New York Real Estate License Quick Info
Core New York Real Estate Licenses
- Real Estate Salesperson: This license allows individuals to engage in real estate transactions under the supervision of a broker. It is the entry-level license for most real estate professionals in New York.
- Real Estate Broker: This advanced license enables holders to operate their own real estate business and manage other agents. It requires additional experience and education compared to the salesperson license.
Prerequisites for Real Estate Licensing
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid US Social Security number
- Complete 77 hours of approved pre-licensing education
- Pass the real estate licensing examination
- Be sponsored by a Real Estate Broker
- Pass a background check
- Apply for the license
The New York Real Estate Exam
- Questions: 155 total multiple-choice questions. 80 National and 75 State
- Passing Score: A passing score of 70% is required on each exam
- Time to Complete: 90 minutes to complete
License Fees
- Criminal History Check: $101.75
- Application Fee: $40
- Examination Fee: $80
- Education Cost: $200-$300
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Starting a Real Estate Career in New York
New York is one of the most dynamic states for a real estate career. Just hearing “New York real estate” paints an instant image of high-priced Manhattan skyrise penthouses and historic Brooklyn brownstones.
But, outside the 300 square miles of NYC is a lush green haven with tight-knit communities spanning the state from Buffalo to the Catskills, providing endless options for all New Yorker licensees.
Like all incredible opportunities, becoming a New York real estate agent requires dedication and hard work—even to get your license. This guide simplifies the process, outlining the steps and costs and ensuring a clear path to launching your real estate career.
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New York Real Estate Licensing Requirements
The New York Department of State Division of Real Estate (NYDRE) is responsible for licensing, registering, and regulating real estate brokers and salespersons.
Additionally, NYDRE forms the regulations that govern professional behavior and standards within the New York real estate industry, including the extensive licensing process.
The New York real estate licensing process ensures prospective agents are knowledgeable, trustworthy, and have the skills to assist New Yorkers with their most valued investments: Their homes.
Before starting, New York has prerequisites all applicants must meet, including:
- Must be 18 years of age
- Possess a Social Security number or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN)
- Have a background clear of criminal convictions
With the basic requirements met, it’s time to tackle the complicated steps.
Pre-Licensing Education
The first step to a New York real estate license is completing 77 hours of pre-licensing education. Applicants must enroll in an approved education provider’s course covering the following topics:
- License Law and Regulations (3 hours)
- Law of Agency (11 hours)
- Legal Issues (10 hours)
- The Contract of Sales and Leases (3 hours)
- Real Estate Finance (5 hours)
- Land Use Regulations (3 hours)
- Construction and Environmental Issuers (5 hours)
- Valuation Process and Pricing Properties (3 hours)
- Construction and Environmental Issues (5 hours)
- Valuation Process and Pricing Properties (3 hours)
- Human Rights and Fair Housing (6 hours)
- Real Estate Math (1 hour)
- Property Insurance (1 hour)
- Licensee Safety (1 hour)
- Taxes and Assessments (3 hours)
- Condominiums and Cooperatives (4 hours)
- Commercial and Investment Properties (10 hours)
- Income Tac Issues in Real Estate Transactions (3 hours)
- Mortgage Brokerage (1 hour)
- Property Management (2 hours)
Pre-licensing courses cost around $200, laying the foundation for your career while preparing you for the big exam.
The New York Real Estate Exam
With pre-licensing education complete and valuable information freshly on your mind, it’s time to schedule and pass the big exam.
The New York real estate exam consists of a State and National portion totaling 155 multiple-choice questions. Applicants have 90 minutes to complete the exam and achieve a minimum score of 70%.
To begin, applicants must create an account to schedule an exam on eAccessNY. The NYDRE provides eleven locations across the state to take the real estate exam.
New York Real Estate Exam details:
- Number of Questions: 155 multiple-choice questions: 80 National and 75 State
- Passing Scores: A minimum score of 70%
- Question Types: multiple-choice, testing your understanding of real estate principles, laws, ethics, and finance
- Duration: 90 minutes total
- Cost: $80
The New York real estate exam is challenging but well within reach of passing.
Fingerprinting For a Background Check
A deep understanding of real estate ethics and principles is vital in the licensing process, and demonstrating you’ve upheld these standards in life is required. This means obtaining fingerprints for a background check.
Fingerprints must be taken at a designated IdentoGO/IDEMIA location. The fingerprinting fee is $101.75.
Addressing Concerns (If Needed)
New York has no formal process to pre-address background checks but provides detailed information on disqualifying offenses. Applicants may also contact the DOS directly at 518-474-5955 to discuss specific situations.
Only invest your time and resources into licensing if your background supports it.
Find a Sponsor Brokerage
Congratulations! You passed the exam and are ready for the final steps. Applicants must find a sponsoring broker to secure their business home before filing the application.
If you have yet to think about it, this is the time to consider your future career goals and path.
Choosing 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 for investors.
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 brokers for market intel.
Take advantage of platforms like Agent Nook to delve into the cultures and strengths of different brokerages. Finding a brokerage that complements your chosen specialty and supports your career goals and development will provide a better path to success.
Applying For the Real Estate License
With pre-licensing education, fingerprinting, a passing score on the real estate exam, and a sponsoring broker, the final real estate salesperson application can be submitted.
Applications are available through the eAccessNY portal used to schedule the exam.
Be prepared with the following information or documents:
- Pre-licensing education certificates
- Verification of a passing exam score
- Government-issued identification
- Fingerprinting receipt
- Sponsoring broker information
- Application fee payment of $40 (check or money order)
Completed applications and copies of supporting documents can be mailed to or completed in person at the DOS office in Albany.
The application process takes 2 to 4 weeks, assuming all documents were provided and the background check is completed promptly.
Post-Licensing Education & Continuing Education
New York takes its commitment to ethical and knowledgeable agents seriously, requiring both post-licensing education and ongoing continuing education for all real estate professionals.
Freshly licensed agents must complete 22.5 hours of approved coursework within two years of receiving their license. This “boot camp” focuses on essential topics like ethical practices, fair housing laws, and the intricacies of New York’s real estate landscape.Â
But the learning journey continues beyond there. Every two years, agents must renew their licenses, which involves completing 24 hours of continuing education. This broader curriculum keeps agents up-to-date on changes in laws, industry trends, and best practices. From contract intricacies to digital marketing strategies, these courses ensure agents provide the best possible service to their clients.
Final Thoughts
Real estate is one of the most challenging careers to start. And the hours of education, studying, and the stress of passing a big exam are just the beginning.
But a great reward awaits those who brave the hours of classroom education and the stresses of a big exam. Real estate is unlike any other career path. Each day is unique, revenue potential is endless, and you get the opportunity to tour fun and exciting homes.
Here are your final departing steps:
- Choose a real estate school and lock in your pre-licensing education.
- Tell EVERYONE. Real estate is a marketing and self-promotion business. Taking your friends and family along for the journey brings you closer to your first referral and big commission check.
Welcome to the real estate industry! We’re excited for you to join us.

Author: Agent Nook Team
Sometimes, it takes a team. Agent Nook always brings an experienced perspective—or several—into each post. This ensures our readers always have the most up-to-date and relevant information.