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How to get your New York real estate salesperson license.

The path is easier to follow when the required course, school exam, state examination, broker sponsorship, and license application are handled as separate checkpoints.

See all six steps Understand the exam

Quick answer

How do you get a New York real estate salesperson license?

Be at least 18, complete an approved 77-hour salesperson course and its proctored school exam, pass the separate Department of State written exam, choose a sponsoring New York broker, then submit the $65 application and wait for the license to be issued before doing licensed work. The state written exam currently costs $15.

Verified starting facts

What the license requires and what the state charges.

Start from where you are

Choose the next step that matches your progress.

You do not need to work through this page from the beginning if part of the licensing process is already complete.

1I still need the 77-hour courseCheck the Department of State provider list before paying a school.View approved providers 2I am taking the courseStudy the same 19 curriculum subjects while keeping the school exam and state exam separate.Open the study guide 3I am ready for the state examReview scheduling, identification, timing, permitted calculators, and exam-day rules.Plan for exam day 4I passed the state examCompare brokerages before choosing the sponsoring broker who will authorize your application.Review broker sponsorship

The licensing path

Six checkpoints, in plain language.

  1. 1

    Confirm the basic requirements

    Be at least 18 and plan for the identification and sponsorship requirements that apply before a license can be issued.

    • Minimum age is 18.
    • The standard online application requires a current New York State photo driver license or non-driver ID card.
    • A New York licensed real estate broker must sponsor the application.
  2. 2

    Complete approved qualifying education

    Complete the current 77-hour salesperson curriculum through a Department of State approved provider.

    • Use the Department of State course-provider search before paying a school.
    • The curriculum contains 19 subject areas totaling 77 instructional hours.
    • Older 75-hour and 45-hour pathways have additional requirements. Do not assume an old certificate meets the current standard by itself.
  3. 3

    Pass the school examination

    Pass the school-administered proctored examination required for course completion.

    • The school examination and the Department of State examination are separate requirements.
    • Ask the approved provider about its proctoring, identity, scheduling, and retake rules.
  4. 4

    Schedule and pass the state examination

    Use eAccessNY to schedule the multiple-choice state written examination.

    • The examination fee is $15.
    • The allowed time is 90 minutes after instructions.
    • Results are reported as pass or fail without a numerical score.
    • A passed result is valid for two years.
  5. 5

    Choose a sponsoring broker

    Interview brokerages before treating sponsorship as a formality.

    • Compare training, supervision, commission splits, fees, lead expectations, market focus, and exit terms.
    • The principal broker authorizes an online salesperson application.
    • A salesperson works for and is supervised by the representative broker.
  6. 6

    Apply and wait for issuance

    Submit the application and $65 fee, obtain broker authorization, and wait until the license is issued before performing licensed activity.

    • Application fees are nonrefundable.
    • Do not advertise, negotiate, solicit listings, or perform other licensed work before the license is active.
    • Keep the Department of State record current when a name, address, or broker association changes.

Special pathways

Older coursework and applications that need a different route.

These situations do not always follow the standard first-time online application path.

Former 75-hour course

DOS states that a person relying on the former 75-hour salesperson course must also complete a two-hour continuing education course on fair housing and/or implicit bias.

Former 45-hour course

A 45-hour course completed before July 1, 2008 generally requires the 30-hour remedial course plus a two-hour fair-housing and/or implicit-bias course.

Education completed outside New York

New York currently has no salesperson reciprocity. A waiver request must include proof of prelicensing education, a detailed outline showing topics and hours, and a course description.

License expired more than two years

DOS states that the person must meet current education requirements and pass the state written examination again.

Attorney, prior-license, or additional-license application

DOS directs these applicants to use the paper salesperson application by regular mail instead of the standard first-time online application.

Testing modifications

If you need testing modifications, DOS instructs you not to schedule the exam first. Call 518-474-4429 and follow the special-arrangements process.

Official state fees

Written exam
$15
Initial license
$65
State-fee subtotal
$80

School tuition, preparation, travel, supplies, and brokerage costs vary. They are not included in the $80 state-fee subtotal.

Common licensing questions

Quick answers before you choose your next step.

These answers cover the distinctions that most often cause confusion during the licensing process.

What are the basic requirements for a New York real estate salesperson license?

You must be at least 18, complete approved qualifying education and its proctored school exam, pass the separate Department of State written exam, obtain sponsorship from a New York licensed real estate broker, and submit the license application and fee.

Is the 77-hour course exam the same as the New York state exam?

No. The school-administered proctored exam completes the qualifying course requirement. The Department of State written exam is a separate licensing requirement.

Do I need a sponsoring broker before taking the state exam?

Broker sponsorship is required for the salesperson license application. You can prepare for and take the state written exam before choosing the broker who will sponsor the application.

How much are the New York state exam and salesperson application fees?

The Department of State currently lists a $15 written exam fee and a $65 initial salesperson application fee. The $80 subtotal does not include school tuition, study materials, travel, or possible brokerage costs.

When can I begin performing licensed real estate work?

Wait until the Department of State has issued the license and the broker association is active. Passing the exam or submitting the application does not by itself authorize licensed activity.

Continue with Pass New York

Turn the licensing steps into a study plan.

If you are taking the required course or have already completed it, use the free study guide and practice tools to prepare for the separate state examination.

Start free exam practice Explore the 19-subject guide