Become a Real Estate Salesperson

Becoming a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson in New York State requires the successful completion of a 77-Hour Pre-Licensing Course and Exam, passing a second exam administered by the New York State Division of Licensing Services, and Application to the Department of State for Licensing.

I have never held a NY State Real Estate Salesperson's License

We're glad you've decided to pursue a career as a New York Real Estate Salesperson. Here are the steps you'll need to take to get your Salesperson License and begin working in this exciting profession:

  1. Click here to visit the New York Department of State Division of Licensing Services website to view the requirements for licensure.
  2. Click here to register for the online New York 77-Hour Real Estate Salesperson's Qualifying Course. Click on the 77-Hour Course and follow the instructions. Once you've registered and paid, you can begin the course immediately. The New York Department of State requires that all pre-licensing courses be completed within 12 months of enrollment. However, the CE Shop's pre-licensing courses expire 6 months after the date of purchase. Extensions are offered at additional cost up to 12 months from the initial purchase. Please read the Course Requirements carefully for full details.
  3. In New York State, a Licensed Real Estate Broker must "hold" your Salesperson's License for you to conduct business and be compensated for your efforts. While you are taking the qualifying course, it is a good idea to research brokers in your area, and discuss your desire to operate as an independent contractor with their brokerage.
  4. Once you have completed the online 77-Hour Course, you'll need to take two separate exams (it doesn't matter which one you take first):
    1. Call Alison Donnelly at the Greater Binghamton Association of REALTORS® to schedule your qualifying course exam at (607) 729-6285. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions. You must get 70% correct to pass.
    2. Click here to visit the New York Department of State Division Licensing Services "eAccessNY" website. Create an account, and register for the DOS Licensing Exam. Take and pass the exam.
  5. Return to the "eAccessNY" website, log in, and look for the NY Real Estate Salesperson License Application. Complete the application and submit.
  6. Once you receive your license, advise your chosen Broker. Your Broker will instruct you to become a REALTOR® Member of the Greater Binghamton Association of REALTORS®, and become a Subscriber of our Multiple Listing Service. To do so, and for more information on this process and fees, please call Alison Donnelly at the Greater Binghamton Association of REALTORS® at (607) 729-6285.
  7. Congratulations, you are a Licensed New York Real Estate Salesperson, and a REALTOR®!

I have held a New York Real Estate Salesperson's License in the past, which I acquired before July 1, 2008

If your license expired less than two years ago, click here to establish an account online at eAccessNY, and renew your license online.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must first take a New York 32-Hour Remedial Qualifying Course before you can renew your license. Since you first acquired your New York Real Estate Salesperson's License, the Qualifying Course Requirement has risen from 45 Hours to 77 Hours, hence the need for a 32-Hour Remedial Course. Therefore, to reinstate your license, follow these instructions:

  1. Click here to visit the New York Department of State Division of Licensing Services website to view the requirements for licensure.
  2. Click here to register for the online New York 32-Hour Remedial Qualifying Course. Click on the 32-Hour Course and follow the instructions. Once you've registered and paid, you can begin the course immediately. The New York Department of State requires that all pre-licensing courses be completed within 12 months of enrollment. However, the CE Shop's pre-licensing courses expire 6 months after the date of purchase. Extensions are offered at additional cost up to 12 months from the initial purchase. Please read the Course Requirements carefully for full details.
  3. Remember that in New York State, a Licensed Real Estate Broker must "hold" your Salesperson's License for you to conduct business and be compensated for your efforts. While you are taking the qualifying course, it is a good idea to research brokers in your area, and discuss your desire to operate as an independent contractor with their brokerage.
  4. Once you have completed the online 77-Hour Course, you'll need to take two separate exams (it doesn't matter which one you take first):
    1. Call Alison Donnelly at the Greater Binghamton Association of REALTORS® to schedule your qualifying course exam at (607) 729-6285. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions. You must get 70% correct to pass.
    2. Click here to visit the New York Department of State Division Licensing Services "eAccessNY" website. Create an account, and register for the DOS Licensing Exam. Take and pass the exam.
  5. Return to the "eAccessNY" website, log in, and look for the NY Real Estate Salesperson License Application. Complete the application and submit.
  6. Once you receive your license, advise your chosen Broker. Your Broker will instruct you to become a REALTOR® Member of the Greater Binghamton Association of REALTORS®, and become a Subscriber of our Multiple Listing Service. To do so, and for more information on this process and fees, please call Alison Donnelly at the Greater Binghamton Association of REALTORS® at (607) 729-6285.
  7. Congratulations, you are once again a Licensed New York Real Estate Salesperson, and a REALTOR®!

I have held a New York Real Estate Salesperson's License in the past, which I acquired after July 1, 2008

If your license expired less than two years ago, click here to establish an account online at "eAccessNY," and renew your license online.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must again take and pass the New York State Department of State Real Estate Salesperson's Licensing Exam.

  1. While you are not required to retake the 77-Hour Real Estate Salesperson's Qualifying course in advance of this exam, you may wish to do so in order to update your knowledge.
    1. If you do not wish to take the Qualifying course, simply click here to visit the New York Department of State Division Licensing Services "eAccessNY" website. Create an account, and register for the DOS Licensing Exam. Take and pass the exam.
    2. If you do wish to take the Qualifying Course, click here to register for the online New York 77-Hour Real Estate Salesperson's Qualifying Course. Click on the 77-Hour Course and follow the instructions. Once you've registered and paid, you can begin the course immediately. The New York Department of State requires that all pre-licensing courses be completed within 12 months of enrollment. However, the CE Shop's pre-licensing courses expire 6 months after the date of purchase. Extensions are offered at additional cost up to 12 months from the initial purchase. Please read the Course Requirements carefully for full details.
  2. Then you'll want to take two separate exams:
    1. Call Alison Donnelly at the Greater Binghamton Association of REALTORS® to schedule your qualifying course exam at (607) 729-6285. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions. You must get 70% correct to pass. Please note: This exam is not required to get your license. However, it is recommended you take this exam before the DOS Exam to ensure your understanding of the material.
    2. Click here to visit the New York Department of State Division Licensing Services "eAccessNY" website. Create an account, and register for the DOS Licensing Exam. Take and pass the exam.
  3. Return to the "eAccessNY" website, log in, and look for the NY Real Estate Salesperson License Application. Complete the application and submit.
  4. Once you receive your license, advise your chosen Broker. Your Broker will instruct you to become a REALTOR® Member of the Greater Binghamton Association of REALTORS®, and become a Subscriber of our Multiple Listing Service. To do so, and for more information on this process and fees, please call Alison Donnelly at the Greater Binghamton Association of REALTORS® at (607) 729-6285.
  5. Congratulations, you are once again a Licensed New York Real Estate Salesperson, and a REALTOR®!