New York requires real estate salespersons and brokers to be licensed before practicing. The New York Department of State (DOS), Division of Licensing Services, oversees licensing. This guide walks you through the main steps, typical requirements, and the exam process for the salesperson license.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state licensing authority before applying.
Quick Overview
- Pre-license77 Hours
- Exam Fee$15
- Renewal2 Years
- CE Needed22.5 Hours
- Authoritydos.ny.gov
Figures come from official sources and can change. Always confirm with the licensing authority before applying.
3 Steps to Licensure
- 1
Meet the requirements
Requirements for the New York real estate salesperson license typically include:
- Being at least 18 years old.
- Satisfactory completion of 77 hours of DOS-approved qualifying education (expanded from 75 to 77 hours effective December 21, 2022, to add fair housing, implicit bias, and cultural competency content).
- A sponsoring New York broker.
- A passing score on the state licensing exam.
The 77-hour qualifying course (and the legacy 75-hour course) is valid for 8 years from completion and must be used to obtain a license within that window or retaken.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the Department of State before applying.
- 2
Submit your application
The application process for a New York real estate salesperson license generally involves these steps:
- Complete the 77-hour DOS-approved qualifying education course.
- Secure a sponsoring New York broker.
- Register for and pass the state licensing exam through a PSI-run exam site (75 multiple-choice questions, 90-minute time limit, 70 percent passing score).
- Submit your license application through eAccessNY, the DOS online licensing portal.
Steps can change, so verify the current process with the Department of State.
- 3
Pass the real estate agent exam
The New York real estate salesperson exam is administered by the Department of State at PSI-run exam sites across the state. It has 75 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute time limit, and the passing score is 70 percent (at least 53 correct). Results are reported pass or fail only, with no numerical score given. Always confirm exam requirements with the Department of State or PSI, because formats and policies can change.
License Types
Broker
Operate a brokerage and supervise salespersons independently.
- Independent practice
- Can sponsor agents
Salesperson
Practice under a sponsoring New York broker.
- Broker-sponsored
- Entry level
Details
Experience
New York's salesperson path is education-based: 77 hours of DOS-approved qualifying education, expanded from 75 hours effective December 21, 2022, to add fair housing, implicit bias, and cultural competency content. The course is valid for 8 years from completion and must be used to obtain a license within that window or retaken. You also need a sponsoring New York broker before you can be licensed. Reciprocity with other states was eliminated effective February 1, 2023, so out-of-state licensees must complete the full 77-hour New York course and pass the New York exam like any other applicant. Check current standards with the Department of State before you apply.
Details
Fees
The exam fee is $15 per attempt, with no mandatory waiting period between attempts. The license renewal fee is $65. Always confirm current fee amounts with the Department of State before submitting payment.
Details
Renewal
New York real estate licenses renew every 2 years. 22.5 hours of continuing education are required for all licensees except New York-admitted attorneys, including at least 2 hours of cultural competency, 2 hours of implicit bias training, 2.5 hours of ethical business practices, 1 hour of recent legal matters, 3 hours of fair housing and anti-discrimination, and 1 hour of law of agency (2 hours of agency instruction within the initial 2-year term for salespersons). The renewal fee is $65, processed via eAccessNY. Requirements can change; always confirm renewal requirements with the Department of State before your renewal deadline.
Frequently asked questions
How many prelicensing hours does New York require for a real estate license?
77 hours of DOS-approved qualifying education, expanded from 75 hours effective December 21, 2022, to add fair housing, implicit bias, and cultural competency content. The course is valid for 8 years from completion.
Does New York accept out-of-state real estate licenses through reciprocity?
No. Effective February 1, 2023, New York eliminated all real estate license reciprocity agreements with other states. Every applicant, regardless of an out-of-state license, must complete the full 77-hour New York prelicensing course and pass the New York exam.
Do I need a sponsoring broker before taking the New York real estate exam?
Yes. A sponsoring New York broker is required as part of the salesperson licensing process.
What score do I need to pass the New York real estate exam?
70 percent, meaning at least 53 of the 75 multiple-choice questions correct. The exam has a 90-minute time limit, and results are reported pass or fail only.
How often do New York real estate licenses renew?
Every 2 years, with 22.5 hours of continuing education required for all licensees except New York-admitted attorneys. The renewal fee is $65, processed via eAccessNY.
