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Ohio Real Estate Broker — Requirements & Free Practice

US-OH · License preparation

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Real Estate Broker

Individual Ohio broker license. Principal, associate and management level roles and on-deposit, military and resigned statuses do not create additional individual broker licenses under O.A.C. 1301:5-1-03(A).

Licensing authority: Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing; Superintendent of Real Estate and Ohio Real Estate Commission · Application information

Approval to serve as principal broker of additional brokerages
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Approval
Apply to the superintendent; the brokerage names have commonality and the applicant is the qualifying officer, shareholder, member or general partner for each brokerage, with supporting documentation when requested.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-10-03.

Become an officer or member of a licensed brokerage
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Notice
Notify the superintendent on the prescribed form and pay the $34 fee.
Practice
Act as a broker only for the partnership, association, company or corporation with which affiliated, subject to approved additional principal affiliations.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-10-03.

Initial licensure by examination
After Passing
Within thirty days after passing, activate the broker license, place it on deposit or reactivate the salesperson license under O.A.C. 1301:5-1-05(I).
Age
At least eighteen years old under R.C. 4735.07(B)(4).
Application
Submit the prescribed application, residence and business information, and the $135 nonrefundable application fee under R.C. 4735.06. The current PSI bulletin instructs applicants to apply through the online licensing portal.
Appraiser Education Exception
A valid Ohio appraiser license or certificate held before application exempts the applicant from the appraisal course.
Character
Honest and truthful; disqualifying offenses are evaluated under R.C. 9.79; relevant civil-rights adjudications and prior license-law violations are subject to the findings and exceptions in R.C. 4735.07(B)(1)-(3).
Criminal Records Check
Submit fingerprints for Ohio and FBI criminal records checks under R.C. 4735.143 and O.A.C. 1301:5-1-23; the rule requires initial submission or submission within ten days of a superintendent request, with requested results within thirty days.
Education Before August2001
For a salesperson licensed before August 1, 2001: thirty hours each in practice, Ohio real estate law, appraisal and finance, plus thirty hours each in financial management, human resource/personnel management, applied business economics and business law under R.C. 4735.07(B)(6)(a).
Education Completion Evidence
Courses are taken at an institution of higher education; course eligibility follows the law in effect when instruction was completed. Present a certificate, transcript or similar documentation. Qualifying course instruction taught during the preceding ten years counts for unduplicated classroom hours under O.A.C. 1301:5-1-15.
Education From August2001
For a salesperson licensed on or after August 1, 2001: forty hours each in practice and Ohio real estate law, twenty hours each in appraisal and finance, plus thirty hours each in financial management, human resource/personnel management, applied business economics and business law under R.C. 4735.07(B)(6)(b).
Educational Loan Repayment
Any obligation to the education and research fund must be repaid before admission to the broker examination under O.A.C. 1301:5-3-07(F).
Exam Eligibility
Both separately scored portions must be passed within the twelve-month eligibility period; only a failed portion is retaken while the passing portion remains valid. Both portions must be retaken when eligibility expires. There is no limit on attempts under R.C. 4735.07(F).
Historical License Education Exceptions
The education provisions do not apply to a holder of a valid salesperson license issued before January 2, 1972; the four business courses do not apply to a holder of a valid salesperson license issued before January 3, 1984.
Law Course Exception
The Ohio real estate law course is not required for an applicant admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Ohio.
License Experience
Licensed as a real estate broker or salesperson for at least two of the five years preceding application under R.C. 4735.07(B)(5).
Office
An active broker must maintain a definite Ohio place of business under R.C. 4735.13(A).
Post Licensure Education
Complete and report ten hours of approved post-license instruction after issuance and within twelve months under R.C. 4735.07(G).
Transactions
At least twenty qualifying transactions for another, or Commission-approved equivalent experience; O.A.C. 1301:5-3-04 defines half-transaction credits, one-year leases and the three years of full-time property-management experience required when sixteen or more credited transactions are leases.
Deposit an existing broker license for military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Education
Provide documented service and satisfy continuing education within twelve months after the first birthday following discharge or the qualifying active-duty extension stated in R.C. 4735.13(G).
Renewal
Renewal is deferred to the renewal date following discharge.
Service
Existing licensee enters the armed forces and deposits the license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-10-03.

Regular license in lieu of temporary military license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Authority Discretion
The licensing authority may issue a regular license in lieu of the temporary license under R.C. 4743.041(C), within the statutory deadline.
Criminal Check
Complete the required criminal records check; disqualifying offenses and pending investigations are handled under R.C. 4743.041(D)-(E).
Military Duty
Provide adequate proof that the applicant or the applicant spouse is on military duty in Ohio.
Scope
Practice only within the scope Ohio law permits and within the applicant training. R.C. 4743.041(K)-(L) makes Chapter 4796 inapplicable to this pathway, although the applicant may elect that other pathway.
Underlying License
Hold a valid broker or dealer license, as applicable, from another jurisdiction and be in good standing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-03-20.

Initial nonresident licensure by examination
After Passing
Within thirty days after passing, activate the broker license, place it on deposit or reactivate the salesperson license under O.A.C. 1301:5-1-05(I).
Age
At least eighteen years old under R.C. 4735.07(B)(4).
Application
Submit the prescribed application, residence and business information, and the $135 nonrefundable application fee under R.C. 4735.06. The current PSI bulletin instructs applicants to apply through the online licensing portal.
Appraiser Education Exception
A valid Ohio appraiser license or certificate held before application exempts the applicant from the appraisal course.
Character
Honest and truthful; disqualifying offenses are evaluated under R.C. 9.79; relevant civil-rights adjudications and prior license-law violations are subject to the findings and exceptions in R.C. 4735.07(B)(1)-(3).
Criminal Records Check
Submit fingerprints for Ohio and FBI criminal records checks under R.C. 4735.143 and O.A.C. 1301:5-1-23; the rule requires initial submission or submission within ten days of a superintendent request, with requested results within thirty days.
Education Before August2001
For a salesperson licensed before August 1, 2001: thirty hours each in practice, Ohio real estate law, appraisal and finance, plus thirty hours each in financial management, human resource/personnel management, applied business economics and business law under R.C. 4735.07(B)(6)(a).
Education Completion Evidence
Courses are taken at an institution of higher education; course eligibility follows the law in effect when instruction was completed. Present a certificate, transcript or similar documentation. Qualifying course instruction taught during the preceding ten years counts for unduplicated classroom hours under O.A.C. 1301:5-1-15.
Education From August2001
For a salesperson licensed on or after August 1, 2001: forty hours each in practice and Ohio real estate law, twenty hours each in appraisal and finance, plus thirty hours each in financial management, human resource/personnel management, applied business economics and business law under R.C. 4735.07(B)(6)(b).
Educational Loan Repayment
Any obligation to the education and research fund must be repaid before admission to the broker examination under O.A.C. 1301:5-3-07(F).
Exam Eligibility
Both separately scored portions must be passed within the twelve-month eligibility period; only a failed portion is retaken while the passing portion remains valid. Both portions must be retaken when eligibility expires. There is no limit on attempts under R.C. 4735.07(F).
Historical License Education Exceptions
The education provisions do not apply to a holder of a valid salesperson license issued before January 2, 1972; the four business courses do not apply to a holder of a valid salesperson license issued before January 3, 1984.
Law Course Exception
The Ohio real estate law course is not required for an applicant admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Ohio.
License Experience
Licensed as a real estate broker or salesperson for at least two of the five years preceding application under R.C. 4735.07(B)(5).
Nonresident
A nonresident additionally maintains an active Ohio place of business and files the irrevocable consent to service of process required by R.C. 4735.17(B). Firm or corporate consents are accompanied by the authorizing resolution.
Office
An active broker must maintain a definite Ohio place of business under R.C. 4735.13(A).
Post Licensure Education
Complete and report ten hours of approved post-license instruction after issuance and within twelve months under R.C. 4735.07(G).
Transactions
At least twenty qualifying transactions for another, or Commission-approved equivalent experience; O.A.C. 1301:5-3-04 defines half-transaction credits, one-year leases and the three years of full-time property-management experience required when sixteen or more credited transactions are leases.
Place and maintain broker license on deposit
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Closing Brokerage
Give associated salespersons written notice if depositing the license closes the brokerage.
Education And Renewal
Continue post-license instruction, continuing education and renewal. The license can remain on deposit indefinitely.
Existing License
Already hold a broker license and file the prescribed deposit application.
Practice Restriction
Do not perform licensed broker services while on deposit under R.C. 4735.02(A).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-10-03.

Place an existing broker license in permanently resigned status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply before the renewal deadline, or while suspended on one of the grounds R.C. 4735.142(B) lists. Resignation is final.
Excluded Discipline
This option does not apply to suspensions under R.C. 4735.181(F) or disciplinary action under R.C. 4735.051.
Practice
A permanently resigned license does not authorize practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2017-04-06.

Designation as an affiliated principal broker
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duties
The principal broker assumes the operations, supervision, office, renewal, account, records and agency duties in R.C. 4735.081(C).
Existing Broker License
The brokerage designates an already affiliated licensed broker as principal; other affiliated brokers are associate or management level licensees.
Notice
Report changes within fifteen days.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-10-03.

Reactivate after nonpayment of a citation fine
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Reactivation Conditions
Pay all citation fines, apply, pay the reactivation fee and comply with any due renewal and education obligations within twelve months.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2019-02-10.

Reactivate after suspension for failure to report a conviction
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply and pay the reactivation fee.
Character
Provide satisfactory evidence that activities since conviction show honesty and truthfulness under O.A.C. 1301:5-1-19(A)(3)(d).
Compliance
Meet due education, renewal and discipline conditions.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-03-28.

Reactivate a broker license on deposit
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the prescribed reactivation application and fee.
Deadline
Reactivate a suspended license within twelve months to avoid automatic revocation; a license on deposit may remain there indefinitely with required compliance.
Discipline
Comply with any Commission-imposed disciplinary conditions.
Education
Meet all required post-license and continuing education obligations.
Renewal
The license must have been properly renewed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-03-28.

Reactivate after failure to complete disciplinary education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Reactivation Conditions
Complete and verify the ordered courses, apply, pay the reactivation fee and satisfy expired renewal and education obligations within twelve months.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2019-02-10.

Reactivate after nonpayment of a disciplinary fine
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Reactivation Conditions
Pay all fines in full, apply and pay the reactivation fee, and satisfy expired renewal and education obligations within twelve months.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2019-02-10.

Reactivate after a disciplinary suspension period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Reactivation Conditions
The superintendent automatically reactivates after the ordered period unless renewal or education obligations came due; satisfy those obligations and all disciplinary conditions.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2019-02-10.

Reactivate after military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the prescribed reactivation application and fee.
Discharge
Provide satisfactory evidence of honorable discharge or separation under honorable conditions within six months.
Renewal And Education
Comply with the military renewal and education timing prescribed by R.C. 4735.13(G) and O.A.C. 1301:5-1-19(A)(2).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-03-28.

Reactivate after post license education suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Education
Provide satisfactory proof of the required ten hours and comply with Chapter 4735; failure to cure within twelve months after suspension results in automatic revocation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-04-09.

Reactivate after a returned or unpaid payment instrument
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Reactivation Conditions
Pay all due fees and fines by cashier check, certified check or money order, apply and pay the reactivation fee, and satisfy due renewal and education obligations within twelve months.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2019-02-10.

Reactivate an administratively suspended broker license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the prescribed reactivation application and fee.
Deadline
Reactivate a suspended license within twelve months to avoid automatic revocation; a license on deposit may remain there indefinitely with required compliance.
Discipline
Comply with any Commission-imposed disciplinary conditions.
Education
Meet all required post-license and continuing education obligations.
Renewal
The license must have been properly renewed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-03-28.

Apply for a broker license after permanent resignation
After Passing
Within thirty days after passing, activate the broker license, place it on deposit or reactivate the salesperson license under O.A.C. 1301:5-1-05(I).
Age
At least eighteen years old under R.C. 4735.07(B)(4).
Application
Submit the prescribed application, residence and business information, and the $135 nonrefundable application fee under R.C. 4735.06. The current PSI bulletin instructs applicants to apply through the online licensing portal.
Appraiser Education Exception
A valid Ohio appraiser license or certificate held before application exempts the applicant from the appraisal course.
Character
Honest and truthful; disqualifying offenses are evaluated under R.C. 9.79; relevant civil-rights adjudications and prior license-law violations are subject to the findings and exceptions in R.C. 4735.07(B)(1)-(3).
Criminal Records Check
Submit fingerprints for Ohio and FBI criminal records checks under R.C. 4735.143 and O.A.C. 1301:5-1-23; the rule requires initial submission or submission within ten days of a superintendent request, with requested results within thirty days.
Education Before August2001
For a salesperson licensed before August 1, 2001: thirty hours each in practice, Ohio real estate law, appraisal and finance, plus thirty hours each in financial management, human resource/personnel management, applied business economics and business law under R.C. 4735.07(B)(6)(a).
Education Completion Evidence
Courses are taken at an institution of higher education; course eligibility follows the law in effect when instruction was completed. Present a certificate, transcript or similar documentation. Qualifying course instruction taught during the preceding ten years counts for unduplicated classroom hours under O.A.C. 1301:5-1-15.
Education From August2001
For a salesperson licensed on or after August 1, 2001: forty hours each in practice and Ohio real estate law, twenty hours each in appraisal and finance, plus thirty hours each in financial management, human resource/personnel management, applied business economics and business law under R.C. 4735.07(B)(6)(b).
Educational Loan Repayment
Any obligation to the education and research fund must be repaid before admission to the broker examination under O.A.C. 1301:5-3-07(F).
Exam Eligibility
Both separately scored portions must be passed within the twelve-month eligibility period; only a failed portion is retaken while the passing portion remains valid. Both portions must be retaken when eligibility expires. There is no limit on attempts under R.C. 4735.07(F).
Historical License Education Exceptions
The education provisions do not apply to a holder of a valid salesperson license issued before January 2, 1972; the four business courses do not apply to a holder of a valid salesperson license issued before January 3, 1984.
Law Course Exception
The Ohio real estate law course is not required for an applicant admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Ohio.
License Experience
Licensed as a real estate broker or salesperson for at least two of the five years preceding application under R.C. 4735.07(B)(5).
Office
An active broker must maintain a definite Ohio place of business under R.C. 4735.13(A).
Post Licensure Education
Complete and report ten hours of approved post-license instruction after issuance and within twelve months under R.C. 4735.07(G).
Prior Resignation
A permanently resigned broker seeking an active or inactive broker license reapplies under R.C. 4735.07 or applicable Commission rules, as R.C. 4735.142(C) directs.
Transactions
At least twenty qualifying transactions for another, or Commission-approved equivalent experience; O.A.C. 1301:5-3-04 defines half-transaction credits, one-year leases and the three years of full-time property-management experience required when sixteen or more credited transactions are leases.
Licensure by government certification
Real Estate Broker - State Only
Application
Pay the required fee and provide the Board application and supporting documents; nonresident applicants provide R.C. 4735.17(B) service-of-process consent.
Background Check
Complete the required Ohio and FBI criminal records checks; provide the requested license-status certifications.
Board Instructions
The Board application states: "Provide proof of completion of 20 transactions completed as a broker."
Broker Transactions
Complete at least twenty transactions as a broker under R.C. 4735.07(E)(1)(b).
Experience
Work as a broker for at least two of the five years preceding application under R.C. 4735.07(E)(1)(a).
Individual Application
Apply and hold the underlying qualification in an individual capacity under R.C. 4796.26.
Post Licensure Education
The broker license remains subject to R.C. 4735.07(G) post-license instruction and subsequent renewal and continuing education requirements.
Professional Standing
No surrender or revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct, and no disqualifying criminal offense, subject to the applicable statutory exceptions.
Qualification
Hold government certification in real estate for at least one year, from a uniformed service or a state that does not issue the occupational license, and be in good standing.
Score
Pass the jurisdictional Ohio broker examination. The national PSI broker examination is not an examination requirement listed in R.C. 4735.07(E).
Waiver
The authority may waive the one-year holding and practice requirements stated in R.C. 4796.03(B); the profession-specific broker experience and transaction requirements remain separately stated in R.C. 4735.07(E).
Licensure by out of state occupational license
Real Estate Broker - State Only
Application
Pay the required fee and provide the Board application and supporting documents; nonresident applicants provide R.C. 4735.17(B) service-of-process consent.
Background Check
Complete the required Ohio and FBI criminal records checks; provide the requested license-status certifications.
Board Instructions
The Board application states: "Provide proof of completion of 20 transactions completed as a broker."
Broker Transactions
Complete at least twenty transactions as a broker under R.C. 4735.07(E)(1)(b).
Experience
Work as a broker for at least two of the preceding five years under R.C. 4735.07(E)(1)(a); R.C. 4796.03 ordinarily requires qualifying active practice and prior minimum education, training, experience or examination.
Individual Application
Apply and hold the underlying qualification in an individual capacity under R.C. 4796.26.
Post Licensure Education
The broker license remains subject to R.C. 4735.07(G) post-license instruction and subsequent renewal and continuing education requirements.
Professional Standing
No surrender or revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct, and no disqualifying criminal offense, subject to the applicable statutory exceptions.
Qualification
Hold a substantially similar broker license in good standing in all licensing jurisdictions; ordinarily hold it for one year immediately preceding application.
Score
Pass the jurisdictional Ohio broker examination. The national PSI broker examination is not an examination requirement listed in R.C. 4735.07(E).
Waiver
The authority may waive the one-year holding and practice requirements stated in R.C. 4796.03(B), but R.C. 4735.07(E) separately states its broker experience and transaction requirements.
Licensure by private certification
Real Estate Broker - State Only
Application
Pay the required fee and provide the Board application and supporting documents; nonresident applicants provide R.C. 4735.17(B) service-of-process consent.
Background Check
Complete the required Ohio and FBI criminal records checks; provide the requested license-status certifications.
Board Instructions
The Board application states: "Provide proof of completion of 20 transactions completed as a broker."
Broker Transactions
Complete at least twenty transactions as a broker under R.C. 4735.07(E)(1)(b).
Experience
At least two of the five preceding years in the same profession, including the broker experience required by R.C. 4735.07(E)(1)(a).
Individual Application
Apply and hold the underlying qualification in an individual capacity under R.C. 4796.26.
Post Licensure Education
The broker license remains subject to R.C. 4735.07(G) post-license instruction and subsequent renewal and continuing education requirements.
Professional Standing
No surrender or revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct, and no disqualifying criminal offense, subject to the applicable statutory exceptions.
Qualification
Hold private certification for at least two years immediately preceding application; practice in a state that does not issue the occupational license or government certification; be in good standing with the private certifier.
Score
Pass the jurisdictional Ohio broker examination. The national PSI broker examination is not an examination requirement listed in R.C. 4735.07(E).
Waiver
R.C. 4796.04(A)(2) permits waiver of its certification-duration and practice requirements; the broker-specific requirements are separately stated in R.C. 4735.07(E).
Licensure by qualifying work experience
Real Estate Broker - State Only
Application
Pay the required fee and provide the Board application and supporting documents; nonresident applicants provide R.C. 4735.17(B) service-of-process consent.
Background Check
Complete the required Ohio and FBI criminal records checks; provide the requested license-status certifications.
Board Instructions
The Board application states: "Provide proof of completion of 20 transactions completed as a broker."
Broker Transactions
Complete at least twenty transactions as a broker under R.C. 4735.07(E)(1)(b).
Experience
At least three of the five years immediately preceding application in the same profession under R.C. 4796.05(B), subject to its discretionary waiver. R.C. 4735.07(E)(2) additionally requires twenty broker transactions and the Ohio law examination.
Individual Application
Apply and hold the underlying qualification in an individual capacity under R.C. 4796.26.
Post Licensure Education
The broker license remains subject to R.C. 4735.07(G) post-license instruction and subsequent renewal and continuing education requirements.
Professional Standing
No surrender or revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct, and no disqualifying criminal offense, subject to the applicable statutory exceptions.
Qualification
Practice in a state that does not issue the license or government certification, or in the uniformed services.
Score
Pass the jurisdictional Ohio broker examination. The national PSI broker examination is not an examination requirement listed in R.C. 4735.07(E).
License renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
For an individual broker: ordinarily thirty hours every three years including three hours on principal-broker duties; age seventy or older generally requires nine core hours plus the three-hour broker course, with the inactive-age-seventy exception and disability extension under R.C. 4735.141.
Entity Compliance
A brokerage retains the required affiliated principal broker and pays its annual brokerage assessment.
Exam Boundary
R.C. 4735.14(A) continues issued licenses without further recommendation or examination.
Renewal
Renew on the required birthday-based three-year cycle and pay the required fees; comply with applicable license restrictions and statutory requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-10-03.

Restricted or Limited Real Estate Broker License

Restricted or limited recognition license that the licensing authority may issue at its discretion under R.C. 4796.10, with restrictions relevant to the disqualifying offense.

Licensing authority: Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing; Superintendent of Real Estate and Ohio Real Estate Commission · Application information

License renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
For an individual broker: ordinarily thirty hours every three years including three hours on principal-broker duties; age seventy or older generally requires nine core hours plus the three-hour broker course, with the inactive-age-seventy exception and disability extension under R.C. 4735.141.
Entity Compliance
A brokerage retains the required affiliated principal broker and pays its annual brokerage assessment.
Exam Boundary
R.C. 4735.14(A) continues issued licenses without further recommendation or examination.
Renewal
Renew on the required birthday-based three-year cycle and pay the required fees; comply with applicable license restrictions and statutory requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-10-03.

Restricted or limited licensure by government certification
Real Estate Broker - State Only
Application
Pay the required fee and provide the Board application and supporting documents; nonresident applicants provide R.C. 4735.17(B) service-of-process consent.
Background Check
Complete the required Ohio and FBI criminal records checks; provide the requested license-status certifications.
Board Instructions
The Board application states: "Provide proof of completion of 20 transactions completed as a broker."
Broker Transactions
Complete at least twenty transactions as a broker under R.C. 4735.07(E)(1)(b).
Experience
Work as a broker for at least two of the five years preceding application under R.C. 4735.07(E)(1)(a).
Individual Application
Apply and hold the underlying qualification in an individual capacity under R.C. 4796.26.
Post Licensure Education
The broker license remains subject to R.C. 4735.07(G) post-license instruction and subsequent renewal and continuing education requirements.
Professional Standing
No surrender or revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct, and no disqualifying criminal offense, subject to the applicable statutory exceptions.
Qualification
Hold government certification in real estate for at least one year, from a uniformed service or a state that does not issue the occupational license, and be in good standing.
Restricted License Discretion
The licensing authority may issue a restricted or limited license under R.C. 4796.10 in accordance with implementing rules; restrictions must relate to the disqualifying offense. Approval, terms, duration and reporting requirements are case-specific conditions, not additional examination leaves.
Score
Pass the jurisdictional Ohio broker examination. The national PSI broker examination is not an examination requirement listed in R.C. 4735.07(E).
Waiver
The authority may waive the one-year holding and practice requirements stated in R.C. 4796.03(B); the profession-specific broker experience and transaction requirements remain separately stated in R.C. 4735.07(E).
Restricted or limited licensure by out of state occupational license
Real Estate Broker - State Only
Application
Pay the required fee and provide the Board application and supporting documents; nonresident applicants provide R.C. 4735.17(B) service-of-process consent.
Background Check
Complete the required Ohio and FBI criminal records checks; provide the requested license-status certifications.
Board Instructions
The Board application states: "Provide proof of completion of 20 transactions completed as a broker."
Broker Transactions
Complete at least twenty transactions as a broker under R.C. 4735.07(E)(1)(b).
Experience
Work as a broker for at least two of the preceding five years under R.C. 4735.07(E)(1)(a); R.C. 4796.03 ordinarily requires qualifying active practice and prior minimum education, training, experience or examination.
Individual Application
Apply and hold the underlying qualification in an individual capacity under R.C. 4796.26.
Post Licensure Education
The broker license remains subject to R.C. 4735.07(G) post-license instruction and subsequent renewal and continuing education requirements.
Professional Standing
No surrender or revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct, and no disqualifying criminal offense, subject to the applicable statutory exceptions.
Qualification
Hold a substantially similar broker license in good standing in all licensing jurisdictions; ordinarily hold it for one year immediately preceding application.
Restricted License Discretion
The licensing authority may issue a restricted or limited license under R.C. 4796.10 in accordance with implementing rules; restrictions must relate to the disqualifying offense. Approval, terms, duration and reporting requirements are case-specific conditions, not additional examination leaves.
Score
Pass the jurisdictional Ohio broker examination. The national PSI broker examination is not an examination requirement listed in R.C. 4735.07(E).
Waiver
The authority may waive the one-year holding and practice requirements stated in R.C. 4796.03(B), but R.C. 4735.07(E) separately states its broker experience and transaction requirements.
Restricted or limited licensure by private certification
Real Estate Broker - State Only
Application
Pay the required fee and provide the Board application and supporting documents; nonresident applicants provide R.C. 4735.17(B) service-of-process consent.
Background Check
Complete the required Ohio and FBI criminal records checks; provide the requested license-status certifications.
Board Instructions
The Board application states: "Provide proof of completion of 20 transactions completed as a broker."
Broker Transactions
Complete at least twenty transactions as a broker under R.C. 4735.07(E)(1)(b).
Experience
At least two of the five preceding years in the same profession, including the broker experience required by R.C. 4735.07(E)(1)(a).
Individual Application
Apply and hold the underlying qualification in an individual capacity under R.C. 4796.26.
Post Licensure Education
The broker license remains subject to R.C. 4735.07(G) post-license instruction and subsequent renewal and continuing education requirements.
Professional Standing
No surrender or revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct, and no disqualifying criminal offense, subject to the applicable statutory exceptions.
Qualification
Hold private certification for at least two years immediately preceding application; practice in a state that does not issue the occupational license or government certification; be in good standing with the private certifier.
Restricted License Discretion
The licensing authority may issue a restricted or limited license under R.C. 4796.10 in accordance with implementing rules; restrictions must relate to the disqualifying offense. Approval, terms, duration and reporting requirements are case-specific conditions, not additional examination leaves.
Score
Pass the jurisdictional Ohio broker examination. The national PSI broker examination is not an examination requirement listed in R.C. 4735.07(E).
Waiver
R.C. 4796.04(A)(2) permits waiver of its certification-duration and practice requirements; the broker-specific requirements are separately stated in R.C. 4735.07(E).
Restricted or limited licensure by qualifying work experience
Real Estate Broker - State Only
Application
Pay the required fee and provide the Board application and supporting documents; nonresident applicants provide R.C. 4735.17(B) service-of-process consent.
Background Check
Complete the required Ohio and FBI criminal records checks; provide the requested license-status certifications.
Board Instructions
The Board application states: "Provide proof of completion of 20 transactions completed as a broker."
Broker Transactions
Complete at least twenty transactions as a broker under R.C. 4735.07(E)(1)(b).
Experience
At least three of the five years immediately preceding application in the same profession under R.C. 4796.05(B), subject to its discretionary waiver. R.C. 4735.07(E)(2) additionally requires twenty broker transactions and the Ohio law examination.
Individual Application
Apply and hold the underlying qualification in an individual capacity under R.C. 4796.26.
Post Licensure Education
The broker license remains subject to R.C. 4735.07(G) post-license instruction and subsequent renewal and continuing education requirements.
Professional Standing
No surrender or revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct, and no disqualifying criminal offense, subject to the applicable statutory exceptions.
Qualification
Practice in a state that does not issue the license or government certification, or in the uniformed services.
Restricted License Discretion
The licensing authority may issue a restricted or limited license under R.C. 4796.10 in accordance with implementing rules; restrictions must relate to the disqualifying offense. Approval, terms, duration and reporting requirements are case-specific conditions, not additional examination leaves.
Score
Pass the jurisdictional Ohio broker examination. The national PSI broker examination is not an examination requirement listed in R.C. 4735.07(E).

Real Estate Broker - State Only

Provider
PSI Services LLC
Format
Computer administered written knowledge examination; test center or online proctored
Exam questions
40 scored questions; the bulletin also permits 5 to 10 unscored experimental questions
Time limit
60 minutes
Passing score
75% scaled score on the state portion
Exam fee
$43.00 for the state-only examination
Examination outline
  • State Governance of the Real Estate Profession (4 Items)
    • A. General Powers and Structure of Governing Bodies
    • B. Audit of Records
    • C. Investigations, Hearings and Appeals
    • D. Violations and Penalties Edu. Sanction/Reprimands)
    • E. Recovery Fund
  • Licensing Requirements (6 items)
    • A. Activities Requiring a License
    • B. License Renewal and Maintenance
    • C. Change in License Status (military, retired, inactive)
    • D. Post License Education and Continuing Education
  • License Law and Rules of the Ohio Real Estate Commission (16 items)
    • A. Advertising/Use of Business Name/Misrepresentation/Team Advertising
    • B. Broker/Salesperson Employment or Independent Contractor Agreement
    • C. Commissions and fees paid through broker only/Agent compensation
    • D. Document Handling and Record Keeping (Includes Contracts and Listings)
    • E. Handling of Monies/Considerations (Items of Value)
    • F. Trust or Special Accounts (broker only)
    • G. Types of Listings, Rules
    • H. Offers, Counteroffers, Acceptance (including electronic documents)
    • I. Ohio Broker Lien Law (broker only)
    • J. Inducements
    • K. Ancillary Trustee (Procedure if Broker Dies) (broker only)
    • L. Property Management (Includes Leases)
    • M. Rentals
    • N. Brokers License Display (broker only)
    • O. Ohio Fair Housing
  • Brokerage Relationships (Agency Law) (14 items)
    • A. Creating Agency and Agency Contracts/Types of Agency Relationships
    • B. Licensee Duties and Obligations to Clients and Customers, Licensee Liabilities, Waiver of Duties
    • C. Termination of Agency
    • D. Confidentiality
    • E. Disclosure of Agency Relationships and Listing Information
    • F. Disclosures Required when Dealing with Own Properties
    • G. Unauthorized Practice of Law
    • H. False Representations of Licensee Status or Expertise
    • I. Canon of Ethics
Examination sources

National Broker Exam — National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices)

Provider
PSI Services LLC
Format
National portion of state real estate broker licensing examinations with its own minimum passing score; scenario-based questions with more than four options and one best answer, each option weighted zero, one or two points; candidates who fail one portion retake only that portion
Examination outline
  • I. Property Ownership (Broker 10%) (10%)
    • A. Real and personal property; conveyances
    • B. Land characteristics and legal descriptions: 1. Metes and bounds method of legal property description; 2. Lot and block (recorded plat) method of legal property description; 3. Government survey (rectangular survey) method of legal property description; 4. Measuring structures (linear and square footage); 5. Land measurement
    • C. Encumbrances and effects on property ownership: 1. Types of liens and their effect on the title and value of real property; 2. Easements, rights of way and licenses, including their effect on the title, value and use of real property; 3. Encroachments and their effect on the title, value and use of real property; 4. Potential encumbrances on title, such as probate, leases, or adverse possession; 5. Property rights that may be conveyed separately from use of the land surface, such as mineral and other subsurface rights, air rights, or water rights
    • D. Types of ownership: 1. Ownership in severalty/sole ownership; 2. Implications of ownership as tenants in common; 3. Implications of ownership in joint tenancy; 4. Forms of common-interest ownership, such as Timeshares, Condominiums and Co-ops; 5. Property ownership held in a trust or by an estate; 6. Ownership by business entities; 7. Life Estate ownership
  • II. Land use Controls (Broker 5%) (5%)
    • A. Government rights in land: 1. Government rights to impose property taxes and special assessments; 2. Government rights to acquire land through eminent domain, condemnation and escheat
    • B. Government controls on land use
    • C. Private controls: 1. Deed conditions or restrictions on property use; 2. Subdivision covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) on property use; 3. Condominium and owners’ associations regulations or bylaws on property use
  • III. Valuation (Broker 8%) (8%)
    • A. Appraisals: 1. Appraisals for valuation of real property; 2. Situations which require appraisal by a licensed or certified appraiser and brokerage-related actions that constitute unauthorized appraisal practice; 3. General steps in appraisal process
    • B. Estimating Value: 1. Economic principles and property characteristics that affect value of real property; 2. Sales or market comparison approach to property valuation and appropriate uses; 3. Cost approach to property valuation and appropriate uses; 4. Income analysis approach to property valuation and appropriate uses
    • C. Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): 1. Competitive/Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), BPO or equivalent; 2. Automated Valuation Method (AVM), appraisal valuation and Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
  • IV. Financing (Broker 9%) (9%)
    • A. Basic Concepts and Terminology: 1. Loan financing (for example, points, LTV, PMI, interest, PITI); 2. General underwriting process (e.g., debt ratios, credit scoring and history); 3. Standard mortgage/deed of trust clauses and conditions; 4. Essential elements of a promissory note
    • B. Types of Loans: 1. Conventional loans; 2. Amortized loans, partially amortized (balloon) loans, interest-only loans; 3. Adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loans; 4. Government Loans — a. FHA insured loans; b. VA guaranteed loans; c. USDA/Rural Development loan programs; 5. Owner financing (for example, installment or land contract/contract for deed); 6. Reverse-mortgage loans; 7. Home equity loans and lines of credit; 8. Construction loans; 9. Rehab loans; 10. Bridge loans
    • C. Financing and Lending: 1. Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), including kickbacks; 2. Truth-in-Lending Act (Regulation Z), including advertising; 3. Requirements and time frames of TRID (TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosures); 4. Equal Credit Opportunity Act; 5. Lending Process (application through loan closing); 6. Risky loan features, such as prepayment penalties and balloon payments
  • V. Contracts (Broker 19%) (19%)
    • A. General Contract Law: 1. General principles of contract law; 2. Elements necessary for a contract to be valid; 3. Effect of the Statute of Frauds; 4. Offer and a contract; 5. Enforceability of contracts; 6. Void, voidable and unenforceable contracts; 7. Bilateral and unilateral contracts; 8. Nature and use of option agreements; 9. Notice, delivery, acceptance and execution of contracts; 10. Appropriate use, risks, and advantages of electronic signatures and paperless transactions; 11. Rights and obligations of the parties to a contract; 12. Possible remedies for breach or non-performance of contract; 13. Termination, rescission and cancellation of contracts
    • B. Purchase and Lease Contracts: 1. Addenda and amendments to contracts; 2. Purchase agreements; 3. Contract contingencies and methods for satisfying them; 4. Leases and rental agreements; 5. Lease-purchase agreements; 6. Types of leases
    • C. Proper handling of multiple offers and counteroffers
  • VI. Agency (Broker 13%) (13%)
    • A. Agency and non-agency relationships: 1. Agency relationships and how they are established; 2. Types of listing contracts; 3. Buyer brokerage/tenant representation contracts; 4. Other brokerage relationships, including transaction brokers and facilitators; 5. Powers of attorney and other assignments of authority; 6. Conditions for termination of agency or brokerage service agreements
    • B. Agent Duties: 1. Fiduciary duties of agents; 2. Agent's duties to customers/non-clients, including honesty and good faith
    • C. Agency Disclosures: 1. Disclosure of agency/representation; 2. Disclosure of possible conflict of interest or self-interest
  • VII. Property Disclosures (Broker 7%) (7%)
    • A. Property Condition: 1. Seller's property condition disclosure requirements; 2. Property conditions that may warrant inspections or a survey; 3. Red flags that warrant investigation of public or private land use controls
    • B. Environmental and Government Disclosures: 1. Environmental issues requiring disclosure; 2. Federal, state, or local disclosure requirements regarding the property
    • C. Disclosure of material facts and material defects
  • VIII. Property Management (Broker 5%) (5%)
    • A. Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Procurement and qualification of prospective tenants; 2. Fair housing and ADA compliance specific to property management; 3. How to complete a market analysis to identify factors in setting rents or lease rates; 4. Property manager responsibility for maintenance, improvements, reporting and risk management (BROKER ONLY); 5. Handling landlord and tenant funds; trust accounts, reports and disbursements (BROKER ONLY); 6. Provisions of property management contracts (BROKER ONLY)
    • B. Landlord and tenant rights and obligations
  • IX. Transfer of Title (Broker 6%) (6%)
    • A. Types of deeds
    • B. Title Insurance and Searches: 1. Title insurance policies and title searches; 2. Potential title problems and resolutions; 3. Marketable and insurable title
    • C. Closing Process: 1. When transfer of ownership becomes effective; 2. Process and importance of recordation; 3. Settlement procedures (closing) and parties involved; 4. Home and new construction warranties
    • D. Special Processes: 1. Special issues in transferring foreclosed properties; 2. Special issues in short sale transactions; 3. Special issues in probate transactions
  • X. Practice of Real Estate (Broker 12%) (12%)
    • A. Antidiscrimination: 1. Federal Fair Housing Act general principles and exemptions; 2. Protected classes under Federal Fair Housing Act; 3. Protections against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation; 4. Prohibited conduct under Federal Fair Housing Act (Redlining, Blockbusting, Steering, Disparate Treatment); 5. Fair housing advertising rules; 6. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) obligations pertaining to accessibility and reasonable accommodations
    • B. Legislation and Regulations: 1. Licensees’ status as employees or independent contractors; 2. Antitrust laws and types of violations, fines and penalties; 3. Do-Not-Call List rule compliance; 4. Proper use of Social Media and Internet communication and advertising
    • C. Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Protection of confidential personal information (written, verbal or electronic); 2. Duties when handling funds of others in transactions; 3. Licensee responsibility for due diligence in real estate transactions
    • D. Supervisory Responsibilities (BROKER ONLY): 1. Broker's supervisory responsibilities (licensees, teams and unlicensed assistants and employees) (BROKER ONLY); 2. Broker relationship with licensees (employees or independent contractors and governing rules) (BROKER ONLY)
  • XI. Real Estate Calculations (Broker 6%) (6%)
    • A. Calculations for Transactions: 1. Seller’s net proceeds; 2. Buyer funds needed at closing; 3. Real property tax and other prorations; 4. Real property transfer fees; 5. PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes and Insurance) payments estimate given loan rate and term
    • B. General Concepts: 1. Equity; 2. Rate of return/Capitalization rate; 3. Loan-to-Value ratio; 4. Discount points and loan origination fees
Examination sources