Ohio Real Estate Courses
Everything You Need to Know About Being a Real Estate Salesperson in Ohio
Launching your real estate career in Ohio can feel daunting, we know. But don’t worry – no matter where you are in your career, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
We’ve designed a guide that covers everything you should know about starting your career, Continuing Education, and maintaining your license. You can also visit our Agent Essentials blog, which includes tons of resources to help you become a successful real estate salesperson in The Buckeye State.
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Ohio Pre-Licensing
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Your Guide to Being a Sales Associate in Ohio
Why Should You Become a Salesperson in Ohio?
- High Salary Potential. Make on average $81,433 as a Real Estate Salesperson in Ohio. Or, work part time to earn some extra cash!
- It's a People-Focused Industry. Enjoy networking, negotiating, and working with clients? Help others find the homes and properties of their dreams.
- Flexible Schedule. Are you tired of your 9-5 job? Work as often or as little as you want!

How Do You Get a Real Estate Salesperson License in Ohio?
Before you can get a real estate license in Ohio, you’ll need to complete these requirements:
- Complete Your Pre-Licensing Education. Ohio requires that you take your pre-licensing education through an accredited university, like Davis University. There are 120 hours of pre-licensing education that you’ll need to complete:
- Real Estate Principles and Practices (40 hours)
- Ohio Real Estate Law, including instruction in civil rights, housing discrimination, and desegregation problems (40 hours)
- Real Estate Appraisal (20 hours)
- Real Estate Finance (20 hours)
Course completion is valid for 10 years after the date of issuance.
- Pass the Course Exam. Once you finish all the course materials and meet the minimum time requirement, you’ll need to pass the practice exam.
- Be Sponsored by an Ohio Real Estate Broker. Your real estate license application must be accompanied by a broker’s recommendation that certifies you are honest, truthful, and meet all requirements to become a real estate salesperson. Typically, your sponsoring broker will be your employer, so finding the right broker for you is an important decision.
- Submit the License Examination Application. You’ll need to submit this application to the Ohio Department of Commerce with an official copy of your transcript or completion certificate. The Department will forward your information to the testing vendor, and you’ll then receive a Candidate Information Bulletin with instructions to schedule your exam.
- Get a Background Check. You only have 10 days to get a background check after you submit your examination application — through both the state and FBI databases. You’ll need to provide your fingerprints with a Webcheck® user. You can find a list of approved users at the Ohio Attorney General’s website. You’ll be required to pay any associated fees, ranging from $60–$100. There is an additional $18 processing fee if you’d like a copy of the report.
- Schedule and Pass Your Licensing Exam. To schedule your exam, submit proof of completing the pre-licensing requirements along with a completed Salesperson License Examination Application and the $81 fee to the Department. You can find more exam information on the OREPL Exam Candidate Information page. Once your application is processed, the Department will forward your information to the testing vendor, who will give you instructions on scheduling your exam. You must pass the exam with a 70% or higher on both the state and the national sections of the Salesperson Examination. If you do not pass the exam, you’ll need to submit a Real Estate Retake Application.
- Complete the 20-Hour Post-Licensing Requirement. This can be done at any point within your first year of licensure.
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What to do after your real estate license.
Once your application is approved, you’ll officially become a salesperson. That calls for celebration! The next step is to complete 20 hours of post-license education, which has to be completed within one year. Then, you’ll need to complete 30 hours of continuing education before your license renewal date. You’ll need to complete CE for every license period to keep your license active.
You may also desire to upgrade your education to a real estate broker’s license. Here's everything you need to know about both processes.
Ohio Real Estate License Renewal
All real estate salespersons and brokers must renew their licenses every three years by their birth date. You must also complete all continuing education hours by this date.
To renew your real estate license, you have to log in to the eLicense Center. This goes for all types of licensees (e.g., Employing Brokers, Brokers of Record, Broker Salespersons, Salespersons, Referral Agents, etc.). The Division of Real Estate has CE instructions to guide you through the process.
Ohio Continuing Education Requirements
Salespersons & Brokers
Both brokers and salespersons must complete 30 hours of CE courses every three years. The specific courses are as follows:
Salespersons
- 9 hours – Mandatory hours
- 3 hours in Civil Rights/Liberties
- 3 hours in Core Law
- 3 hours in Canon of Ethics
- 21 hours – Elective hours
Brokers
- 12 hours – Mandatory hours
- 3 hours in Core Broker Responsibility
- 3 hours in Civil Rights/Liberties
- 3 hours in Core Law
- 3 hours in Canon of Ethics
- 18 hours – Elective hours
Enroll in Your Continuing Education
Fortunately, The CE Shop makes it easy for you to complete your Continuing Education. Our CE courses are up-to-date with state regulatory requirements, so you don’t have to worry about compliance.
Just enroll in your Continuing Education online and complete it at your own pace.