Colorado Real Estate Salesperson — Requirements & Free Practice

US-CO · License preparation

100 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

Choose what to practice

Start with an exam below. Your examination requirements depend on your application pathway. View licensing requirements

Loading selected examination banks…

Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

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

Associate Broker Level License

Colorado licenses real estate sales practice under its broker license law. Associate is an official broker license level under 4 CCR 725-1.

Licensing authority: Colorado Real Estate Commission · Application information

Initial licensure by examination at associate level

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: Submit the prescribed application, supporting documents and fee.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints to CBI before applying; state and national criminal history checks are required.
Character: The Commission determines truthfulness, honesty, good moral character and fitness; disclose criminal history and professional discipline and provide the required records.
Education: 12 hours in real estate closings, trust accounts and record keeping, plus proof of an active law license in a US jurisdiction.
Eligibility: Licensed attorney in Colorado or another US jurisdiction.
Insurance: Obtain qualifying errors and omissions insurance before active licensure, unless the statutory attorney malpractice-policy exception applies.
Minimum Age: At least 18 years old under C.R.S. 12-10-203(4)(a).
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Nonresident: Nonresidents may apply under C.R.S. 12-10-208; Colorado business-location requirements and applicable exemptions depend on license level and residence.
Score Currency: Each passing licensing-examination portion is valid for one year; submit a complete application within that period.
Supervision: An associate broker must work under an employing broker; a new associate broker requires high-level supervision for the first two years.

Renewal at end of initial license period

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit renewal application and fee; applicable one-time fingerprints and active-license insurance remain conditions.
Eligibility: License expires on December 31 of its issuance year; the statutory initial-period CE exemption applies.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-12.

Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 12
C.R.S. 12-10-213(4), p. 34
Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 3.11.B renewal application

Federal military license portability

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Attestations: Attest to identity, true/correct/complete application, understanding of Commission requirements and scope, compliance with military-portability application requirements, and good standing in every jurisdiction of current or former licensure.
Eligibility: Servicemember or spouse relocates to Colorado because of military orders and holds a valid broker license or equivalent from another US jurisdiction.
Federal Application: Supply the notarized affidavit required by 50 USC 4025a(c).
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints to CBI under Rule 2.3.
License Standing: The covered license must satisfy 50 USC 4025a(f): good standing, no revocation or discipline, no pending unprofessional-conduct investigation and no surrender while under such investigation.
Marriage Certificate: A spouse supplies a copy of the marriage certificate.
Military Orders: Provide military orders demonstrating relocation to Colorado.
Practice: Comply with Colorado practice standards and applicable active-license insurance and supervisory requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-12.

Colorado Real Estate Commission adopted rules, tracking 2025-00530
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 2.11, January 30, 2026
Colorado DRE Broker License Application Requirements
Active servicemember or spouse application category
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, section 705A (50 USC 4025a)
SCRA section 705A(a), p. 39

Initial licensure by examination at associate level

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: Submit the prescribed application, supporting documents and fee.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints to CBI before applying; state and national criminal history checks are required.
Character: The Commission determines truthfulness, honesty, good moral character and fitness; disclose criminal history and professional discipline and provide the required records.
Education: 168 hours: 48 law and practice, 48 Colorado contracts, 24 closings, 8 trust accounts and records, 8 current legal issues, 32 practical application; alternatively an accredited real-estate major degree. Complete education before testing.
Eligibility: Never previously licensed in real estate in Colorado or another US jurisdiction.
Insurance: Obtain qualifying errors and omissions insurance before active licensure, unless the statutory attorney malpractice-policy exception applies.
Minimum Age: At least 18 years old under C.R.S. 12-10-203(4)(a).
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Nonresident: Nonresidents may apply under C.R.S. 12-10-208; Colorado business-location requirements and applicable exemptions depend on license level and residence.
Score Currency: Each passing licensing-examination portion is valid for one year; submit a complete application within that period.
Supervision: An associate broker must work under an employing broker; a new associate broker requires high-level supervision for the first two years.

Initial licensure by examination at associate level

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: Submit the prescribed application, supporting documents and fee.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints to CBI before applying; state and national criminal history checks are required.
Certified License History: Submit a certified licensing history from every jurisdiction where currently or formerly licensed, dated no more than 90 days before the application.
Character: The Commission determines truthfulness, honesty, good moral character and fitness; disclose criminal history and professional discipline and provide the required records.
Education: 72 hours: 48 Colorado contracts and 24 real estate closings.
Eligibility: Real estate broker license in another US jurisdiction is expired or has been held for less than two years.
Insurance: Obtain qualifying errors and omissions insurance before active licensure, unless the statutory attorney malpractice-policy exception applies.
Minimum Age: At least 18 years old under C.R.S. 12-10-203(4)(a).
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Nonresident: Nonresidents may apply under C.R.S. 12-10-208; Colorado business-location requirements and applicable exemptions depend on license level and residence.
Score Currency: Each passing licensing-examination portion is valid for one year; submit a complete application within that period.
Supervision: An associate broker must work under an employing broker; a new associate broker requires high-level supervision for the first two years.

Initial licensure by examination at associate level

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: Submit the prescribed application, supporting documents and fee.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints to CBI before applying; state and national criminal history checks are required.
Certified License History: Submit a certified licensing history from every jurisdiction where currently or formerly licensed, dated no more than 90 days before the application.
Character: The Commission determines truthfulness, honesty, good moral character and fitness; disclose criminal history and professional discipline and provide the required records.
Education: 120 hours: 48 Colorado contracts, 24 closings, 8 trust accounts and records, 8 current legal issues, 32 practical application.
Eligibility: Real estate salesperson license in another US jurisdiction is expired or has been held for less than two years.
Insurance: Obtain qualifying errors and omissions insurance before active licensure, unless the statutory attorney malpractice-policy exception applies.
Minimum Age: At least 18 years old under C.R.S. 12-10-203(4)(a).
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Nonresident: Nonresidents may apply under C.R.S. 12-10-208; Colorado business-location requirements and applicable exemptions depend on license level and residence.
Score Currency: Each passing licensing-examination portion is valid for one year; submit a complete application within that period.
Supervision: An associate broker must work under an employing broker; a new associate broker requires high-level supervision for the first two years.

Reactivation from inactive to active status

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Annual Update Training: Annual Commission Update completion includes its Board-developed written or online end-of-course test with a 70% passing score under Rule 4.3.C. This is recorded as the completion condition of training, not a separately registered licensing examination.
Application: Submit the Transfer / Activate / Inactivate license application and required insurance/CE information.
Continuing Education: State-exam passage is an alternative to completing the prescribed continuing education, not an additional exam on top of that education. Rule 4.2 permits 24 hours including required annual update credits; eligible 24-hour Broker Reactivation Course; state exam; or 48 hours Colorado contracts plus 24 hours closings.
Eligibility: Inactive for more than 36 months; the Board requires state exam passage or the 72-hour contracts and closings education alternative.
Fingerprints: Satisfy the one-time fingerprint-based criminal history requirement if not already completed.
Insurance: Provide required E&O coverage before active practice.
Reactivation Course: The 24-hour reactivation course may be used by eligible active brokers only if not used in the previous cycle, or by inactive/expired brokers with accumulated inactivity up to 36 months who cannot meet the annual-update requirements.
State Exam Registration: For continuing education credit, PSI requires selection of its Continuing Education registration, rather than Broker State registration; it administers the same Colorado portion identified by Rules 2.2.A.2 and 4.2.A.4.

Reactivation from inactive to active status

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Annual Update Training: Annual Commission Update completion includes its Board-developed written or online end-of-course test with a 70% passing score under Rule 4.3.C. This is recorded as the completion condition of training, not a separately registered licensing examination.
Application: Submit the Transfer / Activate / Inactivate license application and required insurance/CE information.
Continuing Education: State-exam passage is an alternative to completing the prescribed continuing education, not an additional exam on top of that education. Rule 4.2 permits 24 hours including required annual update credits; eligible 24-hour Broker Reactivation Course; state exam; or 48 hours Colorado contracts plus 24 hours closings.
Eligibility: Inactive for an accumulated period no more than 36 months; CE methods are subject to Rule 4.2 eligibility.
Fingerprints: Satisfy the one-time fingerprint-based criminal history requirement if not already completed.
Insurance: Provide required E&O coverage before active practice.
Reactivation Course: The 24-hour reactivation course may be used by eligible active brokers only if not used in the previous cycle, or by inactive/expired brokers with accumulated inactivity up to 36 months who cannot meet the annual-update requirements.
State Exam Registration: For continuing education credit, PSI requires selection of its Continuing Education registration, rather than Broker State registration; it administers the same Colorado portion identified by Rules 2.2.A.2 and 4.2.A.4.

Reapplication following revocation

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: Submit the prescribed application, supporting documents and fee.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints to CBI before applying; state and national criminal history checks are required.
Character: The Commission determines truthfulness, honesty, good moral character and fitness; disclose criminal history and professional discipline and provide the required records.
Education: Meet the applicable initial-application education requirements under Rule 2.6; Commission review and any disciplinary order remain conditions.
Eligibility: A former Colorado broker whose license was revoked; application may not be considered until two years after revocation.
Insurance: Obtain qualifying errors and omissions insurance before active licensure, unless the statutory attorney malpractice-policy exception applies.
Minimum Age: At least 18 years old under C.R.S. 12-10-203(4)(a).
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Nonresident: Nonresidents may apply under C.R.S. 12-10-208; Colorado business-location requirements and applicable exemptions depend on license level and residence.
Score Currency: Meet the currently applicable initial examination requirements; each passing part is valid for one year.
Supervision: An associate broker must work under an employing broker; a new associate broker requires high-level supervision for the first two years.

Reapplication after expiration beyond three years at associate level

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: Submit the prescribed application, supporting documents and fee.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints to CBI before applying; state and national criminal history checks are required.
Character: The Commission determines truthfulness, honesty, good moral character and fitness; disclose criminal history and professional discipline and provide the required records.
Education: Commission verification of an associate broker license issued on or after January 1, 1997 establishes prior education.
Eligibility: Colorado associate broker license issued on or after January 1, 1997 has expired beyond the three-year reinstatement period.
Insurance: Obtain qualifying errors and omissions insurance before active licensure, unless the statutory attorney malpractice-policy exception applies.
Minimum Age: At least 18 years old under C.R.S. 12-10-203(4)(a).
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Nonresident: Nonresidents may apply under C.R.S. 12-10-208; Colorado business-location requirements and applicable exemptions depend on license level and residence.
Score Currency: Each passing licensing-examination portion is valid for one year; submit a complete application within that period.
Supervision: An associate broker must work under an employing broker; a new associate broker requires high-level supervision for the first two years.

Reapplication after expiration beyond three years at associate level

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: Submit the prescribed application, supporting documents and fee.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints to CBI before applying; state and national criminal history checks are required.
Character: The Commission determines truthfulness, honesty, good moral character and fitness; disclose criminal history and professional discipline and provide the required records.
Education: 72 hours: 48 Colorado contracts and 24 real estate closings.
Eligibility: Colorado broker license issued on or before December 31, 1996 has expired beyond the three-year reinstatement period.
Insurance: Obtain qualifying errors and omissions insurance before active licensure, unless the statutory attorney malpractice-policy exception applies.
Minimum Age: At least 18 years old under C.R.S. 12-10-203(4)(a).
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Nonresident: Nonresidents may apply under C.R.S. 12-10-208; Colorado business-location requirements and applicable exemptions depend on license level and residence.
Score Currency: Each passing licensing-examination portion is valid for one year; submit a complete application within that period.
Supervision: An associate broker must work under an employing broker; a new associate broker requires high-level supervision for the first two years.

Reapplication after expiration beyond three years at associate level

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: Submit the prescribed application, supporting documents and fee.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints to CBI before applying; state and national criminal history checks are required.
Character: The Commission determines truthfulness, honesty, good moral character and fitness; disclose criminal history and professional discipline and provide the required records.
Education: 120 hours: 48 Colorado contracts, 24 closings, 8 trust accounts and records, 8 current legal issues, 32 practical application.
Eligibility: Colorado salesperson license issued on or before December 31, 1996 has expired beyond the three-year reinstatement period.
Insurance: Obtain qualifying errors and omissions insurance before active licensure, unless the statutory attorney malpractice-policy exception applies.
Minimum Age: At least 18 years old under C.R.S. 12-10-203(4)(a).
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Nonresident: Nonresidents may apply under C.R.S. 12-10-208; Colorado business-location requirements and applicable exemptions depend on license level and residence.
Score Currency: Each passing licensing-examination portion is valid for one year; submit a complete application within that period.
Supervision: An associate broker must work under an employing broker; a new associate broker requires high-level supervision for the first two years.

Licensure by reciprocity at associate level

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: Submit the prescribed application, supporting documents and fee.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints to CBI before applying; state and national criminal history checks are required.
Character: The Commission determines truthfulness, honesty, good moral character and fitness; disclose criminal history and professional discipline and provide the required records.
Education: No prescribed prelicensing education; submit a license-history certificate dated within 90 days of application from each jurisdiction of current or former licensure.
Eligibility: Nonexpired real estate license from another US jurisdiction, active or inactive, held for two or more years; substantially equivalent credentials under C.R.S. 12-10-203(5)(b).
Insurance: Obtain qualifying errors and omissions insurance before active licensure, unless the statutory attorney malpractice-policy exception applies.
Minimum Age: At least 18 years old under C.R.S. 12-10-203(4)(a).
Nonresident: Nonresidents may apply under C.R.S. 12-10-208; Colorado business-location requirements and applicable exemptions depend on license level and residence.
Score Currency: Each passing licensing-examination portion is valid for one year; submit a complete application within that period.
Supervision: An associate broker must work under an employing broker; a new associate broker requires high-level supervision for the first two years.

Reinstatement License expired more than 31 days but no more than one year ago. to active status

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Annual Update Training: Annual Commission Update completion includes its Board-developed written or online end-of-course test with a 70% passing score under Rule 4.3.C. This is recorded as the completion condition of training, not a separately registered licensing examination.
Application: Submit reinstatement application, documents and fees. The Board reinstates to inactive status; a separate activation application is needed for active practice.
Board Processing: The Board reinstatement page states: "Successful reinstatement of an expired license will move that license from an Expired status to an Inactive status." Complete the separate activation step after reinstatement.
Continuing Education: State-exam passage is an alternative to completing the prescribed continuing education, not an additional exam on top of that education. Rule 4.2 permits 24 hours including required annual update credits; eligible 24-hour Broker Reactivation Course; state exam; or 48 hours Colorado contracts plus 24 hours closings.
Eligibility: License expired more than 31 days but no more than one year ago.
Fees: Pay renewal plus a reinstatement fee equal to half the renewal fee.
Fingerprints: Satisfy the one-time fingerprint-based criminal history requirement if not already completed.
Insurance: Provide required E&O coverage before active practice.
Reactivation Course: The 24-hour reactivation course may be used by eligible active brokers only if not used in the previous cycle, or by inactive/expired brokers with accumulated inactivity up to 36 months who cannot meet the annual-update requirements.
State Exam Registration: For continuing education credit, PSI requires selection of its Continuing Education registration, rather than Broker State registration; it administers the same Colorado portion identified by Rules 2.2.A.2 and 4.2.A.4.

Reinstatement License expired more than 31 days but no more than one year ago. to inactive status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit reinstatement application, documents and fees. The Board reinstates to inactive status; a separate activation application is needed for active practice.
Eligibility: License expired more than 31 days but no more than one year ago.
Fees: Pay renewal plus a reinstatement fee equal to half the renewal fee.
Practice: Remain inactive; comply with CE before future reactivation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-12.

Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 3.15, p. 2-19
Colorado DRE Broker Steps for License Reinstatement
Reinstatement, inactive issuance

Reinstatement License expired more than one year but no more than three years ago. to active status

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Annual Update Training: Annual Commission Update completion includes its Board-developed written or online end-of-course test with a 70% passing score under Rule 4.3.C. This is recorded as the completion condition of training, not a separately registered licensing examination.
Application: Submit reinstatement application, documents and fees. The Board reinstates to inactive status; a separate activation application is needed for active practice.
Board Processing: The Board reinstatement page states: "Successful reinstatement of an expired license will move that license from an Expired status to an Inactive status." Complete the separate activation step after reinstatement.
Continuing Education: State-exam passage is an alternative to completing the prescribed continuing education, not an additional exam on top of that education. Rule 4.2 permits 24 hours including required annual update credits; eligible 24-hour Broker Reactivation Course; state exam; or 48 hours Colorado contracts plus 24 hours closings.
Eligibility: License expired more than one year but no more than three years ago.
Fees: Pay renewal plus a reinstatement fee equal to the renewal fee.
Fingerprints: Satisfy the one-time fingerprint-based criminal history requirement if not already completed.
Insurance: Provide required E&O coverage before active practice.
Reactivation Course: The 24-hour reactivation course may be used by eligible active brokers only if not used in the previous cycle, or by inactive/expired brokers with accumulated inactivity up to 36 months who cannot meet the annual-update requirements.
State Exam Registration: For continuing education credit, PSI requires selection of its Continuing Education registration, rather than Broker State registration; it administers the same Colorado portion identified by Rules 2.2.A.2 and 4.2.A.4.

Reinstatement License expired more than one year but no more than three years ago. to inactive status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit reinstatement application, documents and fees. The Board reinstates to inactive status; a separate activation application is needed for active practice.
Eligibility: License expired more than one year but no more than three years ago.
Fees: Pay renewal plus a reinstatement fee equal to the renewal fee.
Practice: Remain inactive; comply with CE before future reactivation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-12.

Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 3.15, p. 2-19
Colorado DRE Broker Steps for License Reinstatement
Reinstatement, inactive issuance

Reinstatement License expired no more than 31 days ago. to active status

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Annual Update Training: Annual Commission Update completion includes its Board-developed written or online end-of-course test with a 70% passing score under Rule 4.3.C. This is recorded as the completion condition of training, not a separately registered licensing examination.
Application: Submit reinstatement application, documents and fees. The Board reinstates to inactive status; a separate activation application is needed for active practice.
Board Processing: The Board reinstatement page states: "Successful reinstatement of an expired license will move that license from an Expired status to an Inactive status." Complete the separate activation step after reinstatement.
Continuing Education: State-exam passage is an alternative to completing the prescribed continuing education, not an additional exam on top of that education. Rule 4.2 permits 24 hours including required annual update credits; eligible 24-hour Broker Reactivation Course; state exam; or 48 hours Colorado contracts plus 24 hours closings.
Eligibility: License expired no more than 31 days ago.
Fees: Pay the regular renewal fee.
Fingerprints: Satisfy the one-time fingerprint-based criminal history requirement if not already completed.
Insurance: Provide required E&O coverage before active practice.
Reactivation Course: The 24-hour reactivation course may be used by eligible active brokers only if not used in the previous cycle, or by inactive/expired brokers with accumulated inactivity up to 36 months who cannot meet the annual-update requirements.
State Exam Registration: For continuing education credit, PSI requires selection of its Continuing Education registration, rather than Broker State registration; it administers the same Colorado portion identified by Rules 2.2.A.2 and 4.2.A.4.

Reinstatement License expired no more than 31 days ago. to inactive status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit reinstatement application, documents and fees. The Board reinstates to inactive status; a separate activation application is needed for active practice.
Eligibility: License expired no more than 31 days ago.
Fees: Pay the regular renewal fee.
Practice: Remain inactive; comply with CE before future reactivation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-12.

Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 3.15, p. 2-19
Colorado DRE Broker Steps for License Reinstatement
Reinstatement, inactive issuance

Renewal of an active license

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Annual Update Training: Annual Commission Update completion includes its Board-developed written or online end-of-course test with a 70% passing score under Rule 4.3.C. This is recorded as the completion condition of training, not a separately registered licensing examination.
Application: Submit the prescribed application, CE certification and applicable fees.
Continuing Education: State-exam passage is an alternative to completing the prescribed continuing education, not an additional exam on top of that education. Rule 4.2 permits 24 hours including required annual update credits; eligible 24-hour Broker Reactivation Course; state exam; or 48 hours Colorado contracts plus 24 hours closings.
Eligibility: Existing active broker completing a three-year license cycle; the state examination is one permitted CE method.
Fingerprints: Satisfy the one-time fingerprint-based criminal history requirement if not already completed.
Insurance: Provide required E&O coverage before active practice.
Reactivation Course: The 24-hour reactivation course may be used by eligible active brokers only if not used in the previous cycle, or by inactive/expired brokers with accumulated inactivity up to 36 months who cannot meet the annual-update requirements.
State Exam Registration: For continuing education credit, PSI requires selection of its Continuing Education registration, rather than Broker State registration; it administers the same Colorado portion identified by Rules 2.2.A.2 and 4.2.A.4.

Renewal on inactive status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit renewal application and fee; CE is required before future reactivation to active status.
Eligibility: Existing broker remains inactive and may not perform brokerage services.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-12.

Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 3.12.C, p. 2-19
Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 3.11.B renewal application
Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 4.1.A, p. 2-20

Transfer to another employing broker

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Use the prescribed transfer procedure and pay the transfer fee.
Eligibility: Existing associate broker transfers to a different brokerage firm.
Supervision: Register the subsequent employing broker and maintain active-license insurance.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-12.

Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 3.14.A, p. 2-19

Real Estate Brokerage Firm License

The entity broker license for a corporation, limited liability company or partnership; a sole proprietorship operates under the qualified individual broker license.

Licensing authority: Colorado Real Estate Commission · Application information

Initial brokerage firm licensure

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: File both the entity and designated broker applications, required fee and supporting records.
Appointment: Provide appointment of the designated broker by the entity authority.
Designated Broker: Designate a qualified active independent or employing broker for management and supervision; a firm engaging associate brokers must have an active employing broker.
Entity Form: corporation
Examination: C.R.S. 12-10-203(6)(b) requires the designated broker to have passed the licensing examination on behalf of the entity; holding a license or an earlier currently offered examination score does not remove that statutory examination from this survey.
Implementation Demand: Rule 2.10.A lists entity registration, trade-name filing and appointment certifications; the controlling statutory examination requirement remains represented even though this implementation list does not restate it.
Insurance: Maintain the required firm or individual E&O coverage.
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Registration: Register the entity with the Colorado Secretary of State and remain in good standing; register any assumed or trade name.

Replacement of designated broker

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: File both the entity and designated broker applications, required fee and supporting records.
Appointment: Provide appointment of the designated broker by the entity authority.
Designated Broker: Designate a qualified active independent or employing broker for management and supervision; a firm engaging associate brokers must have an active employing broker.
Eligibility: The designated broker ceases to serve or is refused a license; the entity designates a replacement to apply under C.R.S. 12-10-203(6)(c).
Entity Form: corporation
Examination: C.R.S. 12-10-203(6)(b) requires the designated broker to have passed the licensing examination on behalf of the entity; holding a license or an earlier currently offered examination score does not remove that statutory examination from this survey.
Implementation Demand: Rule 2.10.A lists entity registration, trade-name filing and appointment certifications; the controlling statutory examination requirement remains represented even though this implementation list does not restate it.
Insurance: Maintain the required firm or individual E&O coverage.
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Registration: Register the entity with the Colorado Secretary of State and remain in good standing; register any assumed or trade name.

Initial brokerage firm licensure

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: File both the entity and designated broker applications, required fee and supporting records.
Appointment: Provide appointment of the designated broker by the entity authority.
Designated Broker: Designate a qualified active independent or employing broker for management and supervision; a firm engaging associate brokers must have an active employing broker.
Entity Form: limited liability company
Examination: C.R.S. 12-10-203(6)(b) requires the designated broker to have passed the licensing examination on behalf of the entity; holding a license or an earlier currently offered examination score does not remove that statutory examination from this survey.
Implementation Demand: Rule 2.10.A lists entity registration, trade-name filing and appointment certifications; the controlling statutory examination requirement remains represented even though this implementation list does not restate it.
Insurance: Maintain the required firm or individual E&O coverage.
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Registration: Register the entity with the Colorado Secretary of State and remain in good standing; register any assumed or trade name.

Replacement of designated broker

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: File both the entity and designated broker applications, required fee and supporting records.
Appointment: Provide appointment of the designated broker by the entity authority.
Designated Broker: Designate a qualified active independent or employing broker for management and supervision; a firm engaging associate brokers must have an active employing broker.
Eligibility: The designated broker ceases to serve or is refused a license; the entity designates a replacement to apply under C.R.S. 12-10-203(6)(c).
Entity Form: limited liability company
Examination: C.R.S. 12-10-203(6)(b) requires the designated broker to have passed the licensing examination on behalf of the entity; holding a license or an earlier currently offered examination score does not remove that statutory examination from this survey.
Implementation Demand: Rule 2.10.A lists entity registration, trade-name filing and appointment certifications; the controlling statutory examination requirement remains represented even though this implementation list does not restate it.
Insurance: Maintain the required firm or individual E&O coverage.
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Registration: Register the entity with the Colorado Secretary of State and remain in good standing; register any assumed or trade name.

Initial brokerage firm licensure

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: File both the entity and designated broker applications, required fee and supporting records.
Appointment: Provide appointment of the designated broker by the entity authority.
Designated Broker: Designate a qualified active independent or employing broker for management and supervision; a firm engaging associate brokers must have an active employing broker.
Entity Form: partnership
Examination: C.R.S. 12-10-203(6)(b) requires the designated broker to have passed the licensing examination on behalf of the entity; holding a license or an earlier currently offered examination score does not remove that statutory examination from this survey.
Implementation Demand: Rule 2.10.A lists entity registration, trade-name filing and appointment certifications; the controlling statutory examination requirement remains represented even though this implementation list does not restate it.
Insurance: Maintain the required firm or individual E&O coverage.
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Registration: Register the entity with the Colorado Secretary of State and remain in good standing; register any assumed or trade name.

Replacement of designated broker

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: File both the entity and designated broker applications, required fee and supporting records.
Appointment: Provide appointment of the designated broker by the entity authority.
Designated Broker: Designate a qualified active independent or employing broker for management and supervision; a firm engaging associate brokers must have an active employing broker.
Eligibility: The designated broker ceases to serve or is refused a license; the entity designates a replacement to apply under C.R.S. 12-10-203(6)(c).
Entity Form: partnership
Examination: C.R.S. 12-10-203(6)(b) requires the designated broker to have passed the licensing examination on behalf of the entity; holding a license or an earlier currently offered examination score does not remove that statutory examination from this survey.
Implementation Demand: Rule 2.10.A lists entity registration, trade-name filing and appointment certifications; the controlling statutory examination requirement remains represented even though this implementation list does not restate it.
Insurance: Maintain the required firm or individual E&O coverage.
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Registration: Register the entity with the Colorado Secretary of State and remain in good standing; register any assumed or trade name.

Employing Broker Level License

Colorado licenses real estate sales practice under its broker license law. Employing is an official broker license level under 4 CCR 725-1.

Licensing authority: Colorado Real Estate Commission · Application information

Initial licensure by examination at employing level

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: Submit the prescribed application, supporting documents and fee.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints to CBI before applying; state and national criminal history checks are required.
Brokerage Administration: Complete 24 hours of brokerage administration.
Character: The Commission determines truthfulness, honesty, good moral character and fitness; disclose criminal history and professional discipline and provide the required records.
Education: 12 hours in real estate closings, trust accounts and record keeping, plus proof of an active law license in a US jurisdiction.
Eligibility: Licensed attorney in Colorado or another US jurisdiction.
Experience: At least two years of active licensure as a broker in Colorado or another US jurisdiction before applying. Salesperson or sales-agent experience does not qualify as broker experience.
Insurance: Obtain qualifying errors and omissions insurance before active licensure, unless the statutory attorney malpractice-policy exception applies.
Minimum Age: At least 18 years old under C.R.S. 12-10-203(4)(a).
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Nonresident: Nonresidents may apply under C.R.S. 12-10-208; Colorado business-location requirements and applicable exemptions depend on license level and residence.
Score Currency: Each passing licensing-examination portion is valid for one year; submit a complete application within that period.
Supervision: An associate broker must work under an employing broker; a new associate broker requires high-level supervision for the first two years.
Supervisory Experience: Show at least two years of active broker practice during the preceding five years and at least 50 points under Rule 2.5.C.3, with worksheet and supporting records; submit applicable fingerprints and certified license history.

Renewal at end of initial license period

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit renewal application and fee; applicable one-time fingerprints and active-license insurance remain conditions.
Eligibility: License expires on December 31 of its issuance year; the statutory initial-period CE exemption applies.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-12.

Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 12
C.R.S. 12-10-213(4), p. 34
Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 3.11.B renewal application

Retention of grandfathered employing broker qualification

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Maintain the underlying broker license and comply with its renewal and insurance requirements.
Eligibility: Held a current and valid Colorado broker license on December 31, 1996; no additional experience or knowledge showing is required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-12.

Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 2.5.C grandfathered eligibility, grandfathered-1996

Federal military license portability

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Attestations: Attest to identity, true/correct/complete application, understanding of Commission requirements and scope, compliance with military-portability application requirements, and good standing in every jurisdiction of current or former licensure.
Eligibility: Servicemember or spouse relocates to Colorado because of military orders and holds a valid broker license or equivalent from another US jurisdiction.
Federal Application: Supply the notarized affidavit required by 50 USC 4025a(c).
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints to CBI under Rule 2.3.
Level Qualification: Portability grants authority within the scope of the covered license; independent or employing practice remains subject to applicable Colorado level and supervision requirements.
License Standing: The covered license must satisfy 50 USC 4025a(f): good standing, no revocation or discipline, no pending unprofessional-conduct investigation and no surrender while under such investigation.
Marriage Certificate: A spouse supplies a copy of the marriage certificate.
Military Orders: Provide military orders demonstrating relocation to Colorado.
Practice: Comply with Colorado practice standards and applicable active-license insurance and supervisory requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-12.

Colorado Real Estate Commission adopted rules, tracking 2025-00530
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 2.11, January 30, 2026
Colorado DRE Broker License Application Requirements
Active servicemember or spouse application category
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, section 705A (50 USC 4025a)
SCRA section 705A(a), p. 39

Initial licensure by examination at employing level

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: Submit the prescribed application, supporting documents and fee.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints to CBI before applying; state and national criminal history checks are required.
Brokerage Administration: Complete 24 hours of brokerage administration.
Certified License History: Submit a certified licensing history from every jurisdiction where currently or formerly licensed, dated no more than 90 days before the application.
Character: The Commission determines truthfulness, honesty, good moral character and fitness; disclose criminal history and professional discipline and provide the required records.
Education: 72 hours: 48 Colorado contracts and 24 real estate closings.
Eligibility: Real estate broker license in another US jurisdiction is expired or has been held for less than two years.
Experience: At least two years of active licensure as a broker in Colorado or another US jurisdiction before applying. Salesperson or sales-agent experience does not qualify as broker experience.
Insurance: Obtain qualifying errors and omissions insurance before active licensure, unless the statutory attorney malpractice-policy exception applies.
Minimum Age: At least 18 years old under C.R.S. 12-10-203(4)(a).
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Nonresident: Nonresidents may apply under C.R.S. 12-10-208; Colorado business-location requirements and applicable exemptions depend on license level and residence.
Score Currency: Each passing licensing-examination portion is valid for one year; submit a complete application within that period.
Supervision: An associate broker must work under an employing broker; a new associate broker requires high-level supervision for the first two years.
Supervisory Experience: Show at least two years of active broker practice during the preceding five years and at least 50 points under Rule 2.5.C.3, with worksheet and supporting records; submit applicable fingerprints and certified license history.

Initial licensure by examination at employing level

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: Submit the prescribed application, supporting documents and fee.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints to CBI before applying; state and national criminal history checks are required.
Brokerage Administration: Complete 24 hours of brokerage administration.
Certified License History: Submit a certified licensing history from every jurisdiction where currently or formerly licensed, dated no more than 90 days before the application.
Character: The Commission determines truthfulness, honesty, good moral character and fitness; disclose criminal history and professional discipline and provide the required records.
Education: 120 hours: 48 Colorado contracts, 24 closings, 8 trust accounts and records, 8 current legal issues, 32 practical application.
Eligibility: Real estate salesperson license in another US jurisdiction is expired or has been held for less than two years.
Experience: At least two years of active licensure as a broker in Colorado or another US jurisdiction before applying. Salesperson or sales-agent experience does not qualify as broker experience.
Insurance: Obtain qualifying errors and omissions insurance before active licensure, unless the statutory attorney malpractice-policy exception applies.
Minimum Age: At least 18 years old under C.R.S. 12-10-203(4)(a).
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Nonresident: Nonresidents may apply under C.R.S. 12-10-208; Colorado business-location requirements and applicable exemptions depend on license level and residence.
Score Currency: Each passing licensing-examination portion is valid for one year; submit a complete application within that period.
Supervision: An associate broker must work under an employing broker; a new associate broker requires high-level supervision for the first two years.
Supervisory Experience: Show at least two years of active broker practice during the preceding five years and at least 50 points under Rule 2.5.C.3, with worksheet and supporting records; submit applicable fingerprints and certified license history.

Retention of grandfathered employing broker qualification

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Maintain the underlying broker license and comply with its renewal and insurance requirements.
Eligibility: Employing level issued after December 31, 1996 but before January 1, 2018; show two years active employing licensure in the five years before January 1, 2019, complete the refresher course, or satisfy Rule 2.5.C.3.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-12.

Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 2.5.C grandfathered eligibility, pre-2018-employing

Reactivation from inactive to active status

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Annual Update Training: Annual Commission Update completion includes its Board-developed written or online end-of-course test with a 70% passing score under Rule 4.3.C. This is recorded as the completion condition of training, not a separately registered licensing examination.
Application: Submit the Transfer / Activate / Inactivate license application and required insurance/CE information.
Continuing Education: State-exam passage is an alternative to completing the prescribed continuing education, not an additional exam on top of that education. Rule 4.2 permits 24 hours including required annual update credits; eligible 24-hour Broker Reactivation Course; state exam; or 48 hours Colorado contracts plus 24 hours closings.
Eligibility: Inactive for more than 36 months; the Board requires state exam passage or the 72-hour contracts and closings education alternative.
Fingerprints: Satisfy the one-time fingerprint-based criminal history requirement if not already completed.
Insurance: Provide required E&O coverage before active practice.
Reactivation Course: The 24-hour reactivation course may be used by eligible active brokers only if not used in the previous cycle, or by inactive/expired brokers with accumulated inactivity up to 36 months who cannot meet the annual-update requirements.
State Exam Registration: For continuing education credit, PSI requires selection of its Continuing Education registration, rather than Broker State registration; it administers the same Colorado portion identified by Rules 2.2.A.2 and 4.2.A.4.

Reactivation from inactive to active status

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Annual Update Training: Annual Commission Update completion includes its Board-developed written or online end-of-course test with a 70% passing score under Rule 4.3.C. This is recorded as the completion condition of training, not a separately registered licensing examination.
Application: Submit the Transfer / Activate / Inactivate license application and required insurance/CE information.
Continuing Education: State-exam passage is an alternative to completing the prescribed continuing education, not an additional exam on top of that education. Rule 4.2 permits 24 hours including required annual update credits; eligible 24-hour Broker Reactivation Course; state exam; or 48 hours Colorado contracts plus 24 hours closings.
Eligibility: Inactive for an accumulated period no more than 36 months; CE methods are subject to Rule 4.2 eligibility.
Fingerprints: Satisfy the one-time fingerprint-based criminal history requirement if not already completed.
Insurance: Provide required E&O coverage before active practice.
Reactivation Course: The 24-hour reactivation course may be used by eligible active brokers only if not used in the previous cycle, or by inactive/expired brokers with accumulated inactivity up to 36 months who cannot meet the annual-update requirements.
State Exam Registration: For continuing education credit, PSI requires selection of its Continuing Education registration, rather than Broker State registration; it administers the same Colorado portion identified by Rules 2.2.A.2 and 4.2.A.4.

Reapplication following revocation

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: Submit the prescribed application, supporting documents and fee.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints to CBI before applying; state and national criminal history checks are required.
Brokerage Administration: Meet the 24-hour brokerage administration and Rule 2.5.C supervisory-experience requirements.
Character: The Commission determines truthfulness, honesty, good moral character and fitness; disclose criminal history and professional discipline and provide the required records.
Education: Meet the applicable initial-application education requirements under Rule 2.6; Commission review and any disciplinary order remain conditions.
Eligibility: A former Colorado broker whose license was revoked; application may not be considered until two years after revocation.
Experience: Meet the level-specific active broker experience requirements under Rules 2.7 and 2.8.
Insurance: Obtain qualifying errors and omissions insurance before active licensure, unless the statutory attorney malpractice-policy exception applies.
Minimum Age: At least 18 years old under C.R.S. 12-10-203(4)(a).
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Nonresident: Nonresidents may apply under C.R.S. 12-10-208; Colorado business-location requirements and applicable exemptions depend on license level and residence.
Score Currency: Meet the currently applicable initial examination requirements; each passing part is valid for one year.
Supervision: An associate broker must work under an employing broker; a new associate broker requires high-level supervision for the first two years.

Reapplication after expiration beyond three years at employing level

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: Submit the prescribed application, supporting documents and fee.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints to CBI before applying; state and national criminal history checks are required.
Brokerage Administration: Complete 24 hours of brokerage administration.
Character: The Commission determines truthfulness, honesty, good moral character and fitness; disclose criminal history and professional discipline and provide the required records.
Education: Commission verification of an associate broker license issued on or after January 1, 1997 establishes prior education.
Eligibility: Colorado associate broker license issued on or after January 1, 1997 has expired beyond the three-year reinstatement period.
Experience: At least two years of active licensure as a broker in Colorado or another US jurisdiction before applying. Salesperson or sales-agent experience does not qualify as broker experience.
Insurance: Obtain qualifying errors and omissions insurance before active licensure, unless the statutory attorney malpractice-policy exception applies.
Minimum Age: At least 18 years old under C.R.S. 12-10-203(4)(a).
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Nonresident: Nonresidents may apply under C.R.S. 12-10-208; Colorado business-location requirements and applicable exemptions depend on license level and residence.
Score Currency: Each passing licensing-examination portion is valid for one year; submit a complete application within that period.
Supervision: An associate broker must work under an employing broker; a new associate broker requires high-level supervision for the first two years.
Supervisory Experience: Show at least two years of active broker practice during the preceding five years and at least 50 points under Rule 2.5.C.3, with worksheet and supporting records; submit applicable fingerprints and certified license history.

Reapplication after expiration beyond three years at employing level

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: Submit the prescribed application, supporting documents and fee.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints to CBI before applying; state and national criminal history checks are required.
Brokerage Administration: Complete 24 hours of brokerage administration.
Character: The Commission determines truthfulness, honesty, good moral character and fitness; disclose criminal history and professional discipline and provide the required records.
Education: 72 hours: 48 Colorado contracts and 24 real estate closings.
Eligibility: Colorado broker license issued on or before December 31, 1996 has expired beyond the three-year reinstatement period.
Experience: At least two years of active licensure as a broker in Colorado or another US jurisdiction before applying. Salesperson or sales-agent experience does not qualify as broker experience.
Insurance: Obtain qualifying errors and omissions insurance before active licensure, unless the statutory attorney malpractice-policy exception applies.
Minimum Age: At least 18 years old under C.R.S. 12-10-203(4)(a).
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Nonresident: Nonresidents may apply under C.R.S. 12-10-208; Colorado business-location requirements and applicable exemptions depend on license level and residence.
Score Currency: Each passing licensing-examination portion is valid for one year; submit a complete application within that period.
Supervision: An associate broker must work under an employing broker; a new associate broker requires high-level supervision for the first two years.
Supervisory Experience: Show at least two years of active broker practice during the preceding five years and at least 50 points under Rule 2.5.C.3, with worksheet and supporting records; submit applicable fingerprints and certified license history.

Reapplication after expiration beyond three years at employing level

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: Submit the prescribed application, supporting documents and fee.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints to CBI before applying; state and national criminal history checks are required.
Brokerage Administration: Complete 24 hours of brokerage administration.
Character: The Commission determines truthfulness, honesty, good moral character and fitness; disclose criminal history and professional discipline and provide the required records.
Education: 120 hours: 48 Colorado contracts, 24 closings, 8 trust accounts and records, 8 current legal issues, 32 practical application.
Eligibility: Colorado salesperson license issued on or before December 31, 1996 has expired beyond the three-year reinstatement period.
Experience: At least two years of active licensure as a broker in Colorado or another US jurisdiction before applying. Salesperson or sales-agent experience does not qualify as broker experience.
Insurance: Obtain qualifying errors and omissions insurance before active licensure, unless the statutory attorney malpractice-policy exception applies.
Minimum Age: At least 18 years old under C.R.S. 12-10-203(4)(a).
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Nonresident: Nonresidents may apply under C.R.S. 12-10-208; Colorado business-location requirements and applicable exemptions depend on license level and residence.
Score Currency: Each passing licensing-examination portion is valid for one year; submit a complete application within that period.
Supervision: An associate broker must work under an employing broker; a new associate broker requires high-level supervision for the first two years.
Supervisory Experience: Show at least two years of active broker practice during the preceding five years and at least 50 points under Rule 2.5.C.3, with worksheet and supporting records; submit applicable fingerprints and certified license history.

Licensure by reciprocity at employing level

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: Submit the prescribed application, supporting documents and fee.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints to CBI before applying; state and national criminal history checks are required.
Brokerage Administration: Complete 24 hours of brokerage administration.
Character: The Commission determines truthfulness, honesty, good moral character and fitness; disclose criminal history and professional discipline and provide the required records.
Education: No prescribed prelicensing education; submit a license-history certificate dated within 90 days of application from each jurisdiction of current or former licensure.
Eligibility: Nonexpired real estate license from another US jurisdiction, active or inactive, held for two or more years; substantially equivalent credentials under C.R.S. 12-10-203(5)(b).
Experience: At least two years of active licensure as a broker in Colorado or another US jurisdiction before applying. Salesperson or sales-agent experience does not qualify as broker experience.
Insurance: Obtain qualifying errors and omissions insurance before active licensure, unless the statutory attorney malpractice-policy exception applies.
Minimum Age: At least 18 years old under C.R.S. 12-10-203(4)(a).
Nonresident: Nonresidents may apply under C.R.S. 12-10-208; Colorado business-location requirements and applicable exemptions depend on license level and residence.
Score Currency: Each passing licensing-examination portion is valid for one year; submit a complete application within that period.
Supervision: An associate broker must work under an employing broker; a new associate broker requires high-level supervision for the first two years.
Supervisory Experience: Show at least two years of active broker practice during the preceding five years and at least 50 points under Rule 2.5.C.3, with worksheet and supporting records; submit applicable fingerprints and certified license history.

Reinstatement License expired more than 31 days but no more than one year ago. to active status

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Annual Update Training: Annual Commission Update completion includes its Board-developed written or online end-of-course test with a 70% passing score under Rule 4.3.C. This is recorded as the completion condition of training, not a separately registered licensing examination.
Application: Submit reinstatement application, documents and fees. The Board reinstates to inactive status; a separate activation application is needed for active practice.
Board Processing: The Board reinstatement page states: "Successful reinstatement of an expired license will move that license from an Expired status to an Inactive status." Complete the separate activation step after reinstatement.
Continuing Education: State-exam passage is an alternative to completing the prescribed continuing education, not an additional exam on top of that education. Rule 4.2 permits 24 hours including required annual update credits; eligible 24-hour Broker Reactivation Course; state exam; or 48 hours Colorado contracts plus 24 hours closings.
Eligibility: License expired more than 31 days but no more than one year ago.
Fees: Pay renewal plus a reinstatement fee equal to half the renewal fee.
Fingerprints: Satisfy the one-time fingerprint-based criminal history requirement if not already completed.
Insurance: Provide required E&O coverage before active practice.
Reactivation Course: The 24-hour reactivation course may be used by eligible active brokers only if not used in the previous cycle, or by inactive/expired brokers with accumulated inactivity up to 36 months who cannot meet the annual-update requirements.
State Exam Registration: For continuing education credit, PSI requires selection of its Continuing Education registration, rather than Broker State registration; it administers the same Colorado portion identified by Rules 2.2.A.2 and 4.2.A.4.

Reinstatement License expired more than 31 days but no more than one year ago. to inactive status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit reinstatement application, documents and fees. The Board reinstates to inactive status; a separate activation application is needed for active practice.
Eligibility: License expired more than 31 days but no more than one year ago.
Fees: Pay renewal plus a reinstatement fee equal to half the renewal fee.
Practice: Remain inactive; comply with CE before future reactivation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-12.

Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 3.15, p. 2-19
Colorado DRE Broker Steps for License Reinstatement
Reinstatement, inactive issuance

Reinstatement License expired more than one year but no more than three years ago. to active status

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Annual Update Training: Annual Commission Update completion includes its Board-developed written or online end-of-course test with a 70% passing score under Rule 4.3.C. This is recorded as the completion condition of training, not a separately registered licensing examination.
Application: Submit reinstatement application, documents and fees. The Board reinstates to inactive status; a separate activation application is needed for active practice.
Board Processing: The Board reinstatement page states: "Successful reinstatement of an expired license will move that license from an Expired status to an Inactive status." Complete the separate activation step after reinstatement.
Continuing Education: State-exam passage is an alternative to completing the prescribed continuing education, not an additional exam on top of that education. Rule 4.2 permits 24 hours including required annual update credits; eligible 24-hour Broker Reactivation Course; state exam; or 48 hours Colorado contracts plus 24 hours closings.
Eligibility: License expired more than one year but no more than three years ago.
Fees: Pay renewal plus a reinstatement fee equal to the renewal fee.
Fingerprints: Satisfy the one-time fingerprint-based criminal history requirement if not already completed.
Insurance: Provide required E&O coverage before active practice.
Reactivation Course: The 24-hour reactivation course may be used by eligible active brokers only if not used in the previous cycle, or by inactive/expired brokers with accumulated inactivity up to 36 months who cannot meet the annual-update requirements.
State Exam Registration: For continuing education credit, PSI requires selection of its Continuing Education registration, rather than Broker State registration; it administers the same Colorado portion identified by Rules 2.2.A.2 and 4.2.A.4.

Reinstatement License expired more than one year but no more than three years ago. to inactive status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit reinstatement application, documents and fees. The Board reinstates to inactive status; a separate activation application is needed for active practice.
Eligibility: License expired more than one year but no more than three years ago.
Fees: Pay renewal plus a reinstatement fee equal to the renewal fee.
Practice: Remain inactive; comply with CE before future reactivation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-12.

Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 3.15, p. 2-19
Colorado DRE Broker Steps for License Reinstatement
Reinstatement, inactive issuance

Reinstatement License expired no more than 31 days ago. to active status

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Annual Update Training: Annual Commission Update completion includes its Board-developed written or online end-of-course test with a 70% passing score under Rule 4.3.C. This is recorded as the completion condition of training, not a separately registered licensing examination.
Application: Submit reinstatement application, documents and fees. The Board reinstates to inactive status; a separate activation application is needed for active practice.
Board Processing: The Board reinstatement page states: "Successful reinstatement of an expired license will move that license from an Expired status to an Inactive status." Complete the separate activation step after reinstatement.
Continuing Education: State-exam passage is an alternative to completing the prescribed continuing education, not an additional exam on top of that education. Rule 4.2 permits 24 hours including required annual update credits; eligible 24-hour Broker Reactivation Course; state exam; or 48 hours Colorado contracts plus 24 hours closings.
Eligibility: License expired no more than 31 days ago.
Fees: Pay the regular renewal fee.
Fingerprints: Satisfy the one-time fingerprint-based criminal history requirement if not already completed.
Insurance: Provide required E&O coverage before active practice.
Reactivation Course: The 24-hour reactivation course may be used by eligible active brokers only if not used in the previous cycle, or by inactive/expired brokers with accumulated inactivity up to 36 months who cannot meet the annual-update requirements.
State Exam Registration: For continuing education credit, PSI requires selection of its Continuing Education registration, rather than Broker State registration; it administers the same Colorado portion identified by Rules 2.2.A.2 and 4.2.A.4.

Reinstatement License expired no more than 31 days ago. to inactive status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit reinstatement application, documents and fees. The Board reinstates to inactive status; a separate activation application is needed for active practice.
Eligibility: License expired no more than 31 days ago.
Fees: Pay the regular renewal fee.
Practice: Remain inactive; comply with CE before future reactivation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-12.

Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 3.15, p. 2-19
Colorado DRE Broker Steps for License Reinstatement
Reinstatement, inactive issuance

Renewal of an active license

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Annual Update Training: Annual Commission Update completion includes its Board-developed written or online end-of-course test with a 70% passing score under Rule 4.3.C. This is recorded as the completion condition of training, not a separately registered licensing examination.
Application: Submit the prescribed application, CE certification and applicable fees.
Continuing Education: State-exam passage is an alternative to completing the prescribed continuing education, not an additional exam on top of that education. Rule 4.2 permits 24 hours including required annual update credits; eligible 24-hour Broker Reactivation Course; state exam; or 48 hours Colorado contracts plus 24 hours closings.
Eligibility: Existing active broker completing a three-year license cycle; the state examination is one permitted CE method.
Fingerprints: Satisfy the one-time fingerprint-based criminal history requirement if not already completed.
Insurance: Provide required E&O coverage before active practice.
Reactivation Course: The 24-hour reactivation course may be used by eligible active brokers only if not used in the previous cycle, or by inactive/expired brokers with accumulated inactivity up to 36 months who cannot meet the annual-update requirements.
State Exam Registration: For continuing education credit, PSI requires selection of its Continuing Education registration, rather than Broker State registration; it administers the same Colorado portion identified by Rules 2.2.A.2 and 4.2.A.4.

Renewal on inactive status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit renewal application and fee; CE is required before future reactivation to active status.
Eligibility: Existing broker remains inactive and may not perform brokerage services.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-12.

Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 3.12.C, p. 2-19
Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 3.11.B renewal application
Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 4.1.A, p. 2-20

Registration of practice as a sole proprietor

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Eligibility: Already holds the employing broker level license.
Ownership: The broker must be the sole owner; otherwise the partnership must apply for its entity license.
Trade Name: Meet Rule 2.9 trade-name restrictions and applicable Secretary of State filing requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-12.

Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 2.9, p. 2-11

Upgrade of existing Colorado broker license

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit the upgrade application, supporting documents and fee under Rule 3.1.B.
Brokerage Administration: Complete 24 hours of brokerage administration.
Eligibility: Already holds a Colorado broker license; applies to upgrade its level.
Experience: At least two years of active broker practice within the preceding five years, at least 50 points under Rule 2.5.C.3 and supporting worksheet/documentation.
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints if not submitted with the initial license.
Insurance: Maintain required E&O coverage for active practice.
License History: Submit certified history if licensed in another US jurisdiction.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-12.

Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 2.8.B, p. 2-11
Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 3.1.B, first requirements

Independent Broker Level License

Colorado licenses real estate sales practice under its broker license law. Independent is an official broker license level under 4 CCR 725-1.

Licensing authority: Colorado Real Estate Commission · Application information

Initial licensure by examination at independent level

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: Submit the prescribed application, supporting documents and fee.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints to CBI before applying; state and national criminal history checks are required.
Character: The Commission determines truthfulness, honesty, good moral character and fitness; disclose criminal history and professional discipline and provide the required records.
Education: 12 hours in real estate closings, trust accounts and record keeping, plus proof of an active law license in a US jurisdiction.
Eligibility: Licensed attorney in Colorado or another US jurisdiction.
Experience: At least two years of active licensure as a broker in Colorado or another US jurisdiction before applying. Salesperson or sales-agent experience does not qualify as broker experience.
Insurance: Obtain qualifying errors and omissions insurance before active licensure, unless the statutory attorney malpractice-policy exception applies.
Minimum Age: At least 18 years old under C.R.S. 12-10-203(4)(a).
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Nonresident: Nonresidents may apply under C.R.S. 12-10-208; Colorado business-location requirements and applicable exemptions depend on license level and residence.
Score Currency: Each passing licensing-examination portion is valid for one year; submit a complete application within that period.
Supervision: An associate broker must work under an employing broker; a new associate broker requires high-level supervision for the first two years.

Renewal at end of initial license period

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit renewal application and fee; applicable one-time fingerprints and active-license insurance remain conditions.
Eligibility: License expires on December 31 of its issuance year; the statutory initial-period CE exemption applies.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-12.

Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 12
C.R.S. 12-10-213(4), p. 34
Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 3.11.B renewal application

Federal military license portability

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Attestations: Attest to identity, true/correct/complete application, understanding of Commission requirements and scope, compliance with military-portability application requirements, and good standing in every jurisdiction of current or former licensure.
Eligibility: Servicemember or spouse relocates to Colorado because of military orders and holds a valid broker license or equivalent from another US jurisdiction.
Federal Application: Supply the notarized affidavit required by 50 USC 4025a(c).
Fingerprints: Submit fingerprints to CBI under Rule 2.3.
Level Qualification: Portability grants authority within the scope of the covered license; independent or employing practice remains subject to applicable Colorado level and supervision requirements.
License Standing: The covered license must satisfy 50 USC 4025a(f): good standing, no revocation or discipline, no pending unprofessional-conduct investigation and no surrender while under such investigation.
Marriage Certificate: A spouse supplies a copy of the marriage certificate.
Military Orders: Provide military orders demonstrating relocation to Colorado.
Practice: Comply with Colorado practice standards and applicable active-license insurance and supervisory requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-12.

Colorado Real Estate Commission adopted rules, tracking 2025-00530
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 2.11, January 30, 2026
Colorado DRE Broker License Application Requirements
Active servicemember or spouse application category
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, section 705A (50 USC 4025a)
SCRA section 705A(a), p. 39

Initial licensure by examination at independent level

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: Submit the prescribed application, supporting documents and fee.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints to CBI before applying; state and national criminal history checks are required.
Certified License History: Submit a certified licensing history from every jurisdiction where currently or formerly licensed, dated no more than 90 days before the application.
Character: The Commission determines truthfulness, honesty, good moral character and fitness; disclose criminal history and professional discipline and provide the required records.
Education: 72 hours: 48 Colorado contracts and 24 real estate closings.
Eligibility: Real estate broker license in another US jurisdiction is expired or has been held for less than two years.
Experience: At least two years of active licensure as a broker in Colorado or another US jurisdiction before applying. Salesperson or sales-agent experience does not qualify as broker experience.
Insurance: Obtain qualifying errors and omissions insurance before active licensure, unless the statutory attorney malpractice-policy exception applies.
Minimum Age: At least 18 years old under C.R.S. 12-10-203(4)(a).
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Nonresident: Nonresidents may apply under C.R.S. 12-10-208; Colorado business-location requirements and applicable exemptions depend on license level and residence.
Score Currency: Each passing licensing-examination portion is valid for one year; submit a complete application within that period.
Supervision: An associate broker must work under an employing broker; a new associate broker requires high-level supervision for the first two years.

Initial licensure by examination at independent level

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: Submit the prescribed application, supporting documents and fee.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints to CBI before applying; state and national criminal history checks are required.
Certified License History: Submit a certified licensing history from every jurisdiction where currently or formerly licensed, dated no more than 90 days before the application.
Character: The Commission determines truthfulness, honesty, good moral character and fitness; disclose criminal history and professional discipline and provide the required records.
Education: 120 hours: 48 Colorado contracts, 24 closings, 8 trust accounts and records, 8 current legal issues, 32 practical application.
Eligibility: Real estate salesperson license in another US jurisdiction is expired or has been held for less than two years.
Experience: At least two years of active licensure as a broker in Colorado or another US jurisdiction before applying. Salesperson or sales-agent experience does not qualify as broker experience.
Insurance: Obtain qualifying errors and omissions insurance before active licensure, unless the statutory attorney malpractice-policy exception applies.
Minimum Age: At least 18 years old under C.R.S. 12-10-203(4)(a).
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Nonresident: Nonresidents may apply under C.R.S. 12-10-208; Colorado business-location requirements and applicable exemptions depend on license level and residence.
Score Currency: Each passing licensing-examination portion is valid for one year; submit a complete application within that period.
Supervision: An associate broker must work under an employing broker; a new associate broker requires high-level supervision for the first two years.

Reactivation from inactive to active status

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Annual Update Training: Annual Commission Update completion includes its Board-developed written or online end-of-course test with a 70% passing score under Rule 4.3.C. This is recorded as the completion condition of training, not a separately registered licensing examination.
Application: Submit the Transfer / Activate / Inactivate license application and required insurance/CE information.
Continuing Education: State-exam passage is an alternative to completing the prescribed continuing education, not an additional exam on top of that education. Rule 4.2 permits 24 hours including required annual update credits; eligible 24-hour Broker Reactivation Course; state exam; or 48 hours Colorado contracts plus 24 hours closings.
Eligibility: Inactive for more than 36 months; the Board requires state exam passage or the 72-hour contracts and closings education alternative.
Fingerprints: Satisfy the one-time fingerprint-based criminal history requirement if not already completed.
Insurance: Provide required E&O coverage before active practice.
Reactivation Course: The 24-hour reactivation course may be used by eligible active brokers only if not used in the previous cycle, or by inactive/expired brokers with accumulated inactivity up to 36 months who cannot meet the annual-update requirements.
State Exam Registration: For continuing education credit, PSI requires selection of its Continuing Education registration, rather than Broker State registration; it administers the same Colorado portion identified by Rules 2.2.A.2 and 4.2.A.4.

Reactivation from inactive to active status

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Annual Update Training: Annual Commission Update completion includes its Board-developed written or online end-of-course test with a 70% passing score under Rule 4.3.C. This is recorded as the completion condition of training, not a separately registered licensing examination.
Application: Submit the Transfer / Activate / Inactivate license application and required insurance/CE information.
Continuing Education: State-exam passage is an alternative to completing the prescribed continuing education, not an additional exam on top of that education. Rule 4.2 permits 24 hours including required annual update credits; eligible 24-hour Broker Reactivation Course; state exam; or 48 hours Colorado contracts plus 24 hours closings.
Eligibility: Inactive for an accumulated period no more than 36 months; CE methods are subject to Rule 4.2 eligibility.
Fingerprints: Satisfy the one-time fingerprint-based criminal history requirement if not already completed.
Insurance: Provide required E&O coverage before active practice.
Reactivation Course: The 24-hour reactivation course may be used by eligible active brokers only if not used in the previous cycle, or by inactive/expired brokers with accumulated inactivity up to 36 months who cannot meet the annual-update requirements.
State Exam Registration: For continuing education credit, PSI requires selection of its Continuing Education registration, rather than Broker State registration; it administers the same Colorado portion identified by Rules 2.2.A.2 and 4.2.A.4.

Reapplication following revocation

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: Submit the prescribed application, supporting documents and fee.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints to CBI before applying; state and national criminal history checks are required.
Character: The Commission determines truthfulness, honesty, good moral character and fitness; disclose criminal history and professional discipline and provide the required records.
Education: Meet the applicable initial-application education requirements under Rule 2.6; Commission review and any disciplinary order remain conditions.
Eligibility: A former Colorado broker whose license was revoked; application may not be considered until two years after revocation.
Experience: Meet the level-specific active broker experience requirements under Rules 2.7 and 2.8.
Insurance: Obtain qualifying errors and omissions insurance before active licensure, unless the statutory attorney malpractice-policy exception applies.
Minimum Age: At least 18 years old under C.R.S. 12-10-203(4)(a).
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Nonresident: Nonresidents may apply under C.R.S. 12-10-208; Colorado business-location requirements and applicable exemptions depend on license level and residence.
Score Currency: Meet the currently applicable initial examination requirements; each passing part is valid for one year.
Supervision: An associate broker must work under an employing broker; a new associate broker requires high-level supervision for the first two years.

Reapplication after expiration beyond three years at independent level

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: Submit the prescribed application, supporting documents and fee.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints to CBI before applying; state and national criminal history checks are required.
Character: The Commission determines truthfulness, honesty, good moral character and fitness; disclose criminal history and professional discipline and provide the required records.
Education: Commission verification of an associate broker license issued on or after January 1, 1997 establishes prior education.
Eligibility: Colorado associate broker license issued on or after January 1, 1997 has expired beyond the three-year reinstatement period.
Experience: At least two years of active licensure as a broker in Colorado or another US jurisdiction before applying. Salesperson or sales-agent experience does not qualify as broker experience.
Insurance: Obtain qualifying errors and omissions insurance before active licensure, unless the statutory attorney malpractice-policy exception applies.
Minimum Age: At least 18 years old under C.R.S. 12-10-203(4)(a).
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Nonresident: Nonresidents may apply under C.R.S. 12-10-208; Colorado business-location requirements and applicable exemptions depend on license level and residence.
Score Currency: Each passing licensing-examination portion is valid for one year; submit a complete application within that period.
Supervision: An associate broker must work under an employing broker; a new associate broker requires high-level supervision for the first two years.

Reapplication after expiration beyond three years at independent level

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: Submit the prescribed application, supporting documents and fee.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints to CBI before applying; state and national criminal history checks are required.
Character: The Commission determines truthfulness, honesty, good moral character and fitness; disclose criminal history and professional discipline and provide the required records.
Education: 72 hours: 48 Colorado contracts and 24 real estate closings.
Eligibility: Colorado broker license issued on or before December 31, 1996 has expired beyond the three-year reinstatement period.
Experience: At least two years of active licensure as a broker in Colorado or another US jurisdiction before applying. Salesperson or sales-agent experience does not qualify as broker experience.
Insurance: Obtain qualifying errors and omissions insurance before active licensure, unless the statutory attorney malpractice-policy exception applies.
Minimum Age: At least 18 years old under C.R.S. 12-10-203(4)(a).
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Nonresident: Nonresidents may apply under C.R.S. 12-10-208; Colorado business-location requirements and applicable exemptions depend on license level and residence.
Score Currency: Each passing licensing-examination portion is valid for one year; submit a complete application within that period.
Supervision: An associate broker must work under an employing broker; a new associate broker requires high-level supervision for the first two years.

Reapplication after expiration beyond three years at independent level

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: Submit the prescribed application, supporting documents and fee.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints to CBI before applying; state and national criminal history checks are required.
Character: The Commission determines truthfulness, honesty, good moral character and fitness; disclose criminal history and professional discipline and provide the required records.
Education: 120 hours: 48 Colorado contracts, 24 closings, 8 trust accounts and records, 8 current legal issues, 32 practical application.
Eligibility: Colorado salesperson license issued on or before December 31, 1996 has expired beyond the three-year reinstatement period.
Experience: At least two years of active licensure as a broker in Colorado or another US jurisdiction before applying. Salesperson or sales-agent experience does not qualify as broker experience.
Insurance: Obtain qualifying errors and omissions insurance before active licensure, unless the statutory attorney malpractice-policy exception applies.
Minimum Age: At least 18 years old under C.R.S. 12-10-203(4)(a).
National Broker Examination: Pass the currently offered PSI National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices) of the Colorado Real Estate Broker Examination. The state bulletin labels its outline Broker and includes broker-only supervisory content. It is not the supplied PSI or Pearson VUE salesperson national examination; no broker national exam version is supplied, so this examination is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Nonresident: Nonresidents may apply under C.R.S. 12-10-208; Colorado business-location requirements and applicable exemptions depend on license level and residence.
Score Currency: Each passing licensing-examination portion is valid for one year; submit a complete application within that period.
Supervision: An associate broker must work under an employing broker; a new associate broker requires high-level supervision for the first two years.

Licensure by reciprocity at independent level

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Application: Submit the prescribed application, supporting documents and fee.
Background Check: Submit fingerprints to CBI before applying; state and national criminal history checks are required.
Character: The Commission determines truthfulness, honesty, good moral character and fitness; disclose criminal history and professional discipline and provide the required records.
Education: No prescribed prelicensing education; submit a license-history certificate dated within 90 days of application from each jurisdiction of current or former licensure.
Eligibility: Nonexpired real estate license from another US jurisdiction, active or inactive, held for two or more years; substantially equivalent credentials under C.R.S. 12-10-203(5)(b).
Experience: At least two years of active licensure as a broker in Colorado or another US jurisdiction before applying. Salesperson or sales-agent experience does not qualify as broker experience.
Insurance: Obtain qualifying errors and omissions insurance before active licensure, unless the statutory attorney malpractice-policy exception applies.
Minimum Age: At least 18 years old under C.R.S. 12-10-203(4)(a).
Nonresident: Nonresidents may apply under C.R.S. 12-10-208; Colorado business-location requirements and applicable exemptions depend on license level and residence.
Score Currency: Each passing licensing-examination portion is valid for one year; submit a complete application within that period.
Supervision: An associate broker must work under an employing broker; a new associate broker requires high-level supervision for the first two years.

Reinstatement License expired more than 31 days but no more than one year ago. to active status

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Annual Update Training: Annual Commission Update completion includes its Board-developed written or online end-of-course test with a 70% passing score under Rule 4.3.C. This is recorded as the completion condition of training, not a separately registered licensing examination.
Application: Submit reinstatement application, documents and fees. The Board reinstates to inactive status; a separate activation application is needed for active practice.
Board Processing: The Board reinstatement page states: "Successful reinstatement of an expired license will move that license from an Expired status to an Inactive status." Complete the separate activation step after reinstatement.
Continuing Education: State-exam passage is an alternative to completing the prescribed continuing education, not an additional exam on top of that education. Rule 4.2 permits 24 hours including required annual update credits; eligible 24-hour Broker Reactivation Course; state exam; or 48 hours Colorado contracts plus 24 hours closings.
Eligibility: License expired more than 31 days but no more than one year ago.
Fees: Pay renewal plus a reinstatement fee equal to half the renewal fee.
Fingerprints: Satisfy the one-time fingerprint-based criminal history requirement if not already completed.
Insurance: Provide required E&O coverage before active practice.
Reactivation Course: The 24-hour reactivation course may be used by eligible active brokers only if not used in the previous cycle, or by inactive/expired brokers with accumulated inactivity up to 36 months who cannot meet the annual-update requirements.
State Exam Registration: For continuing education credit, PSI requires selection of its Continuing Education registration, rather than Broker State registration; it administers the same Colorado portion identified by Rules 2.2.A.2 and 4.2.A.4.

Reinstatement License expired more than 31 days but no more than one year ago. to inactive status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit reinstatement application, documents and fees. The Board reinstates to inactive status; a separate activation application is needed for active practice.
Eligibility: License expired more than 31 days but no more than one year ago.
Fees: Pay renewal plus a reinstatement fee equal to half the renewal fee.
Practice: Remain inactive; comply with CE before future reactivation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-12.

Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 3.15, p. 2-19
Colorado DRE Broker Steps for License Reinstatement
Reinstatement, inactive issuance

Reinstatement License expired more than one year but no more than three years ago. to active status

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Annual Update Training: Annual Commission Update completion includes its Board-developed written or online end-of-course test with a 70% passing score under Rule 4.3.C. This is recorded as the completion condition of training, not a separately registered licensing examination.
Application: Submit reinstatement application, documents and fees. The Board reinstates to inactive status; a separate activation application is needed for active practice.
Board Processing: The Board reinstatement page states: "Successful reinstatement of an expired license will move that license from an Expired status to an Inactive status." Complete the separate activation step after reinstatement.
Continuing Education: State-exam passage is an alternative to completing the prescribed continuing education, not an additional exam on top of that education. Rule 4.2 permits 24 hours including required annual update credits; eligible 24-hour Broker Reactivation Course; state exam; or 48 hours Colorado contracts plus 24 hours closings.
Eligibility: License expired more than one year but no more than three years ago.
Fees: Pay renewal plus a reinstatement fee equal to the renewal fee.
Fingerprints: Satisfy the one-time fingerprint-based criminal history requirement if not already completed.
Insurance: Provide required E&O coverage before active practice.
Reactivation Course: The 24-hour reactivation course may be used by eligible active brokers only if not used in the previous cycle, or by inactive/expired brokers with accumulated inactivity up to 36 months who cannot meet the annual-update requirements.
State Exam Registration: For continuing education credit, PSI requires selection of its Continuing Education registration, rather than Broker State registration; it administers the same Colorado portion identified by Rules 2.2.A.2 and 4.2.A.4.

Reinstatement License expired more than one year but no more than three years ago. to inactive status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit reinstatement application, documents and fees. The Board reinstates to inactive status; a separate activation application is needed for active practice.
Eligibility: License expired more than one year but no more than three years ago.
Fees: Pay renewal plus a reinstatement fee equal to the renewal fee.
Practice: Remain inactive; comply with CE before future reactivation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-12.

Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 3.15, p. 2-19
Colorado DRE Broker Steps for License Reinstatement
Reinstatement, inactive issuance

Reinstatement License expired no more than 31 days ago. to active status

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Annual Update Training: Annual Commission Update completion includes its Board-developed written or online end-of-course test with a 70% passing score under Rule 4.3.C. This is recorded as the completion condition of training, not a separately registered licensing examination.
Application: Submit reinstatement application, documents and fees. The Board reinstates to inactive status; a separate activation application is needed for active practice.
Board Processing: The Board reinstatement page states: "Successful reinstatement of an expired license will move that license from an Expired status to an Inactive status." Complete the separate activation step after reinstatement.
Continuing Education: State-exam passage is an alternative to completing the prescribed continuing education, not an additional exam on top of that education. Rule 4.2 permits 24 hours including required annual update credits; eligible 24-hour Broker Reactivation Course; state exam; or 48 hours Colorado contracts plus 24 hours closings.
Eligibility: License expired no more than 31 days ago.
Fees: Pay the regular renewal fee.
Fingerprints: Satisfy the one-time fingerprint-based criminal history requirement if not already completed.
Insurance: Provide required E&O coverage before active practice.
Reactivation Course: The 24-hour reactivation course may be used by eligible active brokers only if not used in the previous cycle, or by inactive/expired brokers with accumulated inactivity up to 36 months who cannot meet the annual-update requirements.
State Exam Registration: For continuing education credit, PSI requires selection of its Continuing Education registration, rather than Broker State registration; it administers the same Colorado portion identified by Rules 2.2.A.2 and 4.2.A.4.

Reinstatement License expired no more than 31 days ago. to inactive status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit reinstatement application, documents and fees. The Board reinstates to inactive status; a separate activation application is needed for active practice.
Eligibility: License expired no more than 31 days ago.
Fees: Pay the regular renewal fee.
Practice: Remain inactive; comply with CE before future reactivation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-12.

Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 3.15, p. 2-19
Colorado DRE Broker Steps for License Reinstatement
Reinstatement, inactive issuance

Renewal of an active license

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Annual Update Training: Annual Commission Update completion includes its Board-developed written or online end-of-course test with a 70% passing score under Rule 4.3.C. This is recorded as the completion condition of training, not a separately registered licensing examination.
Application: Submit the prescribed application, CE certification and applicable fees.
Continuing Education: State-exam passage is an alternative to completing the prescribed continuing education, not an additional exam on top of that education. Rule 4.2 permits 24 hours including required annual update credits; eligible 24-hour Broker Reactivation Course; state exam; or 48 hours Colorado contracts plus 24 hours closings.
Eligibility: Existing active broker completing a three-year license cycle; the state examination is one permitted CE method.
Fingerprints: Satisfy the one-time fingerprint-based criminal history requirement if not already completed.
Insurance: Provide required E&O coverage before active practice.
Reactivation Course: The 24-hour reactivation course may be used by eligible active brokers only if not used in the previous cycle, or by inactive/expired brokers with accumulated inactivity up to 36 months who cannot meet the annual-update requirements.
State Exam Registration: For continuing education credit, PSI requires selection of its Continuing Education registration, rather than Broker State registration; it administers the same Colorado portion identified by Rules 2.2.A.2 and 4.2.A.4.

Renewal on inactive status

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit renewal application and fee; CE is required before future reactivation to active status.
Eligibility: Existing broker remains inactive and may not perform brokerage services.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-12.

Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 3.12.C, p. 2-19
Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 3.11.B renewal application
Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 4.1.A, p. 2-20

Registration of practice as a sole proprietor

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Eligibility: Already holds the independent broker level license.
Ownership: The broker must be the sole owner; otherwise the partnership must apply for its entity license.
Trade Name: Meet Rule 2.9 trade-name restrictions and applicable Secretary of State filing requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-12.

Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 2.9, p. 2-11

Upgrade of existing Colorado broker license

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit the upgrade application, supporting documents and fee under Rule 3.1.B.
Eligibility: Already holds a Colorado broker license; applies to upgrade its level.
Experience: Two years of active associate broker licensure preceding application.
Insurance: Maintain required E&O coverage for active practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-12.

Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 2.7.B, p. 2-10
Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 3.1.B, first requirements

Colorado Broker Examination - State Portion

Provider: PSI Services LLC
Format: Computer-administered examination
Exam questions: 74 scored questions; 5 to 10 unscored experimental questions may be administered
Time limit: 110 minutes
Passing score: 53 correct answers

Examination outline

Duties and Powers of the Real Estate Commission (2 items)
- General Powers of the Real Estate Commission
- Investigations or Audits, Hearings and Appeals; Criminal Violations; License Law Violations
Licensing Requirements (5 items)
- Types of Licenses/Corporations
- Acts Requiring a License
- License Maintenance: Renewal, Changes, Expiration, Suspension, Inactive Status, and Continuing Education
- License Qualifications and Exemptions
- Errors and Omissions Insurance
Requirements Governing the Activities of Licensees (11 items)
- Advertising; Trade Names
- Brokerage Administration
- Brokerage Administration - i. Employer/Employee Relationships
- Brokerage Administration - ii. Place of Business Requirements
- Brokerage Administration - iii. Office Policy Requirements
- Commissions, Rebates, Referrals, & Fees; Inducements from Settlement Service Providers
- Disclosure of Conflict of Interest or Licensed Status
- Handling of Documents
- Listings
- Practice of Law/Seller Financing
- Unlicensed Personal Assistants
- Sign Crossing
Additional Topics (7 items)
- Property Management; Landlord Tenant Act
- Water Rights & Disclosures; Well Change of Ownership
- Colorado Taxes
- Colorado Fair Housing Act
- Foreclosure Protection Act & Processes
Colorado Forms and Contracts (23 items)
- Listing Contracts and Buyer Representation Agreements
- Contracts to Buy and Sell Real Estate (incl. new disclosures)
- Use of Standard Forms
- Deeds of Trust/Promissory Notes
- Disclosure Documents
- Addenda to Contracts (Including Foreclosure Property Addendum, Short Sales)
- Counterproposal Form
- Closing Instructions
- Seller Financing
Record Keeping and Trust Accounts (5 items)
- Transaction Record Keeping
- Trust Accounts
- Trust Accounts - i. Account Requirements
- Trust Accounts - ii. Delivery of Funds to Broker or Title Company
- Trust Accounts - iii. Trust Account Record Keeping
Closing and Settlement (10 items)
- Computation of Proration
- Responsibility for Accuracy of Closing Statements
- Ensuring that Closing Statements Match Contract Instructions
- Responsibilities of Parties at Closing
- Closing Documents
Brokerage Relationships (11 items)
- Brokerage Relationship Disclosure
- Transaction Brokerage
- Single Agent
- Designated Brokers

Examination sources

Colorado Real Estate Candidate Information Bulletin
p. 6, State Portion Content Outline, opening line
Colorado Real Estate Candidate Information Bulletin
p. 6, State Portion Content Outline, co-1
Colorado Real Estate Candidate Information Bulletin
p. 6, State Portion Content Outline, co-2
Colorado Real Estate Candidate Information Bulletin
p. 6, State Portion Content Outline, co-3
Colorado Real Estate Candidate Information Bulletin
p. 6, State Portion Content Outline, co-4
Colorado Real Estate Candidate Information Bulletin
p. 6, State Portion Content Outline, co-5
Colorado Real Estate Candidate Information Bulletin
p. 6, State Portion Content Outline, co-6
Colorado Real Estate Candidate Information Bulletin
p. 6, State Portion Content Outline, co-7
Colorado Real Estate Candidate Information Bulletin
p. 6, State Portion Content Outline, co-8
Colorado Real Estate Candidate Information Bulletin
p. 13, Score Reporting, State Portion minimum correct
Colorado Real Estate Candidate Information Bulletin
p. 12, Taking the Examination, computer administration
Colorado Real Estate Manual, Chapter 2
4 CCR 725-1 Rule 2.2.A, p. 2-6
Colorado Real Estate Candidate Information Bulletin
p. 3, examination table, state questions score and duration
Colorado Real Estate Candidate Information Bulletin
p. 3, continuing education registration instruction
Colorado Real Estate Candidate Information Bulletin
p. 3, reciprocal licensure registration instruction