Vermont Real Estate License Requirements: Step-by-Step

# Vermont Real Estate License Requirements: Step-by-Step

Vermont has one of the fastest paths to a real estate license in the country — only 40 hours of pre-license education are required. Here is the complete process.

Step 1: Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a Vermont real estate salesperson license: - Be at least 18 years old - Have a high school diploma or equivalent - Have no disqualifying criminal history (VREC reviews applications individually) - Be of good moral character

Vermont takes character requirements seriously. Disclose all criminal history honestly — failure to disclose is treated as a separate violation more serious than most underlying offenses.

Step 2: Complete 40 Hours of Pre-License Education

Vermont requires only 40 hours of VREC-approved pre-license coursework. This is the lowest requirement of any state in the country. Topics covered include: - Vermont license law (26 V.S.A. Chapter 41) - Real estate principles and practices - Agency law and disclosure requirements - Contracts and closing procedures - Fair housing law - Vermont-specific topics: Act 250, current use taxation, property transfer tax

Keep your certificate of completion for your application.

Step 3: Pass the PSI Exam

Schedule your exam through PSI at an approved Vermont testing location (Burlington and other sites). Exam details: - 110 questions (80 national + 30 state) - 3.5 hours total testing time - 75% passing required on each section independently - Results given immediately on-screen

The 30-question state section tests Vermont-specific topics. With 75% required, you can miss only 7 of 30 questions — precision matters.

Step 4: Background Check

Submit to a criminal background check through the VREC's designated process. This typically takes 1-3 weeks.

Step 5: Submit Application to VREC

Apply to the Vermont Real Estate Commission with: - Pre-license education certificate - PSI exam score report - Background check results - Application fee - Sponsoring licensed Vermont broker information

Your license is inactive until you are affiliated with a licensed Vermont broker.

Step 6: Activate Under a Sponsoring Broker

Your sponsoring broker notifies the VREC of the affiliation. Once approved, your salesperson license is active and you may conduct real estate activities under the broker's supervision.

Continuing Education and Renewal

Vermont licenses renew every 2 years. Salespersons must complete 8 hours of CE, which is among the lowest CE requirements nationally. VREC specifies mandatory topic areas that must be included.

Reciprocity

Vermont has reciprocity agreements with select states. Reciprocal applicants may be eligible to apply by passing only the Vermont state section of the PSI exam.

The Path to a Broker's License

After 2 years of licensed experience and completion of additional broker coursework, salespersons may apply for a Vermont broker's license, which allows operating an independent brokerage.