Ohio Real Estate: Licensing Reform Opens Doors to Career

The Occupational License Reform Bill (HB 238) is bringing significant changes to Ohio real estate license requirements, making it easier and faster to start a real estate career. Hondros College, the premier provider of real estate education in Ohio is ready for these changes to take effect in April, ensuring our students receive the most up-to-date education to succeed in the industry.

Key Takeaways

• Reduced Pre-Licensing Requirements – Effective April 9, 2025, Ohio’s required pre-licensing education for real estate salespersons will decrease from 120 to 100 hours, with reduced hours for Real Estate Finance and Appraisal courses.
• Simplified Broker Licensing – The previous requirement of 90 college credit hours for a broker’s license has been eliminated. Still, candidates must complete four 30-hour courses, which no longer need to be taken for college credit.
• Easier Access to a Real Estate Career – These reforms lower barriers to entry, making it more accessible and faster for individuals to obtain a real estate license in Ohio, opening more opportunities in the growing industry.
• Hondros College Leads the Way – Hondros College offers flexible learning options and transition support to help students navigate the updated licensing requirements seamlessly.

Key Legislative Changes to Ohio Real Estate License Requirements

In Ohio, both real estate agents and brokers must be licensed professionals, but their roles and responsibilities differ. Real estate agents work under a licensed broker, helping clients buy, sell, and rent properties. They must complete state-required pre-licensing education and pass the Ohio real estate salespersons exam to become licensed.

Brokers are required to work as a salesperson for at least two years and close at least 20 transactions. In addition, candidates must complete four, 30-hour courses. Having a brokers license enables them to operate independently, manage real estate offices, and oversee agents.

The licensing requirements for both real estate agents and brokers in Ohio have changed. Here’s what you need to know about each type of license.

What’s changing for pre-licensing?

Starting April 9, 2025, the required pre-license courses for real estate salespersons will be reduced from 120 to 100 hours. The breakdown of course hours is as follows:

What’s changing for broker license requirements?

Previously, broker license requirements in Ohio required 90 college credit hours from a degree-granting institution. Under the new law:

• The 90 credit hour requirement has been removed.
• Candidates must still complete four 30-hour courses:
  • Financial Management
  • Business Law
  • Human Resource Management
  • Business Economics
• These courses no longer need to be taken for college credit.

When do these changes take effect?

All changes to Ohio real estate license requirements will take effect on April 9, 2025. This means students who apply for their license before this date must complete the current requirements, while those applying on or after April 9, 2025, will follow the updated education structure.

What this means for students currently enrolled in a pre-license program

If you are currently enrolled in a pre-license program, here’s what you need to know:

• Students applying for their license and taking the state exam before April 9, 2025, must complete the 20-hour versions of Real Estate Finance and Appraisal.
• Students applying for their license or taking the state exam on or after April 9, 2025, will only need to complete the new 10-hour versions of these courses.
• If you’ve already completed the 20-hour versions, your certificate will still be valid under the new rules.
• Hondros College will allow students to reschedule into the 10-hour versions of the finance and appraisal courses starting in April. Hondros will automatically transfer any students that have not started the courses to the new 10-hour versions at that time.

Why These Changes Matter for Your Career

These updates make a worthwhile career path in real estate more accessible by reducing barriers to entry. With fewer requirements to get a real estate license, more individuals can take advantage of this growing industry and achieve their professional goals faster.

Why Choose Hondros College?

• Hondros College has been the premier provider of real estate education in Ohio for over 40 years.
• Hondros has a 92% pass rate for students who follow our recommended program of study.
• We offer flexible learning options – in-person, livestream, and online self-paced courses.
• Our Ohio-based student support team is ready to help students navigate the new requirements.
• Hondros’ expert instructors are dedicated to student success.

Start Your Real Estate Career Today!

With the updated Ohio real estate license requirements, there’s never been a better time to start your journey. Enroll in Hondros College’s 100-hour Real Estate Sales Certificate program or the 120 hour Real Estate Broker Certificate program and take advantage of Ohio’s new streamlined requirements.

Want to Learn More About Real Estate Licensing Reform in Ohio?

Don’t miss our webinar replay: Update on Recent Changes to Ohio License Law. Watch the recording and stay ahead of Ohio’s licensing updates.

Led by Anne Petit, former Superintendent of the Ohio Division of Real Estate, and Tina Lapp, President of Hondros College, this expert-led session covers everything you need to know about House Bill 238, including changes to licensing requirements, pre-licensing education hours, and more.

Click here to watch the full webinar and stay informed as you prepare for success in Ohio’s real estate market.