Getting a real estate license in any state can be a bit overwhelming, but earning a real estate license in Alabama is simple with our licensing guide.

The Alabama Real Estate Commission (AREC) requires individuals to complete the following 4 steps to receive a salesperson license.

Complete 60 Hours of Approved Pre-License Education and Pass the Course Final Exam
Pass the Alabama Salesperson License Exam
Find a Qualifying Broker to Work Under
Complete Your Licensing Application

Purchase an Alabama
Pre-License Course 3 Monthly Payments of $88

Reasons to Get an Alabama Real Estate License

The requirements to get a real estate license vary in each state. However, it takes just a few simple steps to get a real estate license in Alabama. Hopeful licensees can have their real estate license in several weeks.

Different states require between 20 to over 200 hours of pre-license coursework before taking the exams and earning a license. Alabama requires 60 hours of pre-licensing education.

Did you know that you can get your Alabama real estate license entirely online? You can complete Alabama real estate education anywhere, anytime, and at your own pace!

Steps to Become a Real Estate Agent in Alabama

Prerequisites

You must be at least 19 years old

You must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or legally present in the U.S.

You must hold a high school diploma or have your GED

You must have proof of bona fide residency in any state in the U.S.

You must not have had a real estate application or license rejected or revoked in any state within the past two years

Complete 60 Hours of Approved Pre-License Education and Pass the Course Final Exam

The course includes a final and is required to complete the 60-hour pre-license course. Students must take and pass the salesperson's examination within 6 months of course completion.

Pass the Alabama Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Exam

After completing all the Alabama course materials and passing the course final exam, you must pass the Alabama Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Exam.

There are two portions of the exam: state and national. You will have 60 minutes to complete the state portion and 150 minutes to complete the national portion. The state exam has 40 questions, and the national exam has 80 questions.

All exams require a "scaled" score of 70% to pass.

Once you feel confident enough to take your final exam, apply to take the Alabama Real Estate license exam. To register for an exam, use Pearson Vue's online portal.

Find an Active Qualifying Broker to Work Under

A licensee needs to be sponsored by an active qualifying broker. This person will serve as your mentor as you start your new career in real estate.

Here are some questions to consider during your search for an active qualifying broker:

What is their overall reputation?
Are they advanced in their specialty?
Are they up to date with the latest rules and regulations?
To what extent do they support their agents?
What kind of commission structure do they offer? Are there benefits?
What quality of leads and marketing material do they offer their agents?
Is there potential to grow within the brokerage?

Complete the Licensing Application

Once you meet all the prior requirements, finalize your application online using the link on your passing score result.

Submit the application, remaining fees, and fingerprint-based federal and state background check to get your license.

Applications must be sent within 90 days of passing the licensing exam.

Don't Forget Your Post-License Requirements!

Salespersons must complete the 30 hour post license course within the first six months of licensure for active licensees and within one year for inactive licensees.

Note: There is no post license requirement for brokers.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License in Alabama?

On average, it takes four (4) months to obtain your real estate license in Alabama. However, many students take far less or far more time to get their license. You can obtain a license in just a few weeks, or you can take your time and earn your license over the course of a year.

The amount of time it takes to obtain an Alabama real estate license depends on the type of pre-license coursework a potential licensee decides to take and the pace they take to complete the courses.

An individual completes courses at their own pace when completing their real estate school online. Online courses are helpful if an individual wants to complete their studies faster or if they need to take additional time on their coursework.

In a classroom setting, an individual must follow along at the pace of the class. This option is suitable for individuals who want to connect with classmates and are more motivated in a classroom setting.

Check out our blog post about whether online or classroom real estate classes are the best option for you.