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Alabama Real Estate Salesperson — Requirements & Free Practice

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Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Temporary Reciprocal Salesperson License (Military Spouse)

Expedited temporary reciprocal status for an eligible military spouse; the rule requires completion of remaining reciprocal requirements within 365 days.

Licensing authority: Alabama Real Estate Commission · Application information

Expedited military spouse temporary reciprocal licensure
Alabama Real Estate Reciprocal Salesperson Exam
Active Practice
Active practice requires an Alabama qualifying broker and receipt/issuance of the licence; an inactive licence permits no licensed practice.
Application Timing
The initial complete military-spouse application and required proof precede temporary issuance; remaining reciprocal requirements may be completed during temporary status.
Background Check
Submit fingerprints and information for current Alabama and FBI criminal-history checks and pay their cost; issuance requires the Commission to receive and review the results.
Board Page Deadline
The lower-ranked Commission page, Military Spouse Reciprocal License Recognition, states: Those with a temporary reciprocal license will have 180 days to complete the remaining licensure requirements to make the license a permanent one.
Completion Deadline
790-X-1-.18(13) allows no more than 365 days to meet the remaining reciprocal requirements, after which the licence expires and is not reissued.
Exam Timing
Pass the corresponding Alabama state portion within six months of reciprocal course completion, or repeat the course.
Expedited Issuance
Initial licence fee waived; issue an expedited temporary reciprocal licence before completion of remaining education/examination requirements.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; the Commission may reject an applicant convicted of, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or crime involving moral turpitude.
Legal Presence
U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or legally present with appropriate federal documentation (34-27-32(a)(5)).
License History
Provide an official certification of licensure from the qualifying state, issued within 120 days before Alabama issuance, with status, licence level, preceding 36 months of activity, examination history and discipline. The Commission page additionally measures the 120 days against receipt of the application.
Military Eligibility
Spouse of an active-duty military member; file a complete application, qualifying-state certificate, proof of active service, and orders relocating and stationing the spouse in Alabama.
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Prelicense Education
Complete remaining six-hour reciprocal coursework and the Alabama examination during the temporary period; the rule permits initial issuance first.
Prior Denial Or Revocation
No application rejection other than examination failure, or real-estate licence revocation, within the preceding two years; earlier rejection or revocation requires Commissioner approval.
Qualifying License
Hold a current qualifying-state entry-level licence, active or inactive, which is not itself reciprocal or nonresident. The qualifying state is where prelicense education and a comprehensive general-and-state-law examination were completed. That unidentified other-state examination and licence history are applicant conditions.
Residence Documentation
Document bona fide residence in a U.S. state; a nonresident must execute the statutory jurisdiction and service-of-process affidavit.

Original (Permanent) Salesperson License

Permanent salesperson licensure following temporary licensure and the required post-license course.

Licensing authority: Alabama Real Estate Commission · Application information

Renewal on active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete 15 hours of approved CE by September 30 for active renewal; CE has no passing or failing grade.
Education Exceptions
First renewal of an original licence after satisfactory post-license completion is exempt; also apply the statutory first-renewal exception for persons licensed no more than one year, the grandfathered age-65/ten-year exemption, and the equivalence for legislative service where applicable.
Existing License
Hold the corresponding existing salesperson licence.
Renewal Deadline
Submit renewal and fees by August 31 of the final year of the licence period; September filing incurs the statutory penalty. Missing September 30 places the licence inactive and subject to reactivation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial ordinary licensure by examination, temporary licensure and post license completion
Active Practice
Active practice requires an Alabama qualifying broker and receipt/issuance of the licence; an inactive licence permits no licensed practice.
Application Timing
Submit a complete temporary-licence application, documentation and fees within 90 days after passing.
Background Check
Submit fingerprints and information for current Alabama and FBI criminal-history checks and pay their cost; issuance requires the Commission to receive and review the results.
Exam Result
The full salesperson examination includes general/national and state-law parts, produces an overall score, and requires retaking the entire examination if the overall result fails (handbook page 8).
Exam Timing
Pass within six months of course completion; otherwise repeat the course.
Existing License
Initial applicants first obtain the temporary licence after examination, then complete the post-license course and obtain the original licence.
Fees
Pay the original licence fee; no second Recovery Fund payment is required if already paid.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; the Commission may reject an applicant convicted of, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or crime involving moral turpitude.
High School
Provide proof of high-school graduation or its equivalent.
Issuance Deadline
Complete the course and obtain the original licence within six months of temporary issuance to maintain active status; original application, course proof and fees must arrive before the temporary licence lapses after the statutory one-year period.
Legal Presence
U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or legally present with appropriate federal documentation (34-27-32(a)(5)).
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Postlicense Education
Complete the Commission-prescribed 30-clock-hour post-license course; the rule specifies a minimum course grade of 70. A temporary licence must be issued before the course begins.
Prelicense Education
Complete the Commission-approved 60-clock-hour salesperson prelicense course, including its course final and minimum course grade of 70, before scheduling the examination.
Prior Denial Or Revocation
No application rejection other than examination failure, or real-estate licence revocation, within the preceding two years; earlier rejection or revocation requires Commissioner approval.
Residence Documentation
Document bona fide residence in a U.S. state; a nonresident must execute the statutory jurisdiction and service-of-process affidavit.
Original licence issuance for an existing temporary licensee
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing License
Already hold a temporary salesperson licence issued after satisfying its examination requirements; holding that licence is the applicant qualification for this conversion.
Fees
Pay the original licence fee; no second Recovery Fund payment is required if already paid.
Issuance Deadline
Complete the course and obtain the original licence within six months of temporary issuance to maintain active status; original application, course proof and fees must arrive before the temporary licence lapses after the statutory one-year period.
Postlicense Education
Complete the Commission-prescribed 30-clock-hour post-license course; the rule specifies a minimum course grade of 70. A temporary licence must be issued before the course begins.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Discretionary later renewal after lapse for hardship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active Status
Meet active-status education and activation requirements when seeking active practice.
Board Discretion
The Commission must determine hardship and allow later renewal under 34-27-35(i); this route is discretionary.
Existing License
The licence has lapsed after the twelve-month renewal period.
Fees
Pay all fees and penalties imposed for the allowed later renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
CE is not required for inactive renewal; 15 hours are required before activation.
Existing License
Hold the existing licence and renew on inactive status with the statutory form and fees/deadlines.
Practice Restriction
An inactive licence cannot be used for licensed practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of an expired licence within twelve months
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active Status
Satisfy the active-renewal CE or applicable reciprocal alternative and reactivation requirements; otherwise renew inactive.
Existing License
Expired licence still within the twelve-month renewal period following its prior licence period.
Fees
Pay required licence fees and the statutory late penalty.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Deferred renewal during military deployment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Deferral
The Commission may defer renewal and waive CE for the deployment period.
Completion Deadline
After deployment and before December 31 of the following year, complete the required portion of waived CE, deferred renewal and current licence obligations.
Military Eligibility
Current military licensee deployed at renewal; provide deployment papers.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Activation or reactivation of an inactive licence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete 15 approved CE hours on first activation during the licence period and a further 15 hours to renew active for the next licence period.
Existing License
Hold a renewable or renewed inactive licence; pay the applicable activation fee.
Qualifying Broker
Active status requires an Alabama qualifying broker; licensed practice must await the active licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application after termination following a Recovery Fund payment
Active Practice
Active practice requires an Alabama qualifying broker and receipt/issuance of the licence; an inactive licence permits no licensed practice.
Application Timing
Submit a complete temporary-licence application, documentation and fees within 90 days after passing.
Background Check
Submit fingerprints and information for current Alabama and FBI criminal-history checks and pay their cost; issuance requires the Commission to receive and review the results.
Exam Result
The full salesperson examination includes general/national and state-law parts, produces an overall score, and requires retaking the entire examination if the overall result fails (handbook page 8).
Exam Timing
Pass within six months of course completion; otherwise repeat the course.
Existing License
Already hold a temporary salesperson licence issued after satisfying its examination requirements; holding that licence is the applicant qualification for this conversion.
Fees
Pay the original licence fee; no second Recovery Fund payment is required if already paid.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; the Commission may reject an applicant convicted of, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or crime involving moral turpitude.
High School
Provide proof of high-school graduation or its equivalent.
Issuance Deadline
Complete the course and obtain the original licence within six months of temporary issuance to maintain active status; original application, course proof and fees must arrive before the temporary licence lapses after the statutory one-year period.
Legal Presence
U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or legally present with appropriate federal documentation (34-27-32(a)(5)).
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Postlicense Education
Complete the Commission-prescribed 30-clock-hour post-license course; the rule specifies a minimum course grade of 70. A temporary licence must be issued before the course begins.
Prelicense Education
Complete the Commission-approved 60-clock-hour salesperson prelicense course, including its course final and minimum course grade of 70, before scheduling the examination.
Prior Denial Or Revocation
No application rejection other than examination failure, or real-estate licence revocation, within the preceding two years; earlier rejection or revocation requires Commissioner approval.
Prior Termination
The Commission terminated the former licence after a Recovery Fund payment under 34-27-31(e)(6).
Repayment
The Commission may refuse a new licence until repayment in full of the Recovery Fund amount plus 12 percent annual interest; bankruptcy does not remove this disability. All other current initial requirements remain applicable.
Residence Documentation
Document bona fide residence in a U.S. state; a nonresident must execute the statutory jurisdiction and service-of-process affidavit.
New application after prior revocation or rejection
Active Practice
Active practice requires an Alabama qualifying broker and receipt/issuance of the licence; an inactive licence permits no licensed practice.
Application Timing
Submit a complete temporary-licence application, documentation and fees within 90 days after passing.
Background Check
Submit fingerprints and information for current Alabama and FBI criminal-history checks and pay their cost; issuance requires the Commission to receive and review the results.
Exam Result
The full salesperson examination includes general/national and state-law parts, produces an overall score, and requires retaking the entire examination if the overall result fails (handbook page 8).
Exam Timing
Pass within six months of course completion; otherwise repeat the course.
Existing License
Already hold a temporary salesperson licence issued after satisfying its examination requirements; holding that licence is the applicant qualification for this conversion.
Fees
Pay the original licence fee; no second Recovery Fund payment is required if already paid.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; the Commission may reject an applicant convicted of, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or crime involving moral turpitude.
High School
Provide proof of high-school graduation or its equivalent.
Issuance Deadline
Complete the course and obtain the original licence within six months of temporary issuance to maintain active status; original application, course proof and fees must arrive before the temporary licence lapses after the statutory one-year period.
Legal Presence
U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or legally present with appropriate federal documentation (34-27-32(a)(5)).
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Postlicense Education
Complete the Commission-prescribed 30-clock-hour post-license course; the rule specifies a minimum course grade of 70. A temporary licence must be issued before the course begins.
Prelicense Education
Complete the Commission-approved 60-clock-hour salesperson prelicense course, including its course final and minimum course grade of 70, before scheduling the examination.
Prior Denial Or Revocation
Prior real-estate licence revocation, or application rejection on grounds other than written-exam failure, must be more than two years before application; issuance requires approval of the Commissioners under 34-27-32(a)(2)-(3).
Residence Documentation
Document bona fide residence in a U.S. state; a nonresident must execute the statutory jurisdiction and service-of-process affidavit.
Requalification after licence lapse without hardship renewal
Active Practice
Active practice requires an Alabama qualifying broker and receipt/issuance of the licence; an inactive licence permits no licensed practice.
Application Timing
Submit a complete temporary-licence application, documentation and fees within 90 days after passing.
Background Check
Submit fingerprints and information for current Alabama and FBI criminal-history checks and pay their cost; issuance requires the Commission to receive and review the results.
Exam Result
The full salesperson examination includes general/national and state-law parts, produces an overall score, and requires retaking the entire examination if the overall result fails (handbook page 8).
Exam Timing
Pass within six months of course completion; otherwise repeat the course.
Existing License
Requalify through examination and new temporary licensure, then complete the post-license requirements for original issuance.
Fees
Pay the original licence fee; no second Recovery Fund payment is required if already paid.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; the Commission may reject an applicant convicted of, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or crime involving moral turpitude.
High School
Provide proof of high-school graduation or its equivalent.
Issuance Deadline
Complete the course and obtain the original licence within six months of temporary issuance to maintain active status; original application, course proof and fees must arrive before the temporary licence lapses after the statutory one-year period.
Legal Presence
U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or legally present with appropriate federal documentation (34-27-32(a)(5)).
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Postlicense Education
Complete the Commission-prescribed 30-clock-hour post-license course; the rule specifies a minimum course grade of 70. A temporary licence must be issued before the course begins.
Prelicense Education
Complete the Commission-approved 60-clock-hour salesperson prelicense course, including its course final and minimum course grade of 70, before scheduling the examination.
Prior Denial Or Revocation
No application rejection other than examination failure, or real-estate licence revocation, within the preceding two years; earlier rejection or revocation requires Commissioner approval.
Prior License
Licence lapsed after the twelve-month late-renewal period and no hardship renewal was allowed. Section 34-27-35(i) subjects this applicant to all requirements for persons never licensed.
Residence Documentation
Document bona fide residence in a U.S. state; a nonresident must execute the statutory jurisdiction and service-of-process affidavit.

Reciprocal Salesperson License

Salesperson licensure for a holder of a current qualifying licence in another state; the full examination and ordinary temporary-licence requirements are excepted by statute.

Licensing authority: Alabama Real Estate Commission · Application information

Full reciprocal licence following military spouse temporary reciprocal status
Alabama Real Estate Reciprocal Salesperson Exam
Active Practice
Active practice requires an Alabama qualifying broker and receipt/issuance of the licence; an inactive licence permits no licensed practice.
Application Timing
Submit the complete application and fees within 90 days of the examination; ordinary reciprocity is exempt from the full examination and ordinary temporary-licence requirements.
Background Check
Submit fingerprints and information for current Alabama and FBI criminal-history checks and pay their cost; issuance requires the Commission to receive and review the results.
Board Page Deadline
The lower-ranked Commission page, Military Spouse Reciprocal License Recognition, states: Those with a temporary reciprocal license will have 180 days to complete the remaining licensure requirements to make the license a permanent one.
Completion Deadline
790-X-1-.18(13) allows no more than 365 days to meet the remaining reciprocal requirements, after which the licence expires and is not reissued.
Exam Timing
Pass the corresponding Alabama state portion within six months of reciprocal course completion, or repeat the course.
Existing License
Hold the expedited military-spouse temporary reciprocal licence and finish all reciprocal requirements within the rule deadline.
Expedited Issuance
Initial licence fee waived; issue an expedited temporary reciprocal licence before completion of remaining education/examination requirements.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; the Commission may reject an applicant convicted of, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or crime involving moral turpitude.
Legal Presence
U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or legally present with appropriate federal documentation (34-27-32(a)(5)).
License History
Provide an official certification of licensure from the qualifying state, issued within 120 days before Alabama issuance, with status, licence level, preceding 36 months of activity, examination history and discipline. The Commission page additionally measures the 120 days against receipt of the application.
Military Eligibility
Spouse of an active-duty military member; file a complete application, qualifying-state certificate, proof of active service, and orders relocating and stationing the spouse in Alabama.
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Prelicense Education
Complete six approved hours of Alabama reciprocal salesperson prelicense coursework before scheduling; these hours do not count as CE.
Prior Denial Or Revocation
No application rejection other than examination failure, or real-estate licence revocation, within the preceding two years; earlier rejection or revocation requires Commissioner approval.
Qualifying License
Hold a current qualifying-state entry-level licence, active or inactive, which is not itself reciprocal or nonresident. The qualifying state is where prelicense education and a comprehensive general-and-state-law examination were completed. That unidentified other-state examination and licence history are applicant conditions.
Residence Documentation
Document bona fide residence in a U.S. state; a nonresident must execute the statutory jurisdiction and service-of-process affidavit.
Renewal on active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete 15 hours of approved CE by September 30 for active renewal; CE has no passing or failing grade.
Continuing Education Alternative
Instead of Alabama CE, submit the qualifying-state certification/letter under 790-X-1-.18(11)(b)-(c), showing an active licence through October 1 and prior passage of that state’s full licensing examination; certificate dated no earlier than June 1 and received by September 30. This other-state examination history is an applicant condition.
Education Exceptions
First renewal of an original licence after satisfactory post-license completion is exempt; also apply the statutory first-renewal exception for persons licensed no more than one year, the grandfathered age-65/ten-year exemption, and the equivalence for legislative service where applicable.
Existing License
Hold the corresponding existing salesperson licence.
Renewal Deadline
Submit renewal and fees by August 31 of the final year of the licence period; September filing incurs the statutory penalty. Missing September 30 places the licence inactive and subject to reactivation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Discretionary later renewal after lapse for hardship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active Status
Meet active-status education and activation requirements when seeking active practice.
Board Discretion
The Commission must determine hardship and allow later renewal under 34-27-35(i); this route is discretionary.
Existing License
The licence has lapsed after the twelve-month renewal period.
Fees
Pay all fees and penalties imposed for the allowed later renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
CE is not required for inactive renewal; 15 hours are required before activation.
Existing License
Hold the existing licence and renew on inactive status with the statutory form and fees/deadlines.
Practice Restriction
An inactive licence cannot be used for licensed practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of an expired licence within twelve months
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active Status
Satisfy the active-renewal CE or applicable reciprocal alternative and reactivation requirements; otherwise renew inactive.
Existing License
Expired licence still within the twelve-month renewal period following its prior licence period.
Fees
Pay required licence fees and the statutory late penalty.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Deferred renewal during military deployment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Deferral
The Commission may defer renewal and waive CE for the deployment period.
Completion Deadline
After deployment and before December 31 of the following year, complete the required portion of waived CE, deferred renewal and current licence obligations.
Military Eligibility
Current military licensee deployed at renewal; provide deployment papers.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Activation or reactivation of an inactive licence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete 15 approved CE hours on first activation during the licence period and a further 15 hours to renew active for the next licence period.
Existing License
Hold a renewable or renewed inactive licence; pay the applicable activation fee.
Qualifying Broker
Active status requires an Alabama qualifying broker; licensed practice must await the active licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application after termination following a Recovery Fund payment
Alabama Real Estate Reciprocal Salesperson Exam
Active Practice
Active practice requires an Alabama qualifying broker and receipt/issuance of the licence; an inactive licence permits no licensed practice.
Application Timing
Submit the complete application and fees within 90 days of the examination; ordinary reciprocity is exempt from the full examination and ordinary temporary-licence requirements.
Background Check
Submit fingerprints and information for current Alabama and FBI criminal-history checks and pay their cost; issuance requires the Commission to receive and review the results.
Exam Timing
Pass the corresponding Alabama state portion within six months of reciprocal course completion, or repeat the course.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; the Commission may reject an applicant convicted of, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or crime involving moral turpitude.
Legal Presence
U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or legally present with appropriate federal documentation (34-27-32(a)(5)).
License History
Provide an official certification of licensure from the qualifying state, issued within 120 days before Alabama issuance, with status, licence level, preceding 36 months of activity, examination history and discipline. The Commission page additionally measures the 120 days against receipt of the application.
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Prelicense Education
Complete six approved hours of Alabama reciprocal salesperson prelicense coursework before scheduling; these hours do not count as CE.
Prior Denial Or Revocation
No application rejection other than examination failure, or real-estate licence revocation, within the preceding two years; earlier rejection or revocation requires Commissioner approval.
Prior Termination
The Commission terminated the former licence after a Recovery Fund payment under 34-27-31(e)(6).
Qualifying License
Hold a current qualifying-state entry-level licence, active or inactive, which is not itself reciprocal or nonresident. The qualifying state is where prelicense education and a comprehensive general-and-state-law examination were completed. That unidentified other-state examination and licence history are applicant conditions.
Repayment
The Commission may refuse a new licence until repayment in full of the Recovery Fund amount plus 12 percent annual interest; bankruptcy does not remove this disability. All other current initial requirements remain applicable.
Residence Documentation
Document bona fide residence in a U.S. state; a nonresident must execute the statutory jurisdiction and service-of-process affidavit.
New application after prior revocation or rejection
Alabama Real Estate Reciprocal Salesperson Exam
Active Practice
Active practice requires an Alabama qualifying broker and receipt/issuance of the licence; an inactive licence permits no licensed practice.
Application Timing
Submit the complete application and fees within 90 days of the examination; ordinary reciprocity is exempt from the full examination and ordinary temporary-licence requirements.
Background Check
Submit fingerprints and information for current Alabama and FBI criminal-history checks and pay their cost; issuance requires the Commission to receive and review the results.
Exam Timing
Pass the corresponding Alabama state portion within six months of reciprocal course completion, or repeat the course.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; the Commission may reject an applicant convicted of, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or crime involving moral turpitude.
Legal Presence
U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or legally present with appropriate federal documentation (34-27-32(a)(5)).
License History
Provide an official certification of licensure from the qualifying state, issued within 120 days before Alabama issuance, with status, licence level, preceding 36 months of activity, examination history and discipline. The Commission page additionally measures the 120 days against receipt of the application.
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Prelicense Education
Complete six approved hours of Alabama reciprocal salesperson prelicense coursework before scheduling; these hours do not count as CE.
Prior Denial Or Revocation
Prior real-estate licence revocation, or application rejection on grounds other than written-exam failure, must be more than two years before application; issuance requires approval of the Commissioners under 34-27-32(a)(2)-(3).
Qualifying License
Hold a current qualifying-state entry-level licence, active or inactive, which is not itself reciprocal or nonresident. The qualifying state is where prelicense education and a comprehensive general-and-state-law examination were completed. That unidentified other-state examination and licence history are applicant conditions.
Residence Documentation
Document bona fide residence in a U.S. state; a nonresident must execute the statutory jurisdiction and service-of-process affidavit.
New reciprocal licensure after Alabama licence lapse
Alabama Real Estate Reciprocal Salesperson Exam
Active Practice
Active practice requires an Alabama qualifying broker and receipt/issuance of the licence; an inactive licence permits no licensed practice.
Application Timing
Submit the complete application and fees within 90 days of the examination; ordinary reciprocity is exempt from the full examination and ordinary temporary-licence requirements.
Background Check
Submit fingerprints and information for current Alabama and FBI criminal-history checks and pay their cost; issuance requires the Commission to receive and review the results.
Exam Timing
Pass the corresponding Alabama state portion within six months of reciprocal course completion, or repeat the course.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; the Commission may reject an applicant convicted of, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or crime involving moral turpitude.
Legal Presence
U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or legally present with appropriate federal documentation (34-27-32(a)(5)).
License History
Provide an official certification of licensure from the qualifying state, issued within 120 days before Alabama issuance, with status, licence level, preceding 36 months of activity, examination history and discipline. The Commission page additionally measures the 120 days against receipt of the application.
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Prelicense Education
Complete six approved hours of Alabama reciprocal salesperson prelicense coursework before scheduling; these hours do not count as CE.
Prior Denial Or Revocation
No application rejection other than examination failure, or real-estate licence revocation, within the preceding two years; earlier rejection or revocation requires Commissioner approval.
Prior License
Alabama licence lapsed and no later hardship renewal was allowed; the applicant still holds a current qualifying licence elsewhere and must meet current initial reciprocal requirements.
Qualifying License
Hold a current qualifying-state entry-level licence, active or inactive, which is not itself reciprocal or nonresident. The qualifying state is where prelicense education and a comprehensive general-and-state-law examination were completed. That unidentified other-state examination and licence history are applicant conditions.
Residence Documentation
Document bona fide residence in a U.S. state; a nonresident must execute the statutory jurisdiction and service-of-process affidavit.
Initial licensure by reciprocity
Alabama Real Estate Reciprocal Salesperson Exam
Active Practice
Active practice requires an Alabama qualifying broker and receipt/issuance of the licence; an inactive licence permits no licensed practice.
Application Timing
Submit the complete application and fees within 90 days of the examination; ordinary reciprocity is exempt from the full examination and ordinary temporary-licence requirements.
Background Check
Submit fingerprints and information for current Alabama and FBI criminal-history checks and pay their cost; issuance requires the Commission to receive and review the results.
Exam Timing
Pass the corresponding Alabama state portion within six months of reciprocal course completion, or repeat the course.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; the Commission may reject an applicant convicted of, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or crime involving moral turpitude.
Legal Presence
U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or legally present with appropriate federal documentation (34-27-32(a)(5)).
License History
Provide an official certification of licensure from the qualifying state, issued within 120 days before Alabama issuance, with status, licence level, preceding 36 months of activity, examination history and discipline. The Commission page additionally measures the 120 days against receipt of the application.
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Prelicense Education
Complete six approved hours of Alabama reciprocal salesperson prelicense coursework before scheduling; these hours do not count as CE.
Prior Denial Or Revocation
No application rejection other than examination failure, or real-estate licence revocation, within the preceding two years; earlier rejection or revocation requires Commissioner approval.
Qualifying License
Hold a current qualifying-state entry-level licence, active or inactive, which is not itself reciprocal or nonresident. The qualifying state is where prelicense education and a comprehensive general-and-state-law examination were completed. That unidentified other-state examination and licence history are applicant conditions.
Residence Documentation
Document bona fide residence in a U.S. state; a nonresident must execute the statutory jurisdiction and service-of-process affidavit.

Temporary Salesperson License

Initial salesperson licence, active for the permitted initial period and otherwise inactive until original licensure; not renewable.

Licensing authority: Alabama Real Estate Commission · Application information

Initial temporary licensure by examination
Active Practice
Active practice requires an Alabama qualifying broker and receipt/issuance of the licence; an inactive licence permits no licensed practice.
Application Timing
Submit a complete temporary-licence application, documentation and fees within 90 days after passing.
Background Check
Submit fingerprints and information for current Alabama and FBI criminal-history checks and pay their cost; issuance requires the Commission to receive and review the results.
Exam Result
The full salesperson examination includes general/national and state-law parts, produces an overall score, and requires retaking the entire examination if the overall result fails (handbook page 8).
Exam Timing
Pass within six months of course completion; otherwise repeat the course.
Fees
Pay the applicable licence and research/education fees and the Recovery Fund fee when required for active status.
Fitness
Trustworthy and competent; the Commission may reject an applicant convicted of, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or crime involving moral turpitude.
High School
Provide proof of high-school graduation or its equivalent.
Legal Presence
U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or legally present with appropriate federal documentation (34-27-32(a)(5)).
Licence Duration
Temporary status lasts no more than the statutory year; active status is limited to the first six months. Complete post-license education and original issuance to continue active practice; this temporary licence cannot be renewed.
Minimum Age
At least 19 years old.
Prelicense Education
Complete the Commission-approved 60-clock-hour salesperson prelicense course, including its course final and minimum course grade of 70, before scheduling the examination.
Prior Denial Or Revocation
No application rejection other than examination failure, or real-estate licence revocation, within the preceding two years; earlier rejection or revocation requires Commissioner approval.
Residence Documentation
Document bona fide residence in a U.S. state; a nonresident must execute the statutory jurisdiction and service-of-process affidavit.

Alabama Real Estate Reciprocal Salesperson Exam

Provider
Pearson VUE
Format
Written state-law examination; reciprocal delivery is the state portion alone. Ordinary delivery includes the national/general portion and uses an overall score.
Exam questions
40 scored state items plus 5–10 unscored pretest items
Time limit
1 hour for the reciprocal salesperson/state portion
Passing score
70 on the reciprocal salesperson examination; the ordinary salesperson examination uses an overall scaled score of 70
Examination outline
  • I. Purpose of License Law/Rules and Regulation and Role of Commission
  • II. Licensing Requirements
    • Activities which require a license
    • Cobrokering
    • Qualifications for a license
    • Renewal of a license
    • Continuing education
    • Post-license education
    • Temporary and original Salesperson licenses
  • III. License Status
    • Transferring a license
    • Inactive status
    • Reactivation of a license
  • IV. Broker Licenses, Company Licenses, and Place of Business
    • Issuance of company and branch office licenses
    • Issuance of broker licenses
    • Who may serve as qualifying broker
    • Responsibilities of qualifying broker
    • Termination of qualifying broker status
    • Serving as qualifying broker for more than one company
    • Temporary qualifying broker
    • Associate broker status
    • Operating from home
  • V. Recovery Fund
    • Payment into fund
    • Payment from fund
  • VI. Disciplinary Actions and Process
    • Complaints
    • Hearings
    • Disciplinary actions
    • Rehearing
    • Appeals
  • VII. Estimated Closing Statement
  • VIII. Trust Funds
  • IX. RECAD
  • X. Violations Which May Result in Disciplinary Actions
    • Misrepresentation and dishonest dealings
    • Inducing a party to break a contract
    • Advertising
    • Listing agreements
    • Failure to give proper disclosure
    • Keeping appropriate records
    • Rebates
    • Paying or receiving commissions from unlicensed persons
    • Failure to inform Commission of suit/judgment/other disposition
    • Lotteries
    • Handling of documents
    • Violation of rule or order of Commission
    • Offers
Examination sources

Real Estate Salesperson Examination — National/General Portion

Provider
Pearson VUE
Format
General (national) portion of a state real estate salesperson examination delivered by Pearson VUE; scored separately from the state portion with a pass/fail result, and a candidate who passes one part and fails the other retakes only the failed part
Exam questions
85 items: 80 scored items and 5 pretest items that are not counted toward the score
Examination outline
  • I. REAL PROPERTY CHARACTERISTICS, LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS, AND PROPERTY USE (SALES 11; 6 KNOWLEDGE, 3 APPLICATION, 2 ANALYSIS)
    • A. Real property vs. personal property (3 items): 1. Fixtures, trade fixtures, emblements; 2. Attachment, severance, and bill of sale
    • B. Characteristics of real property (2 items): 1. Economic characteristics (a. Scarcity; b. Modification / Improvement; c. Permanence of Investment / Fixity; d. Area Preference / Situs); 2. Physical characteristics (a. Immobility; b. Indestructibility; c. Non-homogeneity / Uniqueness)
    • C. Legal descriptions (3 items): 1. Methods used to describe real property; 2. Survey
    • D. Public and private land use controls – encumbrances (3 items): 1. Public controls – governmental powers (a. Police power, eminent domain, taxation, escheat; b. Zoning ordinances); 2. Private controls, restrictions, and encroachments (a. Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs), HOAs; b. Easements; c. Licenses and encroachments)
  • II. FORMS OF OWNERSHIP, TRANSFER, AND RECORDING OF TITLE (SALES 9; 5 KNOWLEDGE, 2 APPLICATION, 2 ANALYSIS)
    • A. Ownership, estates, rights, and interests (5 items): 1. Forms of ownership; 2. Freehold estate (a. Fee simple absolute; b. Fee simple defeasible, determinable, and condition subsequent; c. Life estate; d. Bundle of rights); 3. Leasehold estates and types of leases (a. Estate for years and from period to period (periodic estate); b. Estate at will and estate at sufferance; c. Gross, net, percentage leases, etc.); 4. Liens and lien priority; 5. Air, surface and sub-surface rights
    • B. Deed, title, transfer of title, and recording of title (4 items): 1. Elements of a valid deed; 2. Types of deeds; 3. Title transfer (a. Voluntary alienation; b. Involuntary alienation); 4. Recording the title (a. Constructive and actual notice; b. Title abstract and chain of title; c. Marketable title and cloud on title; d. Attorney title opinion, quiet title lawsuit, and title insurance)
  • III. PROPERTY VALUE AND APPRAISAL (SALES 11; 6 KNOWLEDGE, 3 APPLICATION, 2 ANALYSIS)
    • A. Concept of value (4 items): 1. Market value vs. market price; 2. Characteristics of value; 3. Principles of value
    • B. Appraisal process (2 items): 1. Purpose and steps to an appraisal; 2. Federal oversight of the appraisal process
    • C. Methods of estimating value and Broker Price Opinions (BPO) (5 items): 1. Sales comparison approach (market data); 2. Cost approach (a. Improvements and depreciation; b. Physical deterioration, functional, and economic obsolescence; c. Reproduction or replacement costs); 3. Income approach; 4. Gross rent and gross income multipliers; 5. Comparative Market Analysis (CMA); 6. Broker Price Opinion (BPO); 7. Assessed value and tax implications
  • IV. REAL ESTATE CONTRACTS AND AGENCY (SALES 16; 7 KNOWLEDGE, 6 APPLICATION, 3 ANALYSIS)
    • A. Types of contracts (1 item): 1. Express vs. implied; 2. Unilateral vs. bilateral
    • B. Required elements of a valid contract (3 items): 1. Voluntary; 2. Agreement / Promise; 3. Legally competent parties; 4. Lawful consideration; 5. Legal act / Purpose
    • C. Contract performance (3 items): 1. Executed vs. executory; 2. Valid vs. void; 3. Voidable vs. unenforceable; 4. Breach of contract, rescission, and termination; 5. Liquidated, punitive, or compensatory damages; 6. Statute of Frauds; 7. Electronic contracts and digital signatures; 8. Time is of the essence
    • D. Sales contract (2 items): 1. Offer and counteroffer; 2. Earnest money and liquidated damages; 3. Equitable title; 4. Contingencies; 5. Disputes and breach of contract; 6. Option contract and installment sales contract
    • E. Types of agency and licensee-client relationships (2 items)
    • F. Creation and termination of agency (2 items)
    • G. Licensee obligations to parties of a transaction (3 items)
  • V. REAL ESTATE PRACTICE (SALES 10; 5 KNOWLEDGE, 3 APPLICATION, 2 ANALYSIS)
    • A. Responsibilities of broker (2 items): 1. Practicing within scope of expertise; 2. Unauthorized practice of law
    • B. Brokerage agreements between the broker and principal (seller, buyer, landlord, or tenant) (3 items): 1. Seller representation – Types of listing agreements (a. Exclusive right-to-sell and exclusive agency listing; b. Non-exclusive or open listing; c. Net listing (conflict of interest); d. Multiple listing service (MLS)); 2. Buyer representation; 3. Property management agreement (a. Accounting for funds; b. Property maintenance; c. Leasing property; d. Collecting rents and security deposits); 4. Termination of agreements; 5. Services, fees, and compensation
    • C. Fair Housing (3 items): 1. Equal opportunity in housing; 2. Protected classes; 3. Fair housing laws; 4. Illegal practices, enforcement, and penalties; 5. Prohibited advertising; 6. Housing and Urban Development (HUD); 7. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
    • D. Risk management (2 items): 1. Supervision; 2. Compliance with federal regulations; including Privacy and Do Not Contact; 3. Vicarious liability; 4. Antitrust laws; 5. Fraud and misrepresentation; 6. Types of insurance (a. Errors and Omissions; b. General Liability)
  • VI. PROPERTY DISCLOSURES AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES (SALES 9; 5 KNOWLEDGE, 3 APPLICATION, 1 ANALYSIS)
    • A. Property conditions and environmental issues (5 items): 1. Hazardous substances (a. Lead-based paint; b. Asbestos, radon, and mold; c. Groundwater contamination and underground storage tanks; d. Waste disposal sites and brownfields; e. Flood plains, flood zones, and flood insurance); 2. Clean Air and Water Acts; 3. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (a. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA); b. Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act (SARA); c. Environmental site assessments (including Phase I and II studies) and impact statements; d. Wetlands protection)
    • B. Environmental and property disclosure obligations and liability (4 items)
  • VII. FINANCING AND SETTLEMENT (SALES 7; 4 KNOWLEDGE, 2 APPLICATION, 1 ANALYSIS)
    • A. Financing concepts and components (2 items): 1. Methods of financing (a. Mortgage financing – conventional and non-conventional loans; b. Seller financing – land contract/contract for deed); 2. Lien theory vs. title theory and deed of trust; 3. Sources of financing (primary and secondary mortgage markets, and seller financing); 4. Types of loans and loan programs; 5. Mortgage clauses
    • B. Lender Requirements (1 item): 1. FHA requirements; 2. VA requirements; 3. USDA Loan requirements and rural development financing; 4. Conventional requirements; 5. Buyer qualification and Loan to Value (LTV); 6. Hazard and flood insurance; 7. Private mortgage insurance (PMI) and mortgage insurance premium (MIP)
    • C. Federal Financing Regulations and Regulatory Bodies (2 items): 1. Truth-in-Lending and Regulation Z; 2. TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosures (TRID) (a. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB); b. Loan Estimate (LE); c. Closing Disclosure (CD)); 3. Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) (a. Referrals; b. Rebates); 4. Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA); 5. Mortgage fraud and predatory lending
    • D. Settlement and closing the transaction (2 items)
  • VIII. REAL ESTATE MATH CALCULATIONS (SALES 7; 4 APPLICATION, 3 ANALYSIS)
    • A. Property area calculations (1 item): 1. Square footage; 2. Acreage total
    • B. Property valuation (1 item): 1. Comparative Market Analysis (CMA); 2. Net Operating Income (NOI); 3. Capitalization rate; 4. Equity in property; 5. Establishing a listing price; 6. Assessed value and property taxes
    • C. Commission/compensation (1 item)
    • D. Loan financing costs (1 item): 1. Interest; 2. Loan to Value (LTV); 3. Fees; 4. Amortization, discount points, and prepayment penalties
    • E. Settlement and closing costs (1 item): 1. Purchase price and down payment; 2. Monthly mortgage calculations- principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI); 3. Net to the seller; 4. Cost to the buyer; 5. Prorated items; 6. Debits and credits; 7. Transfer tax and recording fee
    • F. Investment (1 item): 1. Return on investment; 2. Appreciation; 3. Depreciation; 4. Tax implications on investment
    • G. Property management calculations (1 item): 1. Property management and budget calculations; 2. Tenancy and rental calculations
Examination sources