Ohio · OH
How to get your Ohio real estate license
Everything you need to earn an Ohio salesperson license — from eligibility to your first sponsoring broker.
Requirements last verified July 6, 2026 by Matt Cochrell, licensed broker.
Quick answer · Verified July 6, 2026
How to get an Ohio real estate license
- Hours required
- 100 hrs
- Total cost
- $950 – $1,650
- Typical timeline
- 8–16 weeks
- Minimum age
- 18+
Confirm you're eligible for an Ohio real estate license
You must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED to apply for an Ohio real estate license. A criminal background check is required — most non-violent offenses are reviewed case-by-case.
Complete 100 hours of pre-licensing education
Note: 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.
Pass the Ohio real estate exam
Ohio uses PSI to administer the licensing exam. You'll need a passing score of 70%. The exam fee is $63. Expect roughly 100 national questions and 40–50 state-specific questions. Format: 120 multiple-choice questions (national + state portions), 3 hours.
Apply for your Ohio license
- 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
Find a sponsoring broker
Your Ohio 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.
Ohio 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.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pre-licensing education | $700 – $1,400 |
| Application fee | $81 |
| PSI exam fee | $63 |
| Fingerprinting / background check | $60 – $100 |
| Estimated total | $950 – $1,650 |
Free download
The Ohio Licensing Checklist
Every step, fee, and deadline on one page. Print it, tape it to your desk, and check items off as you go.
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Our top pick
The CE Shop — Ohio Pre-Licensing
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Frequently asked questions
Renewal: Every 3 years with 30 hours of continuing education.
Moving your license?
See how Ohio handles out-of-state licenses — full reciprocity, partial agreements, recognition, or start-over — and how every other state stacks up.