Your Journey Starts Here
How to become a real estate salesperson in NY
Prequalification:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a current NYS photo driver’s license or non-driver ID card
- Complete the 77-hour licensing course
- Pass the NY Department of State Salesperson licensing exam
- Have a sponsoring New York State Broker (you do NOT need a sponsoring broker to take the 77-Hour Course or the exams but must have one when applying for your license).
Step 1
Complete 77 hours of approved Pre-Licensing education.
To start, you must successfully complete an approved 77-clock-hour NY Pre-Licensing Salesperson course. See below for the GCAR course schedule.
Step 2
Pass the course final exam.
After you complete all the course materials, there is a course final exam. The minimum passing score is 70%. Course completions are valid for 8 years and must be used to obtain a license or they will expire and have to be retaken.
Step 3
Pass the New York real estate salesperson examination.
You will have 1.5 hours to complete this multiple-choice exam based on the 77-hour Pre-Licensing curriculum. More information can be found here.
Step 4
Select a sponsoring broker.
To be licensed, you must be sponsored by a current and active New York broker. It’s essential to find the right broker to work with since this person will serve as your mentor as you start your new career in real estate.
Step 5
Complete your application utilizing eAccessNY.
Click here to apply.
Salesperson Licensing Course Upcoming Schedule
Online with The CE Shop
NY Salesperson Pre-Licensing: 77-Hour Online Interactive Course
Cost: $299 – $549
Sign Up Here
FAQ
I had a license many years ago but let it lapse. Do I have to go through the licensing procedure again?
If you took the 45-hour licensing course before July 1, 2008, this certificate is still valid. If your license expired more than two years ago, you will have to take the NYS exam again before you can renew your license. If your license expired less than two years ago, you only need to compete the 22 1/2 hours of continuing education before you renew your license. In either case, your broker must sign the renewal form.
If I miss a portion of the Qualifying Course what happens?
According to the New York Department of State, you must complete 90% of the class time in order to pass the course. In other words, if you miss more than 7.5 hours of the entire class, you will automatically fail.
Who needs a license?
According to Article 12-A of the Real Property Law, “anyone who negotiates any form of real estate transaction for another and for compensation of any kind in the State of New York” needs a license.
What is the difference between a broker and a salesperson?
A broker is the owner or corporate officer of the firm. The broker sponsors, trains, and supervises all the real estate activities of the agents for which he/she is responsible. A salesperson works for and under the direction of the sponsoring broker.
Do I need a sponsoring broker to take the course?
No, many people take the course for personal reasons and have no intention of getting a license. You also do not need a sponsoring broker to take the State exam. You do need a sponsoring broker at time of license application.
What happens if I take the course but am not ready to apply for my license?
Your 75-hour course completion certificate is good for eight years. If you are not ready to apply for your license at the end of the course, you must hold on to your certificates until you are ready. Remember the NYS exam results are good for two years.
What if I have a Felony?
If you have been convicted of a crime that is a misdemeanor or felony, you must submit a written explanation and provide a copy of the court records detailing the allegations of the offense and how the case was resolved. If you have received a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities, Certificate of Good Conduct, or Executive Pardon, you must submit a copy with the application.
How Do I Contact DOS?
You can email the Department of State here dos.ny.gov/form/contact-us
New Member Orientation
After getting licensed and submitting your application to join GCAR, you must successfully complete the New Member Orientation Class. There is no charge for the Orientation class. Learn more here.
Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® (GCAR) has established an agreement with The CE Shop to promote online course information to consumers and real estate licensees. Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® (GCAR) is not the developer of these courses and is simply providing a referral. Any questions regarding course content or technology should be directed to The CE Shop.