Alabama Real Estate Broker License
Requirements, fees, and steps to upgrade to broker
Experience Requirements
Must have held an active real estate salesperson license for at least 24 months of the 36-month period immediately preceding the application date.
Alternative Pathways:
- Experience from another state counts if documented
Experience must be as an active licensed salesperson.
Education Requirements
Complete 60 hours of AREC-approved broker pre-licensing education.
Required Courses:
- 60-Hour Broker Pre-Licensing Course
Online courses must be completed within one year from enrollment date.
Broker Examination
Exam Name
Alabama Real Estate Broker Examination
Provider
Pearson VUE
Format
120 scored questions plus 10-15 unscored questions, General and State-Specific sections, 3.5 hours
Passing Score
70 scaled score
Exam Fee
$70
Retake Policy
Unlimited attempts within 6 months of completing pre-licensing education; $70 fee per attempt
Fees
| Application Fee | $150 |
| Examination Fee | $70 |
| Background Check | $48 |
| Total | $268 |
Does not include pre-licensing course costs ($200-$400). Total may be $328 for out-of-state applicants.
Timeline
Gain Experience
Complete 24 months as active licensed salesperson within the last 36 months
2+ years
Complete Broker Education
Complete 60-hour broker pre-licensing course
2-4 weeks
Pass Broker Exam
Take and pass the Pearson VUE broker exam
1-2 weeks
Submit Application
Apply to AREC within 90 days of passing exam with fingerprints and fees
2-4 weeks
License Renewal
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Renewal Fee
$150
CE Hours Required
15 hours
Online Renewal
Available
15 hours of AREC-approved continuing education before September 30 of even-numbered years
Reciprocity Agreements
Alabama has reciprocity agreements with other states.
Out-of-state salesperson experience counts toward broker experience requirement if documented.
Quick Tools
Not a Broker Yet?
Start with an agent license if you don't have the required experience.
Alabama Agent License →