The first step to becoming a real estate agent in Alabama is to obtain your Alabama real estate license. These days, almost the entire process can be completed online. The Alabama real estate licensing exam must still be taken in person, but the rest of the procedure can be finished online!
In this article, RealEstate-Prep provides a clear, step-by-step explanation of how to obtain an AL real estate license. You’ll find the cost, the time, the contents of the exam, and much more.
Don’t forget to take our free AL Alabama Real Estate practice exam to get familiarized with the format as well as the questions of the actual exam to strengthen your knowledge and skills, as a result, enhancing your chance to pass the Real Estate exam with a high score on your first attempt. Good luck to you!
Alabama Real Estate License Requirements
Here are the requirements you need to meet to become a real estate agent in Alabama:
- Be a citizen of the U.S. or a legally admitted alien.
- At least 18 years of age.
- You must be able to show proof of your high school diploma or its equivalent.
- You must provide documentation proving your legal residency in the US.
- You must not have a criminal record that includes any felonies or crimes with moral turpitude.
- You must not have had a real estate license or application denied or suspended in the previous two years in any state.
How To Obtain An Alabama Real Estate License
In Alabama, becoming a real estate agent is as simple as obtaining your license, finding a broker sponsor, and starting to sell real estate. You are already halfway there if you meet the prerequisites listed below.
Step 1. Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course
You must successfully finish a 60-hour pre-licensing course before continuing.
The majority of students opt to complete their pre-license education online. The majority of online courses are self-paced and come with study aids like flashcards and real estate practice exams. Some provide a “promise” that if you finish their course, you will pass the exam the first time. Choose the course that best meets your needs since these advantages are all based on the education provider and package you choose.
Keep in mind that the purpose of these courses is to better prepare you for the exam and help you become a better agent, not just to tick a box and complete a requirement.
One of the few states, Alabama, requires that a proctor be present during the last pre-license exam. The state exam is different from this. This test, which is offered by the pre-license education provider, shows that you have finished the course and retained the information from this course.
Like the state exam, this exam is closed-book and closed-note. Scratch paper and a basic-function calculator are allowed, but cell phones and outside internet access are not.
Most of the time, you can take this test at home, but a proctor must be present to oversee you while you take it. Examine your education package before purchasing your real estate pre-license course to see if a proctor is included.
Step 2. Alabama Real Estate License Exam
It’s time to take the Alabama Real Estate Exam once you’ve finished your pre-license education and course exam. The exam costs $77 each time you take it.
There are 140 questions on the Alabama Real Estate Exam. This sum consists of 40 for the State section and 100 for the National section. The exam will take 210 minutes, or 3.5 hours, to complete.
For the National section of the Alabama Real Estate Agent Exam, a passing score is 70/100, and for the State section, it’s 28/40.
You will be given information for applying for a license and a score report if you pass the exam. Your score report will include reapplication instructions and diagnostic scoring information if you don’t achieve a passing score
Step 3. Fingerprinting and Background Check
The next step is to complete your background check and fingerprinting after passing your exam. Before anyone can become a licensed real estate agent in Alabama, the Alabama Real Estate Commission requires that a background check be performed on all applicants.
Follow the instructions for fingerprint scanning and processing on Gemalto to continue with fingerprinting. Only Gemalto-processed fingerprints may be used by the Commission. Fingerprints that have been completed for any reason other than applying for a real estate license from the Alabama Real Estate Commission will not be accepted by the Commission.
Your fingerprinting services will cost you $48.25.
The background check process will start after your fingerprints are completed and submitted. Any findings in your background check will be reviewed by the Alabama Real Estate Commission to confirm your eligibility. They might get in touch with you during this process to ask for more details or documentation to support any findings.
You could not be qualified for an Alabama real estate license if you have criminal offenses or judgments against you. If so, before applying for a license, you should fill out and submit an Application for Determination of Licensing Eligibility form.
Before the Alabama Real Estate Commission has received and reviewed the criminal history record information (CHRI) that was provided with the application, a license will not be issued. The Commission will get the criminal record information directly from Gemalto, and it will only have access to it for 30 days. The company that will handle fingerprint processing is Gemalto.
It is advised that applicants submit this form to the Real Estate Commission (by mail or in person) on the same day as they go to a fingerprinting site to be scanned.
Step 4. Real Estate License Application
Within 90 days of the date of your examination, all completed applications, supporting documents, and fees must be completed and sent to the Alabama Real Estate Commission.
The $210 application fee is made up of a $150 license charge, a $30 fee for research and education, and a $30 fee for the recovery fund.
Contact the Alabama Real Estate Commission’s Licensing Division at 1201 Carmichael Way, Montgomery, AL 36106, with the completed application and any additional supporting documents.
Step 5. Application Review
After passing your exam, all that is left to do is wait for your background report to come back as a pass. This process should typically take 5 to 10 business days. After that, a copy of your license ought to be mailed to the broker of your sponsor. At this time, you should get in touch with AREC at (334) 242-5544 or [email protected] if you have any questions.
Make sure to celebrate your success by setting aside some time. You merit a celebration since you worked so hard and put in a lot of work and effort.
Step 6. Alabama Post-Licensing Education
You are required to do a 30-hour post-licensing course within the first 12 months after receiving your license.
A temporary ID number must already be in your hands. You can search for your temporary ID here if you forget it. This number must be supplied before you may start your post-licensing course.
Be sure to check before buying another course because it is so possible that your pre-license education package already included the post-license courses.
How Much Does It Cost To Obtain A Real Estate License In Alabama?
All costs for Alabama: $340
Education for Real Estate Pre-Licensing (Estimated): $299 to $565
A real estate license in Alabama is expected to cost between $640 and $905.
How Long Will It Take To Get An Alabama Real Estate License?
Preparing for the test and pre-licensing education are the two phases that take the most to complete when getting your license. People typically take 3-6 months to complete a task from start to finish.
You might be able to complete this process in two months if you put in a full-time effort and study hard. We wouldn’t recommend attempting to move forward any faster than this. Spend as much time as necessary studying and getting ready for the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I obtain a real estate license in Alabama online?
Yes, Alabama does permit potential agents to obtain their real estate license online if you want to apply online for an Alabama real estate license on their official website.
What courses are required to get a real estate license in Alabama?
For an agent license, the state of Alabama requires 60 hours of pre-licensing course that has been authorized. Start your real estate education right away by finding out more about your Pre-Licensing package options.
Is a GED or diploma required to obtain an Alabama real estate license?
To get a real estate license in Alabama, the Alabama Real Estate Commission needs documentation of high school graduation or the equivalent, including a high school diploma or GED.
Can a felon get a real estate license in Alabama?
According to the Alabama Real Estate Commission, individuals working in the real estate industry need to be dependable, have a reputation for honesty and truthfulness, and have never been convicted of a felony or a crime with moral turpitude. More details about becoming a real estate agent with a criminal background are available from the AL Division of Real Estate.
What does a real estate agent in Alabama typically make?
In Alabama, a full-time real estate agent can anticipate earning between $45 and $95k annually. A real estate agent in Alabama can make over six figures annually, on par with better incomes.
How old do you have to be to become a licensed real estate agent in Alabama?
The Alabama Real Estate Commission requires that you be at least 19 years old in order to obtain a real estate license in Alabama.
Where can I take the exam for an Alabama real estate license?
Exams are typically given all over the state, with Birmingham, Dothan, Huntsville, Mobile, and Montgomery among the testing centers. Visit the Alabama Real Estate Commission website for further details on dates and locations.
Does Alabama have real estate license reciprocity with other states?
A 6-hour training on Alabama real estate law, passing the Alabama portion of the state license exam, and submitting an application to the Alabama Real Estate Commission is all that is required of agents seeking reciprocity in Alabama.
Additional resources are available to help you understand more about this process, and you can get in touch with the Alabama Real Estate Commission with specific inquiries about reciprocity for real estate licenses.
How difficult is the real estate exam in Alabama?
The Alabama Real Estate Agent Exam has a 70% pass rate, this exam is difficult but not impossible. Pay attention during your pre-license training and take your studies seriously. We know you can pass on your first try if you put in the necessary effort!
Conclusion
It may seem scary to get your Alabama real estate license, but once you know what to do, it’s really not that difficult. Everything you require to know, including prices, timing, eligibility, and earning potential, has been outlined here. To receive your Alabama real estate license and get started selling real estate right away, just adhere to these easy steps.
