Real Estate Broker License Guide 2026
Real Estate Broker licensing in 2026 is regulated state-by-state: verified pre-license education ranges from 45–360 hours, the exam is most commonly administered by PSI, and published first-attempt pass rates are not consistently published.
Owns or manages a brokerage and supervises salespersons. Requires additional experience and a harder exam.
National overview — Broker at a glance
| States with verified data | 51 of 51 |
| Pre-license education | 45–360 hrs |
| Most common exam vendor | PSI |
| Exam passing score | 70–75% |
| National pass-rate reference | ~55% (industry reference) |
| Published state pass rates | not published |
| Exam fee | $15–86 |
| Application fee | varies by state |
| Common renewal cycle | every 2 years |
| Background check | varies by state |
State-by-state essentials (top verified states)
California
Full guide ↗- Education
- 360 hrs
- Exam vendor
- PSI
- Exam
- state exam · 70%
- Exam fee
- $60
- Renewal
- 4 yrs · 45 CE
Florida
Full guide ↗- Education
- 72 hrs
- Exam vendor
- PSI
- Exam
- state exam · 75%
- Exam fee
- $57
- Renewal
- 2 yrs · 14 CE
Texas
Full guide ↗- Education
- 270 hrs
- Exam vendor
- PSI
- Exam
- state exam · 75%
- Exam fee
- $86
- Renewal
- 2 yrs · 18 CE
New York
Full guide ↗- Education
- 45 hrs
- Exam
- state exam · 70%
- Exam fee
- $15
- Renewal
- 2 yrs · 22.5 CE
How to get a Broker license — step by step
- 1Meet the basic requirements
Minimum age is 18 in every state with a published figure.
- 2Complete pre-license education
Approved training hours run from 45–360 hours across verified states. Choose a state-approved program; your school reports completion to the licensing authority.
- 3Register and pass the exam
The exam is most often administered by PSI, with a 70–75% passing score. Schedule through the vendor portal after your education is reported.
- 4Pay fees and submit your application
Expect an exam fee of $15–86 and an application fee of that varies by state. Submit any required background check results with your application.
- 5Maintain your license
The most common renewal cycle is every 2 years. Track continuing-education deadlines so your license never lapses.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours of education do I need to become a Broker?
Verified requirements range from 45–360 hours across states. Check your state's exact figure before enrolling — hours are set by each state board.
How hard is the Real Estate Broker exam?
The national pass-rate reference is ~55%. Most states do not publish first-attempt pass rates — check your state board.
What does a Broker license cost?
Exam fees run $15–86, not counting education or fingerprinting.
Who administers the Real Estate Broker exam?
The most common vendors are PSI (4 states). Your state chooses one vendor — confirm on your state's licensing page.
Can I transfer my Broker license to another state?
Reciprocity for Broker licenses is decided state-by-state and is not uniformly published. Contact both state boards before moving to confirm whether your license transfers or requires an exam.
Dig deeper into Broker licensing
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Requirements change frequently — verify all figures with your state licensing board (data retrieved 2026-08-20).