Real estate license requirements in Arkansas
Arkansas requires 60 hours of pre-licensing education, a Pearson VUE exam, and an 18-hour post-licensing course in your first six months — with application fees that vary depending on whether you’re a resident.
Education
The Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) requires 60 classroom hours of pre-licensing education, with at least 30 of those hours covering basic real estate principles.
| Requirement | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-licensing course | 60 | At least 30 hours must be basic principles |
Coursework must come from an AREC-approved provider. Once you’re done, you move on to the state exam.
What Arkansas calls your first license
Arkansas’s entry-level license is called “Salesperson,” and you’ll practice under a sponsoring principal broker from the start.
The licensing exam
Arkansas’s own AREC materials confirm Pearson VUE as the exam vendor — some third-party sites incorrectly list PSI. The exam is split into two portions, registered separately, with a discount if you pay for both at once.
| Portion | Notes |
|---|---|
| General (national) | Registered separately from the state portion |
| Arkansas state | Registered separately from the general portion |
| Combined fee | $75 total if both portions are paid for together (2-for-1 discount) |
Arkansas offers a 2-for-1 discount if you register for the general and state portions at the same time — registering them separately costs more, so bundle them when you schedule.
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Exam fee | $75 | Pearson VUE, combined sitting |
| Application fee (AR resident) | $50 | Cashier’s check or money order only |
| Application fee (non-resident, exam required) | $85 | Cashier’s check or money order only |
| Application fee (non-resident, exam waived) | $160 | Cashier’s check or money order only |
| Background check | $36.25 total | $22 Arkansas check + $14.25 FBI fee |
AREC only accepts cashier’s checks or money orders for the application fee — a personal check or card won’t work. Arkansas residents wait for AREC’s email authorization before they can get fingerprinted.
How to apply, step by step
Arkansas’s process runs education, then background check, then exam, then application.
From an AREC-approved provider, at least 30 hours in basic principles.
Residents need this before scheduling their background check.
$22 Arkansas criminal history check plus $14.25 FBI fee.
Register for both the general and state portions together for the $75 combined rate.
With a cashier's check or money order for the applicable fee ($50 resident, $85 or $160 non-resident).
Required to activate your Salesperson license.
Due by the end of the sixth month after your initial licensure.
After you’re licensed: staying current
Arkansas requires 18 classroom hours of post-licensing education, due by the end of the month six months after your initial licensure. This is separate from, and comes before, your regular ongoing continuing education cycle.
Reciprocity
Arkansas offers conditional reciprocity: if you’re actively licensed elsewhere and your home state’s uniform exam meets Arkansas’s ≥70% passing standard, AREC may waive the general exam portion for you. Check AREC’s published Reciprocal States list, since eligibility depends on your specific home state.
Common questions
Does Arkansas use PSI or Pearson VUE?
Pearson VUE — confirmed directly on AREC’s own site. Some third-party sources incorrectly list PSI.
How much does the application fee cost?
It depends on residency: $50 for Arkansas residents, $85 for non-residents who still need to take the exam, or $160 for non-residents whose exam is waived under reciprocity.
Can I pay the application fee by credit card?
No — AREC only accepts a cashier’s check or money order.
When is the post-licensing course due?
18 classroom hours, due by the end of the sixth month after your initial licensure.
Does my out-of-state license help in Arkansas?
Possibly — if your home state’s uniform exam meets Arkansas’s ≥70% passing standard, the general exam portion may be waived. Check AREC’s Reciprocal States list for your state specifically.
Next step
Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) — https://arec.arkansas.gov
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