A career in real estate in Missouri offers professionals the opportunity to help clients navigate one of the largest financial decisions of their lives. Securing a license with the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC) involves a structured path of education, examination, and administrative steps. This process ensures a high standard of professional competence. This guide details the requirements and procedures necessary to secure a real estate license in the state.
Confirming Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the foundational qualifications set by the MREC. An individual must be at least 18 years old to be eligible to apply for a real estate salesperson license in Missouri.
Aspiring agents must also successfully complete a mandatory background check. This procedure involves submitting fingerprints to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This process screens for any criminal history that could disqualify an applicant from holding a license.
The MREC requires full disclosure of any prior convictions, including those that may have been expunged or occurred in other states. While a conviction does not automatically bar an applicant, the Commission reviews each case individually. Transparency throughout the application process is necessary to determine the person’s fitness for licensure.
Completing Mandatory Pre-Licensing Education
The path toward licensure requires completing a rigorous educational component designed to equip agents with an understanding of real estate practice and law. Missouri mandates the successful completion of two distinct courses totaling 72 hours of instruction from an MREC-approved provider before an applicant can sit for the state licensing examination.
The first required segment is the 48-hour Pre-Examination Course. This course provides a broad overview of general real estate principles and practices. It covers subjects such as property ownership, land use controls, valuation and appraisal, and the transfer of title.
The second mandatory course is the 24-hour Missouri Real Estate Practice Course (MREP). This segment focuses on the state-level laws, regulations, and administrative rules that govern real estate activity within Missouri. Topics include agency relationships, contract preparation, ethical standards, and handling escrow accounts. Both the 48-hour and the 24-hour courses must be completed and passed before the MREC authorizes the applicant to take the licensing examination.
Passing the Missouri Real Estate Licensing Exam
After completing the mandatory education, applicants must successfully pass the comprehensive Missouri Real Estate Licensing Examination. The exam is administered by the state’s approved testing vendor, currently PSI. It is structured into two main components: a national section testing general real estate knowledge, and a state-specific section focusing on Missouri’s laws and regulations.
Candidates must pass both sections of the exam to qualify for a license, though the scores for each section are evaluated independently. Scheduling the exam requires coordination with PSI, and it is administered at various testing centers across the state. Once the MREC receives proof of course completion, the candidate is authorized to schedule the exam.
Applicants have a strict six-month window from the date of education completion to pass the licensing examination and submit their entire license application package to the MREC. Failing to meet this deadline requires the applicant to retake the 48-hour Pre-Examination Course before attempting the exam again.
Finding a Sponsoring Broker
A newly licensed salesperson cannot legally practice real estate independently. They must operate under the supervision of a licensed Missouri Real Estate Broker. This affiliation is a requirement for the license to be issued and activated by the MREC, as the broker assumes responsibility for the agent’s actions and provides oversight for all transactions.
Selecting the right sponsoring brokerage is an important business decision. New agents benefit from joining a firm that offers robust training programs, mentorship opportunities, and administrative support. The brokerage acts as the agent’s base of operations, providing access to resources, office space, and specialized industry knowledge. This relationship formally links the salesperson’s license to the broker’s license, which must be established before the MREC finalizes the licensing process.
Submitting the Final License Application
The final stage involves compiling and submitting a complete application package to the Missouri Real Estate Commission. This submission must include proof of successful completion for both the 48-hour and 24-hour pre-licensing courses, along with passing score reports for both sections of the licensing exam. A fully executed Broker Affiliation form is also required, confirming the new agent’s employment with a sponsoring broker.
The application must be accompanied by the required initial licensing fees, which cover the administrative costs of processing and issuing the official license certificate. All required documents must be submitted to the MREC within six months of the date the licensing examination was successfully passed. Failure to submit the complete application within this period requires the applicant to retake the state licensing examination.
Continuing Education and Renewal
Obtaining the initial license represents the beginning of a professional career requiring ongoing commitment to education and compliance. The Missouri Real Estate Commission operates on a two-year licensing cycle, and agents must actively renew their license to maintain their legal ability to practice. This renewal cycle ensures that practitioners remain current with changes in real estate law, technology, and market conditions.
To qualify for renewal, every active agent must complete a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education (CE) during each two-year licensing period. This required education includes a mandatory three hours of instruction dedicated to the MREC-designated Core curriculum. The Core curriculum focuses on topics important for consumer protection and professional standards.