The dynamic real estate market in Georgia offers substantial career opportunities for motivated individuals. From the vibrant urban centers of Atlanta to the coastal charm of Savannah, the state presents a diverse landscape for property transactions. Starting a career as a salesperson requires navigating a structured process established by the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC). This regulatory body ensures that every applicant meets specific criteria and demonstrates a foundational knowledge of real estate principles and law.
Meeting the Initial Requirements
The first step toward licensure involves meeting the foundational eligibility requirements established by GREC. Prospective agents must be at least 18 years of age before they can be issued an active license. Additionally, all applicants are required to possess a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
A mandatory component of the application process is undergoing a criminal background check through the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC). This report must be current, issued no more than 60 days before the license application is submitted. Applicants who have a prior criminal history must engage in a “Fitness Determination” process to have their eligibility reviewed by the Commission before proceeding with the examination. This proactive step helps individuals with past issues clarify their standing and receive approval from GREC.
Completing Pre-License Education
Once the initial requirements are met, candidates must enroll in and successfully complete a pre-licensing education course. Georgia mandates that aspiring salespersons complete a minimum of 75 hours of instruction from a school approved by the Georgia Real Estate Commission. This course covers a broad curriculum, including property ownership, valuation, financing, contracts, agency relationships, and relevant Georgia license law.
The course can be taken through various formats, such as traditional classroom settings or self-paced online platforms, depending on the approved provider. Students must pass the provider’s final examination to receive a Certificate of Completion. This final exam is typically proctored and requires a minimum passing score of 72% to qualify the candidate to take the state licensing examination.
Passing the Georgia Licensing Exam
After successfully completing the pre-license course, the next hurdle is passing the state licensing examination, which is administered by a testing service. The examination is a comprehensive, multiple-choice test consisting of 152 questions that must be completed within a four-hour time limit. This exam is divided into two distinct sections: a National portion covering general real estate principles and a State portion focused on Georgia-specific laws and practices.
Candidates must achieve a minimum score of 72% on each of the two sections to pass. Upon completion, the testing supervisor provides a score report, and successful candidates receive a Certification of Accuracy Statement required for the license application. If a candidate fails, they can reschedule and retake the exam, though a new fee is required for each attempt.
The Application and Broker Affiliation
Passing the state exam is a significant achievement, but it is followed immediately by the formal application process to GREC. The applicant must apply for their license within 12 months of the date they passed the state examination, or the examination results will expire, requiring a retake. The application can be submitted at the testing center after 2:00 PM on the day the exam is passed or at a later date.
Georgia law requires that a salesperson’s license be held by a sponsoring broker to be activated for practice. This means the applicant must affiliate with an active, licensed Georgia broker who will submit a Sponsoring Broker Statement Form with the application. Securing this affiliation allows the new agent to legally conduct real estate activities under the broker’s supervision. Applying within 90 days of passing the exam incurs a lower application fee.
Understanding Post-License Education and Renewal
The educational requirements do not end once the initial license is issued; new agents must complete a mandatory 25-hour Post-Licensing Course. This specific course must be completed within the first year of licensure to prevent the license from lapsing. The course is designed to provide practical instruction for new licensees and is distinct from general continuing education.
For long-term maintenance, all licensees are subject to ongoing Continuing Education (CE) requirements. Agents must complete 36 hours of CE every four years to renew their license. Three of the 36 hours must be specifically focused on Georgia license law. The initial 25-hour post-license course counts for nine hours toward the first 36-hour CE requirement.
Costs and Timeline for Getting Licensed
The financial and time investment required to become a licensed agent in Georgia varies based on individual pace and educational choices. Total estimated costs range from $500 to $1,000 to cover the mandatory fees and initial education. The 75-hour pre-licensing course is the largest expense, costing between $150 and $700 depending on the school and format selected.
The state licensing exam fee is approximately $119 per attempt. The initial license application fee is $170 if submitted within 90 days of passing the exam. Additional costs include the mandatory background check and fingerprinting fees, which are typically $25 to $38. The entire process, from the start of the pre-license course to the issuance of an active license, generally takes between three and six months, depending on how quickly the candidate completes the coursework, schedules the state exam, and secures a sponsoring broker affiliation.