How to Get a Real Estate License in Ohio

If you are an Ohioan considering entering the real estate industry, you may wonder if it’s worth becoming an agent in Ohio. We’ll tell you what to expect, including the average real estate commission for 10 of Ohio’s largest markets.

Ready to ditch the 9-to-5 grind and build something for yourself? Getting a real estate license in Ohio doesn’t require a college degree or years of training. Within just two to three months, you could be helping clients buy their dream homes in Columbus or sell condos in Cleveland, all while earning a commission-based income on your own terms.

Ohio’s real estate market is absolutely booming right now, making it the perfect time to get involved. Keep reading to learn exactly how to get your Ohio real estate license and why Hondros College has been Ohio’s go-to choice for aspiring agents for over four decades.

Is it Worth Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Ohio?

Ohio has some of the hottest real estate markets in the country. Home prices are climbing in key markets like Toledo, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. The average home value in Ohio hit $243,907 (Zillow, September 2025). Additionally, homes are moving fast, with the average property going to pending in just eight days.

For career-focused real estate agents in Ohio, the outlook is strong. Full-time agents can earn an average of $165,250, according to a 2024 survey of Hondros College alumni. Most real estate agents work on commission, typically earning a percentage of the property’s sale price. The average commission rate is 5.81%, which is divided between the buyer’s agent, seller’s agent, and their respective brokerages. The numbers don’t lie—becoming a real estate agent in Ohio is a smart career move that offers unlimited financial potential.

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.

Basic Requirements to Become a Real Estate Agent in Ohio

Before diving into the licensing process, make sure you meet these basic requirements:

Age and Education: You must be at least 18 with a high school diploma or equivalent
Legal Status: U.S. citizenship is not required to apply for or obtain a real estate license in Ohio. However, non-citizens must have legal alien status (proof required) and a U.S. Social Security number.
Clean Record: Applicants must not have any disqualifying criminal convictions as outlined in Section 9.79 of the Ohio Revised Code, which includes offenses related to violence, breaches of fiduciary duty, or sexually oriented crimes.

Steps to Getting Your Ohio Real Estate License

Getting licensed involves coursework, exams, background checks, and broker sponsorship. Here’s your roadmap to success:

1. Enroll in pre-licensing courses

Instead of scrolling TikTok for hours, invest that time in completing your required 100-hour pre-licensing coursework. Ohio requires these four course categories:

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

Choosing the Right Real Estate School in Ohio

Your learning style matters. At Hondros College, we offer maximum flexibility with three learning options:

In-person classes at our six Ohio locations for hands-on networking
Live-stream instruction for real-time interaction from home
Self-paced online courses to fit your schedule

Hondros College is Ohio’s premier real estate school, having educated over 92% of Ohio’s licensed real estate agents.

2. Secure a sponsoring broker

Ohio real estate agents are required to work under the supervision of a licensed broker. You’ll need your sponsoring broker lined up before taking the licensing exam. Many real estate schools, including Hondros, host Career Expos connecting students with local brokerages actively hiring new agents.

Finding the Right Broker Partnership

Look for brokers who offer:

Mentorship programs for new agents
Marketing support and lead generation
Competitive commission splits

3. Submit your application for the Ohio real estate salesperson license

Before taking the exam, you must submit your application to the Ohio Division of Real Estate.

Required Documents:

Completed Salesperson Examination Application with an $81 fee
Proof of completion of the Education Requirements
Proof of legal presence
Broker hire form
Background check information
Fingerprint card

Once your application is processed, your information will be sent to the testing vendor. The vendor will provide a Candidate Information Bulletin with instructions on scheduling your exam.

4. Pass the Ohio real estate salesperson exam

Schedule your exam by calling PSI Exams at 1-855-834-8749 or visiting their website. The test costs $63.

Exam Details:

180 minutes total testing time
State and national sections included
70% passing score
Results available immediately upon completion

Study Tips for Success:

Use proven exam prep tools like CompuCram (included with some Hondros packages)
Take practice exams to identify weak areas
Review Ohio-specific real estate law thoroughly
Join study groups with other aspiring agents

With Hondros College’s trusted approach, 92% of students successfully pass their exam on the first attempt—and you can achieve the same success! Check out our Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee!

5. Complete the Ohio real estate post-licensing requirements

After passing your real estate exam and obtaining your license in Ohio, the next step is completing mandatory post-licensing education to keep your career on track. Ohio requires all new real estate agents to complete a 20-hour post-licensing course within the first year of licensure. This course is designed to deepen your understanding of real estate practices, hone your skills, and ensure you are fully equipped for a successful career.

At Hondros College, we offer a comprehensive Ohio Post-Licensing Program that not only fulfills the state’s requirements but also provides practical tools and strategies to thrive in the competitive industry. Our engaging and flexible course options are tailored to fit your busy schedule, allowing you to complete your education at your own pace.

Real Estate License Cost in Ohio

Total Investment Breakdown:

Pre-Licensing Course: $1,300+ (varies by provider and package)
Application Fee: $81
Exam Fee: $63
Fingerprinting/Background Checks: approximately $100
Total Estimated Cost: $1,544+

Hondros College provides flexible financing options for pre-licensing courses, making it easier to take the next step in your career.

Timeline Expectations:

Course completion: 2-10 weeks (depending on learning format)
Application processing: 2-3 weeks
Exam scheduling: 1-2 weeks
Total timeline: 2-3 months on average

Career Options for Ohio Real Estate License Holders

A real estate license in Ohio opens doors to a variety of career paths beyond traditional sales. Here are some roles that require a real estate license or benefit greatly from having one:

Property Manager: Oversee rental properties, handle tenant relations, and manage day-to-day operations.
Real Estate Appraiser: Assess property values for sales, loans, or tax assessments.
Leasing Agent: Work with property owners to find tenants for residential or commercial spaces.
Real Estate Broker: Advance beyond being an agent to manage your own brokerage or supervise other agents.
Real Estate Developer: Acquire and develop properties for residential, commercial, or mixed-use projects.

These careers offer flexibility and opportunities to specialize while leveraging your real estate license.

Avoiding Common Licensing Pitfalls

Incomplete Applications: Double-check all required documents before submitting. Missing paperwork delays the entire process.
Inadequate Exam Preparation: Don’t underestimate the difficulty of the exam. Invest in quality prep materials and dedicate sufficient study time.
Broker Sponsorship Delays: Start networking with brokers early in your education process. Don’t wait until after coursework completion.
Background Check Issues: Address any potential criminal history concerns upfront. Minor infractions may not disqualify you, but honesty is essential.

Resources for Ohio Real Estate Agents

Essential Tools and Checklists:

Professional Development:

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does getting an Ohio real estate license take?

Typically 2-3 months, depending on your chosen learning format and application processing times.

How much does an Ohio real estate license cost?

The total investment is approximately $ 1,500, including course fees, exam costs, and other related expenses. Quality education is worth the investment. Skimping on coursework often leads to failed exams and additional retake fees.

Do you need a college degree for a real estate license in Ohio?

No college degree is required to become a real estate agent in Ohio.

Is getting a real estate license hard in Ohio?

The coursework covers complex topics like real estate law and finance. The licensing exam requires 70% to pass. With pre-licensing courses from a reputable Ohio real estate school and proper exam preparation, most dedicated students are successful.

What jobs can you get with a real estate license?

Beyond traditional sales roles, licensed agents can work as:

Property managers
Leasing agents
Real estate appraisers
Investment consultants
Transaction coordinators
Foreclosure specialists
Real estate instructors
Marketing specialists

What’s the average salary for Ohio real estate agents?

Commission-based earnings vary widely. According to a 2024 survey of Hondros College alumni, full-time Ohio agents average $165,250 annually, though top producers earn significantly more.

Does Ohio offer real estate license reciprocity?

Yes! Ohio has reciprocity agreements with Arkansas, Connecticut, Kentucky, Nevada, and West Virginia, making it easier to practice in multiple states.

Your Next Steps to Real Estate Success

You now have the complete roadmap for getting your Ohio real estate license. After completing the licensing process, you’ll work under a broker as a licensed salesperson, helping clients buy and sell properties throughout Ohio.

Action Items:

Enroll in pre-licensing courses (your first and most important step)
Complete your 120-hour coursework
Network with potential sponsoring brokers
Complete the application for your Ohio real estate license
Pass the Ohio real estate exam
Complete post-licensing education within your first year

Why Choose Hondros College?

As Ohio’s most tenured real estate education provider with over 40 years of experience, Hondros College offers:

✓ Flexible Learning Options: In-person, online, and live-stream courses

✓ Local Expertise: Industry-leading Ohio instructors

✓ Comprehensive Support: Exam prep, tutoring, and career guidance

✓ Proven Results: Over 26,000 currently licensed Ohio agents chose Hondros

✓ Lifecycle Education: Pre-licensing through broker advancement (and professional development!)

Ready to start your real estate career? Your flexible path to unlimited financial potential begins with choosing the right education partner. Hondros College provides the foundation, support, and expertise you need to succeed in Ohio’s competitive real estate market.

Enroll in Hondros College Pre-Licensing Courses Today

Take the first step toward your new career. Choose a Hondros College package and get started on your journey to real estate success!

Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only, based on an August 2024 survey of Hondros College alumni and publicly available industry sources. While Hondros strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, reliability, or applicability of the information. Earnings and outcomes vary widely based on factors like location, experience, and market conditions and should not be considered guarantees. This guide does not constitute professional advice. Users should consult additional sources for personalized guidance.

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Ohio: Your Complete Guide