Arkansas Real Estate License Requirements

How To Get Your Real Estate License In Arkansas

Do you want to become a real estate agent and get your Arkansas Real Estate License? Colibri Real Estate has taught thousands of aspiring real estate agents in Arkansas, and we make it easy for you to get up to speed on the Arkansas real estate license requirements.

Arkansas real estate requirements

How To Get Your Real Estate Salesperson License In Arkansas

Arkansas State Required Pre-licensing Hours: 60 hours
Colibri Real Estate Arkansas Course Hours Offered: 60 hours


Step 1. Meet Arkansas real estate license requirements as outlined on the Arkansas Real Estate Commission website:

  • Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien or legally present in the U.S
  • Be at least 18 years old

Step 2. Complete the required 60-hour pre-license course.

Step 3. Submit your application for an Arkansas real estate license.

Step 4. Pass the Arkansas real estate licensing examination by earning a score of 70% or higher. Must have a Certificate of Eligibility for Examination from the Arkansas Real Estate Commission to register for the exam.

Step 5. Complete a background check.

Step 6. Complete required 18 hours of post-license education.

NOTE: AREC allows you to submit your application prior to completing your pre-license course, but AREC will only issue the Certificate of Eligibility for Examination after both the application and the education certificate are received.

How long does it take to get an Arkansas real estate license?

It varies per person on how long it takes to get an Arkansas real estate license depending on the pace in which you complete the 60 hours of pre-licensing courses and pass your licensing examination, the time it takes you to complete the application process and post-license course, and application and background check processing times. On average, the requirements can be completed within a few months.

What kind of information will I learn to help me get a real estate license in Arkansas?

All Colibri Real Estate Courses are approved by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission. Once completed, you are eligible to sit for the Arkansas Real Estate License Exam.

Per Colibri Real Estate policy, the 60-hour pre-license coursework for salespersons must be completed within six (6) months of the start date. The start date for distance education courses is the date the course material is first accessed and the end date is when all required documentation is submitted to the provider. The state requires that the 60-hour pre-license course for salespersons contain thirty (30) hours in the basic principles of real estate.
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How do I submit my fingerprints for the background check?

All applicants for original licensure as a real estate salesperson are required to complete a state and federal criminal background check. The federal criminal background check requires applicants to provide fingerprints on fingerprint cards provided by AREC. This requirement applies to both resident and nonresident applicants. The Arkansas State Police conducts the criminal background check on each applicant, including an FBI check, which requires the taking of fingerprints, and submits the report to the Commission.

How do I apply for and take the Arkansas Salesperson licensing examination?

 The salesperson examination must be taken through Pearson Vue. Applicants have three (3) years to pass the state exam after completing the pre-licensing course. If you miss the deadline, you must retake the course. 

AREC accepts applications for the Real Estate License Examination prior to completion of the sixty-hour (60) pre-licensing course. However, you must submit proof of completing the education requirement prior to receiving eligibility to sit for the real estate exam. AREC will issue the Certificate of Eligibility for Examination only after receiving both the application information and the education certificate.

How do I submit my Arkansas Salesperson application?

The proper application forms and fees must be sent to the Arkansas Real Estate Commission no later than ninety (90) days after passing the examination.The criminal background reports must be received by the Commission before they will issue a license. In order to process the application, the following must be received by AREC: 

  • Completed Application to take the real estate examination
  • Completed fingerprint card
  • $50 application fee, $22 Arkansas criminal background check fee, and $14.25 FBI criminal background check fee. Make cashier’s check or money order payable to “AREC” for a combined total of $86.25. (No personal checks)

Does Arkansas require post-licensing education? 

The AREC post-license requirement for a new salesperson is eighteen (18) classroom hours and must be taken within (6) months after the date the individual was initially licensed. Licensees whose initial license is issued as inactive and whose license remains on inactive status beyond the six (6) month post-license education deadline must satisfy the post-license education requirement and all other education that may apply before the license can be issued as active. 

NOTE: Colibri Real Estate does not currently offer these post-licensure courses.

Does Arkansas offer reciprocity?

A salesperson applicant seeking an Arkansas reciprocal license who meets all three (3) of the following requirements may be required to take only the Arkansas Law Portion of the Examination as:

  • Has passed a uniform, general, or multi-state part of an examination for a real estate license in another state in which the examination is determined by the Commission to meet generally acceptable standards of real estate testing
  • The other state requires a minimum passing grade no lower than that required for the general portion of the Arkansas examination (70%)
  • The applicant at the time of taking the Arkansas examination is licensed in the other state

A salesperson applicant currently licensed in another state and seeking licensure in Arkansas at the same level, may request a waiver of the national portion of the examination. For more information on reciprocal states, please visit https://arec.arkansas.gov/licensing/reciprocal-states/ 

Regulatory Notes:

Obtaining Certificate of Course Completion: Upon completion of the course, Colibri Real Estate will provide you an electronic certificate of completion in your account dashboard.  You may need to submit your certificate of completion with your license request, please refer to your license application to determine if this is necessary.  Course completion dates are recorded using Central Standard Time, therefore that will be the time reflected on your certificate.

Arkansas Real Estate Commission
Website: https://arec.arkansas.gov/
Phone: 334-242-5544
Fax: 334-270-9118
Address: 1201 Carmichael Way Montgomery, AL 36106
Arkansas License Lookup Website
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Good to Know

The information provided is a summary of the minimum requirements set forth by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission. For a more detailed requirements breakdown, please see the board’s site.

If you hold Real Estate licenses in multiple states, please make sure to check each state’s requirements.

Note: This license renewal information is provided as a convenience only and is subject to change at any time. It’s ultimately the responsibility of the licensee to be sure that he or she is meeting all requirements for each license and corresponding renewal period.