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Real Estate License Guide

Ohio · OH

Ohio Real Estate License Checklist (2026)

Every step, fee, and deadline on one page — designed to print cleanly to PDF and check off as you go.

Before you start

  • You are at least 18 years old
  • You hold a high school diploma or GED
  • You can pass a criminal background check / fingerprinting
  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent (required if born after 1950).
  • Secure a sponsoring Ohio broker — required BEFORE you submit your exam application.

Education

Reduced from 120 to 100 hours effective April 9, 2025 (HB 238). Many sites still list 120 — this is the current requirement.

  • Complete 100 hours of approved pre-licensing education across four courses: Real Estate Principles & Practices, Ohio Real Estate Law (includes civil rights & fair housing instruction), Real Estate Finance, and Real Estate Appraisal.
  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent (required if born after 1950).
  • Secure a sponsoring Ohio broker — required BEFORE you submit your exam application.
  • Submit the Salesperson Examination Application with the $81 fee and complete the background check/fingerprinting.
  • Receive PSI eligibility, schedule and pass both the national and state portions of the exam.

Application & exam

  • Broker signs your Salesperson Examination Application
  • Submit application + $81 fee to the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing
  • Complete BCI & FBI background check (fingerprinting)
  • Division approves eligibility and forwards you to PSI for scheduling
  • Pass both exam portions — license issues to your sponsoring brokerage

Budget

Ohio licensing budget with a blank column for your actual spend
ItemEstimateActual
Pre-licensing education$700 – $1,400 
Application fee$81 
PSI exam fee$63 
Fingerprinting / background check$60 – $100 
Estimated total$950 – $1,650 

Key deadlines

  • Every 3 years with 30 hours of continuing education
  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent (required if born after 1950).
  • Secure a sponsoring Ohio broker — required BEFORE you submit your exam application.
  • Most people finish in 2–4 months: 4–10 weeks for the 100 hours of coursework (self-paced online is fastest), then 2–6 weeks for application processing, background check, and exam scheduling.
  • Do I need a sponsoring broker before taking the Ohio exam?
  • Yes — unlike many states, Ohio requires a sponsoring broker to sign your examination application before you can sit for the exam.
  • Consider requesting a determination from the Division before investing in coursework.