. Arizona will issue your license on inactive status without a broker, which is unusual — many states won't issue anything until a broker signs off. You just can't practice until an employing broker 'hires' you through the ADRE online portal, which flips your license to active. Many new agents line up a brokerage during their coursework so they can activate immediately.

Can I get an Arizona real estate license with a felony or criminal record?

Possibly, but there are two hurdles. First, you need a Fingerprint Clearance Card from AZ DPS, and certain offenses preclude issuance (though a good-cause exception process exists). Second, ADRE reviews your Disciplinary Action Disclosure Form — you must disclose all convictions and provide court documents. Disclosure is everything: ADRE denies far more applicants for hiding a record than for having one.

What is the 6-hour contract writing course and when should I take it?

It's a separate, mandatory Introduction to Contract Writing course on top of the 90 hours — Arizona is one of the few states that requires it. Take it near the end of your pre-licensing program: the certificate is only valid for 2 years from your application date (unlike the 90-hour certificate, which is good for 10 years), and the material actually helps on the state exam portion.

Arizona · AZ

How to get your Arizona real estate license

Everything you need to earn an Arizona 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 Arizona real estate license

Hours required: 90 hrs
Total cost: $650 – $1,050
Typical timeline: 6–12 weeks
Minimum age: 18+

Step 1

Confirm you're eligible for an Arizona real estate license

You must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED to apply for an Arizona real estate license. A criminal background check is required — most non-violent offenses are reviewed case-by-case.

Step 2

Complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education

Note: 90 hours of ADRE-approved pre-licensing education PLUS a separate 6-hour Introduction to Contract Writing course (96 hours total). The 90-hour certificate is valid for 10 years, but the contract writing certificate must be completed within 2 years of applying. Effective January 1, 2026, the licensing exam was split into two separate parts (General and Arizona State-specific) — you must pass both.

Enroll in a 90-hour salesperson pre-licensing course at an ADRE-approved school (in-person or online)
Complete the separate 6-hour Introduction to Contract Writing course (must be within 2 years of your application)
Apply early for your AZ DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card — processing can take several weeks, so start this while still in class
Pass your school's final exam and receive both course certificates
Schedule and pass BOTH Pearson VUE exam portions: General (80 scored questions, 150 minutes) and Arizona State (60 scored questions, 90 minutes)

Step 3

Pass the Arizona real estate exam

Arizona uses Pearson VUE to administer the licensing exam. You'll need a passing score of 75% on each portion (General and State), scored separately. The exam fee is $75. Expect roughly 100 national questions and 40–50 state-specific questions. Format: Two-part exam effective Jan 1, 2026: General portion (80 scored + 5 pretest questions, 150 min) and Arizona State portion (60 scored + 5 pretest questions, 90 min). Register for both on the same day for the combo price. Computer-based at Pearson VUE test centers..

Step 4

Apply for your Arizona license

Pass both exam portions and keep both Pearson score reports — your application must be submitted within 1 year of passing
Obtain your Fingerprint Clearance Card from the Arizona Department of Public Safety ($67 plus a live-scan vendor fee)
Complete the Salesperson Application Form and the Disciplinary Action Disclosure Form (yes answers require supporting documents)
Provide proof of authorized legal presence in the U.S. per A.R.S. 41-1080
Pay the $60 license fee ($50 license + $10 Real Estate Recovery Fund) to ADRE
License can be issued on inactive status without a broker; to go active, your employing broker completes the hire through the ADRE online portal

Step 5

Find a sponsoring broker

Your Arizona 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.

Arizona 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
Pre-licensing education (90-hr + 6-hr contract writing)	$450 – $800
Pearson VUE exam fee (both portions, combo)	$75
License fee (includes $10 Recovery Fund)	$60
Fingerprint Clearance Card (AZ DPS + live-scan vendor)	$77 – $92
Estimated total	$650 – $1,050

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Frequently asked questions

Renewal: Every 2 years with 24 hours of ADRE-approved continuing education across required categories (agency law, contract law, commissioner's standards, disclosure, fair housing, legal issues, plus electives). Renewal fee is $60. No separate post-licensing course — the 6-hour contract writing course is completed before licensure..

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