Curious About a Career In Real Estate?

Thinking about starting a career in real estate? If you live in Alabama, you’re in luck—the market is full of opportunity, and with the right preparation, you can launch a rewarding career helping people buy and sell homes. Whether you’re drawn to the flexibility, the earning potential, or the chance to make an impact in your community, real estate can be an exciting path. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started in Alabama.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

Before you dive into classes or exams, you’ll need to make sure you meet Alabama’s minimum requirements to become a licensed real estate agent:

Be at least 19 years old
Have a high school diploma or GED
Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or legally present in the U.S.
Pass a background check (a clean record is required to move forward)

Step 2: Complete Pre-Licensing Education

Alabama requires 60 hours of pre-license education through an Alabama Real Estate Commission (AREC)-approved school. You can choose between in-person classes or online programs, depending on what works best for your schedule. Look for a school with flexible scheduling, strong reviews, and good test-prep support to set yourself up for success.

Tip: Check out King Real Estate School here! We are currently offering flexible, at-your-pace classes that work with any schedule. Use code EXCEL40 (expires 8/31/25) for a discount.

Step 3: Pass the Licensing Exam

Once you’ve finished your coursework, it’s time to take the Alabama real estate licensing exam. The test covers both national and state-specific real estate principles.

The exam is multiple-choice and divided into two sections (national and Alabama law).
You’ll take it at an approved testing center, and you’ll receive your results right away.

To prepare, many aspiring agents use a mix of practice exams, study groups, and review courses. The more confident you are walking into the test, the smoother the process will be.

Step 4: Find a Sponsoring Broker

In Alabama, you can’t work as an independent real estate agent right away—you need to be sponsored by a licensed broker to activate your license. Choosing the right brokerage is one of the most important decisions you’ll make early in your career, and it's essential to make sure you'll have the training and support needed to grow.

When you’re interviewing brokerages, consider:

Training and mentorship opportunities
Commission structure and fees
The company’s culture and support system

A good sponsoring broker won’t just help you get started; they’ll guide you as you build the foundation of your career. Here at ERA King, we pride ourselves on putting our agents first, and our extensive training, administration support, and family-like culture make us a one-of-a-kind brokerage. Make sure your local ERA King office is on your interview list!

Step 5: Apply for Your License

Once you’ve passed your exam and selected a sponsoring broker, you’ll submit your license application through the Alabama Real Estate Commission (AREC). This step includes:

Application forms and fees
Fingerprinting and background check
Official approval to begin practicing real estate in Alabama

Step 6: Complete Post-Licensing Education

After your license is issued, Alabama requires all new agents to complete 30 hours of post-license education within the first six months of receiving it. This coursework is designed to bridge the gap between pre-license theory and real-world practice, giving you practical knowledge to help you navigate your first transactions. Completing this step on time is essential to keeping your license active and in good standing with the Alabama Real Estate Commission.

Conclusion

Starting a career in real estate in Alabama is a straightforward process, but it does require preparation, commitment, and the right guidance along the way. From meeting the basic requirements to finding a brokerage that supports your goals, each step is designed to prepare you for long-term success.

If you’re thinking about a future in real estate and want to explore opportunities here in Alabama, we would love to connect with you. Our brokers are always happy to share insight, answer questions, and help you take that first step toward an exciting new career. Click here to learn more about a career with ERA King Real Estate Company.