How to Get a Real Estate License in Alabama

From the fast-growing suburbs of Birmingham to the scenic coastline of Mobile Bay, Alabama offers a diverse and thriving real estate market for those ready to launch a new career. Whether you’re drawn to helping families settle down in Huntsville, assisting retirees in Gulf Shores, or working with investors in Montgomery, becoming a licensed real estate agent in Alabama can open the door to exciting opportunities across the state.

If you’re ready to get started, the Alabama Real Estate Commission (AREC) outlines a clear path to licensure. This guide walks you through each step of the process.

To become a licensed real estate salesperson in Alabama, you must:

• Be at least 19 years old 
• Complete 60 hours of prelicense education
• Pass the Alabama real estate licensing exam
• Find a qualifying sponsoring broker
• Submit your license application and background check
• Complete 30 hours of post-license education

Table of Contents

• Steps to Get an Alabama Real Estate License
• Continuing Education & License Renewal in Alabama
• Alabama Real Estate License Reciprocity for Salespersons

Steps to Get an Alabama Real Estate License

Starting your real estate career in Alabama involves a few key steps–from meeting state eligibility requirements to completing your education and passing the licensing exam. Below, we’ve broken down the process to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Step 1: Meet Alabama’s Basic Eligibility Requirements

Before starting your education, make sure you meet the state’s minimum requirements. You must:

• Be at least 19 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or legally present in the U.S.
• Show proof of residency in any U.S. state
• Not have had a real estate application or license rejected or revoked in the past two years

Step 2: Complete 60 Hours of Prelicense Education

Alabama requires all prospective salespersons to complete a 60-hour prelicense course through an AREC-approved real estate school. You must pass the course with a minimum grade of 70 to be eligible for the licensing exam. After your school reports completion to the AREC and you receive your Authorization to Test, you have six months to pass the licensing exam or you must retake the course.

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Step 3: Pass the Alabama Real Estate Licensing Exam

After completing your prelicensing education, you must pass the Alabama salesperson licensing exam administered by Pearson Vue. The exam consists of both national and state-specific questions. 

You must achieve a passing score of at least 70%. Once you pass, you’ll receive a score report with instructions on how to apply for your license. 

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Step 4: Find a Sponsoring Qualifying Broker

To practice real estate in Alabama, you must work under the supervision of a qualifying broker. You can submit your license application as either “active” or “inactive.” If you want to begin practicing immediately, you’ll need to list an Alabama-licensed broker on your application. 

Choosing the right broker is important–look for a brokerage that provides training, support, and opportunities to grow your business.

Step 5: Submit Your Application and Background Check

Once you’ve passed the exam, you must submit your temporary license application within 90 days. The application includes:

• Proof of completed education
• Passing exam scores
• Application fee
• Fingerprint-based background check

The temporary license is valid for up to one year while you complete your post-license education.

Step 6: Complete 30 Hours of Post-License Education

New licensees are required to complete a 30-hour post-license course within six months of receiving an active temporary license. If your license is inactive, you have up to one year to complete this requirement.

Once you finish your post-license education and submit the necessary paperwork, the AREC will issue your permanent real estate license.

Continuing Education & License Renewal in Alabama

To keep your Alabama real estate license active, you must complete continuing education (CE) and renew your license every two years. The AREC has different requirements based on whether this is your first renewal or a subsequent one. 

Below is everything you need to know to stay in good standing as a licensed real estate agent in Alabama:

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First-Time License Renewal

If you’re renewing your Alabama real estate license for the first time, you’ll need to complete a 30-hour post-license course. This course is required to convert your temporary license into a permanent one. 

If you complete the 30-hour course within your first renewal period, it also counts toward your CE requirement–meaning you won’t need to take any additional CE hours before your first license renewal.

Renewing Your License After the First Time

After your first renewal, you must complete 15 hours of CE during each two-year license cycle. The required courses include:

• A 3-hour Risk Management: Initial Contact to Accepted Offer course (mandatory for all licensees)
• 12 hours of AREC-approved elective courses

These courses ensure that you stay current on Alabama real estate laws, industry best practices, and ethical standards.

License Renewal Deadlines

• License renewal applications must be submitted by August 31 of even-numbered years
• All CE requirements must be completed by September 30 of the same year
• CE providers must report course completions to the AREC by October 1

If your CE is not completed and reported on time, your license will be placed on inactive status. You have up to one year to complete your CE, pay the reactivation fee, and return to active status before your license expires.

Alabama Real Estate License Reciprocity for Salespersons

If you already hold an active real estate license in another state, Alabama's reciprocity agreements may allow you to get licensed without completing the full 60-hour prelicense course. The AREC offers full reciprocity to every U.S. state, provided you meet certain requirements.

To qualify for an Alabama reciprocal real estate license as a salesperson, you must:

• Hold a current, active real estate license in another state
• Have completed equivalent prelicense education in that state
• Pass the Alabama portion of the real estate licensing exam
• Submit a reciprocal license application and required fees to the AREC

You will not need to take the national portion of the licensing exam if your current license is active and in good standing. However, you must pass the state-specific portion, which covers Alabama real estate laws and regulations.

Reciprocity is a great option for experienced agents moving to Alabama or expanding their business into the state. It allows you to skip redundant education and quickly begin working in Alabama’s growing real estate market.