Getting a real estate license in Connecticut is relatively easy compared to other states. By completing 60 hours of prelicensing education, applying, passing the exam, and finding a sponsoring brokerage, you can kickstart a successful real estate career. So grab a sandwich and a hot cup of coffee from Dunkin’ and follow our step-by-step guide to obtaining your Connecticut real estate license.
1. Meet the Legal Requirements for Your Connecticut Real Estate License
To qualify for a real estate license in Connecticut, you must meet some standard requirements. You need to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and be a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted resident.
2. Complete the Required Prelicensing Courses
Connecticut requires aspiring agents without a license from a reciprocal state (like Massachusetts) to complete 60 hours of prelicensing coursework. These classes can be taken in-person or online at an accredited Connecticut online real estate school. The cost ranges from $229 to $495. The coursework covers various topics including real property and the law, concepts of home ownership, agency, real estate brokerage, listing agreements and buyer representation, and more.
Finding the right online real estate school that fits your needs and learning style can be challenging. To help you with your decision, check out our guide to the best accredited online real estate schools. One recommended option is Freedom Trail Realty School, which has a strong local reputation and offers high-quality education.
Visit Freedom Trail Realty School
3. Apply for Your Connecticut Real Estate License
It is recommended to apply for your Connecticut real estate license online to avoid delays. To begin the application process, register for an account on the CT.gov website and submit the required documentation under the “New Application” tab. The initial license fee is $285, payable online using a credit or debit card. The processing time for your application is approximately two weeks.
Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from receiving your Connecticut real estate license. The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) will review your record to determine your eligibility. You are required to complete the Criminal Conviction Review Worksheet and provide all necessary documentation regarding your crime, rehabilitation, and time elapsed since the conviction and release.
If you have already chosen a brokerage to work with, you can include the Salesperson Sponsoring Broker Form in your application. If you haven’t made a decision yet, you can submit this form after passing your exam.
4. Take the Connecticut Real Estate Exam
Once you have completed your application, it’s time to tackle the real estate exam. Connecticut has a pass rate of 60%, which is higher compared to other states. The exam is computer-based, and you will receive your score immediately after completing it.
If you pass the exam, you will receive a success notification on your screen. If you don’t pass, you will receive a diagnostic report highlighting your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to better prepare for a retake. You must pass both the state and national portions of the exam within a year of completing your prelicensing education. The good news is that you can take the test as many times as needed within that year. After passing the exam, you have two years to activate your real estate license.
Connecticut Real Estate Exam Details
The licensing exam in Connecticut is provided by PSI, a national platform for state licensing exams. Prior to registering for the exam, all candidates must be approved by PSI. To obtain approval, you need to notarize and submit the Real Estate Salesperson Application included in the Candidate Information Bulletin. Additionally, you need to provide proof of course completion from your education provider and pay a $59 application fee.
Once your application is approved, PSI will send you an Examination Eligibility Postcard with instructions to register and schedule the exam. You will need to create an account on the PSI website to access the scheduling portal. The exam fee is $65, payable online using a credit or debit card.
If you need assistance studying for the exam, we recommend PrepAgent. They offer a comprehensive exam prep course designed to help aspiring real estate professionals pass their state’s real estate exams on the first try.
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5. Pick a Sponsoring Brokerage to Work For
To hold an active Connecticut real estate license, you must affiliate with a sponsoring brokerage. If you have already chosen a brokerage, you can submit the Salesperson Sponsoring Brokerage Form. If you are still undecided, our in-depth guide on choosing the right real estate company can help make your decision easier. While there are many successful brokerages in Connecticut, the top five reported for 2022* are:
- Brokerage 1
- Brokerage 2
- Brokerage 3
- Brokerage 4
- Brokerage 5
(*Data from Real Trends)
6. Start Your Real Estate Career
Congratulations! Now that you have learned how to become a real estate agent in Connecticut, you are ready to embark on your real estate journey. For more information and resources to help you succeed as a new real estate agent, check out the following articles:
- 14 Real Estate Agent Tips – Covers the basics that every agent should know when starting out, including how to write a real estate business plan.
- Learn how to generate real estate buyer leads.
- Nine strategies to help with real estate seller lead generation.
- Top 11 New Real Estate Agent Tips From the Pros.
- The best real estate software and tools to build a strong real estate business from the beginning.
Remember, becoming a real estate agent requires dedication and continuous learning. With the right mindset and resources, you can thrive in the Connecticut real estate market.
