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Ohio Real Estate Salesperson — Requirements & Free Practice

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Real Estate Salesperson's License

Ohio salesperson license for activities performed in association with an Ohio licensed broker. Inactive, suspended, retired and resigned designations are statuses of this license, with applicable renewal and reactivation routes.

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

Issuance of salesperson license to Ohio broker placing broker license on deposit
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit prescribed application with the receiving broker recommendation and $34 fee; deposit the broker license.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Existing License
Existing Ohio licensed real estate broker wishes to associate with another broker as a salesperson.
Fitness
Superintendent must be satisfied as to honesty and truthfulness, absence of disqualifying offenses and civil-rights adjudications, and public interest.
Notice
Give prescribed written notice to associated salespersons when depositing the broker license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Removal of provisional status after criminal record confirmation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Criminal Record
Criminal-record results confirm no convictions; the statute directs removal of provisional status on that confirmation. If a conviction is found, the superintendent may suspend the license.
Existing License
Already holds the provisional salesperson license issued after examination passage.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination
Age
At least eighteen years of age (R.C. 4735.09(F)(4)).
Application Fee
Submit the application with the $81 nonrefundable processing fee; examinations have separate PSI registration fees.
Application Method
The July 1, 2026 PSI bulletin directs online applications at https://lpi.elicense.ohio.gov/ and says "Paper applications are not accepted." Older application forms describe mailing and are used here for their substantive eligibility and examination instructions.
Background Check
Submit Ohio and FBI fingerprints and criminal-record checks; O.A.C. 1301:5-1-23 requires timely submission. Disclosed criminal convictions must be reviewed before examination admission.
Broker Sponsorship
Application and license issuance require the recommendation and sponsorship of an Ohio licensed broker.
Character
Honest and truthful; disqualifying offenses and civil-rights adjudications are subject to the criteria in R.C. 4735.09(F)(1)-(3). A qualifying civil-rights adjudication must be at least two years old and disregarded by the superintendent on the statutory proof.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Citizenship
The Board requirements page states: "U.S. status: Be a U.S. citizen or a legal alien (provide proof)."
Education Appraisal
Ten hours of eligible real estate appraisal instruction; this requirement does not apply to an applicant already holding a valid Ohio real estate appraiser license or certificate.
Education Currency
For applicants not licensed as a salesperson or broker within the preceding four years, required prelicensure instruction must have been completed within the preceding ten years; successful completion is determined under the law effective when the instruction was completed.
Education Finance
Ten hours of eligible real estate finance instruction.
Education Law
Forty hours of eligible Ohio real estate law and civil-rights instruction; this course requirement does not apply to an applicant admitted to practice before the Ohio Supreme Court.
Education Practice
Forty hours of eligible instruction in real estate practice at an institution of higher education.
Exam Eligibility
Pass both portions within the twelve-month eligibility period. A passed portion remains valid within that period, and only a failed portion is retaken; after the period expires a new application and both portions are required.
High School
If born after 1950, a high-school diploma or recognized high-school equivalence certificate is required.
Instructor Credit
Under O.A.C. 1301:5-1-15(C), qualifying instruction personally taught during the preceding ten years counts as completion of the unduplicated required classroom hours.
Military Education Credit
Under R.C. 5903.03(B), substantially equivalent or greater military training and specialty service satisfy the corresponding education or experience requirement.
Nonresident Service
Nonresident applicants must file the irrevocable consent to service of process required by R.C. 4735.17(B).
Post Licensure Education
Submit proof of twenty hours of approved postlicensure instruction within twelve months after license issuance under R.C. 4735.09(J).
Reactivation after sponsoring broker continuing education suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Compliance
Salesperson must meet own continuing education and otherwise comply with the chapter.
Existing Status
Salesperson license correspondingly suspended because affiliated broker failed continuing education.
Fee
No salesperson reactivation fee is charged for this statutory route.
Resolution
The broker cures the failure and is reactivated, or the salesperson applies to affiliate with a different broker.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after military inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit prescribed application and reactivation fee.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Discharge
Present satisfactory evidence of honorable discharge or separation under honorable conditions within six months.
Existing Status
Salesperson license inactive due to military service.
Renewal Education
Timely renewal and continuing education follow R.C. 4735.13(G), including the documented statutory military-service extensions.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after failure to pay final citation fine
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File prescribed application and reactivation fee within twelve months.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Compliance
Satisfy O.A.C. 1301:5-1-19 when a renewal or education deadline passed during suspension.
Existing Status
Suspension for failure to remit the fine in a final citation under R.C. 4735.16 or 4735.181.
Repayment
Pay all fines in full.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after continuing education suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit prescribed reactivation application and fee; license must otherwise be renewed and compliant.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Deadline
Cure the failure within twelve months from suspension, otherwise the license is automatically revoked.
Education
Establish completion of the required continuing education to the superintendent satisfaction.
Existing Status
Salesperson license suspended for failure to complete continuing education.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after failure to pay disciplinary monetary fine
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File reactivation application and fee within twelve months of suspension.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Education
If continuing or postlicensure education came due during suspension, submit proof of completion.
Existing Status
Automatic suspension for failure to timely pay a monetary fine ordered by the commission.
Renewal
If renewal came due during suspension, renew and pay the late penalty.
Repayment
Pay all imposed fines in full; superintendent may extend payment on prescribed terms.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation of inactive salesperson license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Prescribed reactivation application and fee; broker affiliation must permit active salesperson practice.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Education
Comply with continuing education and postlicensure education.
Existing Status
Inactive license maintained by renewal.
Renewal
License must be properly renewed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after failure to complete disciplinary education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File reactivation application and fee within twelve months of suspension.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Education
Verify satisfactory completion of the ordered preapproved education; disciplinary courses do not count toward regular continuing education. Superintendent may extend or modify the sanction for good cause.
Existing Status
Automatic suspension for failure to complete commission-ordered education.
Other Education
Complete any continuing or postlicensure education that came due during suspension.
Renewal
Complete any renewal that came due during suspension and pay the applicable late penalty.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after postlicensure education suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Compliance
No reactivation until the education requirement and chapter compliance are established; use prescribed application and fee.
Deadline
Submit satisfactory proof of the twenty required hours within twelve months after suspension.
Existing Status
License suspended for failure to provide postlicensure education proof.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after real estate recovery fund payment suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Deadline
Observe the applicable suspension-reactivation deadline before automatic revocation.
Existing Status
Salesperson license automatically suspended when the recovery fund paid a claim or judgment on the licensee account.
Other Conditions
Satisfy application, fees, renewal, education and applicable other disciplinary conditions; repayment does not nullify other disciplinary proceedings under R.C. 4735.12(H).
Repayment
Repay the amount paid from the fund in full plus the statutory interest. A bankruptcy discharge changes this requirement only as provided in R.C. 4735.12(E).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after unpaid negotiable instrument or penalty
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File prescribed application and reactivation fee within twelve months.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Compliance
Satisfy applicable renewal and education requirements if deadlines passed during suspension.
Existing Status
Suspension under R.C. 4735.182 for an unpaid negotiable instrument or unpaid penalty.
Repayment
Pay all fees and fines by cashier check, certified check or money order.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation of suspended salesperson license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Discipline
Comply with all commission disciplinary conditions; conviction-based suspension additionally requires satisfactory evidence of honesty and truthfulness under O.A.C. 1301:5-1-19(A)(3).
Education
Comply with continuing education and postlicensure education.
Existing Status
Suspended salesperson license; submit reactivation application and fee within twelve months before automatic revocation.
Financial Or Education Sanctions
Pay all imposed fines, unpaid fees and penalties, or complete ordered educational sanctions, as applicable under O.A.C. 1301:5-1-18.
Renewal
License must be properly renewed; applicable late renewal fee and penalty must be paid.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after commission imposed suspension period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Compliance
When a deadline passed, suspension continues until the applicable O.A.C. 1301:5-1-19 requirements are met; satisfy all commission-imposed conditions.
Existing Status
Commission imposed a specified disciplinary suspension period.
Period
Superintendent automatically reactivates after the period ends unless renewal, continuing education or postlicensure education deadlines passed during suspension.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application after permanently resigned status
Age
At least eighteen years of age (R.C. 4735.09(F)(4)).
Application Fee
Submit the application with the $81 nonrefundable processing fee; examinations have separate PSI registration fees.
Application Method
The July 1, 2026 PSI bulletin directs online applications at https://lpi.elicense.ohio.gov/ and says "Paper applications are not accepted." Older application forms describe mailing and are used here for their substantive eligibility and examination instructions.
Background Check
Submit Ohio and FBI fingerprints and criminal-record checks; O.A.C. 1301:5-1-23 requires timely submission. Disclosed criminal convictions must be reviewed before examination admission.
Broker Sponsorship
Application and license issuance require the recommendation and sponsorship of an Ohio licensed broker.
Character
Honest and truthful; disqualifying offenses and civil-rights adjudications are subject to the criteria in R.C. 4735.09(F)(1)-(3). A qualifying civil-rights adjudication must be at least two years old and disregarded by the superintendent on the statutory proof.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Citizenship
The Board requirements page states: "U.S. status: Be a U.S. citizen or a legal alien (provide proof)."
Education Appraisal
Ten hours of eligible real estate appraisal instruction; this requirement does not apply to an applicant already holding a valid Ohio real estate appraiser license or certificate.
Education Currency
For applicants not licensed as a salesperson or broker within the preceding four years, required prelicensure instruction must have been completed within the preceding ten years; successful completion is determined under the law effective when the instruction was completed.
Education Finance
Ten hours of eligible real estate finance instruction.
Education Law
Forty hours of eligible Ohio real estate law and civil-rights instruction; this course requirement does not apply to an applicant admitted to practice before the Ohio Supreme Court.
Education Practice
Forty hours of eligible instruction in real estate practice at an institution of higher education.
Exam Eligibility
Pass both portions within the twelve-month eligibility period. A passed portion remains valid within that period, and only a failed portion is retaken; after the period expires a new application and both portions are required.
High School
If born after 1950, a high-school diploma or recognized high-school equivalence certificate is required.
Instructor Credit
Under O.A.C. 1301:5-1-15(C), qualifying instruction personally taught during the preceding ten years counts as completion of the unduplicated required classroom hours.
Military Education Credit
Under R.C. 5903.03(B), substantially equivalent or greater military training and specialty service satisfy the corresponding education or experience requirement.
Nonresident Service
Nonresident applicants must file the irrevocable consent to service of process required by R.C. 4735.17(B).
Post Licensure Education
Submit proof of twenty hours of approved postlicensure instruction within twelve months after license issuance under R.C. 4735.09(J).
Prior Status
Former license was permanently resigned. R.C. 4735.142(C) requires a new license application under R.C. 4735.09 or applicable rules; resignation is not ordinary reactivation. An applicant independently qualifying for Chapter 4796 recognition instead uses the corresponding recognition route.
New application after revoked license
Age
At least eighteen years of age (R.C. 4735.09(F)(4)).
Application Fee
Submit the application with the $81 nonrefundable processing fee; examinations have separate PSI registration fees.
Application Method
The July 1, 2026 PSI bulletin directs online applications at https://lpi.elicense.ohio.gov/ and says "Paper applications are not accepted." Older application forms describe mailing and are used here for their substantive eligibility and examination instructions.
Background Check
Submit Ohio and FBI fingerprints and criminal-record checks; O.A.C. 1301:5-1-23 requires timely submission. Disclosed criminal convictions must be reviewed before examination admission.
Broker Sponsorship
Application and license issuance require the recommendation and sponsorship of an Ohio licensed broker.
Character
Honest and truthful; disqualifying offenses and civil-rights adjudications are subject to the criteria in R.C. 4735.09(F)(1)-(3). A qualifying civil-rights adjudication must be at least two years old and disregarded by the superintendent on the statutory proof.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Citizenship
The Board requirements page states: "U.S. status: Be a U.S. citizen or a legal alien (provide proof)."
Education Appraisal
Ten hours of eligible real estate appraisal instruction; this requirement does not apply to an applicant already holding a valid Ohio real estate appraiser license or certificate.
Education Currency
For applicants not licensed as a salesperson or broker within the preceding four years, required prelicensure instruction must have been completed within the preceding ten years; successful completion is determined under the law effective when the instruction was completed.
Education Finance
Ten hours of eligible real estate finance instruction.
Education Law
Forty hours of eligible Ohio real estate law and civil-rights instruction; this course requirement does not apply to an applicant admitted to practice before the Ohio Supreme Court.
Education Practice
Forty hours of eligible instruction in real estate practice at an institution of higher education.
Exam Eligibility
Pass both portions within the twelve-month eligibility period. A passed portion remains valid within that period, and only a failed portion is retaken; after the period expires a new application and both portions are required.
High School
If born after 1950, a high-school diploma or recognized high-school equivalence certificate is required.
Instructor Credit
Under O.A.C. 1301:5-1-15(C), qualifying instruction personally taught during the preceding ten years counts as completion of the unduplicated required classroom hours.
Military Education Credit
Under R.C. 5903.03(B), substantially equivalent or greater military training and specialty service satisfy the corresponding education or experience requirement.
Nonresident Service
Nonresident applicants must file the irrevocable consent to service of process required by R.C. 4735.17(B).
Post Licensure Education
Submit proof of twenty hours of approved postlicensure instruction within twelve months after license issuance under R.C. 4735.09(J).
Prior Status
A revoked license is void and ineligible for reactivation under R.C. 4735.01(Q). A person seeking a new license must satisfy current initial-license requirements, including past-license compliance and superintendent review; issuance is not guaranteed. Chapter 4796 recognition applies if independently qualified.
Licensure by recognition of adequate work experience
Ohio State Portion of the Real Estate Salesperson Examination
Application Fee
The Board application specifies an $81 nonrefundable application fee.
Application Method
Apply online under the July 2026 PSI instructions. The January 2024 form is cited for substantive qualifications and its express identification of the PSI jurisdictional portion.
Broker Sponsorship
Sponsored by a broker licensed to do business in Ohio.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Criminal Record
No disqualifying criminal offense; Ohio and FBI background checks are required.
Good Standing
Good standing with every current licensing or certifying authority; submit letters confirming status.
Individual Capacity
Apply and have held the qualifying credential or experience as an individual under R.C. 4796.26.
Nonresident Service
File consent to service of process under R.C. 4735.17(B).
Practice Experience
At least three of the five preceding years of practice; the authority may waive this requirement.
Prior Discipline
No license or certification surrendered or revoked for negligence or intentional misconduct in the same profession.
Qualifying Experience
Practice in the same profession in a state that does not issue an occupational license or government certification, or in the uniformed services.
Scope Of Practice
Practice is limited to the Ohio license scope under R.C. 4796.21.
Licensure by recognition of government certification
Ohio State Portion of the Real Estate Salesperson Examination
Application Fee
The Board application specifies an $81 nonrefundable application fee.
Application Method
Apply online under the July 2026 PSI instructions. The January 2024 form is cited for substantive qualifications and its express identification of the PSI jurisdictional portion.
Broker Sponsorship
Sponsored by a broker licensed to do business in Ohio.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Criminal Record
No disqualifying criminal offense; Ohio and FBI background checks are required.
Good Standing
Good standing with every current licensing or certifying authority; submit letters confirming status.
Holding Period
Hold the certification for at least one year immediately preceding application; the authority may waive this requirement.
Individual Capacity
Apply and have held the qualifying credential or experience as an individual under R.C. 4796.26.
Nonresident Service
File consent to service of process under R.C. 4735.17(B).
Original Qualifications
The certification required minimum education, training, experience or examination under R.C. 4796.03(D).
Practice Experience
Active practice for at least one of the five preceding years; the authority may waive this requirement.
Prior Discipline
No license or certification surrendered or revoked for negligence or intentional misconduct in the same profession.
Qualifying Certification
Hold a government certification in the same profession from a uniformed service or a state that does not issue the occupational license.
Scope Of Practice
Practice is limited to the Ohio license scope under R.C. 4796.21.
Licensure by recognition of substantially similar out of state license
Ohio State Portion of the Real Estate Salesperson Examination
Application Fee
The Board application specifies an $81 nonrefundable application fee.
Application Method
Apply online under the July 2026 PSI instructions. The January 2024 form is cited for substantive qualifications and its express identification of the PSI jurisdictional portion.
Broker Sponsorship
Sponsored by a broker licensed to do business in Ohio.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Criminal Record
No disqualifying criminal offense; Ohio and FBI background checks are required.
Good Standing
Good standing with every current licensing or certifying authority; submit letters confirming status.
Holding Period
Hold the license for at least one year immediately preceding application; the authority may waive this requirement.
Individual Capacity
Apply and have held the qualifying credential or experience as an individual under R.C. 4796.26.
Nonresident Service
File consent to service of process under R.C. 4735.17(B).
Original Qualifications
The original license required minimum education, training, experience or examination under R.C. 4796.03(D).
Practice Experience
Active practice for at least one of the five preceding years; the authority may waive this requirement.
Prior Discipline
No license or certification surrendered or revoked for negligence or intentional misconduct in the same profession.
Qualifying License
Hold a substantially similar out-of-state occupational license authorizing the same profession.
Scope Of Practice
Practice is limited to the Ohio license scope under R.C. 4796.21.
Licensure by recognition of private certification
Ohio State Portion of the Real Estate Salesperson Examination
Application Fee
The Board application specifies an $81 nonrefundable application fee.
Application Method
Apply online under the July 2026 PSI instructions. The January 2024 form is cited for substantive qualifications and its express identification of the PSI jurisdictional portion.
Broker Sponsorship
Sponsored by a broker licensed to do business in Ohio.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Criminal Record
No disqualifying criminal offense; Ohio and FBI background checks are required.
Good Standing
Good standing with every current licensing or certifying authority; submit letters confirming status.
Holding Period
Hold the private certification for at least two years immediately preceding application; the authority may waive this requirement.
Individual Capacity
Apply and have held the qualifying credential or experience as an individual under R.C. 4796.26.
Nonresident Service
File consent to service of process under R.C. 4735.17(B).
Practice Experience
Practice in the same profession for at least two of the five preceding years in the qualifying nonlicensing state; the authority may waive this requirement.
Prior Discipline
No license or certification surrendered or revoked for negligence or intentional misconduct in the same profession.
Qualifying Certification
Hold a private certification in good standing from a private organization for practice in a state that does not issue an occupational license or government certification.
Scope Of Practice
Practice is limited to the Ohio license scope under R.C. 4796.21.
Regular license in lieu of temporary military license — Spouse of individual on military duty in Ohio
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Agency Choice
R.C. 4743.041(C) permits the licensing agency to issue a regular license instead of a temporary license by the statutory deadline.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Criminal Record
Complete Ohio and federal background checks as required for the profession.
Duration
A temporary license cannot remain valid beyond six years.
Fee
All temporary-license issuance fees are waived.
Implementation Conflict
The June 2024 temporary-license packet also contains an ordinary-license instruction page stating "The applicant must pass the State and National portions of the Ohio Real Estate exam in order for a license to be issued." Its SB7-specific checklist lists a valid out-of-state license, good standing, military duty and background checks. The controlling special statute R.C. 4743.041(B)-(D), (K)-(L) specifies the temporary route and excludes Chapter 4796; the ordinary-license instruction is retained here as a source conflict, rather than imposed as a temporary-route exam requirement.
Military Duty
Spouse of individual on military duty in Ohio. Provide adequate proof.
Qualifying License
Valid real estate salesperson license from another state or jurisdiction; good standing in the issuing jurisdiction.
Scope
Practice only within Ohio law and applicant training.
Termination
License is subject to denial or revocation if original credential expires or is revoked, good standing is lost, a disqualifying offense exists, or six months pass after divorce, dissolution or annulment for a spouse-based license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Regular license in lieu of temporary military license — Applicant on military duty in Ohio
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Agency Choice
R.C. 4743.041(C) permits the licensing agency to issue a regular license instead of a temporary license by the statutory deadline.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Criminal Record
Complete Ohio and federal background checks as required for the profession.
Duration
A temporary license cannot remain valid beyond six years.
Fee
All temporary-license issuance fees are waived.
Implementation Conflict
The June 2024 temporary-license packet also contains an ordinary-license instruction page stating "The applicant must pass the State and National portions of the Ohio Real Estate exam in order for a license to be issued." Its SB7-specific checklist lists a valid out-of-state license, good standing, military duty and background checks. The controlling special statute R.C. 4743.041(B)-(D), (K)-(L) specifies the temporary route and excludes Chapter 4796; the ordinary-license instruction is retained here as a source conflict, rather than imposed as a temporary-route exam requirement.
Military Duty
Applicant on military duty in Ohio. Provide adequate proof.
Qualifying License
Valid real estate salesperson license from another state or jurisdiction; good standing in the issuing jurisdiction.
Scope
Practice only within Ohio law and applicant training.
Termination
License is subject to denial or revocation if original credential expires or is revoked, good standing is lost, a disqualifying offense exists, or six months pass after divorce, dissolution or annulment for a spouse-based license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Ending suspension after child support default or subpoena noncompliance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Agency Notice
The licensing authority must receive the child support enforcement agency notice under R.C. 3123.45 or 3123.46.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Default Resolution
R.C. 3123.45 provides the ordered alternatives for agency notice: not in default; full payment; confirmed employment or account with withholding; inability to work; compliant support or seek-work agreement; or the specified ninety-day monthly obligation payment, according to the section priority.
Eligibility
Applicant wants the license and is otherwise eligible; the board ends suspension within seven days after notice.
Existing Status
Occupational license suspended under R.C. 3123.47 for child-support default or failure to comply with a related warrant or subpoena.
Fee
The board may charge no more than $50 for the statutory restoration.
Subpoena Resolution
For R.C. 3123.46, the court or agency removes the warrant or determines subpoena compliance.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal following military service or qualifying spouse service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Continuing Education
Document military service for the extensions under R.C. 4735.13(G) and 5903.12; relevant military education, training or service is considered under R.C. 5903.121.
Cost
Usual renewal cost without penalty or re-examination; applicant must not otherwise be disqualified due to mental or physical disability.
Discharge
Satisfactory evidence of honorable discharge or release within six months.
Existing Status
Expired Ohio salesperson license not renewed because of the holder military service or spouse service causing absence from Ohio.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of salesperson license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Compliance
Licensee must comply with the chapter and postlicensure education requirements.
Continuing Education
Thirty hours of approved continuing education on the statutory three-year schedule; management-level licensees also include the required principal-broker duties course.
Cycle
First renewal is due on the birthday immediately after initial licensure, then every three years.
Disability Extension
A qualifying disabled licensee may request a continuing-education extension with physician documentation under R.C. 4735.141(E).
Existing License
Current salesperson license eligible for renewal; resigned licenses cannot be renewed.
Filing
File notice of renewal and fees within the prescribed window, no earlier than two months before the deadline.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal for active licensee aged seventy or older
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Compliance
Licensee must comply with the chapter and postlicensure education requirements.
Continuing Education
Nine hours of the prescribed core continuing education; management-level licensees also complete the three-hour principal-broker duties course.
Cycle
First renewal is due on the birthday immediately after initial licensure, then every three years.
Disability Extension
A qualifying disabled licensee may request a continuing-education extension with physician documentation under R.C. 4735.141(E).
Existing License
Current salesperson license eligible for renewal; resigned licenses cannot be renewed.
Filing
File notice of renewal and fees within the prescribed window, no earlier than two months before the deadline.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal for inactive licensee aged seventy or older
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Compliance
Licensee must comply with the chapter and postlicensure education requirements.
Continuing Education
A licensee aged seventy or older with an inactive license is exempt from continuing education under R.C. 4735.141(A).
Cycle
First renewal is due on the birthday immediately after initial licensure, then every three years.
Disability Extension
A qualifying disabled licensee may request a continuing-education extension with physician documentation under R.C. 4735.141(E).
Existing License
Current salesperson license eligible for renewal; resigned licenses cannot be renewed.
Filing
File notice of renewal and fees within the prescribed window, no earlier than two months before the deadline.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional Real Estate Salesperson's License

Provisional status permits practice after examination passage while criminal-record results remain pending.

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

Initial provisional licensure pending criminal record results
Age
At least eighteen years of age (R.C. 4735.09(F)(4)).
Application Fee
Submit the application with the $81 nonrefundable processing fee; examinations have separate PSI registration fees.
Application Method
The July 1, 2026 PSI bulletin directs online applications at https://lpi.elicense.ohio.gov/ and says "Paper applications are not accepted." Older application forms describe mailing and are used here for their substantive eligibility and examination instructions.
Background Check
Submit Ohio and FBI fingerprints and criminal-record checks; O.A.C. 1301:5-1-23 requires timely submission. Disclosed criminal convictions must be reviewed before examination admission.
Broker Sponsorship
Application and license issuance require the recommendation and sponsorship of an Ohio licensed broker.
Character
Honest and truthful; disqualifying offenses and civil-rights adjudications are subject to the criteria in R.C. 4735.09(F)(1)-(3). A qualifying civil-rights adjudication must be at least two years old and disregarded by the superintendent on the statutory proof.
Child Support Compliance
Licensure and renewal are subject to R.C. 4735.33 and 3123.41-3123.50; a notified child-support default or subpoena/warrant noncompliance can prevent issuance or renewal or suspend the license until the statutory agency notice is received.
Citizenship
The Board requirements page states: "U.S. status: Be a U.S. citizen or a legal alien (provide proof)."
Education Appraisal
Ten hours of eligible real estate appraisal instruction; this requirement does not apply to an applicant already holding a valid Ohio real estate appraiser license or certificate.
Education Currency
For applicants not licensed as a salesperson or broker within the preceding four years, required prelicensure instruction must have been completed within the preceding ten years; successful completion is determined under the law effective when the instruction was completed.
Education Finance
Ten hours of eligible real estate finance instruction.
Education Law
Forty hours of eligible Ohio real estate law and civil-rights instruction; this course requirement does not apply to an applicant admitted to practice before the Ohio Supreme Court.
Education Practice
Forty hours of eligible instruction in real estate practice at an institution of higher education.
Exam Eligibility
Pass both portions within the twelve-month eligibility period. A passed portion remains valid within that period, and only a failed portion is retaken; after the period expires a new application and both portions are required.
High School
If born after 1950, a high-school diploma or recognized high-school equivalence certificate is required.
Instructor Credit
Under O.A.C. 1301:5-1-15(C), qualifying instruction personally taught during the preceding ten years counts as completion of the unduplicated required classroom hours.
Military Education Credit
Under R.C. 5903.03(B), substantially equivalent or greater military training and specialty service satisfy the corresponding education or experience requirement.
Nonresident Service
Nonresident applicants must file the irrevocable consent to service of process required by R.C. 4735.17(B).
Post Licensure Education
Submit proof of twenty hours of approved postlicensure instruction within twelve months after license issuance under R.C. 4735.09(J).
Provisional Eligibility
Applicant indicates no criminal convictions, satisfies all other requirements, and passes the examination before the superintendent receives background-check results. The license permits practice pending those results; an adverse result may cause immediate suspension.

Ohio State Portion of the Real Estate Salesperson Examination

Provider
PSI Services LLC
Format
Computer administered written examination
Exam questions
40 scored items; 5 to 10 unscored experimental questions may be administered
Time limit
60 minutes
Passing score
70%
Exam fee
$43 state-only examination registration
Examination outline
  • State Governance of the Real Estate Profession (4 Items)
    • General Powers and Structure of Governing Bodies
    • Audit of Records
    • Investigations, Hearings and Appeals
    • Violations and Penalties Edu. Sanction/Reprimands)
    • Recovery Fund
  • Licensing Requirements (6 items)
    • Activities Requiring a License
    • License Renewal and Maintenance
    • Change in License Status (military, retired, inactive)
    • Post License Education and Continuing Education
  • License Law and Rules of the Ohio Real Estate Commission (16 items)
    • Advertising/Use of Business Name/Misrepresentation/Team Advertising
    • Broker/Salesperson Employment or Independent Contractor Agreement
    • Commissions and fees paid through broker only/Agent compensation
    • Document Handling and Record Keeping (Includes Contracts and Listings)
    • Handling of Monies/Considerations (Items of Value)
    • Types of Listings, Rules
    • Offers, Counteroffers, Acceptance (including electronic documents)
    • Inducements
    • Property Management (Includes Leases)
    • Rentals
    • Ohio Fair Housing
  • Brokerage Relationships (Agency Law) (14 items)
    • Creating Agency and Agency Contracts/Types of Agency Relationships
    • Licensee Duties and Obligations to Clients and Customers, Licensee Liabilities, Waiver of Duties
    • Termination of Agency
    • Confidentiality
    • Disclosure of Agency Relationships and Listing Information
    • Disclosures Required when Dealing with Own Properties
    • Unauthorized Practice of Law
    • False Representations of Licensee Status or Expertise
    • Canon of Ethics
Examination sources

Real Estate Salesperson Examination — National Portion (Real Estate Principles and Practices)

Provider
PSI Services LLC
Format
National portion of a state real estate salesperson examination delivered by PSI; a minimum score must be achieved on each portion, and a candidate who fails one portion (state or national) retakes only that portion
Exam questions
80 scored questions (80 points), plus one to ten unscored experimental items
Examination outline
  • I. Property Ownership (Sales 10%, Broker 10%) (10%)
    • A. Real and personal property; conveyances
    • B. Land characteristics and legal descriptions: 1. Metes and bounds method of legal property description; 2. Lot and block (recorded plat) method of legal property description; 3. Government survey (rectangular survey) method of legal property description; 4. Measuring structures (linear and square footage); 5. Land measurement
    • C. Encumbrances and effects on property ownership: 1. Types of liens and their effect on the title and value of real property; 2. Easements, rights of way and licenses, including their effect on the title, value and use of real property; 3. Encroachments and their effect on the title, value and use of real property; 4. Potential encumbrances on title, such as probate, leases, or adverse possession; 5. Property rights that may be conveyed separately from use of the land surface, such as mineral and other subsurface rights, air rights, or water rights
    • D. Types of ownership: 1. Ownership in severalty/sole ownership; 2. Implications of ownership as tenants in common; 3. Implications of ownership in joint tenancy; 4. Forms of common-interest ownership, such as Timeshares, Condominiums and Co-ops; 5. Property ownership held in a trust or by an estate; 6. Ownership by business entities; 7. Life Estate ownership
  • II. Land use Controls (Sales 5%, Broker 5%) (5%)
    • A. Government rights in land: 1. Government rights to impose property taxes and special assessments; 2. Government rights to acquire land through eminent domain, condemnation and escheat
    • B. Government controls on land use
    • C. Private controls: 1. Deed conditions or restrictions on property use; 2. Subdivision covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) on property use; 3. Condominium and owners’ associations regulations or bylaws on property use
  • III. Valuation (Sales 8%, Broker 8%) (8%)
    • A. Appraisals: 1. Appraisals for valuation of real property; 2. Situations which require appraisal by a licensed or certified appraiser and brokerage-related actions that constitute unauthorized appraisal practice; 3. General steps in appraisal process
    • B. Estimating Value: 1. Economic principles and property characteristics that affect value of real property; 2. Sales or market comparison approach to property valuation and appropriate uses; 3. Cost approach to property valuation and appropriate uses; 4. Income analysis approach to property valuation and appropriate uses
    • C. Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): 1. Competitive/Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), BPO or equivalent; 2. Automated Valuation Method (AVM), appraisal valuation and Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
  • IV. Financing (Sales 10%, Broker 9%) (10%)
    • A. Basic Concepts and Terminology: 1. Loan financing (for example, points, LTV, PMI, interest, PITI); 2. General underwriting process (e.g., debt ratios, credit scoring and history); 3. Standard mortgage/deed of trust clauses and conditions; 4. Essential elements of a promissory note
    • B. Types of Loans: 1. Conventional loans; 2. Amortized loans, partially amortized (balloon) loans, interest-only loans; 3. Adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loans; 4. Government Loans (a. FHA insured loans; b. VA guaranteed loans; c. USDA/Rural Development loan programs); 5. Owner financing (for example, installment or land contract/contract for deed); 6. Reverse-mortgage loans; 7. Home equity loans and lines of credit; 8. Construction loans; 9. Rehab loans; 10. Bridge loans
    • C. Financing and Lending: 1. Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), including kickbacks; 2. Truth-in-Lending Act (Regulation Z), including advertising; 3. Requirements and time frames of TRID (TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosures); 4. Equal Credit Opportunity Act; 5. Lending Process (application through loan closing); 6. Risky loan features, such as prepayment penalties and balloon payments
  • V. Contracts (Sales 19%, Broker 19%) (19%)
    • A. General Contract Law: 1. General principles of contract law; 2. Elements necessary for a contract to be valid; 3. Effect of the Statute of Frauds; 4. Offer and a contract; 5. Enforceability of contracts; 6. Void, voidable and unenforceable contracts; 7. Bilateral and unilateral contracts; 8. Nature and use of option agreements; 9. Notice, delivery, acceptance and execution of contracts; 10. Appropriate use, risks, and advantages of electronic signatures and paperless transactions; 11. Rights and obligations of the parties to a contract; 12. Possible remedies for breach or non-performance of contract; 13. Termination, rescission and cancellation of contracts
    • B. Purchase and Lease Contracts: 1. Addenda and amendments to contracts; 2. Purchase agreements; 3. Contract contingencies and methods for satisfying them; 4. Leases and rental agreements; 5. Lease-purchase agreements; 6. Types of leases
    • C. Proper handling of multiple offers and counteroffers
  • VI. Agency (Sales 13%, Broker 13%) (13%)
    • A. Agency and non-agency relationships: 1. Agency relationships and how they are established; 2. Types of listing contracts; 3. Buyer brokerage/tenant representation contracts; 4. Other brokerage relationships, including transaction brokers and facilitators; 5. Powers of attorney and other assignments of authority; 6. Conditions for termination of agency or brokerage service agreements
    • B. Agent Duties: 1. Fiduciary duties of agents; 2. Agent's duties to customers/non-clients, including honesty and good faith
    • C. Agency Disclosures: 1. Disclosure of agency/representation; 2. Disclosure of possible conflict of interest or self-interest
  • VII. Property Disclosures (Sales 7%, Broker 7%) (7%)
    • A. Property Condition: 1. Seller's property condition disclosure requirements; 2. Property conditions that may warrant inspections or a survey; 3. Red flags that warrant investigation of public or private land use controls
    • B. Environmental and Government Disclosures: 1. Environmental issues requiring disclosure; 2. Federal, state, or local disclosure requirements regarding the property
    • C. Disclosure of material facts and material defects
  • VIII. Property Management (Sales 3%, Broker 5%) — items marked (BROKER ONLY) in this area are not part of the salesperson examination (3%)
    • A. Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Procurement and qualification of prospective tenants; 2. Fair housing and ADA compliance specific to property management; 3. How to complete a market analysis to identify factors in setting rents or lease rates (items 4. Property manager responsibility for maintenance, improvements, reporting and risk management; 5. Handling landlord and tenant funds; trust accounts, reports and disbursements; and 6. Provisions of property management contracts are marked BROKER ONLY)
    • B. Landlord and tenant rights and obligations
  • IX. Transfer of Title (Sales 6%, Broker 6%) (6%)
    • A. Types of deeds
    • B. Title Insurance and Searches: 1. Title insurance policies and title searches; 2. Potential title problems and resolutions; 3. Marketable and insurable title
    • C. Closing Process: 1. When transfer of ownership becomes effective; 2. Process and importance of recordation; 3. Settlement procedures (closing) and parties involved; 4. Home and new construction warranties
    • D. Special Processes: 1. Special issues in transferring foreclosed properties; 2. Special issues in short sale transactions; 3. Special issues in probate transactions
  • X. Practice of Real Estate (Sales 12%, Broker 12%) — subsection D. Supervisory Responsibilities is marked (BROKER ONLY) and is not part of the salesperson examination (12%)
    • A. Antidiscrimination: 1. Federal Fair Housing Act general principles and exemptions; 2. Protected classes under Federal Fair Housing Act; 3. Protections against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation; 4. Prohibited conduct under Federal Fair Housing Act (Redlining, Blockbusting, Steering, Disparate Treatment); 5. Fair housing advertising rules; 6. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) obligations pertaining to accessibility and reasonable accommodations
    • B. Legislation and Regulations: 1. Licensees’ status as employees or independent contractors; 2. Antitrust laws and types of violations, fines and penalties; 3. Do-Not-Call List rule compliance; 4. Proper use of Social Media and Internet communication and advertising
    • C. Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Protection of confidential personal information (written, verbal or electronic); 2. Duties when handling funds of others in transactions; 3. Licensee responsibility for due diligence in real estate transactions
  • XI. Real Estate Calculations (Sales 7%, Broker 6%) (7%)
    • A. Calculations for Transactions: 1. Seller’s net proceeds; 2. Buyer funds needed at closing; 3. Real property tax and other prorations; 4. Real property transfer fees; 5. PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes and Insurance) payments estimate given loan rate and term
    • B. General Concepts: 1. Equity; 2. Rate of return/Capitalization rate; 3. Loan-to-Value ratio; 4. Discount points and loan origination fees
Examination sources