Licensing & state law

How to become a real estate agent in Colorado

To get a Colorado real estate license you must be 18+, complete 168 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 $1,104–$2,208 and 2–5 months. Requirements are set by the Colorado Division of Real Estate (DORA).

JLBy Jasper Lindqvist
Commercial Real Estate Analyst
LVReviewed by Lena Voss
Housing Market Editor
Published May 20, 2026 · Updated July 8, 2026
Pre-license hours
168
State-approved
Licensing exam
PSI
Salesperson
Est. all-in cost
$1,104+
Course + fees
Typical timeline
2–5 mo
To activation
The Colorado 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 Colorado also require legal U.S. residency or work authorization.

2/ 6

Complete 168 hours of approved pre-license education

Colorado requires 168 classroom or online hours from a state-approved real estate school before you can sit for the exam.

3/ 6

Pass the Colorado licensing exam

Sit the salesperson exam (PSI). It covers national real estate principles plus Colorado-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 Colorado Division of Real Estate (DORA).

5/ 6

Find a sponsoring broker

A new Colorado 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 Colorado Division of Real Estate (DORA), then activate under your broker to start representing clients.

Official source

Colorado Division of Real Estate (DORA)

Visit →

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

Colorado markets
Denver, CO real estate market→Colorado Springs, CO real estate market→Aspen, CO real estate market→Vail, CO real estate market→Telluride, CO real estate market→Steamboat Springs, CO real estate market→

Colorado real estate license FAQ

How many hours of education do you need to get a real estate license in Colorado?
Colorado requires 168 hours of state-approved pre-license education before you can take the salesperson exam. The coursework covers national real estate principles plus Colorado-specific law and can be completed in a classroom or online through a state-approved school.
How much does a Colorado real estate license cost?
Budget roughly $1,104–$2,208 all-in for Colorado. That covers pre-license coursework, the exam fee, fingerprinting and background check, and the application and licensing fees. Exact amounts are set by the Colorado Division of Real Estate (DORA) and vary by school.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Colorado?
Most people finish the 168-hour Colorado 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 Colorado?
No. Colorado 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 168 hours of approved pre-license education before sitting the exam.
Who regulates real estate agents in Colorado?
The Colorado Division of Real Estate (DORA) issues licenses and sets the rules for Colorado real estate salespeople and brokers, including education, exam, background-check and renewal requirements. It is the authoritative source for current Colorado licensing rules.
Pre-license hours and the regulating authority for Colorado are compiled from public state requirements and can change. Cost and timeline are estimates. Always verify current rules with the Colorado Division of Real Estate (DORA) before enrolling.
LV

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.