Becoming an Arizona Real Estate Agent

Choosing a career in real estate can be a gateway to a fulfilling, flexible lifestyle that allows you to work with unique people and properties daily. But clearing some hurdles and a lot of studying are required first.

Thankfully, you can follow our friendly guide, which will start you on the path of becoming the next Million-Dollar Listing Arizona.

Arizona Real Estate License Requirements

Embarking on a career in real estate in Arizona begins with understanding the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) requirements. After all, real estate isn’t just glamourous showings; it’s a career that requires you to be well-prepared to handle the responsibilities of helping people with their most significant investments.

Pre-Exam Requirements

Embarking on your journey to becoming a licensed real estate professional in Arizona is a structured process that begins well before you enter the examination room. Here’s what you need to know to ensure you’re on the right track from the get-go:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old to apply.
• Education: You must complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education. Classes can be done “in the classroom” or online through an approved Arizona real estate school. Passing the school’s final exam is required.
• Out-of-State License Recognition: If you’re an out-of-state licensee, take the time to review the Out-of-State License Recognition information to understand if you may be exempt from some of the standard requirements.
• Fingerprint Clearance Card: Issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, a completed fingerprint card is necessary for your application. Please note the process can take up to eight to ten weeks, so don’t delay.
• Disciplinary Actions Disclosure Form (LI-214/244): Your background matters in this industry. You’ll need to provide information and documentation relating to your background when you apply. Criminal convictions can impact your licensing eligibility, especially if they involve felonies or misdemeanors related to theft, forgery, extortion, fraud, violence, or moral turpitude.
• Disclosure Document Checklist (LI-400): If you have a criminal conviction, an adverse civil judgment, or any disciplinary action against a professional or occupational license, you must complete this form and provide additional documents and information as required.
• Contract Writing Class: A 6-hour Contract Writing Class is compulsory before you can apply for your license. You’ll need to attend and secure a certificate of completion.

Additional Requirements for Brokers

• Broker Management Clinic: Aspiring brokers must complete 9 hours of Broker Management Clinic courses before licensing.
• Broker Candidate Experience Verification (Form LI-226): Brokers must demonstrate three years of active licensed real estate experience within the last five years. This experience verification form must be completed and submitted with your license application. If your experience is from a state other than Arizona, you’ll need to provide a license history from the licensed state(s) in the past five years.
• Proactive Verification: Although not mandatory, you can submit the Broker Candidate Experience Verification form to the ADRE before scheduling your exam to confirm that your experience meets the requirements.

With these steps clearly outlined, you’ll be well-prepared for the pre-exam phase of your real estate licensure journey in Arizona. Remember, thorough preparation and attention to detail during this phase are crucial for a smooth path to your new career.

The Testing Process: What to Expect on Exam Day

When the day arrives for you to take your Arizona real estate license exam, being well-prepared extends beyond studying the material. Knowing what to bring and what to expect can ease your nerves and set you up for a successful testing experience.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Required Materials

• Identification: Bring two(2) forms of ID. Both must have a signature. The primary ID must be gov-issued, with a photo and a signature. The secondary ID must have a valid signature. All IDs must be in English. Confirm with your local testing center if you have ID concerns.
• Education Certification: Salespersons and Brokers must supply the pre-licensure education certificate (electronic or physical).
• Brokers Only: Supply a completed Broker Candidate Experience Verification Form (LI-226) and, if applicable, certified license history. Remember, while Pearson VUE doesn’t validate these forms, they’re essential for ADRE to issue your license.

Suggested Materials

• A simple, battery-operated calculator without an alphabetic keypad. Acceptable models include the HPIII Qualifier, PHP-10BII, and similar types designed for real estate and mortgage calculations.

Exam Structure

• Real Estate Salesperson: 180 questions plus 15 pretest questions, totaling 195 questions with 300 minutes to complete.
• Real Estate Broker: Same as the salesperson exam but with 315 minutes allotted.
• Out-of-State License Recognition Exams: 110 questions with 165 minutes to complete.

Post-Exam

Immediately after completing the exam, you’ll receive a score report with a pass or fail status and diagnostic information. A passing score of 75% is required.

What happens if you don’t pass?

If you don’t pass, you must wait 24 hours before rescheduling. The retake fee is the same as the initial exam, and you must pay at the time of reservation.

After a second failed attempt, you can review the questions you answered incorrectly once. Schedule a review within 14 days of the failed exam.

Post-exam Procedures

After the exam, gather your documents, including:

• Original application and fee
• Arizona Exam Score Report
• Pre-licensing Course Certificate
• Contract Writing Course Certificate (salesperson) or Broker Management Clinic Course Certificates (broker)
• Proof of legal presence and Fingerprint Clearance Card

You’ll submit these through the Licensee Login or, in some instances, via mail.

Congratulations! The heavy lifting is over, and the wait period begins. But you won’t be bored because now is the time to start building your real estate career.

Charting Your Course in Real Estate After Licensure

With your Arizona real estate exam behind you, it’s time to plot your professional trajectory. In the immediate post-exam period, you lay the groundwork for your future success by making strategic decisions and forging valuable connections.

Deciding Your Specialty

Real estate is a field with diverse possibilities. Reflect on whether your passion lies in helping families find their dream homes, assisting businesses in securing the perfect commercial space, or managing properties. Each specialty has its own set of demands and skills:

• Residential Real Estate: Focus on individual or family dwellings, selling single-family homes, condominiums, and townhouses.
• Commercial Real Estate: Specialize in business properties, including leasing and selling office spaces, retail locations, and more.
• Property Management: Manage the leasing of residential, commercial, or industrial properties for investors.

Real estate agents have the added decision of becoming a REALTOR®. Agents are not REALTORS® until joining the National Association of REALTORS®, a membership most prevalent in the residential industry that provides access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)® and benefits like discounted healthcare and legal support.

Finding the Right Brokerage Fit

Choosing a brokerage can significantly influence your career direction and growth. New agents should interview several realty firms and speak with local agents to get market intel. 

Take advantage of platforms like Agent Nook to delve into the cultures and strengths of different brokerages. Finding a brokerage to complement your chosen specialty and support your career goals and development will provide a better path to success.

Networking for Success

A robust professional network can catapult your career forward. Engage with peers, seek out mentors, and participate in discussions. Forming these connections can lead to referrals, partnerships, and insightful advice.

Joining a real estate team can provide instant mentorship and partnerships, helping new agents get up to speed quicker with a lead flow and helping to keep you financially supported as you begin your career.

Conclusion

Working in Arizona Real Estate can be a fantastic opportunity. It’s a lifestyle of freedom—and wealth—that many dream of. 

The application hurdles, 90 hours of education, and a big exam seem daunting, but turning a new homeowner’s dream into a reality makes all of it worthwhile—the big commission check helps, too.

Welcome to the Real Estate Industry; we’re excited to have you!