Midwest · Real Estate License
Ohio
Salesperson License Requirements
Governing Authority
ODREPL
Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing, Department of Commerce
Official website →100
Pre-Licensing Hours
classroom or online
$219
Est. Total Cost
fees only (excl. education)
6–20 weeks
Timeline
start to license
3 years
Renewal Cycle
30 CE hours required
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
Complete 100 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
Take all four required courses from an Ohio-approved school: Principles & Practices (40 hrs), Ohio RE Law (40 hrs), Finance (10 hrs), Appraisal (10 hrs).
Estimated time: 3–10 weeks
Find a Sponsoring Broker
Secure sponsorship from a licensed Ohio real estate broker. Broker details required on application.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Submit Examination Application
Submit application to ODREPL with $81 fee and proof of education completion.
Estimated time: 2–4 weeks processing
Complete Fingerprinting
Within 10 days of filing application, visit an approved WebCheck provider for BCI & FBI fingerprint check. Cost: ~$60–$100.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Schedule and Pass the PSI Exam
Schedule via PSI online or by phone. Pay $63 exam fee. Pass both National (56/80 = 70%) and State (28/40 = 70%) portions.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
License Issued
After passing exam and background check completion, license is issued by the Division.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Complete Post-Licensing Education
Within 12 months of licensure, complete 20 hours of post-licensing education.
Estimated time: Within first year
Pre-Licensing Education
Hours Required
VerifiedReduced from 120 hours effective April 9, 2025 (HB 238). Four courses: Principles & Practices (40 hrs), Ohio RE Law (40 hrs), Finance (10 hrs), Appraisal (10 hrs).
Required Topics / Courses
- Real Estate Principles & Practices (40 hrs)
- Ohio Real Estate Law incl. civil rights/fair housing (40 hrs)
- Real Estate Finance (10 hrs — reduced from 20)
- Real Estate Appraisal (10 hrs — reduced from 20)
Provider type: Ohio Real Estate Commission-approved schools, community colleges, private schools, online providers
View approved education providers →Find Approved Pre-Licensing Schools
Online education providers offering Ohio-approved pre-licensing courses. Compare options to find the best fit for your schedule and learning style.
Colibri Real Estate
One of the largest national providers with instructor-led and self-paced options in 40 states.
The CE Shop
Nationally recognized online school offering courses in 47 states plus DC with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Licensing Exam
Exam Provider
PSI Services
Format
Computer-based, multiple-choice. Available in-person at 8 Ohio PSI testing centers or via remote online proctoring.
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 80 | 120 min | 70% |
| State (Ohio) | 40 | 60 min | 70% |
| Total | 120 | 180 min | — |
Retake policy: Unlimited attempts within 12-month window. Must wait 24 hours between attempts. Only failed portion needs retaking. After 12 months, new application + $81 fee required.
Results delivered on-screen immediately. Must cancel/reschedule 2+ full days before appointment.
Schedule your exam →Exam Prep Resources
Practice tests and study tools to help you pass the Ohio real estate licensing exam on your first attempt.
CompuCram
Adaptive exam prep with vocabulary tools, practice tests, and simulated exams for real estate licensing.
PrepAgent
State-specific practice exams, audio lessons, and flashcards covering both national and state portions.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount | Paid To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination Application Fee | $81.00 | Ohio Division of Real Estate (ODREPL) | |
| Exam Fee (both sections) | $63.00 | PSI Services | |
| Fingerprinting / Background Check | $75.00 | WebCheck provider + BCI&I/FBI | |
| Estimated Total | $219.00 | Excludes education costs |
Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Required if born after 1950.
Residency
Not required
Citizenship
U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
ITIN not accepted; must have SSN.
Background Check
Required
Fingerprint-based state (BCI) and federal (FBI) background check via WebCheck provider. Must be done within 10 days after filing application.
Sponsoring Broker
Required
Must be sponsored by a licensed Ohio broker before applying.
Character
Must be honest, truthful, and of good reputation
No felony convictions or crimes of moral turpitude. No civil rights violation findings within preceding 2 years.
Reciprocity
Ohio has reciprocity agreements
Type: Selective Reciprocity
Reciprocal States (8)
Kentucky
MOU effective April 25, 2025. Must pass OH state law exam. Brokers need 2 years experience + 20 transactions.
Arkansas
Must pass Ohio state law exam with 70%.
Connecticut
Must pass Ohio state exam portion.
West Virginia
Must pass Ohio state exam.
Mississippi
Reciprocity agreement in place.
Nebraska
Reciprocity agreement in place.
Oklahoma
Reciprocity agreement in place.
Wyoming
Reciprocity agreement in place.
All reciprocal applicants must pass Ohio state-specific exam, submit application, find sponsoring broker, complete background check, and provide letter of good standing. Timeline: ~4–6 weeks. SB 131 (2023) streamlines recognition of substantially similar out-of-state licenses.
Renewal & Continuing Education
Renewal Cycle
Every 3 years
Continuing Education Hours
30 hours per renewal cycle
Renewal Fee
$182.00
First Renewal Notes
First renewal due on licensee's first birthday after licensure. CE requirement does not apply to first renewal. Separately, 20 hours of post-licensing education required within 12 months of licensure (one-time).
Deadlines
On the licensee's birthday, every 3 years. Opens 90 days before deadline.
Licensees age 70+ on inactive/broker-on-deposit status are exempt from CE.
Find Continuing Education Courses
Ohio requires 30 hours of continuing education every 3 years. These providers offer approved CE courses online.
Colibri Real Estate
Comprehensive CE packages available in all 50 states plus DC, with live and on-demand options.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Established provider with CE packages including live online and on-demand formats.
The CE Shop
Industry-leading CE courses available nationwide with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Recent Changes
HB 238 (Occupational License Reform) reduced salesperson pre-licensing from 120 to 100 hours. Finance and Appraisal courses reduced from 20 to 10 hours each.
Effective: 2025-04-09 · Affects: pre_licensing_education
Ohio and Kentucky signed MOU reinstating reciprocity for real estate licenses across state lines.
Effective: 2025-04-25 · Affects: reciprocity
Senate Bill 131 requires Ohio to recognize out-of-state licenses that are 'substantially similar,' streamlining the reciprocity process.
Effective: 2023-12-01 · Affects: reciprocity
Sources
https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/real-estate-and-professional-licensing
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4735.09/4-9-2025
Updated: Apr 9, 2025
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
Effective date of statute
https://test-takers.psiexams.com
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://www.hondros.com/resources/blog/real-estate-license-requirements-changes-occupational-license-reform-bill-2025/
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://www.ohiorealtors.org/blog/2159/ohio-and-kentucky-sign-mou-to-recognize-real-estate-licenses-across-state-lines/
Updated: Apr 25, 2025
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
MOU effective date