How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Ohio
A step-by-step guide to getting your Ohio real estate license.
Complete coursework in as few as 2 weeks
Jump to section
- Understanding Ohio’s Education Requirements
- A Note About Criminal History
- What You’ll Need to Apply
- How Long Does It Take to Get Your Ohio Real Estate License?
- How Much Does It Cost to Get an Ohio Real Estate License?
- Ohio Real Estate License Cost Breakdown
- What Are You Actually Paying For?
- How to Get Your Ohio Real Estate License in 6 Steps
- What Happens After You Get Licensed?
- Why Choose Hondros College for Your Ohio Real Estate License?
- Why Students Choose Hondros
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Understanding Ohio’s Education Requirements
- A Note About Criminal History
- What You’ll Need to Apply
- How Long Does It Take to Get Your Ohio Real Estate License?
- How Much Does It Cost to Get an Ohio Real Estate License?
- Ohio Real Estate License Cost Breakdown
- What Are You Actually Paying For?
- How to Get Your Ohio Real Estate License in 6 Steps
- What Happens After You Get Licensed?
- Why Choose Hondros College for Your Ohio Real Estate License?
- Why Students Choose Hondros
Key Takeaways
- Most students earn their Ohio real estate license in 2 to 3 months, depending on their pace and how quickly they complete each licensing step.
- The total investment typically starts around $1,500, including pre-licensing education, application, exam, and background check fees. Financing is available for eligible students.
- To become licensed, you’ll need to pass both the National and Ohio State portions of the licensing exam with a score of at least 70 on each section.
- Students who followed Hondros College’s recommended study plan achieved a 94% first-time exam pass rate in 2025, helping them approach exam day with confidence.*
- You don’t need a college degree or previous real estate experience to become a licensed Ohio real estate salesperson.
- For more than 45 years, Hondros College has helped thousands of Ohio students launch successful real estate careers through flexible learning, expert instruction, and career-focused support.
**Based on Hondros College students who followed the recommended study plan and took the licensing exam in 2025. Pass rate applies to eligible students who completed the recommended preparation program. (Jan-Sept 2025)
If you’re thinking about becoming a real estate agent in Ohio, you’re in the right place.
Whether you’re looking for a career change, more flexibility, or the opportunity to build something of your own, real estate offers a path with unlimited potential. You don’t need a college degree or previous real estate experience to get started. With the right education and commitment, many students earn their Ohio real estate license in just 2 to 3 months.
This guide explains every step of the licensing process, from meeting Ohio’s requirements and completing your education to passing the licensing exam and launching your career. You’ll also find practical advice, expert insights, and answers to the questions future agents ask most often, so you can move forward with confidence.
For more than 45 years, Hondros College has helped aspiring Ohio real estate professionals take the first step toward a successful career.
Understanding Ohio’s Education Requirements
Ohio requires aspiring real estate agents to complete 100 hours of approved pre-licensing education before applying to take the licensing exam.
Those 100 hours are divided into four required courses:
| Required Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Principles & Practices | 40 |
| Ohio Real Estate Law | 40 |
| Real Estate Appraisal | 10 |
| Real Estate Finance | 10 |
Each course builds a different part of the foundation you’ll need as a licensed real estate professional.
You’ll learn how real estate transactions work, understand Ohio-specific laws and regulations, evaluate property values, and develop the financial knowledge needed to confidently guide future clients.
At Hondros College, these subjects aren’t simply taught to help you pass the licensing exam. They’re designed to prepare you for real conversations with real clients from your very first day as an agent.
A Note About Criminal History
Many prospective students wonder whether a past mistake will prevent them from becoming licensed.
The good news is that having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from obtaining an Ohio real estate license.
The Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing reviews each application individually. Depending on your circumstances, you’ll be asked to provide additional information so the Division can determine your eligibility under Ohio law.
If you have questions about your eligibility, it’s best to review the licensing requirements or contact the Division before enrolling. Understanding your situation early can help you move through the licensing process with confidence.
What You’ll Need to Apply
Once you’ve completed your education, you’ll apply for your Salesperson license online through the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing’s website. First, you’ll need to create an OHID to access their eLicensing Portal and set up your account. Then you’ll complete the steps to apply for a new license and sit for your licensing exam. Have your sponsoring broker’s registration number on hand — you’ll need it to finish the application.
Your application typically includes:
- Completed Salesperson Examination Application
- Application fee
- Proof of completed education
- State and FBI background check results
- Any required documentation related to ethical conduct disclosures, if applicable
After your application is approved, the state’s testing vendor will contact you with instructions for scheduling your licensing exam.
How Long Does It Take to Get Your Ohio Real Estate License?
Most students earn their Ohio real estate license in 2 to 3 months, although your timeline depends on how quickly you complete your pre-licensing education, submit your application, complete your background check, and schedule your licensing exam. Students who dedicate more time each week can often finish sooner, while those balancing work or family responsibilities may take longer.
| Schedule | Complete Coursework | Application, Background Check & Exam | Estimated Total Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Track (25–40 hrs/week) | 2–3 weeks | 4–6 weeks | 2–3 months |
| Part-Time (10–15 hrs/week) | 6–8 weeks | 4–6 weeks | 2–3 months |
| Flexible / Self-Paced (5–10 hrs/week) | 8–12+ weeks | 4–6 weeks | 2–3 months |
Good to know: Your education timeline is the part of the process you control. Application review, background check processing, and exam scheduling are managed by the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing and the state’s testing vendor, so those timelines can vary.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Ohio Real Estate License?
The total cost of becoming a licensed real estate agent in Ohio typically ranges from about $1,200 to $1,800+, depending on the pre-licensing package you choose and your fingerprinting costs. Your biggest investment is your education, which prepares you to pass the licensing exam and launch your career. Additional required costs include the state application fee, licensing exam, and criminal background check.
Ohio Real Estate License Cost Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the most common costs you’ll encounter on your journey to becoming a licensed Ohio real estate agent.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-licensing course | Varies by package and learning format |
| Salesperson Examination Application | $81 |
| Ohio Real Estate Licensing Exam | $63 |
| State & FBI Background Check / Fingerprinting | Approximately $100 |
| Estimated Total Investment | Approximately $1,200–$1,800+ |
Good to know: Your pre-licensing course represents the largest portion of your investment. Choosing a package that includes exam preparation and career resources may help you avoid the cost of retaking the exam and better prepare you for your first year as an agent.
What Are You Actually Paying For?
Becoming a real estate agent isn’t just paying for a license. You’re investing in the education, preparation, and credentials required to begin a new career.
Here’s what each cost covers:
Pre-Licensing Education
Ohio requires all future real estate agents to complete 100 hours of approved pre-licensing education before applying for the licensing exam.
Your course package may also include valuable resources such as:
- Exam preparation
- Practice exams
- Instructor support
- Career expos
- Digital or printed textbooks
- Career development resources
The features included will vary depending on the package you choose.
Salesperson Examination Application
Once you’ve completed your education and secured a sponsoring broker, you’ll submit your Salesperson Examination Application to the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing. The application fee is $81.
Licensing Exam
After your application is approved, you’ll schedule your licensing exam. The current exam fee is $63 and covers both the national and Ohio-specific portions of the exam.
Fingerprinting and Background Check
Ohio requires both state and FBI criminal background checks before a license can be issued. Fees vary by fingerprinting location, but most applicants should budget around $100 for this step.
Can I Finance My Real Estate Classes?
Yes. Hondros College offers Affirm financing, allowing many students to spread the cost of their education into manageable monthly payments rather than paying the full amount upfront. This can make it easier to begin your new career without delaying your education.
Is Becoming a Real Estate Agent Worth the Investment?
For many people, earning a real estate license is one of the most affordable ways to begin a new professional career.
Unlike careers that require four-year degrees or extensive graduate education, Ohio’s licensing process can often be completed within a few months. Once licensed, you’ll have the opportunity to build a career based on your goals, your schedule, and your ability to grow your business.
When evaluating the cost of real estate school, consider more than just the initial price. Look for a program that provides the education, exam preparation, flexibility, and career support you need to succeed long after you pass the licensing exam.
Hondros Tip: The least expensive course isn’t always the best value. Students who invest in comprehensive exam preparation and career resources often feel more confident entering the licensing exam and are better prepared to launch their careers after becoming licensed. Hondros premium packages include resources like exam prep, career expos, and post-licensing education that extend beyond the minimum state requirements.
How to Get Your Ohio Real Estate License in 6 Steps
Getting your Ohio real estate license is simpler than many people expect. You’ll need to meet Ohio’s eligibility requirements, complete your pre-licensing education, apply to take the licensing exam, pass both portions of the exam, choose a sponsoring broker, and activate your license.
Most students complete the process in 2 to 3 months, depending on their schedule and how quickly they complete each step.
Step 1: Confirm You Meet Ohio’s Licensing Requirements
Before enrolling in a real estate course, take a few minutes to make sure you meet Ohio’s basic licensing requirements.
To qualify for an Ohio real estate salesperson license, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the United States
- Have a high school diploma or GED (if born after 1950)
- Meet Ohio’s standards for honesty and character
- Be eligible to complete the required background check
- Be sponsored by an Ohio real estate broker before your license is issued
The good news is that most prospective students already meet these requirements and can begin their education right away.
Hondros Tip: You don’t need to have a sponsoring broker before starting your classes. Many students begin researching brokerages while completing their coursework.
Step 2: Complete Ohio’s 100 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
Ohio requires every future real estate salesperson to complete 100 hours of approved pre-licensing education before applying for the licensing exam.
Your coursework includes:
| Required Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Principles & Practices | 40 |
| Ohio Real Estate Law | 40 |
| Real Estate Appraisal | 10 |
| Real Estate Finance | 10 |
At Hondros College, you can complete your education in the format that works best for your schedule.
Online
Study at your own pace, anytime and anywhere.
Classroom
Learn in person with experienced Ohio instructors and connect with classmates who are beginning the same career journey.
No matter which format you choose, you’ll receive the same Ohio-approved curriculum designed to prepare you for both the licensing exam and your future career.
Livestream
The speed and networking of classroom, from the comfort of your home (or wherever you chose to learn!).
Hondros Tip: Choose the learning format that fits your schedule, not someone else’s. Students who can consistently attend class and stay on pace are more likely to finish quickly and feel confident on exam day.
Step 3: Choose a Sponsoring Ohio Broker
Before your Ohio real estate license can be activated, you’ll need to affiliate with a licensed Ohio real estate broker.
Your sponsoring broker provides:
- Professional supervision
- Mentorship
- Training
- Office resources
- Support as you begin working with clients
Choosing the right brokerage is one of the most important decisions you’ll make early in your career. At Hondros College, students have opportunities to connect with brokerages through career events and networking opportunities designed to help launch their careers.
Hondros Tip: Don’t wait until after you’ve passed the exam to begin exploring brokerages. Start having conversations while you’re still completing your coursework.
Step 4: Submit Your Examination Application
After completing your education, it’s time to apply to take the Ohio licensing exam.
You’ll submit your Salesperson Examination Application to the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing along with:
- Application fee
- Proof of completed education
- Sponsoring broker information
- State and FBI background check information
- Additional documentation if required
Once your application is approved, the Division will notify the state’s testing vendor, who will contact you with instructions for scheduling your exam.
Good to know: Double-check your application before submitting it. Missing documents are one of the most common causes of delays.
Step 5: Complete Your Background Check and Pass the Ohio Licensing Exam
Ohio requires every applicant to complete state and FBI criminal background checks before a license can be issued. During this same time, you’ll prepare for and take the Ohio Real Estate Salesperson Examination.
The exam includes:
- National real estate topics
- Ohio-specific laws and regulations
You’ll need to earn a passing score on both portions of the exam before moving to the final licensing step.
Set Yourself Up for Success: The best time to begin studying for the licensing exam is while you’re completing your coursework. Hondros’ exam preparation resources, practice questions, and instructor support are designed to help you feel confident before exam day.
Hondros Tip: Don’t schedule your exam until you’re consistently scoring well on your practice exams. A little extra preparation now can save you time and the cost of retaking the exam later.
Step 6: Launch Your Real Estate Career
Once you’ve:
- Completed your education
- Secured a sponsoring broker
- Passed your background check
- Passed both portions of the licensing exam
Your Ohio real estate license can be issued, and you’re ready to begin your new career.
Your first year as an agent is one of the most exciting times in your professional journey. You’ll build your client base, continue learning, and develop the skills that will shape your long-term success.
At Hondros College, we believe earning your license isn’t the finish line. It’s the beginning of everything that comes next. Whether your goal is helping first-time homebuyers, specializing in luxury properties, working with investors, or eventually earning your broker’s license, your journey starts here.
What’s Next? Now that you understand the licensing process, the next step is choosing the right education program for your goals, schedule, and learning style.
Why Choose Hondros College for Your Ohio Real Estate License?
There are several Ohio-approved real estate schools, but the right education should do more than help you meet state requirements. It should give you the confidence to pass your licensing exam and prepare you for a successful career.
Here’s how Hondros College stands apart:
| Real Estate Exam Pass Rate | Hondros College | Many Other Ohio Real Estate Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Pass rate | 94% first-time exam pass rate for students who follow our recommended study plan* | Pass rates vary and are often not publicly available |
| Years in operation | 45+ years helping Ohio students launch real estate careers | Experience varies |
| Instructor access | Ohio-focused curriculum taught by experienced local instructors | May offer more generalized instruction |
| Learning formats | Online, live-stream, and classroom learning options | Learning formats vary by school |
| Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee | Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee on eligible packages | Rarely offered |
| Exam prep included | Comprehensive exam prep built into select packages | Exam prep may be limited or sold separately |
| Career support | Career Expos connecting students with Ohio brokerages | Career networking opportunities vary |
| Career-long learning | Post-licensing, continuing education, and professional development to support your entire career | Many schools focus primarily on pre-licensing |
*Based on Hondros College students who followed the recommended study plan and took the licensing exam in 2025. Pass rate applies to eligible students who completed the recommended preparation program.
Why Students Choose Hondros
Choosing a real estate school is one of the first decisions you’ll make in your new career. It’s also one of the most important.
Our research found that future real estate professionals are looking for more than a state-approved course. They want confidence they’ll pass the exam, flexible learning options that fit their lives, instructors who understand Ohio real estate, and support that extends beyond licensing. Those priorities are exactly what Hondros College has focused on for more than 45 years.
Hondros Tip: When comparing schools, look beyond tuition. Ask how they’ll prepare you for the licensing exam, whether you’ll have access to experienced instructors, and what support is available after you earn your license. The best real estate school doesn’t just help you get licensed. It helps you build a successful career.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an Ohio real estate license?
Most students earn their license in 2 to 3 months, depending on their pace and how quickly they complete each licensing step.
How much does it cost to get an Ohio real estate license?
Total costs typically range from about $1,200 to $1,800+, including your pre-licensing course, application fee, exam fee, and background check.
How hard is the Ohio real estate licensing exam?
The exam covers National and Ohio-specific real estate topics, and you’ll need a score of at least 70 on each section to pass. Students who follow Hondros’ recommended study plan see a 94% first-time pass rate.
Do I need a college degree to get an Ohio real estate license?
No. You don’t need a college degree or previous real estate experience to become a licensed Ohio real estate salesperson.
Can I take Ohio real estate classes online?
Yes. Hondros College offers online, live-stream, and classroom learning options so you can choose the format that fits your schedule.
What score do I need to pass the Ohio real estate licensing exam?
You’ll need a score of at least 70 on both the National and Ohio State portions of the exam.
Can I take Ohio real estate classes before I turn 18?
You can begin your pre-licensing coursework before turning 18, but you must be at least 18 years old to apply for your Ohio real estate salesperson license.
What if I have a criminal record? Can I still get an Ohio real estate license?
Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. The Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing reviews each application individually to determine eligibility.
Do I need to complete a background check before I can start my Ohio real estate classes?
No. Your state and FBI background check is completed as part of your license application, after you’ve finished your pre-licensing education — not before you enroll.
How soon do I need to submit my Ohio real estate license application after passing the exam?
Your application is actually submitted before your exam is scheduled — once it’s approved, the state’s testing vendor will reach out with instructions to schedule your exam. It’s best to submit as soon as you’ve completed your education and secured a sponsoring broker.
Does Hondros College help me find a brokerage after I get licensed?
While Hondros doesn’t place you with a brokerage, students have opportunities to connect with Ohio brokerages through Career Expos and networking events designed to help launch their careers.
Let’s Find the Right Path Together
Every real estate journey is different. Whether you’re exploring a career change, comparing learning options, or ready to enroll, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
Our Admissions Advisors can help you:
- Understand Ohio’s licensing requirements
- Compare course packages and learning formats
- Build a plan that fits your schedule
- Answer questions about the licensing process
- Help you take the next step toward your new career
For more than 45 years, Hondros College has helped aspiring Ohio real estate professionals begin their careers. We’d be honored to help you start yours.
Give us a call at 1-888-466-3767.
