How to Become a Real Estate Employing Broker in Colorado

Becoming an employing broker in Colorado is a rewarding step for those looking to expand their impact in real estate. 

This breakdown covers the requirements, costs, and earning potential, helping you determine if this advancement aligns with your career goals.

Steps to Become a Real Estate Broker in Colorado

To become a licensed employing broker in Colorado, you'll need to complete state-approved education, gain practical experience, and pass the licensing exam. 

This process ensures you are well-prepared to manage the responsibilities of the role and succeed in the real estate industry.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements

To fulfill the necessary qualifications, you must:

• Age: Be at least 18 years old.
• Education: Earn a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Identification: Have a valid Social Security number.
• Background Check: Pass a background check to demonstrate trustworthiness.

These requirements ensure that employing brokers have the critical experience and knowledge to successfully lead and supervise other real estate agents.

Step 2: Complete an Accredited Employing Broker’s Education Program

Colorado requires aspiring brokers to complete a 168-hour pre-licensing education, followed by an additional 24-hour Brokerage Administration course. The Employing broker course covers essential topics, including:

• Broker Supervision: Strategies and responsibilities for overseeing associate brokers.
• Trust Accounts: Proper management and reconciliation of client funds.
• Business Practices: Establishing and maintaining ethical and effective business operations.
• Office Policies: Developing comprehensive policies to guide brokerage activities.
• Management and Operation of a Brokerage: Best practices for running a successful real estate firm.
• Function and Role of the Real Estate Commission: Understanding regulatory compliance and interactions with the commission.

To successfully complete the course and receive your certificate, you must pass a final exam, demonstrating your understanding of these critical areas.

This certification is a prerequisite for applying for an employing broker license in Colorado.

If you want to enroll in a real estate school, we partnered with Kaplan to provide exceptional real estate courses to Colorado students. 

Sign up through US Realty Training and get a discount.

Step 3: Apply for the Employing Broker License

When you’re ready to apply for the Employing Broker License through the Colorado Division of Real Estate, remember:

• Ensure your application is complete and accurate to avoid delays
• Submit all required documentation, including education and experience verification
• Upon approval, you’ll be able to manage a brokerage and supervise agents in Colorado

Step 4: Complete Continuing Education Requirements

In order to stay in compliance with industry standards, all licensed brokers in Colorado—including Employing Brokers—must finish continuing education. 

This includes taking classes on a regular basis to stay up to date on state legislation and industry best practices, making sure brokers maintain active credits to preserve the good standing of their licenses, and following Colorado regulations.

FAQs about Becoming a Real Estate Broker in Colorado

In this section, we’ll address some of the most common questions about the process of becoming a real estate broker in Colorado.

Should You Become a Real Estate Broker in Colorado?

In Colorado, becoming an employing broker offers the chance to own and run your own firm and boosts earning potential by enabling you to receive commissions from both your own sales and those of the agents you oversee.

With more control over your work, enhanced management expertise, and an influential position in the field, this role also opens doors to valuable connections.

How Fast Can You Get a Broker’s License?

For licensed Associate Brokers in Colorado with at least two years of active practice, the transition to an Employing Broker license is a streamlined process. 

After completing a 24-hour Brokerage Administration course (approximately one week), candidates submit their application to the Colorado Real Estate Commission (CREC), which generally takes 1–2 months for approval.

For those just beginning a real estate career in Colorado, the journey to an Employing Broker license is longer. It starts with a 168-hour pre-licensing course and passing the state broker exam, followed by two years of active broker experience. 

After meeting these requirements, candidates take the 24-hour Brokerage Administration course, then submit their application to CREC, with processing taking about 1–2 months. 

Overall, this path takes around 2.5 to 3 years, equipping new brokers with the knowledge and experience needed to successfully manage a team.

How Much Do Real Estate Brokers Make?

Those who advance to this position benefit from more managerial and supervisory obligations. 

Recent data on ZipRecruiter.com indicates that the average yearly compensation for an employing broker in Colorado is at $103,880, further highlighting the financial benefits of advancing to this position.

Although pay varies according to experience, area of practice, and the total number of transactions, employing brokers in Colorado often have high earning potential.

How Much Does a Real Estate Broker’s License Cost?

The costs for obtaining an Employing Broker license in Colorado can vary based on provider and additional requirements. Here’s a summary of the most common expenses:

• Pre-Licensing Education: The mandatory 168-hour course typically ranges from $375 to $1,200, depending on the provider.
• Exam Fee: Taking the Colorado Real Estate Broker Exam costs around $44.95 per attempt.
• License Application Fee: The state charges approximately $485 for the broker license application.
• Brokerage Administration Course: The 24-hour course, necessary to become an Employing Broker, generally costs around $200

Additional Expenses:

• Background Check and Fingerprinting: About $54.
• Errors and Omissions Insurance: Required annually and usually ranges from $200 to $300, though some brokerages may cover this expense.

Please note that these are approximate figures, and costs can vary. Checking with education providers and the Colorado Division of Real Estate for the most current and specific pricing is recommended.

What’s the Difference Between Real Estate Brokers and Agents?

While Employing brokers have a range of duties, real estate agents usually concentrate on helping clients purchase, sell, or rent properties. Brokers manage administrative duties, hire new agents, establish operational standards, and supervise agents to guarantee compliance. 

Unlike agents, who often operate under a broker's supervision, they have more authority and can act independently.

Does Colorado Have a Broker’s License Reciprocity Agreement?

Yes, if you hold a real estate license from any U.S. state or territory, Colorado allows you to apply for licensure with reduced exam and pre-licensing education requirements.

We recommend reviewing the Broker Licensing page on the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) website for specific criteria."

Final Thoughts on Becoming a Real Estate Broker in Colorado

Becoming an employing broker in Colorado is an exciting career step that allows you to expand your professional reach and responsibilities. 

If you’re ready to get started, enroll in our partnered Colorado real estate licensing course today and get a discount.