Ohio Real Estate Broker License
Requirements, fees, and steps to upgrade to broker
Experience Requirements
Must hold active Ohio salesperson license for at least 2 of the last 5 years with minimum 20 transaction points.
Alternative Pathways:
Transaction points: Listing agent = 0.5 points, Selling agent = 0.5 points. Commercial lease (1+ year) listing = 0.5 points.
Education Requirements
Complete 120 hours of broker pre-licensing education through four 30-hour courses. No longer requires college credit as of April 2025.
Required Courses:
- Four 30-hour broker pre-licensing courses (120 hours total)
Previous 90 college credit hour requirement eliminated April 9, 2025. New brokers must complete 10-hour post-licensing course within first year.
Broker Examination
Exam Name
Ohio Real Estate Broker Examination
Provider
PSI
Format
115 scored questions (75 national, 40 state) plus 5-10 unscored pretest questions, 3 hours
Passing Score
75% on both national and state portions
Exam Fee
$41
Retake Policy
Retake fee is $39 for one or both portions.
Fees
| Application Fee | $135 |
| Examination Fee | $41 |
| Background Check | $70 |
| Total | $246 |
Does not include pre-licensing course costs. Triennial renewal fee is $243.
Timeline
Gain Salesperson Experience
Work as licensed salesperson for 2+ years with 20 transaction points
2+ years
Complete Broker Education
Complete 120 hours of broker pre-licensing courses
3-6 months
Submit Application
Submit Broker Examination Application with $135 fee and transcripts
1-2 weeks
Complete Background Check
Complete fingerprint-based background check
1-2 weeks
Pass Broker Examination
Take and pass the 115-question broker exam
1-2 weeks
Complete Post-Licensing
Complete 10-hour post-licensing course within first year
Within 1 year
License Renewal
Renewal Cycle
Every 3 years
Renewal Fee
$243
CE Hours Required
30 hours
Online Renewal
Available
30 hours CE triennially: 3 hours Civil Rights, 3 hours Core Law, 3 hours Canons of Ethics, 3 hours Broker Responsibilities, plus 18 hours electives.
Reciprocity Agreements
Ohio has reciprocity agreements with other states.
Ohio does not have formal reciprocity agreements. Out-of-state brokers must meet all Ohio requirements.
Quick Tools
Not a Broker Yet?
Start with an agent license if you don't have the required experience.
Ohio Agent License →