How to Get an Alabama Real Estate License: Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a licensed real estate agent in Alabama can be an exciting career choice with promising rewards. 

Whether you’re looking to join a brokerage, start a real estate business, or help people find their dream homes, understanding the licensing process is crucial. 

This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get an Alabama real estate license and begin your journey as a real estate agent.

How to Get Your Real Estate License in Alabama

Before you can start selling properties or representing buyers and sellers in Alabama, you need to obtain a real estate license. 

The process involves several steps, each designed to ensure that you are well-prepared to enter the real estate market. 

Below is a detailed look at the requirements and steps you need to follow.

1. Meet the Prerequisites for an Alabama Real Estate License

Before you apply for your real estate license in Alabama, make sure you meet the following prerequisites:

• Must be at least 19 years old.
• A high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Must be a legal resident of the United States, permanent resident alien or legally present in the U.S. Non-residents need to submit a “Consent to Jurisdiction” form.
• Not have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude (It’s worth being aware that your application for an Alabama real estate license won’t be automatically rejected on the basis that you have a criminal record, though you’ll need to appear before the Commission.)
• Not have had a real estate application or license rejected or revoked in any state within the past two years.

2. Enroll in an Accredited Alabama Real Estate School

Enroll in a state-approved pre-license course that covers Alabama real estate laws, principles, and practices. 

This course consists of 60 hours of classroom or online learning and is essential to building your knowledge base as a future agent. 

The 60-hour pre-licensing course is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the real estate industry. 

Key topics covered in the course include:

• Real Estate Principles and Practices
• Real Estate Law and Regulations
• Real Estate Financing
• Property Valuation and Appraisal
• Contracts and Negotiations
• Agency Relationships and Fiduciary Duties
• Real Estate Math
• Ethics and Professional Responsibility

3. Schedule the Alabama Real Estate Salesperson Exam

After completing your pre-licensing education, you must schedule your real estate exam test date. To do so, visit the Pearson Vue website.

You must pass the real estate exam within 6-months of completing your pre-licensing program. So, act fast!

4. Pass the Alabama Real Estate Salesperson Exam

The exam is divided into two sections: the national portion and the Alabama state-specific portion.

This exam consists of approximately 100 multiple choice questions.

You’ll have 3.5 hours to complete both sections of the exam—2.5 hours for the national portion and 1 hour for the state portion.

You need to score at least 70% on both sections to pass.

Pearson Vue will send your exam results to the Alabama Real Estate Commission. You will find out your exam results immediately after taking the exam.

Our real estate crash course and exam prep program helps make studying for the exam easy. Instead of taking it multiple times (accruing fees each time) you can invest in a prep program that will help you pass the very first try.

5. Submit Your License Application

Once you pass the exam, submit your real estate license application to the Alabama Real Estate Commission (AREC). The application must be submitted within 90 days of passing your exam.

You can submit your license application online. 

Additionally, you must pass a background check. Alabama uses the Fieldprint for their fingerprinting service provider. Applicants must submit their background check in addition to their real estate license application.

Once your application and background check have been approved, you will receive email verification of your temporary license.

6. Find a Sponsoring Broker

By this step, you will have your Alabama real estate license. But to practice real estate, you must join a brokerage.

Choose a sponsoring broker that aligns with your career goals and offers support, training, and resources for new agents.

7. Complete the 30-Hour Post-License Course

To turn your temporary license into a permanent license, you must complete an additional 30-hour educational course.

This course is designed to further your education and help you succeed as a new agent. For active licensees, this must be completed within the first six months of receiving your temporary license, while inactive licensees have a year.

8. Activate Your Permanent License

After completing the post-license course, activate your permanent Alabama real estate license through the AREC. Once completed, you will be an Alabama real estate agent!

FAQs About Getting a Real Estate License in Alabama

If you’re still deciding whether becoming a real estate agent in Alabama is right for you, you will likely have a few questions. Below, we answer some of the common queries.

How Much Do Alabama Real Estate Agents Make?

The income of Alabama real estate agents varies depending on factors such as experience, location, and commission structure. On average, real estate agents in Alabama earn around  $47,000 to $55,000 annually. New agents may start on the lower end of this range, but with time and experience, it’s possible to earn significantly more.

How Much Does an Alabama Real Estate License Cost?

Getting an Alabama real estate license involves several costs. The total expenses can range from $350 to $650, which includes pre-license course fees, exam fees, application fees, and post-license course fees. Additional costs may include fingerprinting and background check fees.

Is Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Alabama Worth It?

Becoming a real estate agent in Alabama can be worth it if you’re passionate about real estate and committed to building your career. With flexible hours and the potential for high earnings, it’s a profession that offers a great deal of autonomy. However, success in this field requires hard work, dedication, and the ability to handle market fluctuations.

What Should I Know Before Becoming a Real Estate Agent?

Before becoming a real estate agent in Alabama, it’s important to know that this career requires continuous learning and strong interpersonal skills. You’ll need to be proactive in finding clients, understanding market trends, and staying up-to-date with legal changes that could impact your business.

Can I Get an Alabama Real Estate License if I’m Already an Agent in Another State?

Yes, Alabama offers a reciprocal licensing option for agents licensed in most states. If you have an active license in a reciprocal state, you may only need to take the Alabama state-specific portion of the exam to become licensed.

How Often Do I Need to Renew My Alabama Real Estate License?

Alabama real estate licenses must be renewed every two years. You’ll need to complete 15 hours of continuing education within each two-year period to qualify for renewal.

What Should I Do After Getting My Alabama Real Estate License?

After getting your Alabama real estate license, focus on building your career by joining a brokerage that offers mentorship and support. Attend networking events, develop a marketing strategy, and continuously educate yourself to stay ahead in the competitive real estate market.

Final Thoughts on Getting a Real Estate License in Alabama

Obtaining your Alabama real estate license is the first step to launching a successful real estate career. 

By following the steps outlined in this guide and committing to your professional development, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an accomplished Alabama real estate agent. 

Ready to get started? 

Enroll in our Alabama real estate license program today and begin your journey toward a rewarding career in real estate!