Real Estate Resources

Real Estate Resources Overview


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Have questions about the Real Estate program? You’ve come to the right place. This resource page will answer many commonly asked questions regarding Real Estate Salesperson and Real Estate Broker Licenses. Read on for answers about licensing requirements, frequently asked questions and helpful links to the NY Department of State website.

Licensing Requirements

Purchase a Real Estate Salesperson Package

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to obtain the salesperson license.

FAQ’s | Question List:


Salesperson Course

Broker Course

Continuing Education

FAQ’s | Question List:


Salesperson Course

What is the difference between a salesperson and a broker?

The major difference between a real estate salespersons and real estate broker license are requirements and accrued points by rentals and sales. Real estate brokers are generally required to have more education and sales experience than real estate salespersons. A real estate salesperson is licensed by the state, but must work for a broker. A broker also will get a portion of the salespersons’ commissions.

Do I need to have previous sales experience?

No, you don’t have to have any previous real estate sales experience, just a desire to do well and work hard.

Are there age and or educational requirements?

All students must be 18 years old to take the Real Estate Salespersons test. You don’t need a college degree, high school diploma or GED.

How long does it take to complete the course?

It takes a total of 75 hours to complete the real estate salesperson course. While you can do it as quickly as 2 weeks, the average student completes the course in 6 to 8 weeks.

Depending on which package you purchase (Basic, Plus, Elite) the amount of time required for you to complete the course and school exam changes. For the Basic package, students are to finish within 45 days. For the Plus or Elite packages, students are allotted 90 days.

There are a few reasons why we must enforce this policy. Firstly, we discourage students from taking too long to finish the course because we want them to have the best chance in passing the NY State exam. The other reason is to make sure that our classes don’t get over-crowded to ensure the best possible classroom experience for each of our students.

Please note: If you take beyond the amount of time allotted for your package type, a fee will be charged to your account.

When are REEDC School exams given?

School exams are given on Friday mornings from 10:00 to 2:00. For students who are unavailable to take the test on Fridays, please call the office at 800-547-6020, and we will work with you to arrange a day that works best for you.

Where do I sign up my New York State licensing exam?

Applicants are required to schedule the NY State Real Estate Salesperson exam through the Department of State’s Occupational Licensing Management System –eAccessNY. To schedule your examination, you must first create an account on eAccessNY by visiting the eAccessNY overview page, and clicking on “Create my Account.”

Where do I take my New York State licensing exam?

It is given at 123 William Street, downtown Manhattan. You must bring with you a government issued photo – ID, drivers’ license, passport, US certificate, etc. See the New York Department of State Website for more details about other testing locations.

When can I start classes?

You can start any day. Please see the salesperson course schedule for Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens to find out when classes take place.

Can I attend classes in different locations?

Yes, you can attend classes in all of our 4 locations to complete the 75 hour requirement. See our locations page.

How can I pay for classes or materials at REEDC?

We accept cash, credit or debit cards. We do not accept personal checks.

Can I register for courses on the same day they are being offered?

Yes! Registration for the Salesperson course is always ongoing, and you can attend the same day. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of the next class.

Is there a certain time frame to complete the Salesperson course?

While the average student completes the Salesperson course within 6 to 8 weeks, there is a limit to the amount of time we can grant to each student. You have three (3) months from the time you start your first class to complete the program. There is an additional $50 fee extension for one month for students who have purchased through our website or a REEDC representative (phone or in-person).

For students who have bought a discounted voucher (Groupon, Living Social, etc.) the fee is $150 if they have exceeded the 90 day limit.

How long is each class?

Each class is approximately 2 ½ to 3 hours long, depending on the length of the course module being taught. Larger modules can take longer class times.

Can I repeat a class if I want a refresher, or want extra information again?

Absolutely! You are more than welcome to repeat any of the 20 modules, as long it is within the 90-day period. Please note you will only receive hourly class credit the first time you attend a class.

Do you offer tutoring if I need more help?

Yes, we do. We offer private tutoring by our certified instructors, and also once a month we also offer a 3-hour tutorial class for $100. Salesperson Plus and Elite packages include the 3-hour tutorial session.

Do I have to take all 20 modules in any particular order?

No, all of our modules are independent of each other. You don’t need information from one lesson in order to move on to the next one. You can start classes in any order. See the salesperson schedule for more details.

I’ve completed the 75-hour sales class requirement. What is next?

You must take our school exam, which is given every Friday. Upon receiving a 65% passing grade or higher, you will receive a certificate of completion.

I passed my school exam, now what?

You will receive a certificate of completion from Real Estate Education Center. Save this certificate, and make a copy of it just in case. The certificate proves you have completed all of our coursework, and passed our school exam. The New York Department of State (DOS) may or may not ask you to mail it to them at some point. If you haven’t done so already, you must obtain an eAccessNY account on the New York Department of State website. This account will allow you to register for your state exam.

Do I have to pre-register for the school exam?

We recommend you sign up with our receptionist at least one day in advance. The test is given from 10:00 to 2:00 every Friday.

What if I fail the school exam?

You have two tries to pass the exam, after that there is a $50 fee. The majority of our students pass the exam on their first try.

Can I take the state exam before I take the REEDC School exam?

Yes, you can take both the NY State exam before the school exam, but you must successfully pass both school and NY State exams in order to apply for your license.

What does it cost?

For a comparison of pricing for our Real Estate Salesperson packages, click here.

Broker Licensing Course

How many hours is this course?

The brokers License course is 45 hours total.

I want to be a broker, but the NY Dept of State (DOS) claims I don’t have enough sales hours. What does this mean?

In July of 2008, the NY Dept of State (DOS) changed the salesperson course hourly requirement from 45 hours to 75 hours. Those already licensed prior to July 2008, who are now going to their brokers license are responsible to take the new additional 30 hours from the salespersons class.

Anyone in this situation should take our 30-hr Remedial Course to make up for these new requirements.

How many points in sales do I need to be a broker?

To be a broker, you need to accrue 3500 points in sales/rentals.

Where can I find a list of point values for sales transactions made?

You can find an itemized list of point values for sales transactions on the NY Dept of State (DOS) website. Point values can be found on the 4th page of the broker application.

How do I know how many transactions I have made?

You must contact your broker for that information.

I need to take the brokers exam on a date that is not offered on the calendar. Can I call and schedule a date?

Yes, you can call us at 800-547-6020. We will work it out with you.

Can I have my broker’s classes count toward the necessary continuing education I need?

You can use a completed Brokers course (which includes passing the school exam) as your continuing education. However, you will also need to take a 3-hour fair housing course as mandated by the NY Dept of State (DOS).

I missed a Brokers class. Can I make it up?

You can make up the class the next time it is offered, or speak to the instructor to work something out.

What if I fail the Broker school exam?

You have two chances to pass the school exam, the same as with the salespersons course. If you fail those, it is an additional $50 for two more tries.

I passed my Brokers school exam, now what?

You will receive a certificate of completion. Save this certificate and make a copy of it for your own records. We charge $25 to replace it if you lose it. The certificate proves you have completed all your course work. The NY Dept of State (DOS) will ask you to mail it in to them at one point. If you haven’t done so already, you must obtain an eAccessNY account on the NY Dept of State (DOS) website. This account will allow you to register for your state exam online. The test is given in lower Manhattan at 123 William Street.

Can I take the NY State exam before the Reedc Brokers exam?

Yes, you can take both the NY State exam and the school Brokers exam in any order you would like, but you must pass both exams in order to apply for your broker’s license.

Does REEDC administer the Brokers state exam? How often is the State exam given?

REEDC does not administer the NY State (DOS) exam. You must go to your local office to take the exam. The closest is in lower Manhattan on 123 William Street. The test is given once a month. The cost for the exam is $15, same as for the salesperson’s exam. You must register for the NY State (DOS) exam through your eAccess account.

I have passed the state exam. What’s next?

Congratulations, you must now apply for your Broker’s License. The cost to apply for your Broker’s license is $150. Once you receive it, you can start working as a Broker immediately.

Continuing Education

I am a salesperson/broker and my license will expire soon. What do I do?

When a license is due for renewal, the licensee will be notified in two ways: a postcard reminder will be sent to the licensee’s business address provided in the licensee’s eAccessNY account.

What is continuing education? As a salesperson/broker, do I need to take these classes?

The NY Dept of State (DOS) requires licensees (both salesperson and broker) to successfully complete 22.5 hours of approved real estate education within their two year license term.

I have been a real estate licensee for many years. Am I exempt from the continuing education requirements?

Any licensed real estate broker who is engaged full time in the real estate business and who has been licensed prior to July 1, 2008 for at least 15 consecutive years immediately preceding renewal. This is also referred to as being “grandfathered.” An attorney admitted to the NY State Bar who holds a real estate license is also exempt.

Are there any specific classes I am required to take?

Effective for renewals on or after July 1, 2008, the 22.5 hours must include at least 3 hours of fair housing instruction. The remaining hours must consist of approved elective material.

How often must I complete these classes?

Real estate professional must complete 22.5 hours of continuing education every two years to keep their licenses active.

Is there a deadline to complete continuing education?

You must complete all 22.5 hours of continuing education before your license expires.

Can I do my continuing education classes online?

Yes, we have online and physical classes. You can sign up on our website for our online continuing education. We also offer a very quick, and cost effective video continuing education option to do at your own pace in any of our four locations for $180.

I have completed all 22.5 hours of continuing education. What is the next step?

You will receive a certificate of completion from our school. Make a copy of it, if you lose it, we will charge $25 for a replacement fee. As of February 1, 2010, licensees are no longer sent a paper renewal in the mail. It is all done online; the Division of Licensing Services will be requiring that all real estate licensees renew their licenses online. To renew your license online, you must have an active eAccess NY account.

What happens if I do not complete my continuing education and don’t renew my license?

If you do not renew your license, you cannot conduct any real estate activities that require a NY State real estate license in accordance with Article 12-A of the Real Property Law. There are no grace periods that allow you to continue working while not licensed. You have two years from the date your license expires to renew your license. If you fail to renew during that period, you will be required to pass the state written examination. No continuing education will be required to repeat the license process again.

When you submit your new salesperson application, you must include the following:

your examination results, school and NY State, $15 application fee, and a copy of your expired license/pocket card or ORIGINAL proof of completing the salespersons course. If possible, it is better to submit original proof of your salesperson course. If you have lost it, call the school you have taken the course to obtain another certificate. We charge $25 for a replacement fee. If you are applying for your broker’s license, you must submit ORIGINAL proof of your 75 hour salesperson course, and the 45 hour broker course or a copy of your expired license.

Helpful Links


For your convenience here are some links to the New York Department of State website. There you will be able to find out even more about licensing requirements, schedule your New York State Salesperson Exam, renew your license, and more.

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