With all the stunning homes across Little Rock, Hot Springs, Bentonville, Fayetteville, and Fort Smith, it’s easy to imagine a real estate career in the Natural State. If you want to know how to get a real estate license in Arkansas, follow these seven steps, and you’ll be well on your way to selling properties in scenic Ozark or the heart of Little Rock. Let’s get started!
Quick Facts & Costs for Arkansas Licensees
Types of Licensees in Arkansas & How Much They Earn
- Salesperson (salary range: $60,000 to $75,000): A real estate salesperson works under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker and helps clients buy, sell, or rent property.
- Broker (salary range: $75,000 to $100,000): Licensed real estate brokers operate independently through a brokerage. Brokers can also start their firms.
Step-by-Step Breakdown: How to Get an Arkansas Real Estate License
Ready to know more about how to become a real estate agent in Arkansas? Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:
Step 1: Meet Arkansas Eligibility Requirements
If you want to learn how to get a real estate license in Arkansas, the first step is ensuring you meet the state’s eligibility criteria. You must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a US citizen or have legal working status in the US
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
If you are a licensed attorney, have a degree in real estate, or have a license in another state, you can waive some of your licensing requirements.
Arkansas has reciprocal agreements with 15 states: Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, and West Virginia. This means agents already licensed in these states can request a waiver for the general portion of the real estate exam, complete the Arkansas Law portion, and undergo fingerprinting and a background check to practice real estate in Arkansas.
Step 2: Choose an Arkansas Real Estate School
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Cost:
Starting at $361
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Time commitment:
2-5 weeks
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Helpful resource:
5 Best Online Real Estate Schools in Arkansas
In Arkansas, you’ll need to complete 60 hours of prelicensing education, and you’ll have your choice of completing them online or in person. Your choice of real estate school and course format will depend on your learning style and what suits your schedule best. Some of the topics covered in your prelicensing course are real estate laws and contracts, property disclosures, and financing and settlement.
Colibri Real Estate offers state-approved courses for prospective Arkansas real estate agents. With several course packages to choose from and comprehensive exam prep materials, Colibri will help you meet Arkansas’ 60-hour prelicensing education requirements in no time.
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Step 3: Apply for Your Arkansas Real Estate License
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Cost:
$86.25 ($50 for the application, $36.25 for background checks)
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Time commitment:
1 hour
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Helpful resource:
Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC)
Unlike other states where you must pass the licensing exam first, Arkansas requires you to submit your license application before taking the exam. If you’re wondering how to get a real estate license in Arkansas, fill out the application for real estate license examination and background check acknowledgment form, then send it to the AREC with a cashier’s check or money order for $86.25, which covers the license application fee ($50) and both the state ($22) and FBI ($14.25) background checks.
Once submitted, processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days, after which you’ll receive a Certificate of Examination Eligibility. You’ll need your certificate of eligibility before you can contact Pearson VUE to make an examination reservation.
Step 4: Get Fingerprints & Background Check
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Cost:
$36.25 (already paid in the above step)
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Time commitment:
1-3 weeks
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Helpful resource:
Arkansas State Police fingerprinting information services
As mentioned above, the Arkansas Real Estate Commission requires all real estate agent applicants to complete a state and federal criminal background check. After processing your application and background check acknowledgment form, you’ll receive a Background Payment Confirmation Form with a Transaction Control Number from the AREC. You’ll need to take a printed copy of the Background Payment Confirmation Form to a Fingerprint Harvester or a Live Scan Operator to have your fingerprints taken. The fingerprint harvester will then use the transaction number to ensure your background check results are returned to the AREC.
I recommend getting this process done as soon as possible, as it can take up to three weeks for the AREC to process your background check after your fingerprints have been submitted. However, note that you cannot have your fingerprints taken until AREC authorizes you to do so.
Step 5: Pass the Arkansas Real Estate License Exam
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Cost:
$75
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Time commitment:
4 hours
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Helpful resource:
7 Hacks to Help You Ace Your Real Estate Exam and Arkansas Candidate Handbook
| Test Format and Number of Questions | Multiple-choice format and 110 total questions |
| Where to Register for the Exam | Pearson VUE |
| Items to Bring to the Testing Center | Two forms of valid IDs (one government ID and one with your signature) |
| Passing Grade | 70% |
Once you complete the prelicensing course and receive a certificate of eligibility from the AREC, you have three years to pass the state exam. If you miss the deadline, you must retake the course. You’ll learn whether you passed or failed as soon as you finish the exam. If you don’t pass, you’ll be given a detailed score report to help you prepare for the retake. Again, you can take the exam as many times as you’d like within three years following the date you received your certificate of eligibility, but you will have to pay $75 each time.
Step 6: Join a Real Estate Brokerage
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Cost:
Free
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Time commitment:
2-4 weeks
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Helpful resource:
How to Choose a Real Estate Broker as a New Agent
When you receive your initial real estate license in Arkansas, your license will have an “inactive” status. This means that you cannot sell real estate yet. You’ll need to be sponsored by a licensed broker in Arkansas to activate your license. Once you’ve landed some broker interviews, you’ll want to ask each broker about the split (or how you and the brokerage will divide sales commissions). You’ll find that some brokerages will ask for a 50-50 split on commissions. Usually, brokerages that offer an even split will not charge monthly desk fees.
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 guide to learn about some larger firms.
Step 7: Start a Successful Career in Arkansas
With your license in hand and a brokerage to back you up, here are some tips to get your real estate career off to a strong start:
- Master time management: Build strong time management habits from the beginning. Prioritize daily tasks, use productivity tools and apps, and set goals to stay organized.
- Read real estate blogs and books: Stay updated on industry trends by following top real estate blogs. These blogs can give you an edge and boost your confidence when talking to leads and clients.
- Use real estate apps: Familiarize yourself with essential real estate apps. These apps will make your life easier and streamline your daily tasks. Some apps to download are your chosen customer relationship management (CRM) system, social media, and video marketing with editing tools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Arkansas?
You can get your Arkansas real estate license in a month and a half if you’re on top of all the administrative tasks. How long you complete your 60-hour prelicensing course will affect how long it takes to get your sales license. Scheduled classes can be completed in at least two weeks if you work full-time.
How much do real estate agents make in Arkansas?
According to ZipRecruiter, real estate agents make an average of $69,564 in Arkansas. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the area and other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the years you’ve spent in your profession.
What if I have a real estate license from another state?
If you have a license from Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, or West Virginia, you may apply for your license through reciprocity. For more information, read our Real Estate License Reciprocity & Portability Guide.
Back to You
Now that you’ve learned how to become a real estate agent in Arkansas, it’s time to take action. At The Close, we’re here to guide you through every step and encourage your professional growth. Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!
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