How to Get Your Real Estate License in Vermont (2026)
Get your Vermont real estate license in 4 steps. 40 education hours, pass the 136-question exam (70%), and apply with the Vermont Real Estate Commission. Free practice test included.
Getting your real estate license in Vermont requires 40 hours of pre-licensing education, a passing score of 70% on the Vermont real estate exam, and an application to the Vermont Real Estate Commission. Your real estate license becomes active once the Commission processes your application and you affiliate with a sponsoring broker. Vermont’s 40-hour education requirement is among the lowest in the nation, making it one of the faster states to get licensed. This guide covers the four steps from education to license activation.
Vermont Real Estate License Requirements at a Glance
Vermont requires all real estate salesperson candidates to meet these requirements before receiving a license.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Education | 40 hours of approved pre-licensing courses |
| Exam | 136 questions (100 national + 36 state) with 70% passing score on each section |
| Exam Fee | ~$75 |
| Background Check | Criminal background check required |
| Residency | No state residency required |
| Regulatory Body | Vermont Real Estate Commission |
Compare passing scores by state to see how Vermont’s 70% threshold on each section compares to other states.
Step 1 — Complete 40 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
Vermont requires 40 hours of approved pre-licensing education from a state-approved school before you can sit for the real estate exam. The coursework covers real estate principles, practices, Vermont real estate law, and agency relationships. Vermont’s 40-hour requirement is one of the lowest in the country, allowing candidates to complete education in as little as 1-2 weeks full-time.
Classroom and online options are available from Commission-approved schools. Part-time students typically finish in 4-6 weeks. You must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent to enroll. Schools must be approved by the Vermont Real Estate Commission.
Step 2 — Pass the Vermont Real Estate Exam
After completing your education requirements, schedule the Vermont real estate exam through PSI/AMP. Register online through the PSI/AMP website and bring two forms of government-issued ID on exam day. The exam contains 136 total questions, and you must pass the national and state sections independently at 70%. Familiarize yourself with key real estate exam terms before scheduling your test date.
Vermont exam structure and topics
The Vermont real estate exam has two sections — a national portion with 100 questions and a state portion with 36 questions. You must score 70% on the national section (70/100) and 70% on the state section (26/36) to pass. Failing one section means retaking only the failed section. Math accounts for approximately 13% of the national section (13 items) under Real Estate Calculations — one of the more heavily weighted math portions among state exams.
National section topics:
| Topic | Questions |
|---|---|
| Agency Relationships and Contracts | 28 |
| Finances | 14 |
| Real Property | 14 |
| Real Estate Property Ownership/Interest | 13 |
| Real Estate Calculations | 13 |
| Marketing Regulations | 10 |
| Property Management | 8 |
State section topics:
| Topic | Questions |
|---|---|
| The Real Estate Commission | Not itemized |
| Related Laws | Not itemized |
| Broker Topics | Not itemized |
| Agency Relationships and Property Representations | Not itemized |
| Fair Housing and Other Governmental Regulations | Not itemized |
| Handling Money | Not itemized |
| Training and Supervision of Licensees | Not itemized |
How to pass the Vermont real estate exam
Passing the Vermont real estate exam requires focused study on the highest-weighted topics and consistent practice testing.
- Focus on Agency Relationships and Contracts (28 questions) — the largest national topic, covering types of agency, fiduciary duties, listing and buyer agreements, and contract law.
- Study Vermont-specific topics — the state section covers Commission rules, broker requirements, handling money (trust accounts and escrow), and training and supervision of licensees.
- Master math — Real Estate Calculations account for 13 national questions covering commissions, prorations, property tax computations, loan-to-value ratios, mortgage calculations, area/volume measurements, and closing cost figures.
- Review Fair Housing — tested in both national (Marketing Regulations) and state sections, covering federal and Vermont-specific fair housing requirements.
- Take timed practice exams — simulate the test experience to build confidence and identify weak areas before exam day.
Start your free Vermont practice exam to test your readiness. Review how to pass the real estate exam and real estate exam tips for study strategies that apply across all state exams.
Step 3 — Submit Your License Application to Vermont Real Estate Commission
After passing the exam, submit your license application to the Vermont Real Estate Commission with the required documents and fees.
- Gather documents — exam score report, education certificate, and background check clearance.
- Complete a criminal background check as required by the Commission.
- Submit your application through the Vermont Real Estate Commission.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks.
Step 4 — Find a Sponsoring Broker and Activate Your License
Your Vermont real estate license is not active until you affiliate with a licensed broker who will sponsor your license. Interview at least 3 brokerages and compare commission splits (50/50 to 80/20), training programs, mentorship opportunities, and support resources.
Your broker submits affiliation paperwork to the Vermont Real Estate Commission. Vermont requires continuing education for license renewal. Read our guide on what to do after passing the exam for detailed steps on choosing the right brokerage and launching your career.
How Much Does a Vermont Real Estate License Cost?
The total cost to get your real estate license in Vermont ranges from approximately $400 to $1,000, depending on your choice of school and broker.
| Expense | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Pre-licensing education | $200-$500 |
| Exam fee | ~$75 |
| License application | $50-$100 |
| Background check | $30-$75 |
| E&O insurance | $200-$500/year |
| MLS/association dues | $500-$1,000/year |
| Total (first year) | $1,055-$2,250 |
Vermont-Specific Laws and Recent Changes
Vermont has several state-specific real estate laws and regulations that appear on the licensing exam. Key concepts include Vermont Real Estate Commission powers and duties, broker supervision requirements, agency relationships and property representations, handling money (trust accounts, earnest money, security deposits), fair housing regulations including Vermont-specific protections, and training and supervision of licensees.
Vermont’s state exam section covers 7 distinct topic areas focused on Commission rules, licensee conduct, and consumer protection. No recent law changes are documented — verify current requirements with the Vermont Real Estate Commission. Laws change — verify current requirements with the Vermont Real Estate Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Vermont?
Getting a real estate license in Vermont takes 1-3 months including education, exam, and application processing. The 40-hour course can be completed in as little as 1-2 weeks full-time, making Vermont one of the faster states for licensing.
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Vermont?
A Vermont real estate license costs $400-$1,000 for education, exam, and application. First-year operating costs bring the total to $1,055-$2,250. Vermont’s lower education hours keep education costs down.
Can I get a Vermont real estate license online?
Pre-licensing education can be completed online through approved schools. The exam must be taken in person at a PSI/AMP testing center.
Does Vermont have real estate license reciprocity?
Vermont may offer reciprocity with certain states. Contact the Vermont Real Estate Commission for current reciprocity agreements and requirements.
How many times can you take the Vermont real estate exam?
There is no limit on retakes. You must pay the exam fee each time and reschedule through PSI/AMP. If you fail only one section, you may retake just that section.
Test Your Knowledge — Free Vermont Practice Exam
Prepare for the Vermont real estate exam with our free practice test covering national and state-specific topics. Questions cover national content areas plus Vermont Commission rules, agency relationships, handling money, fair housing, and licensee supervision.
Start your free Vermont real estate practice exam →
Explore our free national practice exam for broader study across all exam content areas.
This information is for educational purposes. Requirements may change — always verify with your state’s Real Estate Commission.
