Licensing & state law

How to become a real estate agent in Arkansas

To get a Arkansas real estate license you must be 18+, complete 60 hours of state-approved pre-license education, pass the PSI salesperson exam, clear a background check and join a sponsoring broker. Expect to spend about $780–$1,560 and 2–5 months. Requirements are set by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC).

MBBy Marcus Bell
Real Estate Market Analyst
NWReviewed by Naomi Whitfield
Real Estate Data Analyst
Published May 20, 2026 · Updated July 8, 2026
Pre-license hours
60
State-approved
Licensing exam
PSI
Salesperson
Est. all-in cost
$780+
Course + fees
Typical timeline
2–5 mo
To activation
The Arkansas 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 Arkansas also require legal U.S. residency or work authorization.

2/ 6

Complete 60 hours of approved pre-license education

Arkansas requires 60 classroom or online hours from a state-approved real estate school before you can sit for the exam.

3/ 6

Pass the Arkansas licensing exam

Sit the salesperson exam (PSI). It covers national real estate principles plus Arkansas-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 Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC).

5/ 6

Find a sponsoring broker

A new Arkansas 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 Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC), then activate under your broker to start representing clients.

Official source

Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC)

Visit →

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

Arkansas markets
Little Rock, AR real estate market→

Arkansas real estate license FAQ

How many hours of education do you need to get a real estate license in Arkansas?
Arkansas requires 60 hours of state-approved pre-license education before you can take the salesperson exam. The coursework covers national real estate principles plus Arkansas-specific law and can be completed in a classroom or online through a state-approved school.
How much does a Arkansas real estate license cost?
Budget roughly $780–$1,560 all-in for Arkansas. That covers pre-license coursework, the exam fee, fingerprinting and background check, and the application and licensing fees. Exact amounts are set by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) and vary by school.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Arkansas?
Most people finish the 60-hour Arkansas 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 Arkansas?
No. Arkansas 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 60 hours of approved pre-license education before sitting the exam.
Who regulates real estate agents in Arkansas?
The Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) issues licenses and sets the rules for Arkansas real estate salespeople and brokers, including education, exam, background-check and renewal requirements. It is the authoritative source for current Arkansas licensing rules.
Pre-license hours and the regulating authority for Arkansas are compiled from public state requirements and can change. Cost and timeline are estimates. Always verify current rules with the Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) before enrolling.
NW

Naomi Whitfield Real Estate Data Analyst

Naomi Whitfield is a real estate data analyst who builds metro-level price, inventory and days-on-market datasets from public MLS aggregates and county records. She reviews WealthyBud's market pages for data accuracy before they publish.