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

Typically 10 to 26 weeks. The 150-hour education requirement is one of the heavier loads in the country — most students spread it over 2 to 5 months. The back end moves fast, though: exam scheduling with PSI is usually quick, fingerprint clearance averages about 2 weeks, and issuance happens as soon as your principal broker adds you in eLicense.

How much does an Oregon real estate broker license cost?

Expect roughly $840 to $1,620 total: $300 nonrefundable application fee to the Oregon Real Estate Agency, $400-$1,100 for the 150-hour course package, $75 per PSI exam attempt, and about $56-$62 paid to PSI for fingerprinting and the background check. Oregon's $300 application fee is steeper than most states, but there's no separate license issuance fee on top of it.

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

You must pass both sections independently — no combining scores. Per the official PSI Oregon candidate bulletin, the cut score is 75% on both portions: 60 of 80 on the national portion and 38 of 50 on the state portion. If you fail one section, you only retake that section within your one-year eligibility window.

Do I need a principal broker before getting my Oregon license?

You don't need one to apply, study, or test — but your license won't be issued until a managing principal broker adds your pending license to their business in eLicense. Practically, most candidates interview brokerages while finishing coursework so the license issues the moment everything else clears. Both your exam scores and background clearance expire after one year, so don't sit on them.

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

It's possible — Oregon law deliberately doesn't list disqualifying offenses. The Agency reviews each application individually and looks at your current fitness, not just the record. You must disclose all felony and misdemeanor convictions, including DUIs and even matters that were dismissed or happened as a minor (OSP and FBI keep records 30+ years). If you're worried, Oregon lets you apply and get fingerprinted BEFORE paying for the education, so you can test the waters first.

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

Oregon abolished the 'salesperson' title in 2002 and made 'broker' the entry-level license. A new Oregon broker works under a managing principal broker — the equivalent of a salesperson working under a broker elsewhere. If you're comparing states, Oregon's 'broker' equals most states' 'agent/salesperson,' and its 'principal broker' equals most states' 'broker.'

Oregon · OR

How to get your Oregon real estate license

Everything you need to earn an Oregon 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 Oregon real estate license

Hours required: 150 hrs
Total cost: $840 – $1,620
Typical timeline: 10–26 weeks
Minimum age: 18+

Step 1

Confirm you're eligible for an Oregon real estate license

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

Step 2

Complete 150 hours of pre-licensing education

Note: Oregon's entry-level license is called 'Broker' (not salesperson) and requires 150 hours across seven set courses: Real Estate Law (30), Finance (30), Oregon Real Estate Practices (30), Brokerage (20), Contracts (15), Agency (15), and Property Management (10). Only courses completed on or after January 1, 2013 count.

Register for an account in eLicense (orea.elicense.micropact.com), the Oregon Real Estate Agency's online system, and apply for the broker license first — Oregon flips the usual order and has you apply BEFORE taking the course.
Receive your Applicant ID number by email once the Agency processes your application, and give that ID plus your full name to your school.
Complete the 150 hours of broker pre-license education through an Agency-approved school (typically $400-$1,100 depending on provider and package).
Your school reports completion and makes you eligible with PSI to schedule the license exam — you can't book the exam until the school flags you as eligible.

Step 3

Pass the Oregon real estate exam

Oregon uses PSI to administer the licensing exam. You'll need a passing score of 75% on both the national and state portions, scored separately (per the official PSI Oregon candidate bulletin). The exam fee is $75. Expect roughly 100 national questions and 40–50 state-specific questions. Format: 130 scored multiple-choice questions — 80 national (150 min) + 50 Oregon state (90 min) — at PSI test centers (Portland, Wilsonville, Bend, Eugene, Medford, and more) or via remote online proctoring.

Step 4

Apply for your Oregon license

Apply and pay the $300 nonrefundable application fee in eLicense before starting (or while taking) your education — the application generates the Applicant ID your school needs.
Answer the background questions in your eLicense application honestly and completely; this starts the criminal records check. Nondisclosure is a common reason for denial.
Pass both sections of the PSI broker exam ($75 per attempt). Scores are valid for one year.
Get fingerprinted at the PSI test center after you pass (or before/after if testing remotely) — the fingerprint/background fee is paid directly to PSI (approximately $56-$62; the Agency says to confirm the current fee with PSI). Prints run through Oregon State Police and the FBI, and clearance takes about 2 weeks on average. Background clearance is also valid for one year.
Have your new managing principal broker add your pending license to their business in eLicense — Oregon will not issue the license until a principal broker claims you and the Agency completes final review.
Your license issues by email confirmation. Expiration is tied to your birth month, so your first period runs 13-24 months; after that it's a standard 2-year cycle.

Step 5

Find a sponsoring broker

Your Oregon 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.

Oregon 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
OREA application fee (nonrefundable)	$300
150-hour pre-licensing education	$700
PSI exam fee (per attempt)	$75
Fingerprinting/background check (paid to PSI; confirm current fee)	$61
Estimated total	$1,136

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Frequently asked questions

Renewal: Every 2 years ($300 active renewal), with the first period lasting 13-24 months because expiration is pegged to your birth month; 30 hours of CE per cycle including Advanced Practices for first renewal.

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