How to Obtain a Georgia Real Estate License

The Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC) offers three types of real estate licenses-- salesperson, broker and community association manager. The salesperson license is the most commonly sought. It allows an individual to sell real estate in the state under the umbrella of a broker.To get a Georgia real estate license, a person must be 18 years old, complete educational requirements and pass a test.

Instructions

1. Acquire the required education. Georgia real estate agents must have a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, they must complete a 75-hour course that has been approved by the GREC. A number of businesses offer these classes in locations throughout the state.

2. Study to take and pass the Georgia real estate licensing exam. While your 75-hour class will prepare you for this exam, you will still need to study and review for the test before taking it. You can do this by taking practice tests, studying course materials and/or taking an intensive exam preparation review course.

3. Pass a GREC-approved state's licensing exam that is administered by Applied Measurement Professionals Inc. (AMP), a private company. The fee to take this exam is approximately $100, as of 2010. Applicants can take it as many times as necessary. Once you pass, you must apply for your Georgia license within 12 months. If you don't, you must retake and pass the test again before applying.

4. Obtain a criminal history report from the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC). This cost is approximately $25, as of 2010. If you have a criminal conviction listed on the GCIC report, you will also need to acquire certified copies of the court documents concerning the conviction. Provide all of these documents to the GREC.

5. Pay the GREC licensing fee, which is approximately $170, as of 2010, if you apply for a license within three months of taking the exam and $340 if you apply for a license after that time. Once your license has been issued, it is your responsibility to keep it current and renew it annually.

Tips & Warnings

• Real estate agents licensed in other states who wish to become licensed as non-resident professionals in Georgia must meet certain other standards and requirements.

• Be sure to disclose any incident that may appear on your criminal history report when you apply for your Georgia real estate license.

References

• Georgia Real Estate Commission

Resources

• Mortgage News Daily: Become a Real Estate Agent in Georgia