Real Estate Agent License Requirements in Arkansas
- Training hours
- 60 hrs
- Upfront cost
- $175
- Exam
- Arkansas Real Estate Salesperson License Examination
- Renewal cycle
- Every 1 year
- Issuing board
- Arkansas Real Estate Commission
How to get licensed
- 1
Meet the prerequisites
Be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal background check. Must have reached the age of majority (18) and complete state and federal criminal background checks including fingerprint submission. [1]
- 2
Complete approved training
Complete 60 hours of training at a state-approved program. Requires 60 classroom hours of pre-licensing education, of which at least 30 hours must be in basic principles of real estate, from an accredited postsecondary school or an organization licensed by the AREC. Additionally, post-license education of 18 hours is required within 6 months of initial licensure. [1]
- 3
Arkansas Real Estate Salesperson License Examination
Pass the Arkansas Real Estate Salesperson License Examination (fee: $75). Composed of two portions: a General portion and an Arkansas Law portion. The registration fee is $75 for both portions if scheduled together, or $75 per portion if scheduled separately. [2]
- 4
Submit your application
Submit your application to Arkansas Real Estate Commission with the $50 application fee. [1]
- 5
Receive your license
Once your application is approved, Arkansas Real Estate Commission issues your Real Estate Salesperson for Arkansas.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee [1] | $50 |
| License fee [1] | $50 |
| Renewal fee [1] | $60 |
| Arkansas Real Estate Salesperson License Examination [2] | $75 |
| Real Estate Recovery Fund Fee [1] | $25 |
| State and FBI Background Check Fee [1] | $36.25 |
The $50 application fee is paid to AREC, and the $36.25 background check fee is paid directly to the Arkansas State Police. Upon passing the exam, the new salesperson must pay a $50 license fee and a $25 Recovery Fund fee within 90 days. Salesperson renewal is $60 if paid on or before September 30, and $80 if paid after.
Renewal & continuing education
Renew every 1 year. 7 continuing education hours required per cycle.
Licenses must be renewed annually by September 30th to avoid a late fee. Seven hours of continuing education must be completed annually for active status.
Reciprocity
Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.
Arkansas maintains reciprocal agreements with Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, and West Virginia. Out-of-state salesperson applicants licensed in these states can waive the general portion of the examination.
Cost calculator
- $50
- $50
- $75
Frequently asked questions
What are the pre-requisites for taking the 60-hour pre-licensing course?
Arkansas license law does not establish prerequisites for completing a 60-hour pre-licensing course. The course provider would impose any such restrictions.
How long is the validity of the 60-hour certificate issued for completing a real estate pre-licensing course?
For salesperson applicants, the 60-hour certificate has no expiration.
When is post-license education required and when must it be completed?
A new salesperson must complete the 18-hour AREC post-licensure course within 6 months after the date the individual was initially licensed.
When is continuing education required and when do I need to complete it?
Licensees must obtain seven hours of continuing education annually to renew an active real estate license for the upcoming calendar year. Renewal for the upcoming year must be completed by September 30th of the current year to avoid penalty.
Sources
- [1] arec.arkansas.gov/licensing/new-applicant/ — accessed 2026-07-12
- [2] arec.arkansas.gov/licensing/exam-information/ — accessed 2026-07-12
- [3] arec.arkansas.gov/licensing/existing-agent/ — accessed 2026-07-12
- [4] arec.arkansas.gov/licensing/reciprocal-states/ — accessed 2026-07-12