How to become a real estate agent in Arkansas
Arkansas real estate agents are licensed by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed real estate agent in Arkansas, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a real estate agent in Arkansas?
- At least 18 years old
- State and federal criminal background check (digital fingerprints for Arkansas residents, fingerprint card for non-residents)
Arkansas real estate agent license requirements
| Licensed by | Arkansas Real Estate Commission |
|---|---|
| License name | Real Estate Salesperson |
| Education or training | 60 classroom hours of real estate education, of which 30 hours must be basic principles of real estate; plus an 18-hour post-license course after licensure. |
| Exam | Pearson VUE administers the exam in a general portion and a state-specific portion, after the Commission approves you to sit for it. |
| Works under a broker | Yes. Arkansas law defines a salesperson as someone employed by or associated with a principal broker. |
| License term | One year; licenses expire December 31 of each calendar year unless renewed. |
| Continuing education | Seven hours of continuing education each year to renew an active license, starting with the second active renewal after licensing. |
| Reciprocity | AREC lists reciprocal agreements with 15 states (including Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi); a salesperson licensed in another state at the same level may request a waiver of the general exam portion and take only the Arkansas law portion. |
How much does it cost?
| Application fee (Arkansas residents) | $50 |
|---|---|
| Application fee (non-residents who must take the exam) | $85 |
| Original salesperson license fee | $50 |
| Recovery fund fee | $25 |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a real estate agent in Arkansas
- Complete the 60-hour prelicense course
- Submit the salesperson application, $50 fee and background check forms to AREC
- Get fingerprinted after AREC emails authorization
- Receive approval and schedule the Pearson VUE exam
- Pass both exam portions
- Send license forms and fees to AREC within 90 days of passing
- Complete the 18-hour post-license course by the end of the sixth month after licensing
Apply on the official Arkansas site
How do you check a real estate agent's license in Arkansas?
- Search the name or license number on the official Arkansas real estate agent license lookup.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.