How to Get Your Real Estate License in Arkansas (2026)

Getting your real estate license in Arkansas requires 60 hours of pre-licensing education, a passing score of 70% on the Arkansas real estate exam, and an application to the Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC). AREC regulates all real estate licensing in the state, setting education standards, administering discipline, and enforcing conduct rules for salespersons and brokers. The licensing process follows four steps: complete your pre-licensing education, pass the state exam, submit your application, and activate your license with a sponsoring broker. Most candidates earn their Arkansas real estate license within 2-4 months.

Arkansas Real Estate License Requirements at a Glance

Arkansas requires all real estate salesperson candidates to meet these requirements before receiving a license.

Arkansas’s state section has 30 questions — a compact section compared to states like Arizona (100 questions). The 70% passing score is the minimum threshold, so plan to study until you consistently score above 80% on practice exams.

Step 1 — Complete 60 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education

Arkansas requires 60 hours of approved pre-licensing education from a state-approved school before you can sit for the real estate exam. AREC maintains a list of approved providers offering both classroom and online courses. The coursework covers property ownership, real estate contracts, agency law, financing, property management, and Arkansas-specific regulations.

Full-time students typically complete the 60-hour requirement in 4-8 weeks. Part-time students working through evenings and weekends should plan for 2-3 months. Online programs offer self-paced learning, while classroom programs provide structured schedules with direct instructor access.

Verify your school is AREC-approved before enrolling. Coursework from non-approved providers will not satisfy the licensing requirement. Upon completion, your school issues a certificate that you will need for exam registration.

Step 2 — Pass the Arkansas Real Estate Exam

After completing your education requirements, schedule the Arkansas real estate exam through Pearson VUE. Registration is available online or by phone. Bring two forms of valid identification to the testing center — one must be a government-issued photo ID. The exam is computer-based with immediate score reporting. The state section is relatively compact at 30 questions, but each question carries more weight toward your overall score.

Arkansas Exam Structure and Topics

The Arkansas real estate exam has two sections with 110 total questions — 80 national and 30 state. You need a combined score of 70% to pass.

National Section (80 Questions)

State Section (30 Questions)

Math questions in the national section use standard conversion data: 43,560 square feet per acre and 5,280 feet per mile. On the exam, expect commission calculations, property tax prorations, and area computation problems.

How to Pass the Arkansas Real Estate Exam

Passing the Arkansas real estate exam requires focused study on the highest-weighted topics and consistent practice testing.

1. Focus on Licensee Statutory Duties — 14 of 30 state questions. This topic dominates the Arkansas state section. Study advertising regulations, record-keeping requirements, trust fund management, contract preparation rules, and self-dealing restrictions. Know the specific actions that constitute violations under AREC rules.

2. Master Agency Relationships & Disclosures — 8 state questions. Arkansas tests dual agency disclosure requirements, buyer and seller representation agreements, and the duties owed under each agency relationship. Study the timing and content of required agency disclosure forms.

3. Study Contracts & Agency — 16 national questions. The largest national topic covers contract elements, types of listing agreements, offer and acceptance, and fiduciary duties. Understand the differences between valid, void, and voidable contracts.

4. Practice math calculations — 7 national questions. Commission splits, property tax prorations, area calculations, and loan-to-value ratios appear on the national section. Review real estate exam terms for key formulas.

5. Take our free Arkansas practice exam to identify weak areas. Timed practice tests build exam readiness and reveal which topics need more study time. Aim for 80%+ on practice exams before scheduling the real test.

For strategies that apply across all state exams, read how to pass the real estate exam and our real estate exam tips.

Step 3 — Submit Your License Application to AREC

After passing the exam, submit your license application to the Arkansas Real Estate Commission with the required documents and fees.

1. Gather your documents. Collect your Pearson VUE exam score report and pre-licensing education completion certificate.
2. Complete the background check. AREC requires a background check as part of the application process. Criminal history does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions may affect eligibility.
3. Submit your application. File online or by mail with AREC. Include the application fee ($100-$175) and all supporting documentation.
4. Wait for processing. AREC typically processes applications within 2-4 weeks after receiving all documents.

Arkansas now allows inactive license renewal without retesting if continuing education and fees are completed. If your license lapses, contact AREC about reinstatement options before re-sitting for the exam.

Step 4 — Find a Sponsoring Broker and Activate Your License

Your Arkansas real estate license is not active until you affiliate with a licensed broker who will sponsor your license. Arkansas law requires every salesperson to work under broker supervision. The broker holds your license and accepts responsibility for your real estate activities.

Interview at least three brokers before choosing. Ask about commission split structures (50/50 to 80/20 is typical), training programs, marketing support, mentorship, and transaction volume. Consider whether the brokerage focuses on residential, commercial, or land transactions — Arkansas’s market includes everything from urban properties in Little Rock and Fayetteville to rural land and agricultural tracts. Once you select a broker, they submit affiliation paperwork to AREC and your license activates within a few business days. Read more about what to do after passing the exam for broker selection guidance.

How Much Does an Arkansas Real Estate License Cost?

The total cost to get your real estate license in Arkansas ranges from approximately $700 to $1,400, depending on your choice of school and broker.

Arkansas is among the more affordable states to get licensed, with lower education and application costs than states requiring 90+ hours. E&O insurance and MLS dues are recurring annual expenses. Compare Arkansas’s costs with other states at passing scores by state.

Arkansas-Specific Laws and Recent Changes

Arkansas has several state-specific real estate laws and recent legislative changes that appear on the licensing exam.

• HB 1558 — Property Management Licensing. Establishes new license types for property management brokers and associates, effective June 1, 2026. This legislation creates dedicated licensing categories for property managers who previously operated under standard broker licenses. Exam questions may test the new license types and their requirements.

• Inactive License Renewals. Arkansas now allows expired licenses to be renewed without retesting if continuing education requirements and fees are completed. This change benefits licensees whose licenses lapsed during career breaks.

• Updated Disciplinary Violations. AREC expanded the definitions of licensee misconduct with stricter rules on unlicensed activity and advertising. Study the specific violations listed in AREC rules — these form the basis of the 14-question Licensee Statutory Duties section.

• Complaint Period Extension. The investigation window for complaints increased from 2 to 3 years, except for fraud cases which have no limitation period. This change gives AREC more time to investigate potential violations.

• CE Requirements — 7 Hours/Year. Arkansas mandates 7 continuing education hours annually: 3 hours on agency and compensation, 1 hour on risk management, and 3 elective hours. CE courses require a minimum 90% exam score for completion credit. New licensees must begin CE in their first renewal cycle.

Requirements may change — verify with AREC.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a real estate license in Arkansas?

Getting a real estate license in Arkansas takes 2-4 months for most candidates. The 60-hour education requirement takes 4-8 weeks full-time or 2-3 months part-time. Exam scheduling and AREC application processing add 1-2 weeks.

How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Arkansas?

The total cost ranges from $700 to $1,400. Pre-licensing education costs $200-$500, the Pearson VUE exam fee is approximately $75, and the AREC application fee runs $100-$175. First-year costs include E&O insurance and MLS/association dues.

Can I get an Arkansas real estate license online?

Arkansas allows online completion of the 60-hour pre-licensing education through AREC-approved schools. The Arkansas real estate exam must be taken in person at a Pearson VUE testing center. License applications can be submitted to AREC online or by mail.

Does Arkansas have real estate license reciprocity?

Arkansas has reciprocity agreements with some states that allow experienced agents to obtain an Arkansas real estate license through a streamlined process. Contact AREC directly for the current list of reciprocal states and their specific requirements.

How many times can you take the Arkansas real estate exam?

There is no limit on retakes. You must repay the approximately $75 exam fee for each attempt and reschedule through Pearson VUE. Review your score report to identify weak topic areas and use our free national practice exam to strengthen your preparation.

Test Your Knowledge — Free Arkansas Practice Exam

Prepare for the Arkansas real estate exam with our free Arkansas practice exam covering national and state-specific topics including licensee duties, agency disclosures, and trust fund management. Our practice questions replicate the format of the actual Pearson VUE exam with detailed explanations for every answer.

Start your free Arkansas real estate practice exam →