How to Get a Oregon Real Estate License

Step 1: Submit an Application
Step 2: Take an Oregon Real Estate Course
Step 3: Pass Oregon Real Estate Broker Exam
Step 4: Pass a Background Check
Step 5: Find a Managing Broker
5 Steps to Get Your Oregon Real Estate Broker License
Step-By-Step Guide to Become a Licensed Real Estate Broker
Are you interested in becoming a real estate broker in the great state of Oregon? Of course you are, real estate is booming here! Well, hold on tight cause we’re gonna fire off the five steps you need to get your hands on an Oregon real estate broker license.
You ready? Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Submit an Application
Oregon Does Things Differently
In many other states, this is the last step, of the process however, things are different in Oregon. You have to register online first before moving on to the next step. To submit an application you also have to pay a non-refundable fee. In the form, it is important to fill out all information carefully and correctly. Wrong information can cause major delays and you could be ruled out during the application process. After it’s been reviewed, an applicant identity confirmation number will be sent to you via email. Once you get the number, you must authenticate it and of course, save the number (you will need to reference it later on).
Step 2: Take Pre-license Education Course
You’re required to take a “pre-licensing” education class where you’ll study the principles of real estate, contracts, and finance. Not a fan of school? Well, these classes just might change how you feel about school. You have so many options! Some of them are even entirely online which has huge advantages! Online classes means you can do them at your own pace and work them in around your own schedule even if you have a full-time job. Also, the classes are only a total of 150 hours! That may seem like a big number, but to get started in a new career, that number is just a speck in time. *You will need to provide your Applicant ID number and full name to the school so that OREA can match your education hours to the application you already submitted.
But what’s included in those 150 hours? Take a look at the curriculum and see for yourself:
- Oregon 30-Hour Real Estate Law
- Oregon 30-Hour Real Estate Practice
- Oregon 15-Hour Agency Law
- Oregon 15-Hour Contracts
- Oregon 30-Hour Real Estate Finance
- Oregon 10-Hour Property Management
- Oregon 20-Hour Real Estate Brokerage
Don’t be scared off by that long list. The classes are designed to defang any confusing topics by breaking them down. Still scared? Trust me, you can do this. The pass rates after taking these classes are sky-high, typically over a 91% pass rate and the support these classes offer is amazing.
Students are always surprised how affordable these classes are. Take a look at the best real estate schools in Oregon and see for yourself. If you’re still looking for a way to save some dough, Agent Advice offers a way to get yours for free.
Step 3: Pass Oregon Real Estate Broker Exam
There are a total of 150 questions. The national portion has 100 questions while the state portion has 50 questions. You have to get 75% of the questions correct in order to pass. You will have 195 total minutes to finish the test.
Try to arrive early at your location. If you show up late, they might turn you away. You should also bring at least two forms of personal photo ID. You are allowed to come to the exam location with a basic-function calculator for the math portion of the exam.
There are plenty of cram courses that will help you brush up right before the exam. Rest assured that you don’t have to pass this on the first try. Remember that you have a full year from when you get your exam eligibility to pass this exam. We think you’ll pass it on your first go because we know you, you’re motivated.
Step 4: Pass A Background Check
It’s just standard procedure, don’t worry. OREA just wants to authenticate the information you already provided in your application.
This step is usually done by the Oregon State Police (ORS) or the Federal Bureau Of Investigation (FBI).
They will run a criminal record report, which will require your fingerprints. Don’t worry though – you can provide your fingerprint card while you are at the PSI testing center for your exam. It helps save you a step, and a lot of hassle.
Step 5: Find a Managing Broker
Relax, this is not hard to find in Oregon.
After you pass your exam and the background check, you must find a real estate principal broker and work under a principal broker who has agreed to sponsor your license. You’ll need to submit proof that you are working under someone in order to get your license.
You’ll get to choose a brokerage you like, that focuses on a niche you love, that has a company culture you love, and most importantly … has a good commission rate, so your paycheck is XL. Worried about finding a brokerage yourself? Agent Advice helps with warm introductions to hiring brokerages if you sign-up for a class through us. Phew!
You have total freedom to choose your managing broker. Here’s some things agents look at when choosing a brokerage:
- Commission Rate
- Look at each brokerage’s commission rate when you’re shopping around. If they’ve got a good rate, your commission checks will be larger than life. 💸
- Niche
- Maybe you want a brokerage that focuses on a niche on a location or a specific category of real estate like commercial retail, single family homes, or fixer-uppers. So if you have a specific interest you can find a broker who shares that interest.
- Culture
- Maybe the company’s culture is important to you. If so, get to know what they’re all about, how they work, and what’s important to them.
That’s all just to say that you have the freedom to choose a brokerage that fits you.
OREA Criteria to get a real estate license
Let’s answer the most obvious question straight out of the gate. “What the heck is OREA and why do I need to impress them?!” Well, OREA is short for the Oregon Real Estate Agency and it’s their job to make sure all brokers in Oregon are capable, qualified, and can lawfully work in the state. To do so, they have some basic criteria you must meet. Luckily, most of the requirements are pretty straightforward.
You must:
- Be at least 18 years or older
- Be a citizen of the USA or a legal alien
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
Pretty straightforward, right? As long as you meet those basic requirements, you are good to go on to the next step.
How much does it cost to get a real estate broker license in Oregon?
Below is a schedule of costs associated with getting your Oregon real estate license:
Pre-licensing education and training costs:
The estimated cost for this is around $400-$1000 or more depending on the school or online program you select. This involves finding an accredited and qualified real estate school to clock your hours. As stated earlier, the state of Oregon requires you to finish 150 hours of education.
Real estate broker licensing and exam fees
This fee schedule is estimated to cost about $431. The breakdown of this schedule is as follows: applying for your broker license will incur a charge of about $300. You will also need to pay for your background check and mandatory fingerprinting. This typically costs around $56.25. OREA currently charges $75 per exam attempt.
All in, you’re looking at spending about $920.
How long does it take to get a real estate broker license in Oregon?
It takes anywhere from 4-6 months to become a real estate broker in Oregon.
The actual time varies on how many hours per week you can dedicate to the process. Some companies offer in-person classes and have accelerated sessions that cover the material in just 10 weeks.
Of course, you also need to consider how long you’ll need to study for the test and how long it will take for the Oregon Real Estate Agency to process your background check. The background check process can take several weeks to months depending on how backed up the system is.
How much do real estate brokers make in Oregon?
Real estate brokers earn an average yearly salary of $49,162 per year. The top 20% of brokers make $97,638 per year, while the bottom 20% of brokers make around $24,753 per year. This is 13% lower than the national average, but agents have been steadily making more as the housing markets in Oregon continue to heat up.