Licensing & state law

How to become a real estate agent in Arizona

To get a Arizona real estate license you must be 18+, complete 90 hours of state-approved pre-license education, pass the Pearson VUE salesperson exam, clear a background check and join a sponsoring broker. Expect to spend about $870–$1,740 and 2–5 months. Requirements are set by the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE).

SOBy Samuel Okonkwo
Property Investment Analyst

LVReviewed by Lena Voss
Housing Market Editor

Published May 20, 2026 · Updated July 8, 2026

Pre-license hours

State-approved

Licensing exam

Pearson VUE

Salesperson

Est. all-in cost

$870+

Course + fees

Typical timeline

2–5 mo

To activation

The Arizona path, step by step

1/ 6

Meet the basic eligibility

Be at least 18 years old and hold a high-school diploma or equivalent. Some steps in Arizona also require legal U.S. residency or work authorization.

2/ 6

Complete 90 hours of approved pre-license education

Arizona requires 90 classroom or online hours from a state-approved real estate school before you can sit for the exam.

3/ 6

Pass the Arizona licensing exam

Sit the salesperson exam (Pearson VUE). It covers national real estate principles plus Arizona-specific law. Most candidates need a scaled score around 70–75% to pass.

4/ 6

Complete a background check / fingerprinting

Submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check as required by the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE).

5/ 6

Find a sponsoring broker

A new Arizona salesperson must hang their license with a licensed sponsoring broker before they can practice.

6/ 6

Submit your application & activate

File your license application and fees with the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE), then activate under your broker to start representing clients.

Official source

Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE)

Visit →

A Arizona real estate license lets you represent buyers and sellers and earn commission on closed transactions. Once licensed, see what agents actually earn in Arizona agent salary, and explore the state's active markets below. Licensing rules change — always confirm the current requirements directly with the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE).

Arizona markets

Phoenix, AZ real estate market→Tucson, AZ real estate market→Scottsdale, AZ real estate market→

Arizona real estate license FAQ

How many hours of education do you need to get a real estate license in Arizona?

Arizona requires 90 hours of state-approved pre-license education before you can take the salesperson exam. The coursework covers national real estate principles plus Arizona-specific law and can be completed in a classroom or online through a state-approved school.

How much does a Arizona real estate license cost?

Budget roughly $870–$1,740 all-in for Arizona. That covers pre-license coursework, the exam fee, fingerprinting and background check, and the application and licensing fees. Exact amounts are set by the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) and vary by school.

How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Arizona?

Most people finish the 90-hour Arizona coursework, pass the salesperson exam and activate under a broker in about 2–5 months. Your pace through the required hours and exam scheduling are the two biggest factors in how fast you finish.

Do you need a college degree to get a real estate license in Arizona?

No. Arizona does not require a college degree to become a licensed real estate agent. You need to be at least 18, hold a high-school diploma or equivalent, and complete the 90 hours of approved pre-license education before sitting the exam.

Who regulates real estate agents in Arizona?

The Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) issues licenses and sets the rules for Arizona real estate salespeople and brokers, including education, exam, background-check and renewal requirements. It is the authoritative source for current Arizona licensing rules.

Pre-license hours and the regulating authority for Arizona are compiled from public state requirements and can change. Cost and timeline are estimates. Always verify current rules with the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) before enrolling.

Lena Voss Housing Market Editor

Lena Voss is a housing market editor who fact-checks WealthyBud's market and housing-policy coverage against primary government sources before publication. She focuses on keeping metro-level statistics current as new data releases land.