^{EMBRY GROUP AT CRUE REALTY  |  CULTURE GUIDE}

How to Get Your Real Estate License in Alabama: A Step-by-Step Guide

_{Embry Group at Crue Realty  |  Huntsville, AL}

Maybe you've been thinking about it for a while. You like working with people, you want more control over your schedule and income, and you keep wondering what a career in real estate would actually look like. The first question is usually the same: how do I get licensed?

The good news is that the path in Alabama is clear. It takes some time and commitment, but you don't need a college degree or a real estate background to get started. Here's the process, step by step.

Step 1: Make Sure You Meet the Basic Requirements

To apply for a real estate salesperson license in Alabama, you need to:

• Be at least 19 years old
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident

You'll also go through a fingerprint-based background check as part of your application. If you have something in your past you're unsure about, the Alabama Real Estate Commission (AREC) lets you request an eligibility review before you invest in coursework.

Before you start, create your ID number on the AREC website. Your school uses it to report your course completion.

Step 2: Complete the 60-Hour Prelicense Course

Next, you'll take a 60-hour salesperson prelicense course through an AREC-approved school. Many schools offer it online at your own pace, and some offer live classes. The course covers real estate law, contracts, agency, finance, and ethics.

Step 3: Pass the State Exam (Within 6 Months)

Once you finish your course, you have six months to pass the salesperson license exam. It's administered by Pearson VUE at testing centers around the state. This deadline is set by state law, so schedule your exam soon after you finish the course while the material is fresh, and leave yourself room for a retake if you need one.

Step 4: Apply for Your License (Within 90 Days)

After you pass, you have 90 days to submit your complete license application, fees, and background check to AREC. Miss that window and your exam results no longer count.

This is also the point where you choose a qualifying broker, the brokerage you'll be licensed under. In Alabama, a salesperson can't practice independently, so you'll need a brokerage before your license can be active.

Step 5: Get Your Temporary License and Finish Post-License Education

Once your application is approved, AREC issues a temporary salesperson license, good for one year. During that time:

• Within 6 months: complete a 30-hour post-license course to keep your license active.
• Within 1 year: apply for your original (permanent) salesperson license.

If you miss the one-year deadline, you have to start the whole process over, so keep these dates on your calendar.

(A quick heads up: Alabama passed changes in 2025 that will restructure the licensing process for future applicants, with the new steps scheduled for 2028. Always check AREC's website for the current requirements before you enroll.)

Step 6: Choose Where You'll Start Your Career

Here's the step a lot of new agents don't think about until the end, and it may be the most important one. Passing the exam gives you a license. It doesn't teach you how to find clients, write a strong offer, or handle a deal that starts to fall apart.

That's why where you start matters. As you compare options, ask:

• Is there real training? Look for hands-on coaching and mentorship, not just a binder and a login.
• Where will my first leads come from? A team with a new agent program, where a dedicated coach works alongside you through your first 10 deals, can make those first closings feel much more attainable.
• Who can I call with questions? You'll have a lot of them in your first year. It helps to have experienced agents nearby who pick up the phone.
• What support do I get? Marketing, transaction coordination, and systems let you spend your time with clients instead of on paperwork.

At Embry Group, we're built to help agents grow, whether you're brand new or have been licensed for years. Our 34 agents have closed more than $200 million in volume so far in 2026, and you can read what our agents say about working here.

Is Real Estate Right for You?

Real estate attracts people from every background. NAR's 2026 Member Profile found that the median age of its newest members was 45, which says a lot about how many people come to real estate as a second career. If you're good with people and willing to learn, your past experience in sales, teaching, customer service, the military, or almost any other field can carry over.

Thinking about getting your license, or just got it? We'd love to talk about what your first year could look like with a team behind you. Learn more about joining our team.