The process of earning a real estate salesperson license in Georgia is a structured, multi-stage journey overseen by the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC). This path ensures that every applicant meets defined standards for age, education, and professional background before they are authorized to conduct real estate transactions. Understanding these requirements is the first step toward launching a career in Georgia’s real estate market.
Meeting the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
The first requirement a prospective agent must satisfy is the age mandate set by the Georgia Real Estate Commission, which is a minimum of 18 years old. Candidates must also provide proof of having obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Applicants must be a citizen of the United States or a lawfully admitted alien to qualify for licensure in the state.
These foundational criteria must be met before proceeding with the formal education and examination phases. A background check is also a prerequisite, involving the submission of a criminal history report to ensure the applicant meets the necessary ethical standards.
Completing the Required Pre-License Education
Once eligibility requirements are confirmed, the next mandatory step is completing the 75-hour Salesperson Pre-license Course. This comprehensive course must be taken through a school approved by the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC). The curriculum is designed to provide a thorough understanding of foundational real estate topics, including property ownership, finance, contracts, and agency relationships.
GREC-approved schools offer flexibility in instruction, including in-person classroom sessions, online self-paced formats, and hybrid models. Upon finishing the required instructional hours, candidates must pass a course final examination, typically needing a score of 72% or higher. Successful completion of this proctored exam is necessary to receive the certificate required to sit for the state licensing exam.
Passing the Georgia Real Estate Examination
After finishing the pre-license education, candidates must register for and pass the official Georgia Real Estate Salesperson Examination, administered by the state’s independent testing service, PSI. The examination consists of 152 questions covering national real estate principles and Georgia-specific license law and practices. Applicants are allotted four hours to complete the exam and must achieve a minimum passing score of 75%.
The passing score is only valid for one year. If the applicant fails to submit their license application within this 12-month window, the entire state examination must be retaken to qualify for a license. This deadline necessitates a strategic approach to the remaining administrative steps immediately following the test.
Finalizing Your License Application
The administrative phase after passing the examination requires careful attention to deadlines and specific documentation. A mandatory fingerprinting and background check process must be completed through the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) using the authorized vendor, Fieldprint. The resulting criminal history report must be generated no more than 60 days before the final license application is submitted.
Securing a sponsoring broker who will hold and supervise the new agent’s license is required for an active license. The applicant must submit a completed Sponsoring Broker Statement Form, signed by the principal broker, with the final application. The application, including documentation and fees, is typically submitted in person at a PSI testing center. The standard application fee is $170 if submitted within 90 days of passing the exam, increasing to $340 if submitted between 90 days and the one-year deadline.
Activating Your License and Post-Licensing Obligations
Once the Georgia Real Estate Commission approves the application, the salesperson license is issued and becomes active under the sponsoring broker. However, educational obligations continue after the pre-license course. Newly licensed salespersons are required to complete a mandatory 25-hour Post-License Course within the first year of licensure.
This specialized course focuses on legal fundamentals and practical application in sales and management. Failure to complete this 25-hour requirement by the one-year deadline will result in the immediate lapse of the license. Upon successful completion, these hours provide a credit of nine hours toward the 36 hours of Continuing Education (CE) that the agent must complete every four years for subsequent license renewals.