Ohio licensing guide
How to Get a Real Estate License in Ohio
A practical step-by-step guide to Ohio licensing requirements, estimated costs, timeline, official resources, and what to do after you pass.
Ohio licensing snapshot
Last reviewed May 29, 2026
- License type
- Salesperson
- Minimum age
- 18
- Pre-license education
- 100 hours
- Exam provider
- PSI Services LLC
- Estimated cost
- $1,044–$2,144
- Estimated timeline
- 3–6 months
- Renewal cycle
- Triennial (every 3 years)
Salespersons must complete a 20‑hour post‑licensing course within the first year and then complete 30 hours of continuing education every three years. CE includes 3 hours each of Core Law, Civil Rights and Ethics, and 21 hours of electives.
Licensing path
Step-by-step licensing path
Use this as a planning sequence, then confirm each requirement with the official state source.
Meet basic requirements
Be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be of good moral character.
Complete 100‑hour pre‑licensing education
Finish 100 hours of state‑approved real estate education consisting of 40 hours Real Estate Principles and Practices, 40 hours Ohio Real Estate Law, 10 hours Real Estate Appraisal and 10 hours Real Estate Finance.
Submit exam application and fee
Submit your salesperson application and $81 fee to the Ohio Division of Real Estate to receive authorization to test.
Schedule and pass the exam
Schedule your state and national exams with PSI Services LLC and pay the exam fee (one attempt for both sections costs $63); pass both portions.
Find a sponsoring broker
Obtain sponsorship from an active Ohio broker and submit the affiliation paperwork with your application for licensure.
Complete post‑licensing and continuing education
After licensure, complete a 20‑hour post‑licensing course within your first year and then 30 hours of continuing education every three years.
Budget planning
Estimated costs
Estimated total cost: $1,044–$2,144. Actual costs vary by provider, application path, exam retakes, and local business setup choices.
| Cost item | Estimated amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre‑licensing education | $800–$1,900 | Cost range for 100‑hour education programs from approved institutions. |
| Application fee | $81 | Salesperson application fee payable to the Division of Real Estate. |
| Fingerprint/background check | $100 | Approximate cost for required background check. |
| Exam fee | $63 | PSI charges $63 to take both portions of the salesperson exam. |
| Post‑licensing course | $200–$300 | 20‑hour post‑licensing course costs vary by provider. |
| Continuing education | $100–$300 | Cost for a 30‑hour CE package every three years. |
Renewal planning
Continuing education
Questions
FAQs
How many hours of education do I need for an Ohio sales license?
You need 100 hours of approved real estate education consisting of 40 hours principles, 40 hours law, 10 hours appraisal and 10 hours finance.
Who administers the Ohio salesperson exam?
The Ohio Division of Real Estate contracts PSI Services LLC to administer the state and national portions of the salesperson exam.
After you pass the exam
Passing the exam does not create an operating system. New agents still need to manage contacts, follow-ups, active deals, deadlines, client communication, partners, and daily priorities.
New Agent Checklist
Set up the business basics, contacts, partners, follow-up habits, and first-deal readiness.
First 30 Days
Build a practical launch rhythm for contacts, partners, client conversations, and daily work.
License Cost Calculator
Estimate state licensing costs, education, exam, application, background, and setup expenses.
First-Year Budget Calculator
Plan startup and operating costs before your first year gets noisy.
Agent Nook workflow
Licensed is only the beginning.
Agent Nook helps new agents keep deals, deadlines, clients, partners, and daily work organized from the first transaction forward.