What is required to get a license in Michigan?

For salespersons:

  • Proof of age 18 and above.
  • Proof of completion of 40 hours of pre license education.
  • You must apply online through www.michigan.gov/icola.
  • Complete and pass the real estate examination.
  • You must have a valid social security number.
  • You must be ready to pay the license fee once you apply online.
  • Fees: Examination Fees (Salesperson: $85). License (Salesperson: please check this document to identify your fee, values range from $40 to $90)

For brokers and associate brokers:

  • Proof of age 18 and above.
  • Proof of completion of 90 hours of pre license education.
  • You must have at least 3 years experience as a real estate salesperson or in a field related to real estate (licensed builder, investor, land or condominium developer, loan or trust officer of a federal or state-regulated depository institution, loan or trust officer of a mortgage company, real estate office of a corporation, title insurance company officer engaged in the closing of escrow accounts and real estate closings, a staff or real property appraiser).
  • Complete and submit an application.
  • Complete and pass the real estate examination.
  • You must have a valid social security number.
  • Fees: Examination Fees (Broker: $76). License (broker: check the application form to identify your rate, values range from $80 to $200).

What score do I need to pass?

The salesperson exam consists of 115 questions. To pass, you must answer correctly at least 70% of the questions.

The broker and associate broker exam consists of 120 questions. To pass, you must answer correctly at least 75% of the questions.

You will receive your score immediately after you complete your exam.

How much time do I have to complete the exam?

For the salesperson exam: you are allowed a total of 180 minutes.

For the broker and associate broker exam: you are allowed a total of 210 minutes.

What should I bring with me for the exam?

  • 2 Forms of identification with matching names, non-expired and containing a valid signature. (Driver’s license, passport, green card, U.S. social security card, debit or credit card with signature). One of them must be government issued and photo bearing.
  • You may bring a calculator which must be battery operated, silent and should not contain the alphabet.

What is the format of the exam?

The exam is given on a computer.

What is on the exam?

The national portion of the multiple choice exam consists of the following sections:

  • Property Ownership
  • Land use controls and regulations
  • Valuation and market analysis
  • Financing
  • General principles of agency
  • Property condition and disclosures
  • Contracts
  • Transfer of title
  • Real estate calculations
  • Specialty areas

The state-specific portion of the multiple choice exam consists of the following sections:

  • Duties and Powers of the Department and the State Board of Real Estate
  • Licensing Requirements
  • Statutory Requirements Governing the Activities of Licenses
  • Contractual Relationships
  • Additional Topics

Resources