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How do I get my Alabama Real Estate license?

Alabama real estate agent meeting with her clients to hand over the keys to their new home.

If you're considering starting a real estate career in Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, or any other city in the state, you'll need to earn an Alabama real estate license.To earn your real estate license in Alabama, you must be 19 years old, successfully complete the 60-hour prelicensing education requirement with an approved school, and pass the state and national portions of the Alabama licensing exam. While the process to become a real estate agent is similar in most states, each state has unique steps that must be adhered to. The five steps to becoming an Alabama real estate agent are as follows: 

Step 1: Be at Least 19 Years of Age

In addition to being at least 19 years of age, you must also be a US citizen or permanent resident alien and show proof of high school graduation or equivalent.

Step 2: Register for the 60 Hours of Required Education

First, you must successfully complete 60 hours of approved prelicense real estate education. Complete the 60-hour requirement with our approved education. Select the course that's right for you on the Alabama Salesperson Licensing Course page.

View Licensing Packages

Step 3: Apply for your Real Estate License Examination*

After taking your required 60 hours of education, you have 6 months to pass the state exam or the course has to be retaken. To schedule an examination, please contact Pearson VUE at 888-926-9488 or visit the website here: https://home.pearsonvue.com/al/realestate.

*Effective January 1, 2023, licensee applications will move to Pearson VUE for testing for the state and national exam

Step 4: Take the Alabama and National Licensing Exam*

Successfully pass both the Alabama and National portions of the Pearson VUE Salesperson Real Estate Exam. You must earn a score of 70% or higher to pass. Be prepared on exam day with our exam prep QBank. Select the course that's right for you on the Alabama Exam Prep page.

*Effective January 1, 2023, all state and national testing will be conducted through Pearson VUE. Please refer to Pearson VUE test taker homepage for more information

Step 5: Apply for Your Alabama State License

After you pass the exam, you must apply for your Alabama State License. This has to be done within 90 days of your exam date, or your exam score is null and void. Applications are located on the Alabama Real Estate Commission website. You must also complete a Criminal History Release Form and fingerprinting and submit it with your application. The form is located on the Commission's website. Additionally, you must complete a 30-hour post-license training course within the first 12 months of licensure in order to be issued a permanent license. More information can be found on AREC's website.