Licensing & state law

How to become a real estate agent in Vermont

Everything it takes to get licensed in Vermont — 40 hours of pre-license education, the Pearson VUE exam, background check, a sponsoring broker and the real cost. Requirements set by the Vermont Real Estate Commission.

Pre-license hours
40
State-approved
Licensing exam
Pearson VUE
Salesperson
Est. all-in cost
$720+
Course + fees
Typical timeline
2–5 mo
To activation
The Vermont 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 Vermont also require legal U.S. residency or work authorization.

2/ 6

Complete 40 hours of approved pre-license education

Vermont requires 40 classroom or online hours from a state-approved real estate school before you can sit for the exam.

3/ 6

Pass the Vermont licensing exam

Sit the salesperson exam (Pearson VUE). It covers national real estate principles plus Vermont-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 Vermont Real Estate Commission.

5/ 6

Find a sponsoring broker

A new Vermont 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 Vermont Real Estate Commission, then activate under your broker to start representing clients.

Official source

Vermont Real Estate Commission

Visit →

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

Vermont licensing FAQs

How many hours of education do you need to get a real estate license in Vermont?
Vermont requires 40 hours of state-approved pre-license education before you can take the salesperson exam.
How much does a Vermont real estate license cost?
Budget roughly $720–$1,440 all-in for Vermont: pre-license coursework, the exam fee, background check and application/licensing fees. Exact fees are set by the Vermont Real Estate Commission.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Vermont?
Most people finish the 40-hour Vermont coursework, pass the exam and activate in about 2–5 months, depending on study pace and scheduling.
Who regulates real estate agents in Vermont?
The Vermont Real Estate Commission issues licenses and sets the rules for Vermont real estate salespeople and brokers.
Pre-license hours and the regulating authority for Vermont are compiled from public state requirements and can change. Cost and timeline are estimates. Always verify current rules with the Vermont Real Estate Commission before enrolling.