Key Takeaways
- Getting your Arizona real estate license takes 2–6 months from enrollment to active license, depending on your schedule.
- The total cost to get licensed runs approximately ~$751–~$1,101, including courses, exam fees, and the license application.
- You must score 75% or higher to pass the Arizona real estate exam—ASREB students pass on their first attempt at 74%, compared to 64% at all other Arizona schools.*
- Arizona does not require a college degree or prior real estate experience to qualify.
Source: ASREB pass rate of 74% sourced from ASREB published data as of December 2025. Other schools’ pass rates not independently published. Visit our Arizona real estate school comparison for more information.
Becoming a real estate agent in Arizona is one of the more accessible career changes available—no college degree required, no prior industry experience needed, and the entire licensing process can be completed in under six months. The state requires 90 hours of pre-licensing education, a fingerprint clearance, a state exam, and a license application. That’s it.
This guide walks you through every step in the exact order you need to complete them, with current fees, realistic timelines, and everything you need to know about choosing the right school to pass on your first try.
Arizona Real Estate License Requirements at a Glance
Before you start, confirm you meet Arizona’s basic eligibility requirements. Per the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE):
- You must be at least 18 years old at the time of application (you can begin coursework before your 18th birthday)
- You must be a U.S. citizen or have legal alien status
- You must be able to obtain a Fingerprint Clearance Card from the Arizona Department of Public Safety
A note on criminal history: Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions—including felonies and specific misdemeanors involving theft, forgery, fraud, violence, or moral turpitude—may prevent licensure. The ADRE reviews each application individually. If you have items to disclose, review the ADRE’s disciplinary actions resources before enrolling, so you have a clear picture of your eligibility.
How Long Does It Take to Get Your Arizona Real Estate License?
Most students complete the full process in 2–4 months. The table below shows realistic timelines based on how much time you can commit per week.
| Schedule | Coursework | Exam prep + state exam | Fingerprint + application | Total estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (fast-track) | 9–14 days | 2–3 weeks | 3–6 weeks | 6–10 weeks |
| Part-time evenings/weekends | 6–9 weeks | 2–3 weeks | 3–6 weeks | 3–4 months |
| Flexible / self-paced | 10–24 weeks | 2–3 weeks | 3–6 weeks | 4–6 months |
The fingerprint clearance card is the most variable part—the Arizona Department of Public Safety processing time is outside your control. Start that process as early in your coursework as possible.
See our full guide: How Long Does It Take to Get Your Arizona Real Estate License?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Arizona Real Estate License?
Here’s a complete breakdown of all fees you’ll encounter:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-licensing course (Essentials package) | $549 |
| Pre-licensing course (Professional Package) | $689 |
| Fingerprint Clearance Card (DPS fee) | $67 |
| State exam fee (PearsonVUE) | $75 |
| License application fee (ADRE) | $60 |
| Total (Essentials course) | ~$751 |
| Total (Professional) | ~$891 |
Financing is available through Affirm—you can break your course cost into low monthly payments. Learn more about financing options.
See our full cost guide: How Much Does It Cost to Get an Arizona Real Estate License?
6 Steps to Get Your Arizona Real Estate License
Step 1: Meet Arizona’s basic eligibility requirements
5 minutes to confirm
5 minutes to confirm
Before enrolling in any course, verify you meet ADRE’s eligibility criteria: age 18+, U.S. citizen or legal alien, and no disqualifying criminal history. If you have a criminal history to disclose, review the ADRE’s requirements before investing in coursework.
You can begin your pre-licensing courses before turning 18—you just can’t apply for your license until you’re 18.
Step 2: Enroll in and complete your 90-hour pre-licensing course
9 days (fast-track classroom) to 24 weeks (self-paced online)
9 days (fast-track classroom) to 24 weeks (self-paced online)
The ADRE requires all salesperson applicants to complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education from a state-approved school. ASREB offers all required coursework in three formats:
- Self-paced online—study anytime, anywhere, on your schedule. 6 months of access.
- Livestream—instructor-led via Zoom on a set schedule. Options include 3.5-week morning programs, 6-week evening programs, and 9-week Saturday programs.
- In-person classroom—available at ASREB’s Scottsdale, Glendale, and Chandler campuses. Complete in as few as 9 days.
You can mix and match formats—if you miss a session, reschedule it in a different format without losing progress.
Important ADRE rules:
- You have 6 months from your enrollment date to complete the 90-hour course and pass your school exam
- You cannot receive credit for more than 10 hours (2 sessions) per day
- The 90-hour course and school exam must be completed before you can sit for the state exam
Step 3: Complete the fingerprinting process
Same-day appointment + 3–6 weeks for DPS processing
Same-day appointment + 3–6 weeks for DPS processing
Arizona requires a Fingerprint Clearance Card issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) as part of your background check. You do NOT need this card to begin your classes—but start the process early, because DPS processing takes several weeks and is outside your control.
Two ways to complete fingerprinting:
Option A—Through ASREB (easiest): Walk into ASREB’s Scottsdale or Glendale office and complete the process in person. See fingerprinting details
Option B—Independently: Submit your fingerprint cards and the non-IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card Application to the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Mail to: Arizona Department of Public Safety, PO Box 18390, Phoenix, AZ 85005-8390
What to include in your application packet:
- DPS Application (white copy only)
- Fingerprint card
- $67 fee (cashier’s check, money order, or business account check payable to AZ Department of Public Safety)
Disciplinary disclosure: In addition to fingerprinting, Arizona requires all applicants to disclose past disciplinary actions or legal issues using Form LI-214/244. If you have items to disclose, also complete the Disclosure Document Checklist Form LI-400 with supporting documentation. Be thorough and honest—the ADRE reviews each application individually.
Step 4: Pass the Arizona real estate salesperson exam
2–3 weeks of focused exam prep + exam day
2–3 weeks of focused exam prep + exam day
Once you’ve completed your 90-hour pre-licensing course and passed the school exam, you’re eligible to sit for the state licensing exam, administered by PearsonVUE.
Exam details:
- Fee: $75 (paid when scheduling)
- Schedule at: home.pearsonvue.com/az/realestate
- Passing score: 75% or higher
- What to bring: Two forms of current signature ID (one government-issued photo ID) + your 90-hour Education Certificate from ASREB
The honest numbers: The Arizona real estate exam has a first-time pass rate of approximately 60% statewide. ASREB students pass on their first attempt at 74%—compared to 64% at all other Arizona schools.* That gap is the direct result of ASREB’s CompuCram exam prep program and instructor-led Exam Crammer course, both included in our higher-tier packages.
Source: ASREB pass rate of 74% sourced from ASREB published data as of December 2025. Other schools’ pass rates not independently published. Visit our Arizona real estate school comparison for more information.You can retake the exam as many times as needed. Each retake requires a new $75 fee. The strongest preparation strategy: use CompuCram until you’re consistently scoring above 80% on simulated exams before booking your test date.
Step 5: Complete the 6-hour Introduction to Contract Writing course
1 day
1 day
Arizona requires a separate 6-hour contract writing course in addition to the 90-hour pre-licensing program. This course is available after you complete the 90-hour program and pass the state exam—but before you submit your license application.
ASREB includes this course in all pre-licensing packages. It’s available in self-paced online, in-person, and livestream formats.
Step 6: Submit your Arizona salesperson license application
1–2 hours to prepare, then ADRE processing time
1–2 hours to prepare, then ADRE processing time
After passing the state exam, PearsonVUE will email you the Salesperson License Application and instructions. Submit your complete application to the ADRE through their online message center.
Complete application checklist:
- Salesperson Application + $60 license fee
- Arizona Exam Score Report from PearsonVUE
- Pre-Licensure Education Certificate (90-hour certificate from ASREB with authorized signature)
- Proof of Legal Presence (front and back)
- Disciplinary Actions Disclosure Form (LI-214/244)
- Disclosure Document Checklist Form (LI-400) + documentation if applicable
- DPS-issued Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card (front and back)
- 6-Hour Introduction to Contract Writing Course Certificate from ASREB
Critical deadline: Your salesperson license application must be submitted within one year of passing the state exam. Miss that window and you’ll need to retake the exam.
What Happens After You Get Licensed?
Passing the exam and submitting your application isn’t the finish line—it’s the starting line. Here’s what comes next.
Finding a sponsoring broker
In Arizona, you cannot practice real estate independently as a new agent—you must work under a licensed designated broker. Your broker provides supervision, mentorship, and compliance oversight. This relationship is worth taking seriously: the brokerage you choose directly affects your commission splits, training quality, and first-year income.
ASREB hosts free monthly Virtual Career Expos where you can meet with brokers actively hiring new agents. We also offer a Broker Marketplace where you can search and connect with brokerages across Arizona. A Broker Interviewing Workshop is also available to help you understand commission structures, training programs, and what to ask before you sign.
Continuing education requirements
Once licensed, Arizona requires you to complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years to renew. New agents (first renewal) are required to complete 18 hours within the first two years. ASREB’s Ultimate Learning package includes the 18-hour CE package at no additional charge.
As of January 1, 2025, renewal CE must include specific hours in fire/water damage, deed fraud, and related topics per updated ADRE requirements.
Your earning potential
Full-time Arizona real estate agents earn an average of $162,500 per year, based on data from ASREB’s 2025 alumni survey. Part-time agents working fewer than 20 hours per week typically earn under $25K. The spread is wide and entirely dependent on effort, niche, and market.
See the full breakdown: How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in Arizona?
Why Choose ASREB for Your Arizona Real Estate License?
Arizona has multiple ADRE-approved real estate schools. Here’s what separates ASREB:
| ASREB | Other Arizona schools | |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate exam pass rate | 74%* | 64% average* |
| Years in operation | 55+ (est. 1969) | Varies |
| Learning formats | Online, livestream, in-person, or mix | Typically one format |
| Instructor access | 100+ instructors, live Q&A, 1-on-1 email | Limited or email-only |
| Exam prep included | CompuCram + live Crammer course (higher packages) | Varies |
| Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee | ✓ (state exam fee refunded if you don’t pass first try) | Rarely offered |
| Career support | Career Expos, Broker Marketplace, Interviewing Workshop | Rarely offered |
| CE included | 18-hour CE package in Ultimate Learning | Rarely included |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an Arizona real estate license?
Most students complete the full process—coursework, state exam, fingerprint clearance, and license application—in 2 to 4 months. The fastest path is ASREB’s in-person fast-track program, which completes the 90-hour coursework in as few as 9 days. The variable in your timeline is fingerprint clearance card processing through the Arizona Department of Public Safety, which typically takes 3 to 6 weeks and is outside your control. Start that process early in your coursework.
How much does it cost to get an Arizona real estate license?
The total cost runs approximately ~$751 to ~$1,101, depending on which course package you choose. This includes: pre-licensing courses ($549–$899 at ASREB), the DPS fingerprint fee ($67), the PearsonVUE state exam fee ($75), and the ADRE license application fee ($60). Financing is available through Affirm.
How hard is the Arizona real estate exam?
The Arizona real estate exam has a statewide first-time pass rate of approximately 60%. ASREB students pass on their first attempt at 74%, compared to 64% at all other Arizona schools (ADRE, Q4 2021 data). You need to score 75% or higher to pass. The exam is challenging, but students who use quality exam prep tools—particularly CompuCram’s simulated exams—consistently outperform the state average.
Do I need a college degree to get an Arizona real estate license?
No. Arizona does not require any educational prerequisites beyond the 90-hour pre-licensing course and 6-hour contract writing course. Students come from all educational backgrounds.
Can I take the Arizona real estate pre-licensing course online?
Yes. ASREB offers the full 90-hour pre-licensing course in three formats: self-paced online (study anytime), livestream (instructor-led via Zoom on a set schedule), and in-person classroom. You can also mix and match formats throughout your coursework—depending on which package you purchase.
What score do I need to pass the Arizona real estate exam?
You must score 75% or higher on the PearsonVUE state licensing exam to pass. The exam covers national real estate principles and Arizona-specific laws and regulations. If you don’t pass, you can retake it—each attempt requires a new $75 exam fee.
Can I take my real estate classes before turning 18?
Yes. You can begin and complete your pre-licensing coursework before you turn 18. However, you must be at least 18 years old at the time you apply for your license with the ADRE.
What if I have a criminal record—can I still get an Arizona real estate license?
Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions may prevent licensure. Felonies and specific misdemeanors—including theft, forgery, fraud, violence, and crimes of moral turpitude—are reviewed individually by the ADRE. If you have a history to disclose, review the ADRE’s requirements and recent disciplinary actions at azre.gov before enrolling in classes.
Do I need a fingerprint clearance card before I can start my real estate classes?
No. You do not need your fingerprint clearance card to begin or complete your coursework. However, you will need it before you can submit your license application to the ADRE. Start the fingerprint process early in your studies—DPS processing typically takes 3 to 6 weeks.
What is the 6-hour contract writing course and when do I take it?
The Introduction to Contract Writing is a separate 6-hour course required by the ADRE in addition to the 90-hour pre-licensing program. You complete it after finishing the 90-hour course and passing the state exam, but before submitting your license application. ASREB includes this course in all pre-licensing packages.
How soon do I need to submit my license application after passing the exam?
You must submit your completed salesperson license application to the ADRE within one year of passing the state exam. If you miss this deadline, you will need to retake the exam.
Does ASREB help with job placement after I get licensed?
Yes. ASREB offers free monthly Virtual Career Expos where you can meet with hiring brokers, a Broker Marketplace where you can search and connect with Arizona brokerages, and a Broker Interviewing Skills Workshop that covers what to look for in a brokerage and how to negotiate commission splits.