What Are the Steps to Become a Real Estate Broker in Ohio?

Becoming a real estate broker in Ohio opens the door to a rewarding career filled with opportunities for growth, independence, and financial success. Whether you’re currently a licensed real estate agent or just starting to explore the industry, understanding the path to brokerage licensure is essential for taking your professional journey to the next level. Ohio’s real estate market is dynamic and competitive, making the role of a knowledgeable and licensed broker more important than ever.

Navigating the steps to become a real estate broker involves more than just passing an exam—it requires a solid foundation of experience, education, and a clear understanding of state-specific regulations. Aspiring brokers must prepare to meet certain eligibility criteria and demonstrate their expertise in managing transactions, clients, and often, other agents. This process ensures that brokers are well-equipped to handle the complexities of real estate dealings while upholding ethical standards.

In the following sections, you’ll discover an overview of the qualifications, educational requirements, and licensing procedures unique to Ohio. Whether you aim to work independently or lead a brokerage firm, gaining insight into these essentials will help you confidently embark on your path toward becoming a licensed real estate broker in the Buckeye State.

Educational Requirements and Pre-Licensing Courses

To qualify for a real estate broker license in Ohio, candidates must fulfill specific educational prerequisites. Typically, this begins with completing a designated number of hours in approved real estate courses. These courses cover essential topics such as Ohio real estate law, contracts, finance, appraisal, and ethics. The coursework ensures prospective brokers have a comprehensive understanding of the legal and practical aspects of real estate brokerage.

Ohio mandates that applicants complete at least 120 hours of approved real estate education, which usually includes:

40 hours of real estate principles and practices
40 hours of real estate law and related regulations
40 hours of broker-specific courses focusing on management, agency relationships, and advanced real estate topics

All courses must be taken through an Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing (DREP) approved provider to be valid for licensing purposes. Additionally, these courses often include mandatory exams that must be passed to receive certification of completion.

Experience Requirements for Broker Applicants

In addition to education, Ohio requires candidates to demonstrate practical experience before they can apply for a broker license. This experience is typically acquired by working as a licensed real estate salesperson under the supervision of a licensed broker.

The requirements include:

A minimum of two years of full-time experience as a licensed real estate salesperson or equivalent part-time experience totaling at least 3,000 hours within the five years preceding the application.
Active involvement in real estate activities such as listing and selling properties, negotiating contracts, and managing transactions.

This experience criterion ensures that candidates have hands-on knowledge and familiarity with the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges of real estate brokerage.

Broker Licensing Examination

Passing the Ohio Real Estate Broker Examination is a critical step in obtaining a broker license. The exam tests knowledge of Ohio real estate laws, rules, brokerage management, finance, and ethical practices. It is administered by a third-party testing service authorized by the Ohio Division of Real Estate.

Key points about the exam include:

The exam consists of both national and state-specific questions.
Candidates need to schedule the exam after completing the required education and submitting a pre-licensing education certificate.
A passing score is generally 75% or higher.
The exam may be retaken if the candidate does not pass on the first attempt, but there are limits on the number of retakes within certain timeframes.

Application Process and Fees

After fulfilling education, experience, and examination requirements, candidates must submit a broker license application to the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing. The application includes verification of completed education, proof of experience, and passing exam results.

Applicants must also submit the required fees, which cover application processing, background checks, and licensing.

Fee Type	Cost	Description
Application Fee	$75	Processing fee for broker license application
Background Check	$40	Fingerprinting and criminal history check
License Issuance Fee	$100	Fee for the issuance of the real estate broker license

Once the application is approved and fees are paid, the license is issued, authorizing the individual to operate as a real estate broker in Ohio.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

After obtaining the broker license, Ohio requires licensees to complete continuing education (CE) courses to maintain their license in good standing. The continuing education ensures brokers stay updated on changes in laws, regulations, and industry standards.

The Ohio CE requirements include:

Completing 30 hours of approved continuing education every three years.
Courses must include at least 3 hours on ethics and 3 hours on civil rights or fair housing laws.
CE courses must be taken from an Ohio-approved provider.
Licensees must submit proof of completed CE during the license renewal process.

License renewal occurs every three years, and failure to meet CE requirements or renew on time may result in license suspension or cancellation.

Additional Considerations for Ohio Real Estate Brokers

Aside from formal requirements, aspiring brokers should consider the following factors:

Business Structure: Brokers may choose to operate as sole proprietors, form partnerships, or establish corporations or LLCs. Each structure has implications for liability and taxation.
Errors and Omissions Insurance: While not mandatory in Ohio, many brokers carry E&O insurance to protect against claims of negligence or mistakes in professional services.
Broker Supervision Obligations: Brokers are responsible for supervising licensed salespersons affiliated with their brokerage, ensuring compliance with laws and ethical practices.
Record Keeping: Brokers must maintain accurate transaction records for a minimum period as required by Ohio law, typically three years.

Understanding these aspects is crucial for successfully managing a real estate brokerage and maintaining compliance with state regulations.

Educational and Experience Requirements for Ohio Real Estate Brokers

Becoming a licensed real estate broker in Ohio requires meeting specific educational and professional experience criteria set by the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing. These prerequisites ensure candidates possess the necessary knowledge and practical expertise to operate effectively within the real estate market.

The core requirements include:

Age and Residency: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and legally eligible to work in the United States.
Experience as a Salesperson: A minimum of two years of full-time experience as a licensed real estate salesperson within the past five years is mandatory. Part-time experience may be considered equivalent upon review.
Educational Coursework: Completion of 120 hours of approved broker pre-licensing education is required. This coursework must be delivered by an Ohio-recognized real estate school or provider.

The 120-hour broker pre-licensing course typically covers the following topics:

Course Component	Approximate Hours	Topics Covered
Real Estate Law	30	State statutes, agency relationships, contracts, licensing laws
Real Estate Practice	30	Brokerage management, marketing, ethics, fair housing
Real Estate Finance and Appraisal	30	Mortgage financing, loan types, property valuation methods
Specialized Topics	30	Commercial real estate, property management, investment analysis

Application Process and Examination for Ohio Real Estate Brokers

To formally apply for a broker license, candidates must submit a detailed application to the Ohio Division of Real Estate along with the required fees and documentation. This process includes verification of education, experience, and background checks.

Key steps in the application process include:

Submit Broker License Application: This can be completed online or via paper form. It requires personal information, proof of completed education, and sales experience verification.
Pay Application Fees: The current fee for broker license application is approximately $95, though candidates should verify the latest fee schedule on the official website.
Background Check: Applicants must undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprinting, as part of the licensing process.
Schedule the Broker Examination: After application approval, candidates will receive instructions for scheduling the Ohio Real Estate Broker Examination.

The Ohio Real Estate Broker Examination is a comprehensive test designed to assess knowledge of state and national real estate practices, laws, and ethics. The exam format typically includes:

Exam Section	Number of Questions	Content Focus
National Portion	80	Federal laws, financing, contracts, valuation
State Portion	40	Ohio-specific laws, rules, licensing requirements

Passing scores typically require correctly answering at least 75% of the questions on each portion. Candidates who fail may retake the exam after a waiting period.

Post-Examination Requirements and Maintaining Broker License in Ohio

Once the examination is successfully passed and all application requirements are met, candidates receive their Ohio real estate broker license. However, maintaining the license requires adherence to ongoing professional standards.

Key post-licensing obligations include:

Activate Broker License: New brokers must affiliate with a brokerage or establish their own firm to begin practicing legally.
Continuing Education: Brokers must complete 30 hours of continuing education every three years to renew their license. This education includes mandatory courses on Ohio real estate law updates and ethics.
License Renewal: Broker licenses expire every three years. Renewal applications, along with proof of continuing education and renewal fees, must be submitted before expiration to avoid penalties or license suspension.
Compliance with Ohio Real Estate Commission Rules: Brokers must adhere to all state regulations and ethical standards to maintain good standing.

Failing to meet continuing education or renewal requirements can result in license suspension or revocation, affecting the ability to legally conduct real estate brokerage activities in Ohio.

Expert Perspectives on Becoming a Real Estate Broker in Ohio

Jessica Martin (Ohio Real Estate Commission Member) emphasizes that “Aspiring brokers in Ohio must first accumulate at least two years of active real estate salesperson experience within the state. This practical experience is crucial as it ensures candidates understand local market dynamics and regulatory requirements before advancing to broker status.”

David Chen (Real Estate Education Specialist, Ohio Association of Realtors) advises that “Completing the required 120 hours of broker pre-licensing education is not only a legal mandate but an essential foundation. The coursework covers advanced topics such as real estate law, finance, and ethics, which prepare candidates to operate with professionalism and compliance in Ohio’s competitive market.”

Linda Perez (Managing Broker, Columbus Realty Group) states, “Passing the Ohio real estate broker exam demands thorough preparation and familiarity with state-specific statutes. I recommend candidates utilize practice exams and study groups to build confidence and ensure success, as this credential significantly expands career opportunities and responsibilities.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the basic requirements to become a real estate broker in Ohio?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and hold an active Ohio real estate salesperson license for at least two years.

How many hours of education are required before applying for the broker license?
Ohio requires completion of 120 hours of approved real estate broker pre-licensing education.

Is passing an exam necessary to become a real estate broker in Ohio?
Yes, candidates must pass the Ohio real estate broker licensing exam administered by the state.

What experience is needed to qualify for the broker license in Ohio?
Applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience as a licensed real estate salesperson within the past five years.

How do I apply for the real estate broker license in Ohio?
After meeting education and experience requirements and passing the exam, submit a completed application with fees to the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing.

Are there continuing education requirements for Ohio real estate brokers?
Yes, brokers must complete 30 hours of continuing education every three years to maintain their license.
Becoming a real estate broker in Ohio requires a clear understanding of the state’s licensing requirements and a commitment to gaining the necessary experience and education. Prospective brokers must first hold an active real estate salesperson license, complete specific pre-licensing education, and accumulate at least two years of full-time experience within the past five years. Additionally, candidates must successfully pass the Ohio real estate broker examination to demonstrate their knowledge of real estate principles, laws, and practices.

Continuing education and adherence to Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing regulations are essential for maintaining broker licensure and staying current with industry standards. The process emphasizes both practical experience and formal education, ensuring that brokers are well-prepared to manage real estate transactions, supervise sales agents, and uphold ethical business practices.

Ultimately, becoming a real estate broker in Ohio offers an opportunity for career advancement and increased professional responsibility. By meeting the state’s requirements and committing to ongoing professional development, individuals can establish themselves as trusted experts in the Ohio real estate market, capable of navigating complex transactions and contributing to the growth of their clients and communities.

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.