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Steps to Get Your CO Associate Broker's License
The Colorado Real Estate Commission (CREC) requires completion of the following steps in order to receive an Associate Broker Real Estate License in the state of Colorado.
View the detailed steps below or click the infographic to help visualize the process. Learn more about the process through the Division of Real Estate.
Complete 168 hours of education from a state-certified real estate school. The 6 courses required are:
Once you have finished your coursework, You will receive a certificate of completion (REC-33).
When you have completed each of the 6 courses in the 168-Hour Licensing Package, you must pass a course final exam that will prepare you to pass the licensing exam.
Take and pass both the national and state portions of the Colorado Broker Exam at a PSI test center. You must answer 60 out of 80 questions correctly with a score of 75% or higher to pass the national section. Additionally, you must answer 53 out of 74 questions correctly with a score of 71.5% or higher to pass the state-specific section of the exam.
Complete your background check requirement. This consists of submitting a set of fingerprints to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. These fingerprints are used to conduct a state and federal fingerprint-based criminal history background check and assessment.
Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) requires fingerprint transmission through a Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) approved provider. You have the following 3 options for choosing a provider.
IdentoGo centers are located across the state of Colorado and the US. You must schedule an appointment as walk-ins are not allowed.
You may also get fingerprints from CABS. Additionally, walk-ins are not permitted and you must schedule an appointment through their website. Brokers must provide the following license code upon requesting an appointment. 0800REEI.
If you are unable to locate a physical location near you or reside outside the state, you may use this option for submitting your fingerprints. If you select this method, be sure to use FBI fingerprint card FD-258.
Once your background check is processed, any discrepancies on your Colorado arrest record can be challenged and corrected by following the instructions located on CBI's website.
Provide proof of Errors & Omissions Insurance after obtaining an E&O insurance policy. Learn more about obtaining group E&O Insurance Policies at risceo.com.
Every active real estate licensee, including licensed real estate companies with more than one broker, shall have in effect a policy of errors and omissions insurance to cover all acts requiring a license.
The Colorado Division of Real Estate uses online eLicense services for new licensees applying online for their broker license. Applications can take up to 10 business days from the time of receipt for the Division to process the request. The initial broker application fee is $485.00.
Completing VanEd's pre-licensing coursework is only the first step toward obtaining your Colorado real estate license. VanEd can help you complete each step in the licensing process above.
The cost of obtaining your license can vary depending on the course tuition and the cost of your E&O insurance. However, on average, students can expect to pay between $950-$1,000 for a license.
| Course Tuition | $400-$500 |
|---|---|
| Fingerprinting Fees (vary by location) | $20.00-$40.00 |
| Background Check | $39.50 |
| Errors & Omissions Insurance (varies - check with your soon-to-be Managing Broker) | $200.00-$400.00 |
| Application Fee | $485.00 |
| Total | $950.00-$1,050 |
The entire process from taking the required education to receiving your license takes anywhere from 2 to 4 months.
While VanEd students have a full year to complete their coursework, most finish in less than 6 months. Fingerprinting and the background check take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks.
Learn more about how long it takes to get a license
In Colorado, real estate brokers are typically required to complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every three years to renew their license. Of those hours, 12 must be comprised of three different versions of the 4-hour Annual Commission Update Course.
Colorado has a type of "limited reciprocity" with all states. This means that if you hold a real estate license in another state, you may not have to take the entire Colorado pre-license education or examination. Instead, you'd only take the Colorado-specific portions.
In Colorado, real estate licenses must be renewed every three years. The expiration date is the same date as the original license issuance date, just three years later. Licensees should receive a renewal notice several weeks before the expiration date, but it's the licensee's responsibility to track and ensure timely renewal.
The Colorado Real Estate Commission recognizes prior experience and qualifications in real estate and related fields and reduces the licensing education requirements accordingly. Reciprocal licensing may apply to the following individuals.
Licensed attorneys at any Bar are required to complete 12 hours of pre-license education and pass the entire broker's exam.
VanEd offers an 32-hour attorney's course , which includes materials that cover Trust Accounts in addition to the required credit hours. This ensures that attorneys have the best available information.
| Broker License | Salesperson License |
|---|---|
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You must complete 72 hours of Education and pass both portions of the Colorado real estate Broker's exam. If you previously held your license as an ACTIVE broker for 2 or more years, then you will be qualified to become an Independent Broker. If you have been licensed as a Broker for less than 2 years, you will be qualified for the Associate Broker level of licensure after passing the state portion of the Colorado Broker's exam. In order to activate at the Employing Broker level of authority, you will also need to complete the 24-hour Brokerage Administration course. This course is also a Continuing Education course. |
You will need to successfully complete the 120 credit-hour program and pass the entire real estate exam. |
You must pass both parts of the Colorado Real Estate Broker's Exam
VanEd offers the Colorado License Prep Program, specifically designed for students needing to pass the exam who were previously licensed.
Note: The two years cannot count as time with an "Expired" license.
| Broker License | Salesperson License |
|---|---|
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If you have held the Broker level designation as an ACTIVE licensee for 2 or more years, then you will qualify at the Independent Broker License level by passing the state portion of the Colorado Broker's Exam. If you have been licensed as a Broker for less than 2 years, you will be qualified for the Associate Broker level of licensure after passing the state portion of the Colorado Broker's exam. |
You may be licensed in Colorado by passing the state exam. VanEd offers exam prep online, however our instructors highly recommend taking our Colorado License Prep program. This program will not only help you pass the state exam on your first try, but will also teach you about Colorado contracts, closings, and trust accounts. Exam Prep practice exams are included, as well as instructional and technical support. |
| Broker License | Salesperson License |
|---|---|
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You will need to successfully complete a 72 credit-hour course in Contracts and Closings. You will need to pass both parts of the Colorado real estate broker's exam. You will need to order a license history from each jurisdiction that you have previously been licensed in. Many states have online services allowing you to do this quickly. |
You will need to successfully complete the 120-credit hour program and pass the entire real estate exam. You will need to order a license history from each jurisdiction that you have previously been licensed in. Many states have online services allowing you to do this quickly. |
For more information on what education requirements you will need based on your experience, use our Interactive License Finder.
The Colorado broker license exam consists of two parts. You will have approximately two hours to complete each part of the exam. The general portion of the exam covers real estate law and practice which is common in most states. The second part of the broker exam is specific to Colorado real estate rules, regulations, and contracts. The test is not open book, and you may not bring anything with you to the test center.
For more information about the exam itself, visit candidate.psiexams.com to download the most current Candidate Information Bulletin. This handbook provides you with complete information about the examination and application process. When you are ready to schedule your exam, you will do so on the PSI website. You will need to print out your REC-33 (provided by VanEd) and take it with you to the test center in order to be permitted to take your exam.
You can also access our free practice test, which contains a mix of questions that will help you start studying.
