Licensing & state law

How to become a real estate agent in Arizona

Everything it takes to get licensed in Arizona — 90 hours of pre-license education, the Pearson VUE exam, background check, a sponsoring broker and the real cost. Requirements set by the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE).

Pre-license hours
90
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 licensing FAQs

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.
How much does a Arizona real estate license cost?
Budget roughly $870–$1,740 all-in for Arizona: pre-license coursework, the exam fee, background check and application/licensing fees. Exact fees are set by the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE).
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Arizona?
Most people finish the 90-hour Arizona coursework, pass the exam and activate in about 2–5 months, depending on study pace and scheduling.
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.
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.