The state of Georgia offers a thriving real estate market, with numerous opportunities for individuals looking to pursue a career in this field. To become a licensed real estate agent in Georgia, one must meet the requirements set by the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC). In this article, we will delve into the specifics of obtaining a real estate license in Georgia, including the eligibility criteria, education requirements, and the licensing process.
Eligibility Criteria for a Real Estate License in Georgia
To be eligible for a real estate license in Georgia, an individual must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be a lawful resident of the United States. Additionally, applicants must not have been convicted of a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude, unless they have received a pardon or have been discharged from their sentence. Background checks are also mandatory for all applicants, which involves submitting fingerprints to the Georgia Crime Information Center and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a criminal history search.
Education Requirements for a Real Estate License in Georgia
In Georgia, real estate license applicants must complete a minimum of 75 hours of approved real estate education courses, which cover topics such as real estate law, contracts, ethics, and appraisal. These courses can be taken online or in a classroom setting, and applicants must pass a final exam to demonstrate their understanding of the material. The GREC approves various real estate schools and online course providers that offer these required courses.
| Course Category | Required Hours |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Law | 12 hours |
| Contracts | 12 hours |
| Real Estate Ethics | 3 hours |
| Real Estate Appraisal | 10 hours |
| Real Estate Finance | 10 hours |
| Real Estate Practice | 28 hours |
The Licensing Process for Real Estate Agents in Georgia
After completing the required education courses, applicants must pass the Georgia Real Estate Salesperson Examination, which is administered by Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP). The exam consists of two parts: a national section and a state section. The national section tests applicants’ knowledge of general real estate principles, while the state section focuses on Georgia-specific laws and regulations. Exam scores are valid for one year, during which time applicants must apply for their real estate license.
Applying for a Real Estate License in Georgia
Once applicants have passed the examination, they must submit a license application to the GREC, which includes providing proof of completing the required education courses, passing the exam, and undergoing a background check. Applicants must also pay the licensing fee, which currently stands at $170. The GREC reviews applications and issues licenses to qualified applicants, who are then authorized to practice as real estate agents in the state of Georgia.
In addition to the initial licensing requirements, real estate agents in Georgia must also complete continuing education courses to maintain their licenses. The GREC requires licensed agents to complete at least 24 hours of approved continuing education courses every two years, which helps ensure that agents stay up-to-date with changes in the real estate industry and Georgia laws and regulations.
What are the eligibility criteria for a real estate license in Georgia?
+
To be eligible for a real estate license in Georgia, an individual must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be a lawful resident of the United States. They must also not have been convicted of a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude, unless they have received a pardon or have been discharged from their sentence.
How many hours of education are required to obtain a real estate license in Georgia?
+
In Georgia, real estate license applicants must complete a minimum of 75 hours of approved real estate education courses.
What is the format of the Georgia Real Estate Salesperson Examination?
+
The Georgia Real Estate Salesperson Examination consists of two parts: a national section and a state section. The national section tests applicants’ knowledge of general real estate principles, while the state section focuses on Georgia-specific laws and regulations.
