Arizona Real Estate License: The 7-Step Path

To apply for an Arizona real estate salesperson license, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, and be a U.S. citizen or legal alien. Arizona requires applicants to disclose any prior criminal convictions — certain felonies can disqualify you, and ADRE reviews cases individually. It is highly recommended to apply for a Fingerprint Clearance Card early in the process, as approval can take 4–8 weeks.

Arizona requires 90 hours of pre-licensing education from an ADRE-approved school. The curriculum covers Arizona real estate law, contracts, agency, finance, property ownership, fair housing, and more. You can complete this course online at your own pace or in a traditional classroom setting. Click2CE offers an ADRE-approved online pre-licensing course you can complete from anywhere in Arizona — or from out of state if you’re relocating.

At the conclusion of your pre-licensing course, you must pass the school’s final exam with a minimum score — typically 75% or higher, depending on the provider. This is a proctored or supervised exam that certifies your completion of the coursework. Once you pass, your school will issue a certificate of completion, which is required to apply for the state licensing exam through Pearson VUE.

Arizona requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check through an ADRE-approved vendor — typically IdentoGO (formerly Identix). You’ll need to schedule an appointment, bring a valid government-issued ID, and pay the fingerprinting fee. The results are submitted directly to ADRE and the Arizona Department of Public Safety. This step can (and should) be done concurrently with your coursework — don’t wait until you’ve passed the exam.

Once you have your course completion certificate and fingerprint clearance card, you can submit your salesperson license application to the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE). Applications are submitted online through the ADRE portal. You’ll need to disclose any criminal history, provide your course completion documentation, and pay the application fee. ADRE will review your application and authorize you to sit for the state licensing exam.

The Arizona real estate salesperson exam is administered by Pearson VUE and consists of 180 questions — 100 national questions and 80 Arizona-specific questions. You must score at least 75% on each section to pass. The exam is computer-based and must be completed within 4 hours. If you fail one section, you only need to retake that section (not both). Most candidates who complete solid coursework pass the first time.

In Arizona, a salesperson license must be "hung" with (sponsored by) a licensed Arizona real estate broker — you cannot practice independently. Once you pass the exam, you must find a sponsoring broker before ADRE will issue your active license. Your broker submits the sponsorship paperwork through the ADRE portal. Interview multiple brokers before choosing — look at commission splits, training, mentorship, and culture. Your first brokerage will shape your early career.