How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Arizona

Embarking on a new career as a real estate agent can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking endeavor. It helps to understand all the required steps ahead of time. To become a real estate agent in Arizona, prospective applicants should be 18 years of age. In addition, there are several other requirements for getting an Arizona real estate salesperson license.

6 Steps to Get Your Real Estate License in Arizona:

1. Provide proof of residency in the United States to the Arizona Department of Real Estate
2. Complete a Disciplinary Actions Disclosure
3. Complete 90 hours of approved real estate education
4. Obtain a fingerprint clearance card from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS)
5. Take a contract writing class
6. Pass the Arizona Salesperson Real Estate exam

1. Complete Pre-License Education

Once you’ve confirmed you are eligible to apply for an Arizona real estate license, you must take 90 hours of pre-licensing education in-classroom or online from an Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE)-approved real estate school. An online real estate education program may cost between $400–$600. You'll need a pre-licensing education certificate to take the Arizona real estate exam.

2. Obtain a Fingerprint Clearance Card

To apply for an Arizona real estate salesperson license, applicants must submit an Arizona fingerprint clearance card. The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues Fingerprint Clearance Cards (FCC).

3. Take the Arizona Real Estate Licensing Exam

Once you meet the real estate education requirements, you can apply for the Arizona real estate licensing exam. The fee for an Arizona real estate salesperson license examination is $75. The fee for a first-time license is an additional $60. The Arizona real estate exam has two parts. One covers general real estate knowledge, while the other focuses on specific Arizona laws and regulations.

4. Pass the Contract Writing Class

Once Arizona real estate salesperson applicants pass both the general and Arizona-specific parts of the test, they must complete a six-hour continuing education contract writing class before getting their real estate license. This teaches them how to negotiate contracts that will work in their clients' favor.

5. Work with a Designated Broker

Once newly licensed Arizona real estate agents pass both the licensing exam and the contract writing class, the next step is to work under a designated broker. Your broker will help you acclimate to being an active Arizona real estate salesperson. They can answer your questions and guide you during your first sales.

6. Submit Forms to the Arizona Department of Real Estate

Once you complete all the exam requirements, make sure you have all the forms we listed above and submit your application to the ADRE. If everything looks good, you'll have your license in no time.

7. Optional: Earn the REALTOR Designation

After completing the required education and becoming certified to practice real estate, you will need to find a local association of Realtors in your area. There are more than 25 associations in Arizona, split by location.

Your real estate firm's principals must join your local association first before agents and real estate agents can join. If you are a sole proprietor or the major shareholder of your company, you may join yourself.

The steps to join may vary by association but generally include applying and paying membership fees.

What Is the Difference Between an Arizona Real Estate Agent and A Realtor?

A real estate agent is a person certified in Arizona to help people or companies buy and sell properties. A Realtor is a real estate agent (or broker) who has joined their local chapter of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and gained access to a wide range of resources, including training and networking.

Enjoy Your New Real Estate Career

The process of becoming an Arizona real estate salesperson is no small feat, but it will pay off with financial gains, a flexible schedule, and uncapped income potential.