What Are the Requirements to Become a Real Estate Agent in Colorado?

Are you considering a career as a real estate agent in Colorado? Whether you're drawn to the bustling Denver market, the scenic mountain towns, or the growing suburban communities, becoming a licensed real estate agent in Colorado can open the door to a rewarding and dynamic career. However, before you get started, it’s important to know the requirements and steps involved in becoming licensed.

In this blog, we'll walk you through the key requirements to become a licensed real estate agent in Colorado and how you can begin your journey today.

1. Age and Legal Requirements

To begin your career as a real estate agent in Colorado, you must meet the following basic legal requirements:

• Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Legal U.S. Residency: You must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident of the U.S.
• Clean Background: You need to submit to a criminal background check. Certain criminal convictions may disqualify you from obtaining a real estate license, although the specifics depend on the nature of the conviction and how long ago it occurred.

If you meet these basic criteria, you’re ready to move on to the next steps in the licensing process.

2. Complete 168 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education

The next step in becoming a licensed real estate agent in Colorado is to complete 168 hours of pre-licensing education. This education is designed to give you a thorough understanding of the real estate industry, legal principles, and the regulations that govern real estate transactions in Colorado.

The pre-licensing courses typically cover topics such as:

• Real Estate Principles: Understanding the basics of real estate transactions, property types, and ownership.
• Colorado Real Estate Law: Learning about Colorado-specific laws and regulations that govern real estate practice.
• Contracts and Ethics: Mastering the essential contracts used in real estate deals and learning about the ethical standards that real estate agents must uphold.
• Real Estate Finance: Understanding the financial side of real estate transactions, including loans, mortgages, and investment principles.

To complete your education, you’ll need to enroll in an accredited real estate school. We recommend Colibri Real Estate School, a trusted partner of Guide Real Estate, which offers flexible online courses tailored to Colorado’s licensing requirements.

3. Pass the Colorado Real Estate Exam

Once you’ve completed your 168 hours of pre-licensing education, the next step is to pass the Colorado Real Estate Licensing Exam. The exam consists of two parts:

1. National Portion: This section covers general real estate concepts, practices, and principles that apply across the U.S.
2. State Portion: This part focuses on Colorado-specific laws, rules, and regulations, including real estate practice and contracts specific to the state.

The exam is computer-based and is administered by Pearson VUE, a professional testing service. It consists of 150 multiple-choice questions: 80 questions on national real estate topics and 70 questions on Colorado-specific laws.

• You need to score 75% or higher on both sections to pass.
• The exam is not timed, but most candidates typically take 2-3 hours to complete it.

If you don’t pass the exam on your first attempt, you can retake it. However, you will need to pay a re-examination fee each time you take the test.

4. Choose a Real Estate Brokerage to Work With

In Colorado, you cannot work as an independent real estate agent until you are a licensed broker. To become a licensed real estate broker, you must work under a licensed brokerage. A brokerage acts as your employer and provides the structure and support you need to navigate the real estate industry.

Choosing the right brokerage is a critical decision in your career. Look for a brokerage that:

• Provides training and mentorship to help you develop your skills.
• Has a strong reputation in the local market.
• Offers marketing and business development tools to help you grow your career.
• Matches your values and career goals.

At Guide Real Estate, we offer comprehensive support to new agents. We understand the challenges new agents face, and we provide hands-on mentorship, training, and resources to help you thrive in the competitive Colorado market.

5. Submit Your Application and Background Check

Once you’ve passed the exam and secured a sponsoring brokerage, the next step is to submit your application for a real estate license to the Colorado Division of Real Estate. Along with your application, you’ll need to:

• Submit a background check (you must be fingerprinted).
• Provide proof of your completed pre-licensing education and passing exam scores.
• Pay the required application fee (currently around $500).

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your Colorado Real Estate Broker License, and you’ll officially be able to practice as a licensed real estate agent in Colorado.

6. Continuing Education

As a licensed real estate broker in Colorado, you’ll need to complete continuing education to maintain your license. Every three years, you’ll need to complete:

• 24 hours of continuing education (including 12 hours of required courses on specific topics).
• A renewal fee.

By staying current on new laws, trends, and market changes, you can continue to grow your skills and provide the best service to your clients.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a real estate agent in Colorado is a rewarding process that requires time, commitment, and dedication. The real estate industry in Colorado offers endless opportunities for success, especially in high-demand markets like Denver and Boulder. Whether you're passionate about helping people buy their first home or working with investors to close lucrative deals, the opportunities are there for the taking.

If you're ready to get started on your journey to becoming a licensed real estate agent in Colorado, Guide Real Estate is here to help. We’ve partnered with Colibri Real Estate School to offer expert pre-licensing courses that will guide you through the process step by step. Plus, we’ll be with you every step of the way with training, mentorship, and support to help you succeed as a real estate agent in Colorado.

Get started today and take the first step toward building your new career in real estate!