How to become a real estate agent in Ohio
Ohio real estate agents are licensed by the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed real estate agent in Ohio, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a real estate agent in Ohio?
- At least 18 years old
- U.S. citizen or legal alien
- High school diploma or equivalent (if born after 1950)
- State and FBI criminal records checks; no disqualifying convictions under ORC 9.79
- Honest and truthful
Ohio real estate agent license requirements
| Licensed by | Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing |
|---|---|
| License name | Real Estate Salesperson |
| Education or training | 100 hours: Real Estate Principles and Practices (40), Ohio Real Estate Law (40), Real Estate Appraisal (10), Real Estate Finance (10), from a degree-granting institution and within 10 years if not licensed in the past four years |
| Exam | PSI administers the exam; you must pass both the State and National portions with a score of 70. |
| Works under a broker | Yes. You must be sponsored by an Ohio broker to apply for the exam. |
| License term | First renewal is due on your first birthday after licensure; after that, renewal every three years |
| Continuing education | 30 hours every three years, including three hours each of Canons of Ethics, Core Law and Civil Rights; a single 20-hour post-licensure course is due within one year of licensure. |
How much does it cost?
| Salesperson examination application (includes first licensing year) | $81 |
|---|---|
| Three-year salesperson renewal | $182 |
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 Ohio
- Complete the four required courses (100 hours)
- Find a sponsoring Ohio broker
- Submit the Salesperson Examination Application with $81 in eLicense LPI
- Complete state and FBI background checks
- Schedule and pass both exam portions with PSI
- Submit the 20-hour post-licensure certificate within one year
Apply on the official Ohio site
How do you check a real estate agent's license in Ohio?
- Search the name or license number on the official Ohio 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.