How to Get a New York State Real Estate Broker's License

You must complete several courses to become a New York real estate broker.

Most real estate brokers sell residential properties, although a handful also sell commercial, agricultural, industrial and other types of real estate. No matter what type of property a broker sells, they must have special knowledge of the property and potential clients interested in purchasing the property. Brokers must understand business trends, property locations, leasing practices and other facts to fulfill the client's needs. Various states, including New York, have specific requirements to get a broker's license.

Things You'll Need

• New York real estate salesperson's license
• New York real estate broker's course
• Child support statement
• Examination fee
• Government issued photo ID
• Licensing fee
• Continuing education credits

Instructions

1. Obtain a New York real estate salesperson's license. Applicants must be 18 years or older and complete the education requirement of 45 hours of real estate courses. You must be sponsored by a New York state licensed real estate broker and pass the required state examination.

2. Fulfill age and residency requirements. Applicants for a New York broker's license must be at least 19 years old and a United States citizen or legal resident.

3. Meet experience requirements. Applicants need to have one or more years of experience working as a licensed salesperson or two years of working full-time (35 hours per week for 50 weeks out of a calendar year) in general real estate.

4. Fulfill educational requirements. Applicants need to successfully complete 90 hours of real estate classes (the 45 hours of real estate salesperson courses plus 45 hours of real estate broker's courses).

5. Complete examination requirements. Future New York state brokers must pass a state certification examination. Applicants need to present a government issued photo identification with a signature, such as a driver's license, and pay an exam fee before taking the test.

6. Apply for a broker's license. Applicants must apply for the license within two years of passing the state certification exam, or the results of the exam will become invalid. Regardless of whether they have children, licensing applicants are obligated to submit a child support statement; being more than 4 months in arrears on child support payments can result in a suspended license. License applicants also must pay a licensing fee.

7. Maintain your license. Licensed brokers must complete 22 hours of continuing education classes during their first 2-year license period.

References

• Mortgage News Daily: New York Real Estate License, Education, Exams and Forms
• New York Division of Licensing Services: Real Estate Broker Exam
• New York University: Salesperson's and Broker's Licensing Continuing Education