How to Get Your Real Estate License in Arkansas

Becoming a real estate agent in Arkansas involves several regulated steps, from completing pre-licensing education to working under a sponsoring broker. The Arkansas Real Estate Commission regulates licensing and publishes the requirements, forms, fees, and renewal standards applicants must follow.

This guide explains how to get an Arkansas real estate salesperson license, what the process may cost, how long it can take, and what to expect after receiving a license. If you want a flexible place to begin, Leap’s Arkansas pre-licensing course is designed for applicants completing the state’s required education online.

Quick Summary: Arkansas Real Estate Licensing Steps

Confirm that you are at least 18 years old.
Complete at least 60 classroom hours of approved real estate education, including at least 30 hours in basic principles of real estate.
Submit the Arkansas salesperson application and background-check information to AREC.
Complete fingerprinting and state and federal criminal background checks as instructed.
Receive AREC approval to sit for the licensing examination.
Schedule and pass the Arkansas real estate salesperson examination.
Submit the required post-exam forms and fees within 90 days after passing.
Choose a sponsoring broker and activate your license.
Complete 18 hours of post-license education within six months of initial licensure.
Complete seven hours of continuing education annually when required for renewal.

Arkansas Real Estate License Requirements

Arkansas salesperson applicants must:

Be at least 18 years old.
Complete at least 60 classroom hours of approved real estate education.
Complete at least 30 of those hours in basic principles of real estate.
Submit the required application and background-check information.
Receive AREC authorization to take the exam.
Pass the licensing examination.
Submit the required post-exam paperwork and fees within 90 days after passing.

AREC permits approved distance education, so applicants may be able to satisfy the education requirement through an approved online course. Course approval and delivery requirements can change, so confirm that the provider and course are currently accepted by AREC before enrolling.

Step 1: Complete 60 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education

Arkansas requires 60 classroom hours of pre-licensing education, with at least 30 hours devoted to basic principles of real estate.

The coursework generally introduces subjects such as:

Arkansas real estate law and regulations
Contracts and agency relationships
Property ownership and land-use controls
Real estate finance
Valuation and market analysis
Closing procedures
Fair housing and federal regulations
Professional responsibilities and ethics

An online course can be a convenient option for students who need a self-paced schedule. Before registering, verify that the course is approved for Arkansas licensing education and that it provides the documentation AREC requires.

Leap’s Arkansas pre-licensing course is designed for applicants completing the state’s required education online. Review the current course format, included materials, and enrollment terms before purchasing.

Step 2: Submit the AREC Application

After completing the required education, submit the Arkansas salesperson application using the forms and instructions provided by AREC. The application includes information used for state and federal criminal background checks.

Applicants should disclose relevant professional-license history, disciplinary actions, pending matters, or other information requested by the Commission. An incomplete or inaccurate application can delay review.

AREC must approve the applicant to sit for the licensing examination. Applicants should monitor email and follow the Commission’s instructions regarding exam authorization and fingerprinting.

Step 3: Complete Fingerprinting and the Background Check

Arkansas requires original salesperson and broker applicants to complete state and federal criminal background checks. The checks are conducted through the Arkansas State Police Identification Bureau and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and they include fingerprinting.

Resident applicants are instructed to submit digital fingerprints for the federal background check. Follow the current fingerprinting instructions supplied by AREC rather than relying on older third-party guidance. Applicants should also verify the current fingerprint vendor, appointment process, acceptable identification, and applicable fees with AREC or the Arkansas State Police.

A criminal record does not necessarily mean an applicant will be denied. However, applicants should disclose information accurately and contact AREC directly if they have questions about eligibility or past conduct.

Step 4: Take the Arkansas Real Estate Licensing Exam

Once AREC authorizes an applicant to test, the applicant schedules the salesperson examination through the testing service identified in the Commission’s current instructions.

The exam tests knowledge of real estate principles, practices, law, and Arkansas-specific requirements. Preparation should include:

Reviewing the course material consistently
Studying Arkansas license law and Commission rules
Practicing vocabulary, calculations, and contract concepts
Taking practice questions under timed conditions
Reviewing topics missed on practice tests

The exam fee listed in AREC’s FAQ is $75, payable to the testing service. Testing procedures, scheduling rules, identification requirements, and fees can change, so verify the current details with the official exam provider before scheduling.

The official exam provider should be treated as the final authority for appointment availability, rescheduling, score reports, and testing-center policies.

Step 5: Submit Post-Exam Documents and Fees

After passing, applicants must send the required forms and fees to AREC within 90 days. AREC’s FAQ identifies the following salesperson charges:

Application fee: $50
Original salesperson license fee: $50
Recovery fund fee: $25
Exam fee: $75, paid to the testing service
Background-check charges: verify current state and federal amounts with AREC

AREC regulations list the $50 application fee, $50 original salesperson license fee, $25 recovery fund fee, and $60 annual salesperson renewal fee. Older fee schedules and different application instructions may combine charges differently, so applicants should confirm the total amount and accepted payment method before submitting payment.

AREC’s new-applicant page also states that some application submissions requiring an examination may involve an $85 payment payable to AREC. Because the Commission’s pages distinguish between application, background-check, examination, licensing, and recovery-fund charges, applicants should use the current application packet or contact AREC for the exact amount due in their situation.

Estimated Arkansas Licensing Costs

The required cost depends on the applicant’s course price, exam attempts, fingerprinting and background-check charges, and any optional study materials. For a convenient online starting point, review Leap’s Arkansas real estate pre-licensing course and compare it with the official requirements before enrolling.

| Expense | Current information |
|---|---:|
| Pre-licensing education | Varies by provider |
| AREC application fee | $50 |
| Examination fee | $75, according to AREC’s FAQ |
| Original salesperson license fee | $50 |
| Recovery fund fee | $25 |
| Background-check and fingerprinting fees | Verify current amounts with AREC |
| Annual salesperson renewal | $60 before the applicable deadline |

The minimum official charges alone do not represent the full cost of becoming licensed because education, transportation, fingerprinting, retesting, and brokerage-related expenses may also apply.

Step 6: Find a Sponsoring Broker

A newly licensed salesperson generally practices under the supervision of an Arkansas principal broker. A sponsoring broker provides the brokerage relationship required for active practice and helps the new agent comply with Arkansas law, company policies, transaction procedures, and recordkeeping requirements.

When comparing brokerages, ask about:

Commission splits and transaction fees
Desk, technology, marketing, and administrative fees
Training and mentoring
Lead distribution
Transaction coordination
Errors and omissions insurance
Office, team, and independent-contractor policies
Availability of broker supervision

The best brokerage is not necessarily the one advertising the highest commission split. New agents should evaluate the quality of supervision, training, support, and realistic access to clients.

Step 7: Complete Post-License Education

New Arkansas salespersons must complete an 18-hour AREC post-license course within six months after the date the license is issued.

Post-license education is separate from the initial 60-hour pre-licensing requirement. It is intended to help newly licensed salespersons apply legal, ethical, and practical concepts in real transactions.

Failing to complete the post-license requirement on time can affect the license, so newly licensed agents should confirm the exact deadline and approved course options with AREC.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Arkansas requires seven hours of continuing education annually for active license renewal.

AREC states that renewal for the upcoming year should be completed by September 30 to avoid a penalty. The Commission’s published information lists the regular salesperson renewal fee as $60 and an expired-license fee of $80.

AREC materials also indicate that a newly licensed salesperson completes post-license education first and begins the continuing-education cycle associated with later renewals. Because renewal timing can depend on the license issue date and current Commission policy, confirm the applicable CE year and deadline directly with AREC.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Arkansas Real Estate License?

There is no single guaranteed timeline. The total time depends on:

How quickly the applicant completes the 60-hour course
AREC application processing time
Background-check and fingerprinting processing
Exam appointment availability
Whether the applicant passes on the first attempt
How quickly the applicant submits post-exam documents
Whether a sponsoring broker is selected promptly

A student taking an online course may finish the education requirement on a schedule that suits their availability. However, applicants should not assume that completing the course immediately results in a license. AREC authorization, background checks, exam scheduling, licensing paperwork, and broker affiliation add additional time.

For a current estimate of application processing and exam authorization, contact AREC before making employment or start-date commitments.

Career Opportunities in Arkansas Real Estate

An Arkansas real estate license may support several career directions, including:

Residential buyer representation
Residential listing sales
New-construction sales
Commercial real estate
Land and farm sales
Leasing and rentals
Property management, where separately applicable requirements are satisfied
Relocation services
Real estate investment and brokerage support
Transaction coordination and related brokerage roles

A salesperson license does not automatically authorize every real estate-related activity. Applicants should confirm whether a particular service requires additional licensing, registration, supervision, or another professional credential.

Potential Earnings for Arkansas Real Estate Agents

Real estate income varies substantially. Salespersons commonly earn income through commissions or commission-related compensation, and earnings may depend on sales volume, property type, market conditions, brokerage arrangements, experience, business expenses, and the time required to build a client base.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes employment and wage information for real estate sales agents, but those figures are not a guarantee of what an individual Arkansas agent will earn. New agents may experience irregular income, particularly during the first months of business. Review the latest Arkansas-specific wage data from the BLS or an official state labor-market source, and account for taxes, insurance, licensing, marketing, transportation, association, and brokerage expenses.

Tips for Passing the Arkansas Exam

Finish the full course rather than relying only on practice questions.
Make a separate study plan for Arkansas law and Commission rules.
Learn real estate calculations and terminology instead of memorizing answer patterns.
Use practice exams to identify weak areas.
Read every question carefully; seemingly minor wording can change the answer.
Confirm testing-day identification and arrival requirements before the appointment.
If you do not pass, review the official score report and follow the provider’s retesting instructions.

No particular pass rate or number of attempts should be assumed without checking current official information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take Arkansas pre-licensing education online?

Approved distance education may satisfy Arkansas’s education requirement, provided the course meets current AREC standards. Verify approval before enrolling.

How many hours of education are required?

Applicants must complete at least 60 classroom hours, including at least 30 hours in basic principles of real estate.

Is fingerprinting required?

Original applicants are subject to state and federal criminal background checks, including fingerprinting. Follow the current AREC instructions for the process and fees.

How much is the Arkansas real estate exam?

AREC’s FAQ lists the examination fee as $75, paid to the testing service. Confirm the current amount when scheduling.

Do I need a broker to work as an Arkansas salesperson?

A salesperson should arrange the appropriate relationship with a licensed Arkansas broker before practicing. Ask AREC and prospective brokerages about the current activation and supervision requirements.

What education is required after licensing?

A new salesperson must complete 18 hours of AREC post-license education within six months after the license is issued.

How much continuing education is required?

AREC requires seven hours of continuing education annually for active renewal.

Final Checklist

Before applying, confirm that you have:

Reached age 18
Completed 60 hours of approved education
Completed at least 30 hours of basic principles
Received the required course certificate
Submitted the AREC application
Followed background-check and fingerprinting instructions
Received authorization to test
Passed the licensing exam
Submitted the required forms and fees within 90 days
Selected an appropriate sponsoring broker
Scheduled the 18-hour post-license course
Recorded future renewal and continuing-education deadlines

Before enrolling, review Leap’s Arkansas real estate pre-licensing course, then verify all regulatory requirements and fees with AREC.

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