How to Become a Real Estate Broker in Missouri

If you’re ready to advance your real estate career, becoming a broker in Missouri is a smart move. It’s your chance to step into a leadership role, build your own brand, and maximize your earnings. In this guide, we’ll cover the entire process so you can confidently take the next step.

Steps to Become a Real Estate Broker in Missouri

Before diving into the details, here’s a quick step-by-step guide to becoming a real estate broker in Missouri:

• Verify your eligibility
• Complete the required broker pre-licensing education
• Pass the Missouri real estate broker exam
• Finish the 24-hour Missouri Real Estate Practice Course (MREP)
• Submit your license application to the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC)

In the sections below, we’ll break down each step in detail to help you successfully earn your Missouri broker’s license.

1. Verify Your Eligibility

Before applying for a Missouri real estate broker’s license, you must meet the eligibility requirements established by the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC). These include:

• Being at least 18 years old
• Holding an active Missouri salesperson license (or an equivalent license from another state)
• Having at least 24 months of active real estate experience within the past 30 months

Verifying these requirements early on will save you time and ensure you’re on the right path. If you have any questions about eligibility, visit the MREC website or contact them directly for clarification.

2. Complete the Required Broker Pre-Licensing Education 

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, the next major step is to complete the 48-hour Missouri broker pre-licensing course from a state-approved real estate school. This course covers advanced real estate topics, such as:

• Brokerage management
• Agency relationships and fiduciary duties
• Contracts and real estate law
• Ethics and professional standards

These classes are designed to deepen your understanding of real estate beyond what you learned as a salesperson. Make sure you enroll in an accredited program to get credit for your hours.

After you finish your coursework, you’ll need to pass the final exam given by your real estate school to receive your official course completion certificate. 

In most cases, you must score at least 70% or 75% (depending on the school’s standards) to pass. This certificate is a crucial part of your application to sit for the state broker exam.

Looking for the right real estate broker education? We encourage you to join our partnered real estate broker’s program to ensure you’re getting top-tier instruction that meets Missouri’s requirements.

3. Pass the Missouri Real Estate Broker Exam

After completing the 48-hour pre-licensing course (and passing your final course exam), you’ll be eligible to take the Missouri real estate broker exam. Here’s what you need to know:

Scheduling

Missouri currently uses PSI as its official testing provider. To schedule your exam, visit the PSI website or call them directly.

You will need to provide personal information (such as your full legal name and Social Security number), your course completion details (including the school name and completion date), and a valid payment method to cover the exam fee.

Keep a copy of your course completion certificate handy, as you may be asked for specific information from it when registering.

Exam Structure

The Missouri broker exam consists of two sections: a national portion with approximately 75 questions and a state-specific portion with about 40 questions—a total of 115 questions. 

Candidates typically have up to 4 hours to complete the exam, with designated time limits for each section.

Passing Score

In most cases, you must score 75% or higher on each portion to pass.

If you don’t pass on the first try, don’t worry. You can retake the exam, though you may only need to retake the portion you failed (state or national).

Keep in mind that retakes come with additional fees and scheduling requirements, so plan accordingly. Once you pass, you’ll receive an exam completion document, which you’ll need for the next steps in the licensing process.

4. Complete the 24-Hour Missouri Real Estate Practice Course (MREP)

Before applying for a real estate broker’s license in Missouri, all new brokers (and salespersons) must complete the 24-hour Missouri Real Estate Practice (MREP) course. This mandatory course provides hands-on training in key real estate practices, ensuring you’re prepared for the day-to-day responsibilities of a broker.

Key topics covered include:

• Managing escrow and trust funds to comply with state regulations.
• Executing real estate transactions with accuracy and efficiency.
• Overseeing brokerage operations while ensuring legal and ethical compliance.
• Enhancing client communication to build trust and maintain professionalism.

By completing the MREP course, you’ll gain the practical knowledge needed to supervise agents, manage transactions with confidence, and uphold industry standards as a licensed Missouri broker.

5. Submit Your License Application to the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC)

With your 48-hour pre-licensing course, passing exam scores, and 24-hour MREP course completed, you’re now ready to apply for your Missouri broker license. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Complete the Missouri Broker License Application, available on the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC) website.
2. Submit the necessary documents, including proof of exam completion, course transcripts, and any required fees.
3. Undergo a background check, if mandated by MREC.
4. Pay the licensing fee (fees vary, so check the latest amounts on the MREC website).

Once your application is approved, you’ll officially hold a Missouri real estate broker license!

FAQs About Becoming a Real Estate Broker in Missouri

Curious about getting your real estate broker’s license in Missouri? Below, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the process, from costs to career advantages.

Why Become a Real Estate Broker in Missouri?

Earning a broker’s license opens up a world of opportunities, including:

• Higher Earnings: Brokers can work independently, start their own firm, or manage a team—leading to increased commission potential.
• Career Advancement: With a broker’s license, you gain more control over your real estate business, allowing you to expand and scale on your terms.
• Leadership Roles: If mentoring and guiding other agents interests you, a broker’s license gives you the ability to lead and support a team.

By taking this step, you can design a real estate career that aligns with your ambitions—whether that means running your own brokerage, increasing your income, or growing as a leader in the industry.

How Fast Can You Get a Broker’s License?

The timeline to become a real estate broker in Missouri depends on your current standing and how quickly you complete the steps:

• Experience: You must have actively worked as a licensed salesperson for at least 24 of the last 30 months before applying.
• Education: The required 48-hour broker pre-licensing course and 24-hour Missouri Real Estate Practice (MREP) course can be completed at your own pace, either full-time or part-time.
• Exam & Application: Scheduling and passing the broker exam, followed by application processing, can take anywhere from a few weeks to over a month.

Most aspiring brokers can complete the entire process in 2–3 months, assuming they already meet the salesperson experience requirement.

How Much Do Real Estate Brokers Make?

Real estate broker income in Missouri can vary significantly based on factors such as location, years of experience, local market conditions, and how aggressively you pursue new clients.

According to recent Indeed, it indicates that real estate brokers in Missouri specifically earn an average annual salary of around $102,463, with high-performing brokers comfortably surpassing six figures.

Keep in mind that, as a broker, you’ll not only earn income from your own deals but also have the opportunity to boost your revenue by receiving a percentage of commissions from agents who work under your supervision. 

This commission structure can significantly increase your earnings potential—especially if you’re skilled at recruiting, training, and retaining a productive team.

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

The cost of obtaining a broker’s license in Missouri involves several components. Here’s a rough breakdown:

1. Pre-Licensing Education (48-hour broker course + 24-hour MREP): $500–$900
2. Application and License Fees: $150 total
3. Background Check & Fingerprinting: $40–$50

Total Estimated Cost: $700–$1,200

These costs may vary depending on your chosen real estate school, exam preparation materials, and any additional resources you invest in.

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

A real estate agent, or salesperson, helps clients buy, sell, or rent properties but must work under a licensed broker. Agents earn commissions but cannot operate independently.

A real estate broker, however, has more autonomy and responsibilities. Brokers can:

• Open and manage their own brokerage.
• Hire and supervise real estate agents.
• Handle client trust accounts and financial transactions.
• Ensure compliance with state real estate laws.

If you’re looking to advance your real estate career, becoming a broker offers greater earning potential and the ability to run your own business.

Does Missouri Have a Broker’s License Reciprocity Agreement?

Missouri offers partial reciprocity for real estate licenses, allowing licensed agents and brokers from other states to obtain a Missouri license by meeting specific requirements. If you currently hold a valid real estate license in another state, you may qualify by:

• Completing the 24-hour Missouri Real Estate Practice (MREP) course, which covers state-specific laws and regulations.
• Passing the state portion of the Missouri Real Estate Exam to demonstrate your knowledge of Missouri’s real estate rules.
• Submitting an application to the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC) along with proof of your active out-of-state license.

Reciprocity requirements may vary depending on your state of licensure, so it's essential to confirm the latest guidelines with the MREC. Some states commonly offering reciprocal or reduced licensing requirements with Missouri include:

• Kansas
• Iowa
• Arkansas
• Nebraska
• And others, based on current agreements.

To ensure compliance, always check directly with the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC) for the most up-to-date reciprocity policies before beginning the process.

Final Thoughts on Becoming a Real Estate Broker in Missouri

Obtaining your real estate broker’s license in Missouri is a major career milestone that can lead to increased earning potential and greater independence in the industry. From meeting eligibility requirements and completing the 48-hour pre-licensing course to passing the broker exam and finishing the MREP course, each step is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the competitive real estate market.

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