When learning how to become a real estate agent in Georgia, remember that you must take a 75-hour pre-license course
Getting your real estate agent license in Georgia may seem overwhelming.
The Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC) has numerous requirements, plus there are practice tests, and even a criminal background check.
Nnce you break down these requirements into steps, the process is a lot clearer. If you prepare properly, you should get your license without any problems.
That’s where we come in.
In this article, we will break down how to become a real estate agent in Georgia. We will also look into how much time and money it should take.
Here is everything you need to know.
How to become a real estate agent in Georgia
The steps for getting your real estate license depend on which state you live in. For example, different guidelines apply if you want to get licensed in neighboring Florida. In the Peach State, the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC) requires you to complete nine steps to get a real estate agent license:
- meet minimum requirements
- earn high school diploma
- finish pre-licensing course
- complete course final exam
- undergo background check
- pass licensing exam
- apply for license
- find sponsoring broker
- finish post-licensing education
To help you in your journey to become a real estate agent in Georgia, let’s break down each of these steps.
1. Meet minimum requirements
To become a licensed real estate agent in Georgia, you must meet the minimum requirements for the state and your region.
The GREC requires that you be at least 18 years old to be a real estate agent. While you can sit for your exam at 17, you must be 18 before you get your license.
Depending on your region within Georgia, you may need other qualifications, such as having no felony charges in your background, for instance.
2. Earn high school diploma
To get your real estate agent license in Georgia, you must have a high school diploma or GED.
A high school diploma will help you learn the fundamentals of real estate skills, such as applied mathematics and reading comprehension.
3. Finish pre-licensing course
Beyond the minimum requirements listed above, you must complete a 75-hour pre-licensing course, which is required by the state. Numerous organizations offer pre-licensing courses, and most of the organizations offer online classes that you can finish at your own pace.
If you have already completed a 75-hour pre-licensing course in another state (or Canadian province), you can include this instead as part of your Georgia real estate license.
You can also choose an alternative path. You can take courses through an accredited university, college, or law school in either the US or Canada. If you go this route, you must take at least 10 quarter hours (or six semester hours) of eligible coursework. The coursework must be related to real estate, agencies, property, or contracts.
How does pre-licensing in Georgia compare to other states? In Texas, you'll need to complete 180 hours of pre-licensing courses.
4. Complete course final exam
Next, you must pass the final exam offered through your pre-licensing course. According to GREC requirements, you must answer at least 72% of the questions correctly to qualify for the statewide real estate licensing exam.
Testing protocols can vary, depending on the organization administering your pre-licensing course. For instance, you may be able to take some of these courses online, while others require you to complete them in person.
5. Undergo background check
You can get a background check from the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC). Your background check remains valid for up to 60 days prior to submitting your real estate licensing application. You can receive this background check from a local sheriff’s office or police department.
6. Pass licensing exam
Next, you must successfully complete the Georgia Real Estate Salesperson licensing exam, which you can take practice tests for. The exam is administered by Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP). To pass this licensing exam, you must score at least 72%.
7. Apply for license
You must then submit your real estate licensing application to the GREC, which you can do by sending your application to any PSI testing center in Georgia. You can submit your application any time within 12 months of passing your state licensing exam.
8. Find sponsoring broker
After applying for your license, look for a valid real estate broker to act as your sponsoring broker. This person must be operational in the state of Georgia. Technically, you can get a real estate agent license without a sponsoring broker. However, having one gives you the ability to hold an active licensing state.
If you pass your real estate licensing exam and meet all the other qualifications, you can apply for your license on the same day at the testing center. To do this, you must have a sponsoring broker. You also have to bring proof of employment to the exam center.
9. Complete post-licensing education
As your final step to becoming a real estate agent in Georgia, you must complete post-licensing education. Within the first year of earning your real estate agent license, you must complete 25 hours of post-licensing continuing education. Remember: this is another GREC requirement.
Finally, to maintain your real estate agent license in Georgia, you must take 36 hours of continuing education coursework every four years.
Once these steps are completed, you are ready to get into real estate.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in GA?
How long it takes you to become a real estate agent in Georgia depends on multiple factors. It will likely take you between 4 and 6 months to finish the pre-licensing course, undergo the background check, pass the licensing exam, and get your license.
If you want to secure a sponsoring broker and receive an active licensing status, the process may take longer. Another factor to consider here is whether you first need to get your high school diploma or GED.
How much does it cost to become a real estate agent in GA?
The cost of becoming a real estate agent in Georgia depends on which school you decide to attend. The basic price range, however, is between $611 and $1,000+.
The most expensive—and important—expense is the real estate school. The price of real estate pre-license courses depends on both the package and the school that you choose. Here’s a breakdown the required fees:
How hard is the real estate exam in GA?
The real estate exam in Georgia can be difficult. However, with the right preparation, you do not have to feel intimidated by it.
Pay close attention during your pre-license training and study well. Putting in the necessary effort will mean you will likely pass on your first attempt.
To pass your Georgia real estate license exam, you must answer at least 75% of the questions correctly. You take the course final exam at the testing facility on a computer, with a proctor present. You can take the exam without having any typing skills or computer experience at all.
To help you pass the test, you can take the Georgia Real Estate Salesman exam prep course. This offers condensed study guides and thousands of practice questions that will prepare you for the real thing.
What are the 3 types of Georgia real estate license?
There are three types of real estate licenses in Georgia. These licenses include:
- broker license
- community association manager license
- salesperson license
Here is a look at each license type in more detail.
Broker license
The Georgia broker license enables you to perform the same tasks as a salesperson (more on that further down). The difference is that a broker can own and operate their own brokerage. Brokers can hire other salespeople to work in their brokerage.
Community association manager license
If you have a community association manager license, you are responsible for:
- collecting association dues
- controlling the association account
- coordinating the maintenance required for a property, along with managing its day-to-day operations
- disbursing funds from an account
Salesperson license
With a salesperson license in Georgia, you can provide professional real estate services. You also earn a commission for your services. And, as a real estate agent, you can help lease out properties by screening prospective clients and collecting rent.
Salespeople cannot, however, operate independently. That means you must be employed by a broker for three years minimum. After that period, you can study and apply for a broker license on your own.
How do you become a real estate agent in Georgia? Prepare.
To get your real estate license in Georgia, you will first need to understand the licensing requirements. It is also a good idea to follow a checklist so that you can be successful from the start. Once you understand the steps, you will be able to prepare. And once you are prepared, it should be relatively straightforward.
To find out more about how to become a real estate agent in Georgia, get in touch with one of the mortgage professionals we highlight in our Best in Mortgage section. Here you will find the top performing mortgage professionals across the USA.
Did you find these tips on how to get a real estate license in Georgia useful? What part of the profession are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comment section below.
