2026 Guide To Getting Your Colorado Real Estate License
If you are thinking about starting a career in real estate, getting your Colorado real estate license is the first step. The process may seem complicated at first, but once you understand the requirements, it is fairly straightforward.
Colorado has specific education, examination, background check, insurance, and application requirements that must be completed before you can begin working as a real estate broker.
In this guide, we will explain the Colorado real estate license requirements step by step, including how much education you need, what the Colorado real estate exam is like, how much it costs, and what to do after you pass the exam.
Colorado Real Estate License Requirements
Colorado licenses new applicants as brokers rather than salespeople, unlike most states that have two-tier licensing. Most people who are applying for their first Colorado real estate license must complete 168 hours of approved real estate education before taking the licensing exam.
The basic steps are:
- Meet the basic eligibility requirements.
- Complete the required 168 hours of real estate education.
- Complete a fingerprint-based background check.
- Pass both portions of the Colorado real estate exam.
- Affiliate with a brokerage.
- Obtain errors and omissions (E&O) insurance.
- Complete your Colorado real estate license application.
1. Make Sure You Meet the Basic Requirements
Before enrolling in real estate school, make sure you meet Colorado’s basic requirements.
You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a Colorado real estate broker license. You may still attend real estate school prior to turning 18 years old, but you must wait to take the state exam and apply for your license until you are 18 years old.
If you have questions on the timing of classes to align with this requirement, please contact us.
2. Complete 168 Hours of Colorado Real Estate Education
One of the most important Colorado real estate license requirements is completing the required pre-licensing education.
First-time applicants generally need 168 hours of approved education. The education is divided into six courses:
- Real Estate Law and Practice — 48 hours
- Colorado Contracts and Regulations — 48 hours
- Real Estate Closings — 24 hours
- Trust Accounts and Record Keeping — 8 hours
- Current Legal Issues — 8 hours
- Practical Applications — 32 hours
The Colorado Division of Real Estate requires these courses to be completed through an approved education provider such as Armbrust Real Estate Institute. Learn more about our Colorado Real Estate Licensing Program.
If you already have a real estate license in another state, your requirements may be different. Colorado has reciprocity with other states, so you may qualify for reduced education and examination requirements depending on your licensing history. We can help you navigate the requirements for a Colorado license, simply call us at 303-904-1808.
Applicants may also complete education or qualify through another approved pathway, such as having a degree with a major course of study in real estate.
For most people starting a real estate career, the simplest path is completing the required 168-hour broker licensing program.
What Will You Learn in Real Estate School?
The 168-hour program is designed to teach you both the concepts needed to pass the licensing exam and the practical skills you will use as a real estate broker.
For example, Real Estate Law and Practice covers general real estate concepts and federal laws. Colorado Contracts and Regulations focuses on Colorado-specific laws, rules, contracts, and forms.
The Real Estate Closings course teaches you what happens from contract through closing, while Trust Accounts and Record Keeping covers the proper handling and accounting of money belonging to others.
Practical Applications helps connect everything together by teaching you how real estate transactions work in the real world.
Armbrust Real Estate Institute provides a detailed breakdown of each required course and the topics covered.
Choose Online or In-Person Real Estate Classes
Colorado allows qualifying education to be completed through approved classroom or online learning programs.
Your choice will largely depend on your schedule and learning style.
An online program can be a good choice if you work full-time, have a family, or need the flexibility to study around your existing schedule. Armbrust Real Estate Institute’s online program is self-paced, with on-demand video lessons available 24/7. Learn more about online real estate classes.
If you prefer learning directly from an instructor and interacting with other students, an in-person program may be a better fit.
We offer both full-time and part-time classroom programs. The full-time program can be completed in approximately three weeks, while the part-time program is designed to take approximately five weeks.
3. Complete Your Fingerprint Background Check
Another important part of the Colorado real estate license requirements is completing a fingerprint-based criminal history background check.
Before submitting your license application, you must submit fingerprints for a Colorado and national criminal history check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The results are also checked against FBI records.
It is important to plan the timing of your fingerprints carefully. The Division of Real Estate recommends that applicants do not submit fingerprints too far in advance of their license application because fingerprint records are held for 60 days before they are destroyed if an application has not been received.
If you have questions about your background history, it is better to address them early in the licensing process rather than waiting until the end. We recommend submitting a Preliminary Advisory Opinion (PAO) if you have concerns due to previous conduct or convictions.
4. Pass the Colorado Real Estate Exam
After completing your required education, you will need to pass the Colorado Real Estate Broker’s Exam.
The exam has two portions:
- The national portion, which covers general real estate concepts. The passing score for the national portion is 75%.
- The Colorado portion, which covers Colorado-specific laws, rules, contracts, forms, closings, and other state requirements. The passing score for the Colorado portion is 72%.
You must pass both portions to meet the requirement for a first-time Colorado broker applicant.
PSI is the current examination provider for the Colorado Division of Real Estate.
Passing the exam is one of the biggest milestones in the licensing process, so choosing a real estate school that provides strong exam preparation can make a significant difference. Armbrust’s first time pass rate is 90% – the highest pass rate in the state.
We include exam techniques throughout its licensing program and provide practice opportunities designed to help students prepare for the state examination.
5. Find a Colorado Real Estate Brokerage
New brokers must work with an employing broker and affiliate with a real estate brokerage for two years after initial licensure. Your brokerage provides supervision, support, and a framework for conducting transactions.
Choosing the right brokerage is an important decision. Look at factors such as:
- Commission splits
- Fees
- Training
- Mentorship
- Technology
- Lead generation
- Office culture
- Transaction support
- Opportunities for growth
Don’t feel pressured to choose the first brokerage that contacts you. Interview multiple companies and compare what each one offers. We provide career guidance to students and opportunities to learn about different brokerage firms, as well as a network of brokers who will only hire Armbrust graduates.
6. Get Errors and Omissions Insurance
Before you can obtain an active Colorado real estate license, you must have the required errors and omissions (E&O) insurance.
E&O insurance helps protect real estate professionals against certain claims related to errors, omissions, or professional services.
The Colorado Division of Real Estate requires applicants seeking an active license to provide information about their insurance policy as part of the application process.
Your brokerage can often help you understand the insurance requirements and obtain appropriate coverage.
7. Submit Your Colorado Real Estate License Application
Once you have completed your education, passed the exam, completed your background check, found a brokerage, and obtained the necessary insurance, you can submit your license application to the Colorado Division of Real Estate.
You will need to provide documentation showing that you completed your education (REC 33) and passed the required examinations. You will also need to provide the information requested regarding your background and insurance.
The Division recommends reviewing the application instructions carefully before submitting your application. Missing documents or information can delay the process or potentially result in an application being denied.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Colorado Real Estate License?
The total cost depends on your education provider and the fees in effect when you apply.
You should plan for expenses such as:
- Real estate school tuition
- Background check
- State examination fee
- E&O insurance
- License application fee
The total cost of obtaining a Colorado real estate license at approximately $1,190 to $1,680, including tuition and other typical licensing expenses. Fees can change, so always check the current state fees before budgeting for your license.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Colorado Real Estate License?
The answer depends on how quickly you complete your education and how soon you can schedule and pass the exam.
A full-time student can complete the education requirement relatively quickly. Our full-time classroom program takes approximately three weeks, while the part-time classroom program takes approximately five weeks.
Online students have more flexibility, our online program is self-paced, allowing students to complete the coursework around their schedules. We recommend planning for approximately 15 to 20 hours of study per week.
Your total timeline will also depend on how quickly you complete the background check, schedule the exam, pass both portions, and submit your application.
What Happens After You Get Your License?
Once you become licensed, your real estate education does not necessarily stop.
Colorado requires active brokers to complete 24 hours of approved continuing education during each three-year license cycle after the initial license period. Twelve of those hours must consist of three different four-hour Annual Commission Update courses. The remaining 12 hours can be approved elective education.
Continuing education helps brokers stay current with changes to Colorado laws, contracts, regulations, and real estate practices.
Start Your Colorado Real Estate Career Today
Understanding the Colorado real estate license requirements is the first step toward building a successful real estate career.
For most first-time applicants, the process starts with completing 168 hours of approved education, followed by the fingerprint background check, both portions of the Colorado real estate exam, E&O insurance, and the state license application.
Choosing the right real estate school can make the process easier by giving you the education, exam preparation, and practical knowledge you need to get started with confidence.
We have been providing Colorado real estate education since 1962 and offer both online and in-person licensing programs. We combine exam preparation with practical real estate training designed to help new brokers enter the industry prepared for their first day on the job.
Ready to start your real estate career?
Enroll in Armbrust Real Estate Institute’s Colorado Real Estate Licensing Program
Whether you choose online or in-person classes, the first step is simple: start your Colorado real estate education today and take the first step toward becoming a licensed Colorado real estate broker.