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A step-by-step guide to Louisiana real estate salesperson licensing, including education, exam, application, and activation requirements.
By Leap Real Estate Team | 5 minutes read
Becoming a real estate agent in Louisiana requires more than completing a real estate course. Aspiring agents must meet basic eligibility standards, complete approved education, pass the Louisiana licensing examination, submit an application to the Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC), and work under the supervision of a licensed broker.
Louisiana generally refers to an entry-level real estate agent as a salesperson. Once licensed, a salesperson may perform real estate activities under a sponsoring or supervising broker, subject to Louisiana law and LREC rules.
Before beginning the application process, an applicant must generally:
Applicants must also satisfy the Commission’s character and eligibility standards. A criminal conviction does not necessarily mean an applicant cannot become licensed, but felony matters may require additional review or a formal felony review request.
Louisiana requires prospective salespersons to complete 90 hours of real estate coursework approved by the LREC. The education must be completed through an LREC state-certified real estate school, so applicants should verify a school’s approval before enrolling.
The required curriculum generally covers:
The coursework is designed to prepare students for both the licensing examination and the legal responsibilities of practicing real estate in Louisiana. Approved schools may offer classroom or qualifying distance-learning formats. Distance education must meet the Commission’s applicable standards, including delivery through an approved Louisiana-certified school.
Students must also pass the school’s final course examination to receive proof of completion. Keep the course completion certificate and any related education records because they may be required with the license application.
Applicants who completed real estate courses at a college, university, or in another state may be eligible for partial credit. However, the LREC determines whether the coursework matches current Louisiana requirements. Approval should be obtained before submitting a license application, and certain Louisiana-specific education cannot be substituted.
After completing the required education, the next step is to register for the Louisiana salesperson licensing examination through the examination provider designated by the LREC. The exam tests knowledge of general real estate principles as well as Louisiana-specific laws and practices.
Candidates should carefully review the current examination candidate handbook, registration instructions, identification requirements, scheduling rules, and retesting procedures before selecting an exam date. Bring the required identification and arrive prepared to follow the testing center’s security procedures.
A practical study plan should include:
Passing the exam is necessary, but it does not itself authorize someone to conduct real estate activity. A license application and the remaining LREC requirements must still be completed.
Once the education and examination requirements are satisfied, applicants must submit the required LREC application materials. The application normally includes proof of education, examination information, identification and eligibility details, applicable fees, and information about the broker who will supervise the license.
LREC application procedures can change, so applicants should use the current salesperson application forms and checklist. The Commission states that applications must be mailed or delivered to its office; electronic submission is not accepted for these applications.
Applicants should review every form for completeness and consistency. Missing documents, unsigned sections, incorrect fees, or unresolved background questions can delay processing.
The LREC may require applicants to submit fingerprints and authorize state and national criminal-history checks. Fingerprinting and background review are part of the Commission’s effort to evaluate an applicant’s eligibility and professional fitness.
Answer criminal-history questions accurately and disclose matters as required by the current application. Providing incomplete or misleading information can create a separate licensing problem, even when the underlying matter might not have prevented licensure.
Applicants with felony convictions should review the LREC’s felony procedures before applying. When necessary, the Commission may require a felony review hearing request or additional documentation.
A Louisiana salesperson must be associated with and supervised by a licensed real estate broker. Before issuance of an active license, the applicant generally must provide the required broker information and proof of errors and omissions insurance.
After approval, the salesperson should confirm:
A person who is not properly licensed may not accept compensation for conducting real estate activity in Louisiana.
Initial licensure is not the end of the education process. Louisiana requires an initial salesperson to complete 45 hours of post-licensing education within 180 days after the initial license date.
Salespersons must also complete 12 hours of continuing education each year, including any mandatory topic required by the Commission. In the year a license is initially issued, the licensee still has continuing-education responsibilities before renewing an active license, and post-licensing education does not eliminate every mandatory-topic requirement.
Track course deadlines carefully and renew the license on time. Failure to complete education or renewal requirements can affect the license’s status and ability to practice.
To begin, compare LREC-approved schools and choose a 90-hour Louisiana salesperson course. Create a checklist for your course certificate, exam registration, application forms, fees, broker sponsorship, insurance, and any background-review documents.
Before enrolling or filing, confirm the current requirements directly with the Louisiana Real Estate Commission. Requirements, forms, fees, testing procedures, and deadlines may change, and the Commission’s instructions control if they differ from information provided by a school or third-party guide.
Ready to start? Explore the Louisiana real estate pre-licensing course from Leap Real Estate for course options and enrollment information.
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