As one of the fastest-growing states in the country, lots of people are flocking to The Grand Canyon State. Arizona is known not only for its stunning landscapes and mild winters, but also its great real estate market.
And if you’re looking to start a real estate career in Arizona, look no further. Getting your Arizona real estate license is a relatively simple process. Just read through this article and before you know it, you’ll be selling condos in bustling Phoenix or cozy ranches in Tucson.
How to Get an Arizona Real Estate License in 5 Easy Steps
Let’s dive a little deeper into each of these five steps to more thoroughly understand how to become a real estate agent in Arizona.
1. Complete a 90-hour Prelicensing Course
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Cost: As low as $659 -
Time commitment: 1-2 months -
Helpful resource: 5 Best Arizona Real Estate Schools for 2023
Your first step to becoming a real estate agent in Arizona is to complete a 90-hour prelicensing course and six-hour contract-writing course. The courses are separated because you don’t need to complete the contract-writing course before the license exam, but you will need it to apply for your license.
Most Arizona real estate schools include the six-hour contract writing course in their prelicensing package to make it convenient for you. In addition, some education providers, such as The CE Shop, include useful features like exam prep materials and continuing education courses so you can get ahead once you’re licensed.
Readers of The Close can save 35% on any of The CE Shop’s prelicensing and business-building courses. Use promo code TheClose35 at checkout.
You’ll have the choice to complete your schooling in person, via livestream, or online at your own pace. You can evaluate learning methods, costs, and other criteria in our buyer’s guide for Arizona prelicensing providers.
2. Obtain a Fingerprint Clearance Card
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Cost: $67 -
Time commitment: Less than 10 days’ processing time -
Helpful resource: Arizona Department of Real Estate fingerprint guide
After you finish your prelicensing course, you’ll need to complete a background check. You’ll start this process by paying $67 to obtain a Fingerprint Clearance Card through the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
It typically takes less than 10 days for authorities to compare your fingerprints with those found in state and national databases. If you have a record, it’s best to disclose that information on the application.
It’s worth noting that some criminal offenses may preclude you from becoming a real estate agent. However, there is an appeal process if you feel that extenuating circumstances may move a judgment in your favor.
3. Pass the Arizona Real Estate License Exam
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Cost: $75 -
Time commitment: 5 hours -
Helpful resource: Pearson VUE Arizona candidate handbook
Arizona Real Estate Exam
Cost:
$75
Time to Complete:
5 hours
Format:
180 multiple-choice questions
What to Bring:
2 valid forms of ID, a non-programmable calculator, and your prelicensing education certificate
After completing your prelicensing education requirements, it’ll be time to take the test. Start by visiting the Pearson VUE website to schedule your exam and pay the $75 fee. You’ll take the exam in person at one of five Arizona testing sites in Chandler, Flagstaff, Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma.
You’ll have five hours to complete the 180-question exam. As soon as you finish the test, you’ll learn whether or not you earned a passing grade, which is 75% or higher. Be sure to bring the following with you to the testing site:
- A valid government-issued ID that has your signature and photograph
- Another valid ID that has your signature
- Your prelicensing education certificate
- A non-programmable calculator
4. Find a Broker to Hire You
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Cost: No cost -
Time commitment: 2-4 weeks -
Helpful resource: What’s the Best Real Estate Company to Work For?
As in other states, Arizona requires real estate agents to work under a licensed broker. A broker is a real estate professional with experience and additional training that qualifies them to oversee real estate agents. Once you’ve found a broker, they must register you in the Arizona Department of Real Estate’s online system before you are able to legally work as an agent.
Finding a brokerage is similar to applying for a job, so dust off your resume and interview skills. Some brokerages may be very selective about who represents their brand in the community, while others may be happy to have as many agents as possible working under their umbrella. Look for a brokerage that matches your values and working style, and check out our FAQ for terms that might come up in your interviews.
What’s the Best Real Estate Company to Work For?
5. Apply for Your Arizona Real Estate License
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Cost: $60 -
Time commitment: 1 hour -
Helpful resource: Arizona Department of Real Estate’s licensing brochure
Congrats! It’s time to apply for your Arizona real estate license. At this point, you’ve taken all the necessary coursework, passed the exam, received your fingerprint clearance card, and been hired to work under a broker. Note that you must apply for your license within one year of passing the license exam.
In addition to submitting your official application and paying the $60 fee, a few other forms require your attention. You need to provide proof of legal presence and complete a disciplinary actions disclosure form.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate License in Arizona?
Arizona Real Estate Governing Board:
Arizona Department of Real Estate
Prelicensing Requirements:
90-hour Prelicensing Course & 6-hour Contract Writing Course
Price Range for Prelicensing Courses:
$400-$800
Total Estimated Costs:
$700-$900
It costs around $900 to get an Arizona real estate license. The cost takes into account the one-time fees you’ll need to pay to take your license exam, complete your background check, and license application. Take a look at our breakdown of costs below.
Sample Arizona Real Estate License Costs
| Prelicensing classes (96 hours) | $659 (through The CE Shop) |
| Examination registration | $75 |
| License application | $60 |
| Background check | $67 |
| Total costs | $861 |
(Arizona real estate license costs as of July 2023)
How Much Does a Realtor Make in Arizona?
According to Indeed, real estate agents in Arizona make an average of $117,190, which is 21% above the national average. In a commission-based career, there is no limit to your earnings if you commit your time and effort to build your business.
How to Get a Real Estate License in Arizona: FAQs
We hope we’ve provided a comprehensive view of how to become a real estate agent in Arizona. If you’re still unsure, check out some of the most commonly asked questions about the process below. And if you have additional questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below. We’d love to hear from you!
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Arizona?
It takes about three months to get an Arizona real estate license. Even if you decide to take in-person courses, most Arizona real estate schools get through the material in a month or less.
Can you get your real estate license online in Arizona?
Yes, you can complete most of the steps required to get your Arizona real estate license online. You may take your required prelicensing courses and schedule your license exam online. However, you will need to sit for your real estate license exam in person at a Pearson VUE testing site.
Is the Arizona real estate exam hard?
Don’t worry—with good study habits, you can pass the Arizona real estate exam. Start by reviewing your prelicensing course material, and then consider investing in exam prep materials from a real estate school if you’d like to feel even more prepared. Exam prep packages will include helpful tools like flashcards, study schedules, practice questions, and simulated exams.
Is real estate a good career choice in Arizona?
Yes! Arizona is one of the fastest-growing states in the country. All those new residents need your help to find the perfect condo in Tucson or a private retreat in Sedona.
But you do need to enter your new career with open eyes. Real estate agents’ entire salary is based on commissions. Make sure you understand the following terms when interviewing for jobs at area brokerages:
- Split: This is how you’ll divide your share of commissions between you and your broker. Some brokerages will ask for a 50-50 split on commissions. Others may offer you a larger share but will charge a monthly fee instead.
- Desk fee: You may be charged a monthly fee for office support, which your broker will collect whether you earn a commission that month or not.
- Salary cap: This is the maximum amount of money that your brokerage will collect from your sales commissions within a calendar year. Once you reach your cap, you’re free to keep any additional commissions for yourself.
What if I have a real estate license from another state?
If you have a real estate license in another state, you’ll need to submit the following along with your salesperson application and fee:
- Contract writing course certificate
- Arizona real estate exam score report
- Proof of Arizona residency
- License history
- Disciplinary actions disclosure form
To learn more about the process of transferring your real estate license to Arizona, visit the Department of Real Estate website, or check out our guide on real estate license reciprocity.
Ready to Get Started in Your New Career?
Now that you know how to get an Arizona real estate license, you may want to explore this new career opportunity. Don’t forget to join our Facebook community of seasoned agents: In The Close Real Estate Agents Mastermind, you can get in on the conversation about launching and leveling up your real estate career.
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