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

Plan on 2 to 6 months. The 168-hour education package is the long pole — roughly double what most states require — and takes most people 2–4 months even at a steady online pace. After that, the exam, fingerprinting, and the $83 eLicense application move fairly quickly; DORA estimates about 10 business days to process a complete application, though it can't approve you until your CBI/FBI fingerprint results come back.

How much does it cost to become a real estate broker in Colorado?

Expect roughly $770–$1,900 all-in: $400–$1,300 for the 168-hour course depending on the school and package, $44.95 for the PSI exam, $40–$60 for fingerprinting, $83 for the license application, and $200–$400 a year for the E&O insurance every active Colorado licensee must carry.

What score do I need to pass the Colorado broker exam?

You need to pass both portions independently: at least 60 of 80 questions on the national portion (75%) and 53 of 74 on the Colorado state portion (about 72%). If you fail one portion, you only retake that portion ($42.50). Each passing score is valid for one year, so don't sit on your results.

Do I need a sponsoring broker before I apply in Colorado?

No — you can apply and be issued a license without one, but it will be inactive. To actually practice and earn commissions, you must activate under an employing broker and have E&O insurance on file. Many new licensees line up their brokerage while finishing coursework so they can activate immediately.

Can I get a Colorado real estate license with a criminal record?

Possibly. Every applicant goes through a fingerprint-based CBI and FBI background check, and the Commission reviews convictions case-by-case. If you're worried, Colorado offers a Preliminary Advisory Opinion (PAO) application through eLicense — you can get the Commission's read on your history before spending money on 168 hours of coursework.

Why is Colorado's entry-level license called a 'broker' instead of 'salesperson'?

Colorado abolished the salesperson category decades ago — it's one of only a few broker-entry states. New licensees start as Associate Brokers working under an employing broker. After 2 years of active experience you can upgrade to Independent status, and with a 24-hour brokerage administration course you can qualify at the Employing level to supervise other brokers.

Colorado · CO

How to get your Colorado real estate license

Everything you need to earn a Colorado 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 a Colorado real estate license

Hours required: 168 hrs
Total cost: $770 – $1,900
Typical timeline: 8–24 weeks
Minimum age: 18+

Step 1

Confirm you're eligible for a Colorado real estate license

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

Step 2

Complete 168 hours of pre-licensing education

Note: Colorado is a broker-entry state — there is no 'salesperson' license; everyone starts as an Associate Broker. The 168 hours (second-highest in the U.S. after Texas's 180) breaks down into six courses: Real Estate Law and Practice (48), Colorado Contracts and Regulations (48), Trust Accounts and Recordkeeping (8), Current Legal Issues (8), Real Estate Closings (24), and Practical Applications (32). A degree with a real estate major can substitute for the coursework.

Complete the 168-hour broker qualifying education through an approved real estate school or an accredited college/university (online or classroom)
Pass each course's final exam and obtain your certificate(s) of completion
Register with PSI and pass both the national and state portions of the Colorado Real Estate Broker's Exam (results are valid for one year)
Gather your education certificates and exam score report for upload to the eLicense application

Step 3

Pass the Colorado real estate exam

Colorado uses PSI to administer the licensing exam. You'll need a passing score of 60 of 80 on the national portion (75%) and 53 of 74 on the state portion (~72%). The exam fee is $44.95. Expect roughly 100 national questions and 40–50 state-specific questions. Format: Computer-based at PSI test centers; 154 total questions (80 national + 74 Colorado state) in two separately scored portions.

Step 4

Apply for your Colorado license

Submit fingerprints for a CBI/FBI background check through an approved vendor (IdentoGO or Colorado Fingerprinting, roughly $40–$60) — this can be done before or right after the exam
Create an account in DORA's eLicense system and submit the online Broker License Application with the $83 non-refundable fee
Upload your certificates and exam results; the Division estimates about 10 business days to process a complete application, though it waits on fingerprint results
Secure errors & omissions (E&O) insurance — required for every active Colorado licensee. You can buy into the state group plan or provide a Certificate of Independent Coverage
To practice, activate your license under an employing broker. Without an employing broker and E&O on file, the license issues/remains inactive
After 2 years of active experience you can upgrade to an Independent or Employing broker level

Step 5

Find a sponsoring broker

Your Colorado 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.

Colorado 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
168-hour pre-licensing education	$400 – $1,300
PSI exam fee	$44.95 per attempt ($42.50 per-portion retake)
Fingerprinting / CBI-FBI background check	$40 – $60
Broker license application fee	$83
E&O insurance (required while active)	$200 – $400 per year
Estimated total	$770 – $1,900

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The 9 topics, 15 formulas, and 20 vocab terms you must know to pass. Includes your Colorado licensing checklist as a bonus.

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Frequently asked questions

Renewal & continuing education

Colorado: 3-year cycle (tied to your license anniversary date). 24 hours of CE per cycle, of which 12 hours must be three different 4-hour Annual Commission Update (ACU) courses; the other 12 are electives. Base renewal fee is $252. No separate post-licensing course requirement..

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Moving your license?

See how Colorado handles out-of-state licenses — full reciprocity, partial agreements, recognition, or start-over — and how every other state stacks up.

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