How do I get a real estate license in Georgia?

If you want to become a real estate agent or broker in Georgia and engage in the buying and selling of real estate, you will need one of these licenses.

You must be at least 18 years old to become an agent and at least 21 years old to become a broker. You must also take specific real estate courses, pass an exam (or two, depending on your license) and pass a criminal background check.

Which license is right for you?

The difference between a real estate agent and a broker is mostly years of experience and education. An agent must work under a licensed broker, while brokers may work independently and/or hire agents to work for them. Becoming a broker in Georgia also requires additional training and a minimum of three years as an agent.

Basic Provisions

The average salary for a real estate agent in Georgia is $42,963, while the average salary for a broker is $55,336. First you need to get the proper license, whether you are an agent or a broker. Agents must work for licensed brokers, while brokers can work independently or hire agents to work for them. An agent's license requires 75 hours of real estate courses; a broker's license requires an additional 60 hours of training and three years of practical experience. Training courses for both licenses are valid for four years after completion, and additional refresher training prior to renewal is mandatory. Both licenses require passing a final exam and a criminal background check.

The requirements for a real estate license in Georgia

There are two types of licenses in Georgia, so the requirements will vary from license to license. For example, a real estate agent in Georgia is authorized to conduct real estate transactions, but must work under a licensed broker. On the other hand, a broker can have his own company and hire other agents to work for him.

Agent license requirements:

• Age of at least 18 years old
• Take 75 hours of real estate courses through an approved provider or complete 10 quarter hours/six semester hours of related real estate courses at an accredited university in the United States or Canada
• Take the final examination and apply for licensure within 12 months of the date of the examination
• Provide accurate information and pass a criminal background check
• Be a sponsored broker

Broker's license requirements:

• At least 20 years of age to pass the exam and at least 21 years of age to activate your license
• At least three years of experience as an agent or in real estate
• Complete 60 hours of pre-brokerage real estate education through an approved provider or complete 15 quarter hours/nine semester hours of related real estate courses at an accredited university in the United States or Canada
• Take the final examination and apply for licensure within 12 months of the date of the examination
• Provide accurate information and pass a criminal background check

How long does it take to get a real estate license in Georgia?

On average, the process of obtaining a real estate license takes approximately four to six months, depending on where you live. In Georgia, however, it can take as little as three to nine weeks. However, if you don't already have a sponsoring broker, you may need a few more months.

The average annual income for a real estate agent in Georgia is $42,963. The path may be a little longer for a broker because of the additional requirements - 60 hours of pre-broker real estate education and three years of experience as an agent or in real estate. The average annual income for a real estate broker in Georgia is $55,336.

How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Georgia?

Gaining a real estate license in Georgia will cost prospective agents around $540 to $690, and brokers between $785 and $959 due to additional training requirements. Here's how those costs are broken down.

• The average cost of pre-exam courses for agents is about $200-$350.
• Brokers can expect to pay an additional $245-$269 for additional hours of training.
• The license fee is $170 for both agents and brokers.
• The exam fee for both licenses is $121.
• These licenses also require a criminal background check, which will cost about $50.

Note that there may be other miscellaneous fees for association membership, office space, other training, and requests for exemptions from some requirements.

The Georgia real estate license offset

Georgia has offsetting agreements with all states. To buy or sell real estate in Georgia, you must have an active license in good standing in your state. If you meet the above requirements, you can apply for an offset real estate license. Florida agents and brokers must also pass a Georgia-specific exam before being allowed to practice in that state. Brokers who want to open their own firm must apply to open a firm.

Can I apply for my Georgia real estate license online?

In Georgia, you can get your license immediately after taking the exam, which you can sign up for online after completing the required number of pre-exam courses. If you pass the exam, you can obtain your license on the spot by submitting all required documents, including an application from a sponsoring broker, a notarized statement of lawful occupancy, and Georgia crime information. You have up to 12 months to activate your license before you have to retake the exam.

The Georgia real estate license exam

Before you can take the Georgia real estate license exam, you must complete the required number of pre-exam courses and provide proof of work experience if you are applying for a broker's license. The Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC) contracts with a company named Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP) to administer real estate licensing exams in the state. You may apply to take the exam online through the AMP portal if you are applying using credit for courses at a university or through an offset with another state, or if you are a Florida applicant. In these cases, you will need to mail in an application form, which can be found in the candidate handbook. The agent exam consists of 152 multiple-choice questions, 52 of which are specific to Georgia. You have four hours to complete the exam and you will receive your score immediately upon completion. If you want your license activated immediately, you also need to bring a statement from the sponsoring broker. The broker exam is structured differently than the agent exam. Instead of multiple choice questions, you have three hours to solve 11 simulation problems. If you are a Florida resident and are applying for a Georgia broker's license, you will need to take an additional Georgia exam consisting of 48 multiple-choice questions. If you do not pass the exam, you may apply to retake it.

Applying for a real estate license in Georgia

When you successfully complete the required courses and pass the exam, you can immediately get your license on the spot if you have the necessary documents. You'll also need to pay $170 by credit card or check. Note that agents must submit an application from a sponsoring broker before obtaining a license, and brokers not affiliated with a firm must submit an application to open a firm.

Renewal of real estate license in Georgia

All real estate licenses in Georgia are valid for four