1. Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements
Before beginning the licensing process:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have lawful presence in the United States.
- Be of good moral character. Background disclosures (including criminal history) are required on application forms.
2. Complete Required Pre-Licensing Education
You must complete 90 hours of state-approved real estate pre-licensing education (specific to salespersons) from an ADRE-approved provider.
- Classes may be taken in person, online, or hybrid, as long as the school is ADRE-approved.
- The coursework covers real estate principles, practices, law, finance, and related topics.
3. Complete the Contract Writing Course
In addition to the 90 hours of pre-licensing education, Arizona requires a separate 6-hour Contract Writing Course (also approved by ADRE).
- This course focuses on contracts and forms used in Arizona real estate transactions.
- The certificate from this course must be submitted with your licensing application.
4. Obtain an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card
You must obtain a Fingerprint Clearance Card issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) to satisfy the background check requirement.
- The fingerprint process can take several weeks; plan accordingly.
- The card must be active and valid at the time you submit your license application.
5. Pass the Pre-Licensing School Final Exam
Most approved schools require students to pass an internal course final exam before they are eligible to take the official state exam.
- Completion and passing of the school exam earns you the certificate necessary to sit for the state exam.
6. Schedule and Pass the Arizona Real Estate License Exam
The Arizona real estate exam is administered by Pearson VUE and includes national and state-specific portions.
- You must schedule the exam with Pearson VUE once you have your education certificate.
- A passing score is required to proceed with your license application.
7. Prepare and Submit Your License Application
After passing the exam, you must submit your Salesperson License Application with ADRE, including required documentation.
Typical required documents include:
- Original Arizona Salesperson License Application
- Official exam score report from Pearson VUE
- 90-hour pre-licensing education completion certificate
- 6-hour Contract Writing Course certificate
- Arizona DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card (front & back)
- Proof of legal presence
- Disciplinary Actions Disclosure Form (LI-214/244)
- Disclosure Document Checklist (LI-400), if applicable
Note: You must submit your license application within one year of passing the real estate exam, or you may need to retake the exam.
8. Associate With a Sponsoring Broker (To Practice)
Arizona requires that new licensees work under the supervision of an active Arizona real estate broker.
- While you may hold an “eligible” license status without active association, you cannot engage in brokerage activities until you are affiliated with a broker.