How to become a real estate agent in Colorado
Colorado real estate agents are licensed by the Colorado Division of Real Estate (Colorado Real Estate Commission). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed real estate agent in Colorado, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a real estate agent in Colorado?
- At least 18 years old
- Colorado and national fingerprint-based background check through CBI
- Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance before the license can be active
- Disclose criminal history and prior license discipline on the application
Colorado real estate agent license requirements
| Licensed by | Colorado Division of Real Estate (Colorado Real Estate Commission) |
|---|---|
| License name | Real Estate Broker (Associate Broker level) |
| Education or training | 168 hours: 48 Real Estate Law and Practice, 48 Colorado Contracts and Regulations, 8 Trust Accounts and Recordkeeping, 8 Current Legal Issues, 24 Real Estate Closings, 32 Practical Applications (or a real estate degree). All must be finished before either exam portion. |
| Exam | PSI administers the Colorado Real Estate Broker's Exam in national and state portions; each passing result is good for one year. |
| Works under a broker | Yes. New brokers with under two years of experience get the Associate Broker level and work under an Employing Broker's supervision. |
| License term | A first license expires December 31 of the year issued (or the next year if issued November 1–December 31); after that licenses run on a three-year cycle. |
| Continuing education | 24 hours per three-year cycle, including three different 4-hour Annual Commission Update courses; none is required during the first license period. |
| Reciprocity | Colorado accepts applicants licensed in any U.S. state or territory with limited education and exam requirements (two-year licensees take only the state exam portion). |
How much does it cost?
| Broker application | $83 |
|---|---|
| Broker examination fee | $44.95 |
| Broker transfer / upgrade / activation | $5 |
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 Colorado
- Complete the 168 hours of qualifying education
- Pass the PSI national and state exam portions
- Complete the CBI fingerprint background check (no more than 30 days before applying)
- Get E&O insurance
- Apply online through the Division's eLicense system
- Have an employing broker activate your license
Apply on the official Colorado site
How do you check a real estate agent's license in Colorado?
- Search the name or license number on the official Colorado 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.