How to Get Your Real Estate License in Connecticut (2026)
Get your Connecticut real estate license in 4 steps. 60 education hours, pass the 110-question exam (77%), and apply with DCP. Free practice test included.
Getting your real estate license in Connecticut requires 60 hours of pre-licensing education, a passing score of 77% on the Connecticut real estate exam, and an application to the Connecticut Real Estate Commission under the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP). Your real estate license application must include proof of education, a passed exam, and a completed background check. This guide covers the 4 steps from enrollment to license activation. Each step includes the exact fees, timelines, and exam topics you need to know.
Connecticut Real Estate License Requirements at a Glance
Connecticut requires all real estate salesperson candidates to meet these requirements before receiving a license.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Education | 60 hours of approved pre-licensing courses |
| Exam | 110 questions — 80 national + 30 state, 77% passing score per section |
| Exam Fee | ~$65 |
| License Fee | ~$60 |
| Background Check | State and national criminal background check |
| Residency | No state residency required |
| Regulatory Body | Connecticut Real Estate Commission / DCP |
Compare Connecticut’s 77% threshold with other states in our guide to passing scores by state.
Step 1 — Complete 60 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
Connecticut requires 60 hours of approved pre-licensing education from a state-approved school before you can sit for the real estate exam.
Coursework covers real estate principles, practices, and Connecticut-specific law. Topics include property ownership, contracts, agency relationships, financing, and state regulations enforced by the DCP. All course providers must hold DCP approval, so verify your school’s status before enrolling.
Delivery methods include classroom instruction and online formats through DCP-approved providers. Most candidates complete the 60-hour pre-licensing education requirement in 4-8 weeks full-time or 2-3 months part-time. You must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent to qualify for enrollment and your real estate license.
Step 2 — Pass the Connecticut Real Estate Exam
After completing your education requirements, schedule the Connecticut real estate exam through the approved testing provider. Exam centers are located throughout Connecticut, and appointments fill quickly during peak months. Bring two forms of valid ID to the testing center — one must include a photo and signature. Review key real estate exam terms before your test date.
Connecticut Exam Structure and Topics
The Connecticut real estate exam has two sections — an 80-question national portion and a 30-question state-specific portion — for 110 total questions. You must pass both sections independently at 77% — that means 56 out of 80 on the national section and 21 out of 30 on the state section.
National Section (80 Questions)
| Topic | Weight | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Property Ownership | 8% | ~6 |
| Land-Use Controls & Regulation | 5% | ~4 |
| Valuation & Market Analysis | 7% | ~6 |
| Financing | 10% | ~8 |
| General Principles of Agency | 13% | ~10 |
| Property Disclosures | 6% | ~5 |
| Contracts | 17% | ~14 |
| Leasing & Property Management | 3% | ~2 |
| Transfer of Title | 8% | ~6 |
| Practice of Real Estate | 13% | ~10 |
| Real Estate Calculations | 10% | ~8 |
State Section (30 Questions)
| Topic | Questions |
|---|---|
| CT Real Estate Commission & Licensing Requirements | 5 |
| CT Laws Governing Activities of Licensees | 10 |
| CT Real Estate Agency | 8 |
| CT-Specific Principles & Practices | 7 |
Contracts carries the heaviest national weight at 17%, covering offer and acceptance, contingencies, and breach remedies. On the state side, CT Laws Governing Activities of Licensees dominates with 10 of 30 questions. Approximately 6 questions on the national section test real estate math — commission splits, prorations, and loan-to-value ratios. Understanding fair housing laws is tested across both sections.
How to Pass the Connecticut Real Estate Exam
Passing the Connecticut real estate exam requires focused study on the highest-weighted topics and consistent practice testing.
- Contracts and Agency first. Contracts (17%) and General Principles of Agency (13%) together account for 30% of national questions. Master offer formation, counteroffers, contingency clauses, and the duties owed under agency relationships. Review our guide on how to pass the real estate exam for proven strategies.
- CT Laws Governing Activities of Licensees. This topic carries 10 of the 30 state questions. Study advertising rules, disclosure obligations, trust account requirements, and licensee conduct standards enforced by the DCP.
- Real estate math. Approximately 6 questions test commission splits, prorations, loan-to-value ratios, and property tax calculations. Practice these calculations until they become automatic. See our real estate exam tips for math shortcuts.
- Recent Connecticut law changes. Study HB 5572 Wholesaler Licensing and HB 5002 Omnibus Housing Bill — both are testable topics on the current exam.
- Practice exams. Use our free Connecticut practice exam to identify weak areas before exam day. Simulate timed conditions to build test-day stamina.
Step 3 — Submit Your License Application to the DCP
After passing the exam, submit your license application to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection with the required documents and fees.
- Submit your application through the DCP’s eLicensing portal.
- Pay the application fee of approximately $60.
- Complete a state and national criminal background check.
- Provide proof of education completion and exam passage.
- Processing time runs 4-6 weeks under normal conditions.
Step 4 — Find a Sponsoring Broker and Activate Your License
Your Connecticut real estate license is not active until you affiliate with a licensed broker who will sponsor your license. Connecticut law requires broker sponsorship — you cannot practice independently as a salesperson.
Interview at least 3 brokers before choosing. Compare training programs, desk fees, technology platforms, and commission splits. New agents typically start at a 50/50 commission split, while experienced agents negotiate 70/30 or 80/20 arrangements. Your broker submits activation paperwork to the DCP on your behalf. Learn more about what to do after passing the exam.
How Much Does a Connecticut Real Estate License Cost?
The total cost to get your real estate license in Connecticut ranges from approximately $400 to $1,200, depending on your choice of school and broker.
| Expense | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Pre-licensing education | $200–$500 |
| Exam fee | ~$65 |
| License application | ~$60 |
| Background check | $30–$75 |
| E&O insurance | $200–$500/year |
| MLS/association dues | $500–$1,000/year |
| Total first year | $1,055–$2,200 |
Connecticut-Specific Laws and Recent Changes
Connecticut has several state-specific real estate laws and recent legislative changes that appear on the licensing exam.
- Licensing & Brokerage Regulations (April 2024+) — Introduced the associate broker license, custodial brokers, leasing agent exemption, and biennial renewal cycles. Tested in CT Real Estate Commission & Licensing Requirements.
- Advertising & Disclosure Rules (Dec 2024) — Requires interpreter disclosures and standardized advertising templates for all licensees. Tested in CT-Specific Principles & Practices.
- HB 5572 Wholesaler Licensing — Formalizes wholesaler licensing requirements and regulates assignment contracts. Tested in Contracts and CT Laws Governing Activities of Licensees.
- HB 5002 Omnibus Housing Bill — Implements zoning reform, transit-oriented development provisions, and removes parking minimums for certain projects. Tested in CT-Specific Principles & Practices.
- Fair Rent Commission Expansion (HB 6892) — Mandates rent review commissions in all municipalities with 15,000 or more residents. Tested in CT Laws Governing Activities of Licensees.
- Rental Law Reforms (HB 6891/6892) — Caps security deposits at 1 month’s rent and limits rent increases to 10% annually. Tested in Practice of Real Estate and Property Disclosures.
- Transfer Act Reform — Replaces transfer-triggered environmental cleanup with release-based remediation standards. Tested in Environmental Law sections.
- PFAS Compliance — Adds due diligence requirements for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“forever chemicals”) in commercial transactions. Tested in Disclosures and Environmental Law.
Requirements may change — verify with the DCP.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Connecticut?
Most candidates complete the process in 2-4 months. The 60 hours of education can be completed in 4-8 weeks, and application processing adds 4-6 weeks.
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Connecticut?
Total upfront costs range from $400 to $1,200. The exam fee is approximately $65 and the license application fee is approximately $60, with the remainder going toward education and background check.
Can I get a Connecticut real estate license online?
You can complete the 60-hour education requirement online through DCP-approved schools. The exam must be taken in person at an approved testing center.
Does Connecticut have real estate license reciprocity?
Connecticut offers limited reciprocity with certain states. Contact the DCP to verify whether your current license qualifies for a waiver of education or exam requirements.
How many times can you take the Connecticut real estate exam?
There is no limit on retakes. If you fail, you can reschedule and retake the exam after paying the exam fee again.
Test Your Knowledge — Free Connecticut Practice Exam
Prepare for the Connecticut real estate exam with our free practice test covering both the national and state-specific sections. Questions span CT licensing law, agency relationships, contracts, property disclosures, and all 11 national topics.
Start your free Connecticut real estate practice exam →
Looking for broader preparation? Take our free national practice exam to strengthen your score on the 80-question national section.
This information is for educational purposes. Requirements may change — always verify with your state’s Real Estate Commission.
