| Requirement | Ohio |
|---|---|
| Pre-license education | 120 hours |
| Exam administrator | PSI |
| License / application fee | n/a |
| Exam fee | n/a |
| Regulator | Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing |
| Payroll-employed agents (BLS) | 5,130 |
| Agent median pay (BLS May 2025) | $46,240 |
Licensing & state law
How to become a real estate agent in Ohio
To get an Ohio real estate salesperson license you complete 120 hours of state-approved pre-license education, pass the PSI-administered exam, clear a background check and affiliate with a sponsoring broker. The Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing sets the rules and issues the license.
What are the requirements for a Ohio real estate license?
Ohio requires 120 hours of approved pre-license education, a passing score on the PSI salesperson exam, a background check and sponsorship by a licensed broker. The table lists each requirement, the published fees WealthyBud could source and the regulator.
What are the steps to get licensed in Ohio?
Getting licensed in Ohio takes six steps: meet eligibility, finish 120 hours of pre-license education, pass the PSI exam, clear a background check, affiliate with a sponsoring broker, then apply and activate with the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing.
1/ 6
Meet the basic eligibility
Be at least 18 and hold a high-school diploma or equivalent; the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing lists any residency or other conditions.
2/ 6
Complete 120 hours of pre-license education
Ohio requires 120 hours from a state-approved real estate school, in a classroom or online.
3/ 6
Pass the Ohio salesperson exam
The exam is administered by PSI and covers national real estate principles plus Ohio law.
4/ 6
Clear the background check
Submit fingerprints or a criminal-history check as required by the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing.
5/ 6
Affiliate with a sponsoring broker
A new Ohio salesperson must work under a licensed broker before practicing.
6/ 6
Apply and activate the license
File the application and pay the license fee to the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing, then activate under your broker.
How much does an Ohio real estate license cost?
Ohio's published costs in WealthyBud's sources are: license fee: n/a (not published in our sources); exam fee: n/a. Pre-license course tuition is set by each school and is not regulated, so it is not listed. Confirm every fee with the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing before applying.
How much do licensed agents earn in Ohio?
Payroll-employed real estate sales agents in Ohio earned a median of $46,240 in May 2025 (BLS); the bottom 10% earned under $29,990. See the full Ohio agent salary breakdown.
What are Ohio’s housing markets like for new agents?
WealthyBud tracks 41 Ohio housing markets. Their median listing prices have a midpoint of $248,450 as of September 2026, from $176,500 in Tiffin to $399,950 in Mount Vernon; 21 of 41 are below last year's asking price.
| Market | Median list price | YoY | Days on market | Active listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus, OH | $374,950 | 0.0% | 48 | 4,913 |
| Cincinnati, OH | $347,000 | +0.9% | 44 | 4,868 |
| Cleveland, OH | $259,900 | 0.0% | 44 | 4,417 |
| Dayton, OH | $244,363 | -2.2% | 45 | 2,012 |
| Akron, OH | $233,750 | -5.5% | 43 | 1,241 |
All tracked markets: Ohio housing market hub.
Ohio real estate license FAQ
How many hours of education do you need for a real estate license in Ohio?
Ohio requires 120 hours of state-approved pre-license education before the salesperson exam, according to WealthyBud's compilation of Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing requirements.
How much does an Ohio real estate license cost?
Published fees in WealthyBud's sources: license fee: n/a (not published in our sources); exam fee: n/a. Course tuition varies by school. The Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing publishes the current fee schedule.
Who administers the Ohio real estate exam?
PSI administers the Ohio salesperson exam.
Do you need a college degree to get a real estate license in Ohio?
No. Ohio requires pre-license education and a passing exam score, not a college degree. You must generally be 18 with a high-school diploma or equivalent.
Who regulates real estate agents in Ohio?
The Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing licenses and regulates Ohio real estate salespersons and brokers and is the authoritative source for current rules.
Licensing rules and fees change. Always confirm current requirements with the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing before enrolling.