Are you tired of unpaid internships or a 9-to-5 that doesn’t go anywhere? If you live in Cincinnati (or are planning to move here), getting your Ohio real estate license can be a fast track into a flexible, commission-based career.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk through:
- The requirements to become a real estate agent in Ohio
- How many pre-licensing hours do you actually need in 2026
- How to pick a real estate school and a sponsoring broker
- Practical exam tips from someone who just passed
- What happens after you pass the test and join a brokerage
This article is based on current Ohio requirements and on real-life experience from Cincinnati Realtor Monika DeRoussel (Ohio’s #1 eXp agent) and her son Thomas, a Division-1 athlete who recently became a licensed real estate agent himself.
⚠️ Licensing rules change, and Ohio recently passed reforms that adjust pre-licensing hours. Always double-check details with the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing or your school before you enroll.
What Does It Mean to Be a Licensed Real Estate Agent in Ohio?
Getting your Ohio real estate license allows you to:
- Represent buyers and sellers in real estate transactions
- Show properties, write offers, and negotiate on clients’ behalf
- Earn commissions from successful sales
- Work under a licensed broker instead of a traditional boss
In Ohio, you start as a salesperson. You must work under a sponsoring brokerage (for example, eXp Realty). Later, you can qualify to become a broker yourself if you meet higher experience and education requirements.
Monika DeRoussel, top Cincinnati Realtor, welcoming new residents to Ohio
Basic Ohio Real Estate License Requirements (2026)
To qualify for an Ohio real estate salesperson license, you generally must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a legal U.S. resident
- Have a high school diploma or GED (if born after 1950)
- Have no disqualifying felony or recent civil-rights violations related to housing or real estate
- Complete the required pre-licensing education
- Pass a state and national real estate exam
- Be sponsored by an active Ohio real estate broker
These are the baseline rules. If you have a criminal record or previous license issues, the Division of Real Estate may review your case individually.
Step 1: Complete Your Pre-Licensing Education
For years, Ohio required 120 hours of real estate education split across:
- 40 hours – Real Estate Principles & Practices
- 40 hours – Ohio Real Estate Law (including fair housing)
- 20 hours – Real Estate Finance
- 20 hours – Real Estate Appraisal
That’s exactly what Thomas completed while he was still in high school: classes in the evening after school and soccer practice until he finished the 120 hours and was eligible for the exam.
However, House Bill 238 introduced licensing reforms that reduce pre-licensing from 120 to 100 hours, mostly by trimming Finance and Appraisal. These changes became effective in April 2025.
What this means for you:
- Some schools still advertise 120-hour programs, which are still valid and may include extra support or exam prep.
- Newer programs may offer a 100-hour track that meets the updated requirement.
The safest move is to:
- Pick an approved Ohio real estate school (online or in-person).
- Confirm with them whether your program meets the current state requirement (100 or 120 hours).
- Make sure you will receive a Pre-Licensure Education Certificate at the end. This is required for your license application.
Photo illustrating the online study process for Ohio real estate pre-licensing courses
Step 2: Choose the Right Ohio Real Estate School
You can complete your Ohio real estate license courses:
- Fully online
- As livestream or classroom sessions
- Through colleges or specialized real estate schools
Common options mentioned by Ohio agents include providers like Hondros College, The CE Shop, Colibri, and local community colleges that meet the state’s requirements.
When you compare Ohio real estate license courses, look at:
- Format: self-paced online vs. live classes
- Included exam prep tools (such as CompuCram)
- Student reviews and pass rates
- Total Ohio real estate license cost (tuition + exam fees + background check)
Thomas chose an online Hondros program because the asynchronous schedule fit around school and soccer, and he could study 1–2 hours per night until he hit his 120 hours.
Step 3: Find a Sponsoring Broker in Ohio
Before your application is processed and your license is issued, you must be sponsored by an active Ohio real estate broker. The application form actually includes a section where your broker signs off.
A good sponsoring broker should offer:
- Training and mentoring for new agents
- Access to leads and proven marketing systems
- Help with contracts, negotiation, and compliance
- A clear commission split and fee structure
In the video, Thomas explains why he chose eXp Realty and joined Monika’s “eXp Elite” team:
- Ongoing in-person and online training
- Other agents who answer questions in real time
- A collaborative culture where new agents aren’t left alone
- Team-provided leads so you aren’t starting from zero
eXp Realty and Monika DeRoussel’s recognition
Step 4: Apply for Your Ohio Real Estate License and Background Check
Once you’ve finished your education and chosen a broker, it’s time to apply.
Typically, you will:
- Complete the Salesperson Examination Application and pay the state fee.
- Attach your education certificate(s).
- Include your sponsoring broker’s information and signature.
- Complete an Ohio and FBI background check and submit fingerprints.
Ohio now requires that your fingerprints be processed within a short window (for example, within 10 days of applying), so don’t delay this step.
Once your application is approved, the testing vendor (PSI) will send you instructions to schedule your state exam.
Step 5: Pass the Ohio Real Estate Exam (State + National)
The Ohio real estate exam has two parts:
- A national portion on general U.S. real estate topics
- A state portion focused on Ohio law and regulations
You usually need at least 70% to pass each portion.
In the video, Thomas mentions:
- The hardest topics for him were contracts and financing.
- He relied heavily on CompuCram and similar practice-test tools to prepare.
- Math is not a huge part of the test, so don’t let that hold you back, even if math isn’t your strength.
Study tips to pass the Ohio real estate exam on the first try:
- Start taking practice tests before you finish your courses.
- Spend extra time on contracts, finance, and fair housing law.
- Simulate exam conditions: timed practice, no distractions.
- Review every question you miss and learn why the correct answer is right.
Photo illustrating study materials used to prepare for the Ohio real estate exam
Step 6: What Happens After You Pass? Training, Mentorship, and Leads
Passing the exam is just the beginning.
Monika and Thomas both agree that the most important part of your success is what happens after you get your license:
- You need hands-on training: showings, open houses, writing contracts.
- You need experienced agents to answer real-world questions when you’re standing in a kitchen with clients and something unexpected comes up.
- You need a team that can feed you opportunities, not just a logo over your head.
On Monika’s eXp Elite team in Cincinnati, new agents can expect:
- Regular training sessions (both live and virtual)
- Access to mentors and team leaders who pick up the phone
- Team-generated leads so you can start building your pipeline
- A collaborative environment where agents share scripts, systems, and marketing ideas
Real estate is about who you know and the support system around you. With the right brokerage and team, you don’t have to figure everything out alone.
Video Breakdown: How to Get Ohio Licensed – Real Estate Success Tips
In this video, you’ll see:
- Monika introducing herself as Ohio’s #1 eXp agent and welcoming viewers who are tired of traditional careers.
- Thomas explaining exactly how he managed his 120 hours of classes during his senior year of high school.
- A breakdown of the two-part exam (state + national) and which topics to focus on.
- Their honest thoughts on how hard the exam feels and how to manage the math portion.
- Why they believe eXp Realty is such a strong choice for new Cincinnati agents who want training, mentorship, and leads.
Watching the video while you read this guide is the best way to get both big-picture strategy and real-life details of the journey.
FAQ: Common Questions About Getting Your Ohio Real Estate License
How long does it take to get an Ohio real estate license?
Most people complete their education, application, and exam in 2–4 months, depending on how fast they study and how quickly they schedule the test.
Is the Ohio real estate exam hard?
It’s challenging but very passable if you study consistently. Many students say the contracts and finance sections are the hardest, which matches Thomas’s experience. Good exam prep tools and lots of practice questions make a big difference.
How much does it cost to get an Ohio real estate license?
Depending on your school and extras, expect roughly $1,500–$6,000 including: pre-licensing courses, exam prep, application and exam fees, background check, and initial association/MLS dues once you join a brokerage.
Can I complete my Ohio real estate license online?
Yes. Many approved providers offer online Ohio real estate license courses, sometimes fully self-paced. Just make sure the program is approved in Ohio and meets the current hour requirement (100 or 120 depending on when you apply).
Do I need sales or business experience before I start?
No. Many successful agents come from completely different backgrounds; teaching, hospitality, athletics, or corporate jobs. What you require is discipline, good communication skills, and a willingness to learn.
Can I get my Ohio real estate license while working or studying?
Yes. Thomas completed his hours while he was a full-time student and athlete by studying 1–2 hours per day. With online courses and a realistic plan, you can get your license even with a busy schedule.
Why do so many new agents in Cincinnati choose eXp with Monika?
Because they get:
- Strong training and mentorship
- A supportive team culture
- Leads and marketing systems already in place
- Someone experienced to call when real-world problems pop up
Conclusion: Is a Real Estate Career in Ohio Right for You?
If you’re ready to leave behind unpaid internships or a job that doesn’t excite you, getting your Ohio real estate license can open real opportunities, especially in a growing market like Cincinnati.
The path is clear:
- Meet the basic requirements
- Complete your pre-licensing courses
- Choose a sponsoring broker and team that will actually train you
- Apply, study, and pass the exam
- Plug into a supportive environment that helps you turn your license into a real business
If you want honest guidance and a team that invests in new agents, Monika DeRoussel and her eXp Elite team are here to help you figure out whether this career is the right move for you.
📩 Ready to talk about your real estate career?
Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with Monika: deroussel.com/contact
Or call/text 513-289-1039 to start the conversation.