Oregon Real Estate License Requirements (2025)

Oregon Calls New Licensees Brokers

Unlike most states that start new agents at the salesperson level, Oregon licenses new real estate practitioners as brokers. There is no salesperson tier. After working as a broker for at least three years and meeting additional requirements, you can qualify to become a principal broker — the level that allows you to supervise others and manage a brokerage.

This structure means Oregon's licensing requirements, exam content, and continuing education are all calibrated to broker-level knowledge from the start.

Step 1: Meet Basic Eligibility

To apply for an Oregon real estate broker license you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Have a high school diploma or equivalent
Be a U.S. citizen or have lawful presence in the United States
Have no disqualifying criminal history (OREA conducts a background check — certain felony convictions may bar licensure, but each case is reviewed individually)

Step 2: Complete 150 Hours of Approved Pre-License Education

Oregon requires 150 hours of pre-license coursework from an OREA-approved school. The curriculum covers:

Real estate law (Oregon and federal)
Agency and contracts
Financing and valuation
Property management
Fair housing
Ethics and professional conduct

Courses are available online and in-person. Upon completion, your school issues a certificate valid for two years. You must pass the exam before this certificate expires.

Step 3: Pass the PSI Broker Exam

Schedule your exam at a PSI testing center (locations in Portland, Salem, Eugene, and other Oregon cities). The exam has 130 questions (80 national, 50 state-specific) and requires a 75% to pass.

Bring two valid forms of ID (one government-issued with photo). Personal items are not allowed in the testing room. PSI issues scores immediately after the exam.

If you do not pass, you may retake after a 24-hour waiting period. There is no limit on retakes within your two-year window.

Step 4: Submit an OREA License Application

After passing the exam, apply for your broker license through OREA's online licensing system. Required documents and fees include:

Completed application
Proof of passing the PSI exam
Criminal background check authorization
Application fee (check OREA's current fee schedule)
Proof of errors and omissions (E&O) insurance

Step 5: Affiliate with a Principal Broker

Oregon brokers cannot practice independently. You must work under a licensed Oregon principal broker. Your principal broker is legally responsible for your transactions and must be identified on your license application.

Before applying, line up a sponsoring principal broker. Many new brokers interview multiple brokerages before choosing. Consider factors like training programs, commission splits, office culture, and mentorship availability.

Continuing Education and Renewal

Oregon broker licenses renew every two years. Each renewal cycle requires 30 hours of continuing education, which must include:

Mandatory topics set by OREA (ethics, civil rights, and Oregon law updates)
Elective hours in approved subject areas

CE must be completed before the license expiration date. OREA does not automatically send renewal reminders — track your own renewal date.

Becoming a Principal Broker

After three years as an active broker, you may apply to become a principal broker. Requirements include:

Additional pre-license education (a "principal broker" course)
Passing the principal broker exam
Meeting OREA's experience documentation requirements

Principal brokers can operate their own brokerages, supervise other brokers, and take on additional fiduciary responsibilities.

Get a full Oregon licensing checklist and exam study resources at [CARealestate.com/states/oregon](https://carealestate.com/states/oregon).