How Do I Get a Real Estate License in Oregon? Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re considering a career in real estate in Oregon, obtaining your real estate license is the essential first step to turning that ambition into reality. Whether you’re drawn by the prospect of helping people find their dream homes, the flexibility of the profession, or the potential for lucrative earnings, understanding the licensing process is key to getting started on the right foot. Oregon’s real estate market offers unique opportunities, and becoming a licensed agent here opens the door to a rewarding and dynamic career.

Navigating the path to a real estate license in Oregon involves meeting specific educational requirements, passing a state exam, and fulfilling regulatory criteria designed to ensure competent and ethical practice. While the process may seem daunting at first, knowing what to expect can make it much more manageable. From pre-licensing courses to application procedures, each step is structured to prepare you for success in the field.

This guide will provide a clear overview of what it takes to become a licensed real estate professional in Oregon. Whether you’re just beginning to explore this career or ready to take the next step, understanding the foundational elements will help you move forward with confidence and clarity.

Complete Required Pre-Licensing Education

Before applying for a real estate license in Oregon, candidates must complete 150 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved real estate school. This education is designed to provide foundational knowledge of real estate principles, laws, and practices specific to Oregon. The curriculum typically covers topics such as property ownership, contracts, real estate finance, Oregon real estate law, and ethical standards.

The courses can be taken in-person or online, depending on the provider. It’s important to select an Oregon Real Estate Agency (OREA) approved school to ensure the credits count toward licensing requirements. Many schools offer flexible scheduling to accommodate working professionals.

Pass the Oregon Real Estate Licensing Exam

After completing pre-licensing education, the next step is to pass the Oregon Real Estate Licensing Exam. This exam tests knowledge of both national real estate principles and Oregon-specific laws and regulations. The exam is administered by PSI Exams and consists of two portions:

National portion: Covers general real estate principles, practices, and laws.
State portion: Focuses on Oregon real estate laws, rules, and regulations.

Candidates must pass both sections to qualify for licensure. Exam registration is completed online through the PSI website, where candidates can schedule their exam date and location.

Submit License Application and Background Check

Once the exam is passed, applicants must submit their license application through the Oregon Real Estate Agency’s online portal. The application includes:

Personal and contact information
Proof of completed pre-licensing education
Passing exam scores
Application fee payment
Fingerprint-based criminal background check

The background check is mandatory and is conducted to ensure applicants meet Oregon’s standards for honesty and integrity. Applicants will receive instructions on how to complete the fingerprinting process after submitting their application.

Find a Sponsoring Broker

Before the license can be activated, new licensees must associate with a licensed Oregon real estate broker. This sponsoring broker will supervise the activities of the new agent and provide guidance during their early career. Choosing the right broker is critical because they will influence your training, client exposure, and professional growth.

When selecting a broker, consider factors such as:

Brokerage reputation and market presence
Training and mentorship opportunities
Commission structure and fees
Office culture and resources

Activate Your License

After submitting the application and securing a sponsoring broker, the Oregon Real Estate Agency will review your materials. Upon approval, they will issue your real estate license, which must be activated through your sponsoring broker. Only after activation can you legally conduct real estate transactions in Oregon.

Step	Requirements	Responsible Party	Typical Timeline
Complete Pre-Licensing Education	150 hours from OREA-approved school	Candidate	4-12 weeks (varies by course format)
Pass Licensing Exam	National and state portions, passing score	Candidate & PSI Exams	1 day for exam, scheduling varies
Submit Application & Background Check	Application form, fees, fingerprints	Candidate & Oregon Real Estate Agency	2-4 weeks processing
Find Sponsoring Broker	Association with licensed broker	Candidate	Varies
License Activation	Approval and broker activation	OREA & Sponsoring Broker	1-2 weeks

Requirements to Obtain a Real Estate License in Oregon

To qualify for a real estate license in Oregon, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria established by the Oregon Real Estate Agency (OREA). These requirements ensure that applicants possess the foundational knowledge and legal clearance necessary to engage in real estate activities professionally.

Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Residency: There is no state residency requirement; both residents and non-residents can apply.
Pre-License Education: Completion of 150 hours of approved real estate education is mandatory before applying for the licensing exam.
Background Check: Applicants must submit fingerprints for a criminal background check through the Oregon State Police and FBI.
Legal Status: Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States.

Pre-License Education and Course Requirements

Oregon mandates a comprehensive pre-license education program, which prepares candidates for the licensing exam and future real estate practice. The 150-hour curriculum is divided into specific courses that cover fundamental real estate principles and Oregon-specific laws.

Course	Hours	Description
Real Estate Principles	60	Core concepts including contracts, agency, property ownership, and financing.
Real Estate Practices	30	Daily activities of real estate professionals, marketing, and ethical practices.
Oregon Real Estate Law	30	State-specific statutes, licensing regulations, and agency relationships.
Real Estate Finance	30	Mortgage types, lending processes, and financing strategies.

Courses must be completed through an OREA-approved real estate school or provider. Self-study options are available but must be approved and include testing components.

Applying for the Licensing Exam

After fulfilling the educational requirements, candidates need to apply to take the Oregon Real Estate Licensing Exam. This process involves several key steps:

Application Submission: Complete the exam application through the OREA’s online portal, providing proof of education completion and personal information.
Exam Fee Payment: Pay the required examination fee as specified on the OREA website.
Scheduling the Exam: Upon approval, schedule the exam at an authorized testing center or via a remote proctoring service.
Fingerprinting: Submit fingerprints for the criminal background check before or during the application process.

Candidates should prepare thoroughly for the exam, which covers both national real estate principles and Oregon-specific laws.

Passing the Oregon Real Estate Licensing Exam

The Oregon Real Estate Licensing Exam consists of two portions: the National section and the State section.

Exam Section	Number of Questions	Time Allowed	Passing Score
National Portion	80 multiple-choice questions	150 minutes	75% or higher
State Portion	45 multiple-choice questions	90 minutes	75% or higher

Candidates must pass both portions within a two-year period. If unsuccessful, retake policies allow for multiple attempts, but fees apply for each retake.

Obtaining Your Real Estate License After Passing

Once the exam is passed, applicants must complete the following steps to receive their active real estate license:

Apply for the License: Submit a license application through the OREA portal, including any remaining documentation and fees.
Find a Sponsoring Broker: New licensees must affiliate with an Oregon-licensed real estate broker to activate their license.
License Issuance: Upon approval, the OREA issues the real estate license, which authorizes the licensee to perform real estate activities legally in Oregon.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Oregon requires licensees to complete continuing education (CE) to maintain an active real estate license. The renewal cycle is biennial, with specific CE requirements:

Hours Required: 30 hours of approved continuing education every two years.
Mandatory Courses: At least 3 hours must cover Oregon real estate law updates.
Renewal Deadline: Licenses expire every two years on the licensee’s birthdate; renewal applications and CE must be completed before expiration.

Failure to renew on time or complete CE requirements results in license suspension or cancellation, requiring reinstatement procedures.

Additional Resources and Support

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Expert Guidance on Obtaining a Real Estate License in Oregon

Jessica Martinez (Licensed Real Estate Broker & Educator, Oregon Real Estate Academy). Obtaining a real estate license in Oregon requires completing 150 hours of approved pre-licensing education, which covers essential topics such as real estate law, contracts, and ethics. After completing these courses, candidates must pass the Oregon real estate licensing exam, which tests both state and national real estate knowledge. It is crucial to prepare thoroughly and utilize practice exams to ensure success.

David Chen (Director of Licensing, Oregon Real Estate Commission). The licensing process in Oregon is designed to uphold high standards for real estate professionals. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, complete the required education, pass the licensing exam, and submit fingerprints for a background check. Additionally, new licensees must affiliate with a licensed broker to activate their license. Staying informed about continuing education requirements is also important to maintain an active license.

Emily Foster (Real Estate Attorney & Compliance Specialist, Portland Law Group). Navigating the legal and regulatory aspects of obtaining a real estate license in Oregon is critical. Applicants should carefully review the Oregon Real Estate Agency’s guidelines and ensure all documentation, including proof of education and exam results, is submitted accurately. Understanding the legal responsibilities and ethical standards expected of licensees helps new agents build a trustworthy career foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the basic requirements to apply for a real estate license in Oregon?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be a legal U.S. resident or have a valid work authorization.

How many pre-licensing education hours are required in Oregon?
Oregon requires 150 hours of approved pre-licensing education covering real estate principles, practices, and law.

What is the process for scheduling the Oregon real estate licensing exam?
After completing the pre-licensing education, applicants must submit an application and fee to the Oregon Real Estate Agency, then schedule the exam through the designated testing provider.

What topics are covered on the Oregon real estate licensing exam?
The exam tests knowledge of real estate principles, Oregon real estate law, contracts, finance, property management, and ethical practices.

How long is the Oregon real estate license valid, and what are the renewal requirements?
The license is valid for two years. Renewal requires completing continuing education courses and submitting a renewal application with the fee before expiration.

Can I get a license endorsement for property management or principal broker roles in Oregon?
Yes, additional education and experience requirements apply for endorsements such as principal broker or property manager, which must be fulfilled and approved by the Oregon Real Estate Agency.
Obtaining a real estate license in Oregon involves a clear, structured process designed to ensure that candidates are well-prepared to enter the industry. Prospective agents must complete the required 150 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved provider, pass the Oregon real estate licensing exam, and submit a licensing application along with the necessary fees. Additionally, applicants must undergo a background check and meet the state’s eligibility criteria, including being at least 18 years old and having a high school diploma or equivalent.

Once licensed, new agents are required to work under the supervision of a licensed Oregon real estate broker, which provides valuable on-the-job training and support. Maintaining the license also involves fulfilling continuing education requirements every two years to stay current with industry laws and practices. Understanding these steps and adhering to the state’s regulations is essential for a successful and compliant career in Oregon real estate.

In summary, the key to obtaining a real estate license in Oregon lies in thorough preparation, meeting all educational and legal requirements, and committing to ongoing professional development. By following the established process diligently, aspiring real estate professionals can confidently launch their careers and contribute effectively to the Oregon real estate market.

Author Profile

Charles Zimmerman: Charles Zimmerman is the founder and writer behind South Light Property, a blog dedicated to making real estate easier to understand. Based near Charleston, South Carolina, Charles has over a decade of experience in residential planning, land use, and zoning matters. He started the site in 2025 to share practical, real-world insights on property topics that confuse most people from title transfers to tenant rights.

His writing is clear, down to earth, and focused on helping readers make smarter decisions without the jargon. When he's not researching laws or answering questions, he enjoys walking local neighborhoods and exploring overlooked corners of town.