Ohio Real Estate License Requirements

Ohio Real Estate License Requirements

Ohio has one of the most comprehensive real estate licensing requirements in the country. The process is administered by the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing (OREPL) under the Ohio Department of Commerce, governed by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4735.

Step 1: Eligibility Requirements

To apply for an Ohio salesperson license, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Be a US citizen or legally authorized to work in the US
• Not have been convicted of a felony involving fraud or dishonesty within the past 5 years
• Be of good moral character

Ohio residency is not required for licensing.

Step 2: Complete Pre-License Education (120 Hours)

Ohio requires 120 hours of pre-license education for salesperson candidates — one of the highest requirements nationally. The coursework must be completed at an OREPL-approved school and include:

• Ohio real estate law (ORC Chapter 4735)
• Ohio agency law and disclosure requirements
• Property ownership and transfer
• Contracts and financing
• Fair housing and civil rights

The course completion certificate is valid for a limited period — check with OREPL for the current validity window.

Step 3: Pass the PSI Exam

The Ohio salesperson exam is administered by PSI:

• Format: 80 national + 40 state = 120 questions
• Time limit: 3 hours
• Passing score: 75% (90 out of 120 correct)
• Fee: Approximately $58

PSI delivers results immediately after the exam. If you fail, a diagnostic report shows your performance by content area.

Step 4: Apply to the OREPL

After passing the exam, submit your application to the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing:

• Completed application form
• PSI exam score report
• Pre-license course certificate
• Application fee
• Background check authorization
• Sponsoring broker information

Your salesperson license is inactive until a sponsoring broker activates it. You must have a sponsoring broker before you can practice.

Step 5: License Renewal and CE

Ohio salesperson licenses are renewed every 3 years. To renew, you must complete 30 hours of continuing education per 3-year cycle, including:

• 3 hours of civil rights and fair housing (mandatory)
• 3 hours of ethics (mandatory)
• 24 hours of elective topics approved by OREPL

Ohio does not have a separate Real Estate Commission. All licensing functions are handled by OREPL, which is a division of the Ohio Department of Commerce.

Reciprocity

Ohio has reciprocity agreements with certain states. If you hold an active license in good standing in a reciprocal state, you may be able to obtain an Ohio license without completing the full 120-hour pre-license course. You must still pass the Ohio state exam portion.

For current OREPL forms, fees, and requirements, visit [CARealestate.com/states/ohio](https://carealestate.com/states/ohio).