Cape School: Professional education since 1974.

This information is intended to provide answers to commonly asked questions by real estate agents. It is not intended to replace detailed information found in your state's statutes and regulations. Though we have made reasonable efforts to ensure that the information given is reliable and current, we cannot guarantee that it is. For more information please contact your state insurance department. See contact information below.

Prelicensing Requirements

Salesperson:
In order to qualify for licensure as a real estate salesperson, an applicant must have satisfactorily completed 75 hours of education approved by the Secretary of State and have passed a qualifying examination administered by the Department. Those salesperson applicants who completed the 45-hour salesperson course prior to July 1, 2008 may complete the 30-hour qualifying course to satisfy the 75-hour requirement in real estate approved by the Secretary of State, and have passed a qualifying examination administered by the Department.

Real Estate Salesperson Application Click Here

Broker:
In order to qualify for licensure as a real estate broker, an applicant must have at least two years of experience as a licensed real estate salesperson or at least three years of experience in the general real estate field (e.g., buying and selling your own property, managing property owned by your employer). A broker applicant will be required to show proof of completing 120 hours of education approved by the Secretary of State, and have passed a qualifying examination administered by the Department. Broker applicants will be required to show proof of completing the 45 hour salesperson course, the 30 hour remedial course and the 45 hour broker course OR the 75 salesperson course and the 45 hour broker course.

Real Estate Broker Application Click Here

Continuing Education Requirements

All licensees are required to successfully complete 22.5 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 3 hours of instruction pertaining to fair housing and/or discrimination in the sale or rental of real property or an interest of real property, within the two-year period immediately preceding a renewal.

Any salesperson who successfully completes an approved broker qualifying course (which requires passing the final exam), within their current term, will receive continuing education credit for completion of that course. Please note: The broker course does not satisfy the mandatory 3 hour fair housing requirement.

Exemptions
Either of the below are exempt from the continuing education requirements:

• Any licensed real estate broker who is engaged full time in the real estate business and who has been licensed prior to July 1, 2008 for at least 15 consecutive years immediately preceding renewal or
• an attorney admitted to the New York State Bar who holds a real estate broker's license.

DOS Contact Information

NYS Department of State
Division of Licensing Services
P.O. Box 22001
Albany, NY 12201-2001
(518) 474-4429 (customer service hours 9:00am - 4:45pm)

http://www.dos.state.ny.us/lcns/salespers.htm

Applicants Frequently Asked Questions:
http://www.dos.state.ny.us/lcns/realestate/reonlinefaq.htm

Contact Information:
New York Department of State
Division of Licensing Services

Alfred E. Smith Office Building
80 S. Swan Street, 10th floor
Albany, NY 12210
Phone: (518) 474-4429

Website: http://www.dos.state.ny.us/lcns/realestate/realestnew.htm
Email: licensing@ins.state.ny.us