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How to Get a Georgia Real Estate License in 7 Easy Steps

If you’re looking for an exciting new career, consider getting your Georgia real estate license. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step.

Written By

Aloun Khountham

Reviewed By:

Melanie Patterson

Sep 18, 2024

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Ready to get started with a rewarding real estate career in Georgia? From the energetic bustle of Atlanta to the relaxed allure of Savannah, licensure in the Peach State offers new opportunities in diverse cities and landscapes. With just a few key steps to getting your Georgia real estate license and some hard work, you will soon be on your journey to helping clients find their dream homes and build a promising career.

Quick Facts & Costs for Georgia Licensees

Quick Steps to Get a Georgia Real Estate License (+ Costs)

Step 1: Meet Georgia Requirements (No Cost)

Step 2: Choose a Georgia Real Estate School (Cost: $155+)

Step 3: Pass the Georgia Real Estate License Exam (Cost: $119)

Step 4: Apply for a Georgia Real Estate License (Cost: $170)

Step 5: Obtain Background Check (Cost: $25)

Step 6: Join a Real Estate Brokerage (No Cost)

Step 7: Start a Successful Career in GA (No Cost)

Types of Licensees in Georgia & How Much They Earn

Licensed real estate salesperson (salary range: $50,700 to $84,400): The salesperson is used to help clients buy, sell, or rent property while working under the guidance of a Georgia broker.
Community association manager (salary range: $63,000 to $92,000): The professional is responsible for managing homeowner associations or residential communities and taking care of maintenance, budgets, and community rules.
Licensed real estate broker (salary range: $81,484 to $125,123): A Georgia broker is licensed to practice in a self-employed capacity by owning their own real estate company and can also employ salespeople.
Real estate pre-license instructor (salary range: $35,000 to $92,000): The instructors teach future real estate personnel through pre-licensing education.

Step-by-Step Breakdown: How to Get a Georgia Real Estate License

The seven steps below will guide you in obtaining your GA real estate license and kickstarting a rewarding career.

Step 1: Meet Georgia Requirements

To be eligible for a real estate license in Georgia, you need to:

Be at least 18 years old
Possess a high school diploma
Be a US citizen or have legal working status in the US

Step 2: Choose a Georgia Real Estate School

Cost: Starting at $155
Time commitment: 75 hours
Helpful resource: 5 Best Georgia Online Real Estate Schools

The first step to getting your Georgia real estate license is to complete 75 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved school. There are reciprocity opportunities if you are licensed in a different state. Pre-licensing courses cover a wide array of important subjects to learn as you begin your real estate career. You’ll learn about real estate principles like property ownership, land use, and the legal aspects of the transaction.

Screenshot of learning dashboard with registered coursework — Colibri learning dashboard (Source: Colibri Real Estate)

If you are looking forward to beginning your Georgia real estate license course, a great school is Colibri Real Estate. Colibri Real Estate’s courses rank among the best pre-licensing classes to meet your state requirements. From online learning options to thorough resources, Colibri has everything you could need to study for the state exam and beyond.

Visit Colibri Real Estate

Step 3: Pass the Georgia Real Estate License Exam

Cost: $119
Time commitment: 3.5 hours
Helpful resource: 7 Hacks to Help You Ace Your Real Estate Exam and GA Candidate Handbook

Test Format and Number of Questions	Multiple choice format and 152 total questions
Where to Register for Exam	PSI exams
Items to Bring to Testing Center	Two forms of identification with matching names. One issued by the government A basic calculator
Passing Grade	75%

If you fail the Georgia real estate exam, a score report will be provided showing your results and will contain details regarding reapplication for the exam. You must schedule another appointment through PSI’s Candidate Services by calling 888-818-5834 or online at PSI Exams. Scheduling is on a first-come, first-served basis; however, generally speaking, you can secure a new exam date within five or fewer business days of contacting PSI.

Step 4: Apply for a Georgia Real Estate License

Cost: $170
Time commitment: 1 hour
Helpful resource: GA Candidate Handbook

You should bring your current photo identification and original unsigned Certification of Accuracy Statement that is issued after you pass the exam, along with payment for the licensing fee to the PSI testing center. The real estate license in Georgia is issued in the order that applications are received. Failure to apply within 12 months means you must retake the exam.

Step 5: Obtain Background Check

Cost: $25
Time commitment: 1 hour
Helpful resource: Background Clearance Application

All applicants must provide the PSI testing center with an applicant’s criminal history or Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) Report for a GA real estate license eligibility.

Here are the details:

Submit a background check along with your license application.
Order the background check online via the Georgia Real Estate Commission or mail in a form.
The background check will cost $25 and is valid for 60 days.

Step 6: Join a Real Estate Brokerage

The next thing you would do after passing the exam is join a licensed real estate brokerage since it’s a requirement to work under a broker as a new agent. Picking the right brokerage is a major part of your journey since this could be one of the key ways you get mentorship, training, and support at the beginning of your career.

Consider things such as brokerage reputation, commission structure, training programs, and resources. Finding a brokerage that will help you build a strong foundation in the Georgia real estate marketplace and grow your business is all about finding a brokerage that aligns with your goals.

Start looking for brokerages in the areas you’d like to work in to jump-start your new career and check out our Best Real Estate Company to Work For in 2024 guide to learn about some of the larger firms.

Step 7: Start a Successful Career in Georgia

Now that you are licensed, it is time to kickstart your career as a Georgia real estate agent. Here are some keystone tips to get you up and running.

Develop a strong online presence by creating professional social media profiles and a personal website.
Consider joining a real estate brokerage that aligns with your career goals and offers mentorship opportunities.
Attend industry events and join local real estate associations or mastermind groups to network with other professionals. See the list of the best real estate mastermind groups.
Invest in the right real estate tools, including CRMs and lead generation platforms, to help you smoothen your workflow.
Constantly train through training sessions that will enable you to stay up-to-date on market trends and legal regulations.
Provide the best customer service possible and stay in contact with previous customers, resulting in a good referral network.

FAQs

The time it takes to obtain a state of Georgia real estate license differs for everyone and will depend on how quickly you complete the requirements. It usually takes three to six months. You must complete 75 hours of pre-licensing education independently or in class. Once you have completed your course, you will take the Georgia real estate exam and apply for your license. Application processing times differ, but most agents can apply in just a few months.

In general, obtaining a real estate license in Georgia costs about $500 to $700. This price involves a 75-hour pre-licensing course, ranging from $150 to $500, depending on the school, an exam fee of $119, and all other expenses, including but not limited to application fees, background checks, and other sundries. You must consider budgeting for these expenses upfront to ensure a seamless licensing process.

Some people find passing the Georgia real estate exam challenging, although it’s possible with the proper preparation. There are 152 questions, and you must pass at least 75%. Most individuals will find the examination challenging because of the wide range of subject matter involved with real estate math and legal issues. Intense study and preparation with practice examinations allow most candidates to pass the exam on their first try.

There are four different types of licenses for real estate: salesperson, broker, community association manager, and instructor licenses. The salesperson license is issued for an individual just beginning a real estate career. In contrast, the broker license allows holders to manage other agents and open their real estate firm. The community association manager license is strictly for those individuals who manage homeowners associations or other related properties. And lastly, the instructor license is for the person teaching real estate classes. Each license has specific requirements and career opportunities.

Back to You

Getting licensed as a real estate agent in Georgia is an enriching process that opens a widely rewarding career path. With the required education, passing the exam, and fulfilling all the state’s requirements, you are good to go for an opportunity-filled career across Georgia’s active real estate. It requires work and dedication but will provide you with the needed skills to last a lifetime. With the right preparation and a commitment to learn, you will be well on your way to a successful career, helping people realize their dreams of homeownership.

Aloun Khountham

Aloun Khountham is a freelance real estate contributor to The Close and Fit Small Business. She brings a spark of innovation and a wealth of experience from the heart of New York City's real estate scene. With over five years as an operations executive at a growing brokerage, Aloun has been at the forefront of revolutionizing real estate operations. Her efforts were pivotal in integrating state-of-the-art technology and refining operational procedures. Beyond her executive role, Aloun was licensed as a real estate agent. She used her knowledge to empower her team from lead generation to deal closures, showcasing her comprehensive understanding of the industry's challenges and opportunities.

How to Get a Georgia Real Estate License in 7 Easy Steps

Quick Facts & Costs for Georgia Licensees

Quick Steps to Get a Georgia Real Estate License (+ Costs)

Types of Licensees in Georgia & How Much They Earn