How To Become A Real Estate Agent in Arkansas

1. Complete Pre-License Education

To qualify as a real estate agent in Arkansas. you need to complete 60 hours of pre-license  education. The course can be taken in a live classroom or online, and there are a number of real estate institutes available across Arkansas

The pre-licensing education covers these (and other) topics:

• Licensing laws
• Real estate practice
• Forms of ownership, transfer, and recording of title
• Financing and settlement
• Closing

2. Pass the course final exam

The final exam for the Arkansas real estate pre-license course is made up of 110 questions. You need to get a score of at least 70% to pass, but there is no limit to the number of attempts you can take.

3. Complete a Background Check

The Arkansas Real Estate commission (AREC) requires that all applicants complete a background check. When you apply for this you need to include:

• A completed application form
• Proof of age (ID, Driver License, Birth Certificate)
• $86.25 application fee (must be a money order or cashier’s check)
• Criminal Background Check Identity Verification Form
• Proof of completion of 60 hours of pre-license education

The AREC will notify you when your application has been processed. If it is approved, this communication will include information regarding how to complete the fingerprint process. Once you receive this, you can contact a certified fingerprinting center to collect your fingerprints. The center will submit your prints electronically to the Arkansas State Police for the background check. For any questions, you can contact the AREC at 501-683-8010.

4. Apply for the Real Estate License Exam

All first-time examination applicants must submit the Application for Real Estate License Examination to the AREC. (This application can be found in this handbook).If the application is complete and all education and experience requirements are met, the applicant will be mailed a Certificate of Examination Eligibility. You must have this certificate before contacting Pearson VUE (an outside agency) to make an exam reservation, and you must present this certificate on the day of the exam.

You can register for the exam at the Pearson VUE website, or you can register by phone at (800) 274-2606. Arkansas has a number of testing centers that you can choose from. There is a list of testing centers here. The exam fee is $75, which needs to be paid when you make your exam reservation.

5. Pass the Arkansas Real Estate Licensing Exam

On the day of the exam, you will need to bring:

• Two (2) forms of photo ID
• The Certificate of Examination Eligibility from AREC

Once you’re in the exam site, you will need to place all electronic devices, bulky clothing, and other personal items in a secure location. You will then sit at a computer to take the test.

The questions are divided into two parts: general and state law. You need a score of 70 to pass each section.

Some of the topics covered in the exam are:

• Real estate practice
• Contracts
• Property ownership
• Leasing and property management
• Transfer of title
• Valuation and market analysis
• Financing
• Real estate calculations

You will get a pass or fail as soon as the exam is completed. Candidates who pass the exam will receive a score report that includes information on how to apply for the license.

For more information on the exam and licensing, you can see the Pearson VUE candidate handbook here.

6. Secure a Sponsoring Broker

To become a licensed and practicing real estate agent in Arkansas, you need to be associated with a registered brokerage firm or broker. Before submitting your application, you’ll need to have secured this sponsorship. It’s important to choose the right broker, as they’ll play a key role in growing your real estate career.

Consider the following when choosing a broker to work with:

• Their reputation as a broker or brokerage firm
• The types of agents they look for
• If they provide education and training for agents
• If they provide marketing materials and potential leads
• Which systems they use
• The benefits they offer
• What is their commission structure?
• What is the growth potential?

7. Submit a Real Estate License Application

Upon completing and passing your exam at the testing center, they will provide you with instructions on how to submit your application. They will also give you your score report and any other documentation you might need to apply.

You need to file your application within 90 days of passing the licensing exam. With your application you will need to provide the license fee of $50, a recovery fee of $25, and a signed Post-Licensing requirement notice.

Once you’ve completed all of these steps successfully, you will receive your Arkansas Real Estate Agent License. At this point, you might want to consider if you’re interested in becoming a Realtor. Here is what this means:

Real Estate Agent vs Realtor: What’s the difference?

For a real estate agent to become a Realtor, they need to become a member of the National Association of Realtors®. The NAR is an organization for real estate agents and other industry professionals. Members are required to subscribe to standards and a code of ethics set by the association. Membership offers access to market data and transaction management services, and other benefits.

To become a part of this community, these are the steps you need to take:

• Get your state real estate license
• Join your local REALTORS® Association – find one close to you with their “find an association” tool
• Pay the application fee – this varies by association
• Maintain membership dues – to keep your title of REALTOR®, you need to pay an annual fee of $150

8. Complete 18 hours post licensing education within 6 months

Please note that in Arkansas, it is required that all new real estate agents and brokers complete a post-license education course or courses as established by the AREC, within 6 months of initial licensure. This is necessary to maintain an active real estate or broker license.

The post licensing course for new real estate agents involves 18 classroom hours.