How to Get a Real Estate License in Ohio

Getting a real estate license in Ohio doesn’t require a college degree or years of training. Instead, within two or three months from now, you could be helping clients sell condos in Columbus or colonials in Cleveland. Keep reading to learn how to get a real estate license in Ohio.

Is it Worth Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Ohio?

Ohio has some of the hottest real estate markets in the country, with rising prices in key markets like Toledo, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. The average home value in Ohio is $231,710, a 5.7% increase year-over-year (according to Zillow). And the average home goes to pending in seven days.

The career outlook for well-trained, customer-focused real estate agents is strong in Ohio. Full-time real estate agents in Ohio can make an average of $165,250 based on data collected in our 2025 Ohio Real Estate Salary Guide.

Is it worth becoming a real estate agent in Ohio? The numbers prove that it would be a smart career move.

Basic Requirements on How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Ohio

Before we describe each step of the licensing process, make sure you can check off these basic requirements for working as a real estate agent in Ohio.

You must be at least 18 and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
You must be a U.S. citizen or can provide proof of being a legal alien.
You must not have been convicted of a disqualifying offense as listed in this Ohio legal code.
You must not have been judged by a court to have violated any municipal, state, or federal civil rights laws relevant to the protection of purchasers or sellers of real estate. (However, if two years have passed since the court decision, you may be able to continue with the licensing process.)

Can you meet these basic requirements? Then, you can get started with the real estate licensing process today! The first step is to sign up for pre-licensing courses.

Steps to Getting a Sales Associate License in Ohio

You must take classes, pass a test and a background check, and get sponsored by a broker to become a real estate agent in Ohio. Here are the steps in the licensing process.

1. Enroll in Ohio real estate classes.

Instead of binge-watching your favorite Netflix series, use your time to complete the pre-licensing coursework required to become a real estate salesperson. The 100-hour course breaks down into these four categories:

Real Estate Principles and Practices (40 hours)
Ohio Real Estate Law (40 hours)
Real Estate Appraisal (10 hours)
Real Estate Finance (10 hours)

Consider your learning style and schedule when choosing a real estate school. You can take classes in person or via live stream. Some schools also offer a self-paced, online program, or you may be able to take courses through a combination of these formats.

Regardless of your preferred format, read reviews of each school you are considering. Look for real estate schools that offer exam prep and instructor support.

2. Find a sponsoring broker.

Like in other states, real estate agents in Ohio must work under a broker’s supervision. You must have a sponsoring broker before applying to take the Ohio Real Estate Salesperson Exam. Some real estate schools host Career Nights to connect you with companies in your area looking for beginning real estate agents.

3. Apply to take the Ohio Real Estate Salesperson Exam.

After you have completed the 100 hours of pre-licensing education and found a sponsoring broker, you need to apply to take the Ohio Real Estate Salesperson Exam. Create an account with the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate eLicense Center.

Here are the documents that you need to provide with your application:

Salesperson Examination Application
Course completion certificate
Proof of legal presence
Broker hire form
Information required to complete state and FBI background check
Fingerprint card (FastFingerprints will help you fulfill this requirement. For more information about fingerprinting options, click here.)

Once your application is processed and accepted, you’ll receive instructions on scheduling your exam and a Candidate Information Bulletin from PSI.

4. Pass the Ohio Real Estate Salesperson Exam.

Once you receive instructions, you can schedule your Ohio Real Estate Salesperson Exam by calling PSI Exams at 1-855-834-8749 or visiting the website. The test costs $63.

You’ll have 180 minutes to complete the state and national sections. You’ll find out your score immediately upon completion of the test. For a license to be issued, you must pass the state and national portions of the exam with a 70%.

FAQs – How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Ohio

How long will it take to earn a sales associate license in Ohio? How much does it cost? Keep reading to find the answers to these questions – and more!

How long does getting an Ohio real estate license take?

On average, it takes two to three months to get an Ohio real estate license, depending on the application processing times and how fast you complete the 100 hours of pre-licensing courses.

How much does getting an Ohio real estate license cost?

Some costs for getting an Ohio real estate license are fixed, such as the application and exam fees. Here are some of the expected expenses:

Ohio Salesperson Exam Application $81
Ohio BCI State & FBI Database Checks (fingerprinting fee) $72
Salesperson Exam $63

However, you will notice that the price varies on pre-licensing packages. When choosing a real estate school, make sure you select one with a solid reputation for providing quality state-specific information. If you skimp on your education, you may end up paying more for exam-prep materials and test retakes.

Do you need college for real estate in Ohio? (Is a degree needed?)

You do not need a college degree to become a real estate agent in Ohio. However, the pre-licensing courses must be completed at an institution of higher education that awards a degree in at least a two-year program.

Is getting a real estate license hard in Ohio?

To become a real estate agent in Ohio, you must complete 180 classroom hours of courses covering complex material such as real estate law and real estate finance. In addition, you must pass a course and licensing exam. However, with the help of a quality real estate education provider and excellent test prep materials, you can complete all the requirements to get licensed.

What jobs can you get with a real estate license?

There’s more to do with a real estate license than becoming a commissioned real estate agent or even a broker. Here are some other jobs you can get with an Ohio real estate license:

Property Manager
Leasing Agent
Real Estate Appraiser
Real Estate Consultant
Real Estate Investor
Instructor
Marketing Specialist
Transaction Coordinator
Foreclosure Specialist
Real Estate Development Manager
Real Estate Compliance Specialist

What is the average salary of an Ohio real estate salesperson?

Real estate agents earn commissions based on a percentage of the sale price, so the average salary of a real estate salesperson can vary greatly. According to data from ZipRecruiter, the average salary of a full-time real estate agent in Ohio is $100,439.

Does Ohio offer real estate license reciprocity to any other state?

Reciprocity allows licensed agents in one state to become licensed in another state without starting the licensing process from scratch. Arkansas, Connecticut, Kentucky, Nevada, and West Virginia offer license reciprocity to Ohio real estate agents.

Next Steps

We’ve provided you with details on how to get a real estate license in Ohio. After you have completed the licensing process, you are free to work under a broker as a real estate salesperson and help clients buy and sell properties in Ohio.

Within one year of your license issuance date, you must complete a 20-hour post-licensing course that will teach you how to apply your education in the real world of real estate sales.

You must complete 30 hours of continuing education within three years of your first-year renewal. Most real estate agents purchase a package that includes all their CE requirements and complete the coursework as time allows.

Finally, you can obtain your broker’s license after working as a licensed agent for at least two years. Earning your broker’s license is similar to the process of becoming a salesperson.

Depend on Hondros College as your Ohio real estate education provider. Hondros College will help you with every step of your career. We offer pre-licensing, post-licensing, continuing education, and broker education packages. Our in-person and online courses are highly rated. In addition, we offer CompuCram, the best online exam prep program in the industry, to help you prepare for the Ohio real estate licensing exam.

Enrolling in pre-licensing courses is the first step to becoming a real estate agent in Ohio. Choose a Hondros College package today and get started!