Georgia Association of Realtors

National Association of Realtors

Real Estate Designations

All individuals who hold an active real estate license and whose license number is above 100,000 are required to complete 24 hours of Commission approved continuing education during each four year renewal period. If your license number is less than 100,000 you are not required to complete continuing education for renewal. A renewal period begins four years prior to the current renewal due date. Example: Your renewal due date is March 31, 2006. Commission approved continuing education must be completed between April 1, 2002 and March 31, 2006. Continuing education completed before or after that date range is not acceptable for this renewal period.

If you hold a Salesperson’s license and this renewal is your first one since original licensure, you were required to complete a 25 hour Commission approved Postlicense course during your first year of licensure. This course will count for 6 hours of continuing education for your renewal. You must complete an additional 18 hours of continuing education during this renewal period.

If you hold an active real estate license in another state, you must provide proof of meeting your education requirements in that state. You may provide that proof by either:

(a) faxing to the Georgia Commission a copy of your current pocket card from the other state. That pocket card must indicate a renewal date greater than the due date for your Georgia renewal. For example, if yourGeorgia renewal due date is May 31st of this year, then your pocket card in the other state must have an end of renewal due date of June 1 of this year or any later date.

-OR-

(b) faxing to the Georgia Commission certificates showing completion of 24 hours of continuing education that was approved by the other state’s real estate commission.

You are required to maintain your completed education certificates for a period of three years and to produce those certificates of completion upon the verbal or written request of an authorized representative of the Georgia Real Estate Commission.

NOTE: As of January 1, 2003, Commission approved schools transmit all course completions directly to the Commission and licensees are not responsible for maintaining completion certificates for courses they complete at Commission approved schools after January 1, 2003.

Notice to Students

3 Hour CE Notice

6 Hour CE Notice

For many people, exam time is the most stressful part of the school year. With so much riding on the outcome, there can be a high degree of pressure to perform well. Here are some exam preparation tips to help you excel in school.

Getting Started

The earlier you start, the more time you will have to prepare for the exam. You don’t have to wait until exam time approaches; try to set the stage from the beginning of the course by reviewing the material after each class. By starting early and studying on a regular basis, you will have a better opportunity to absorb the information and life will be a lot easier when it’s time to put it all together for the exam.

Make sure all of your course material is well organized so you can find and fill any gaps. If you miss any classes, get the notes from your friends right away instead of scrambling at the last minute. Proper organization will help you to get a better picture of the material that has to be covered and improve the flow of the study process.

Creating a Study Plan

As the exam nears, you will need to create a plan to help you study effectively and minimize stress. The first step is to figure out how much time and effort you must dedicate to studying for the exam by asking the following questions:

• How much material do you need to cover?
• How difficult is the material?
• How much time is available?
• Do you have any other priorities during the study period?
• What is the format of the exam?
• How important is the exam?
• What is your performance target for the exam?

To prepare the study plan, map out all of the material that has to be covered and make a schedule showing what, when and how much you will study each day. If you have kept up with the course work, studying will involve revision of the material that you have already covered. If you are behind in the course, you will have to finish the readings and other uncompleted work before starting the revision (if there isn’t enough time to go over everything, you must decide what is most important for the exam).

Here are some tips to follow in creating your study plan:

• budget your time realistically
• allocate the study time into several manageable study sessions
• divide the course material into small segments and assign them to the study sessions
• set clear and specific goals for the study sessions
• prioritize to ensure that material weighted more heavily in the exam gets sufficient study time
• take into account your familiarity with the material and the difficulty level
• don’t make the study sessions too long
• avoid cramming before the exam
• don’t forget to include regular breaks

Studying for the Exam

You are now armed with a plan and ready to start studying for the exam. Try to study in a location where you can concentrate and won’t be interrupted. You can work with others or join a study group if you find it helpful, but be careful to keep it from turning into an inefficient use of your time. Some proven study tools and techniques are listed below – people respond to different learning styles, so use what works for you.

Revising with Summary Notes

Make a condensed version of your readings and class notes by creating summary notes. Pinpoint the key terms and concepts and make sure that you understand them. You can identify key terms and concepts by paying attention to what has been emphasized in your classes, textbooks and course syllabus. For example, if a particular topic has taken up a lot of time in the classroom, it is more likely to be on the exam and you should have a good understanding of it.

The process of making summary notes can help you to retain more information. By writing the information thoughtfully instead of just seeing it, you can develop a greater perception of the material. To take this further, activate your other senses: you can recite the summary notes aloud, and even record and listen to them.

Memorizing with Flashcards

Flashcards (or “index cards”) are a good memorization tool. Reduce your summary notes into bullet points, keywords, lists, formulas and diagrams and place them onto a card for each topic. (Some people like to use flashcards to prepare their summary notes in the first place, while others find that it leads to information overload.)

The items on the flashcards act as memory triggers. By memorizing the flashcards you can enhance your ability to recall larger bits of information referenced by the triggers. You can carry the cards with you and review them even when you have only short bursts of time available.

Practicing under Exam Conditions

Knowing the course material is necessary but not sufficient to guarantee success on the exam – you also need to be able to communicate the answers effectively under exam conditions. Practice using sample questions in the same format as the exam and answer them in a simulated test environment. The sample questions can be sourced from old exams and assignments, which are often similar from year to year with small changes. Even though you are only practicing, it is better to write full answers to the questions so you can work through the entire thought process.

The practice session should serve as a feedback loop. Check the answers to the practice questions to diagnose your strengths and weaknesses. If you are weak in an area, go back and study it further to address any gaps.

Taking Care of Yourself

Don’t forget to take care of yourself during the exam preparation. It is very important to be in good mental and physical condition for the exam. A small amount of stress can get you psyched, but too much mental or physical strain can be detrimental to your performance. The last thing you want to do is to sabotage your efforts by ignoring your well-being.

After you finish studying, take some time to relax. Don’t stay up too late if you can help it and try to get a good night’s sleep. Eat before the exam to build your energy, but avoid heavy foods that can make you drowsy.

Keep a positive attitude about the exam. Think of it as a way to demonstrate your knowledge and not as some imposing challenge. Go to the exam focused and relaxed – you have done the work, now it’s time to reap the rewards.

The following list represents the requirements to obtain a Broker/Associate Broker License:

I. BACKGROUND CHECK

A copy of the applicant’s criminal history or Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) Report must be brought to the AMP testing center (not the Commission) prior to receiving a license. If the report indicates any crime convictions or sanctions by any licensing or regulatory agency, then the Commission will conduct aninvestigation and decide whether or not to issue the license.

II. AGE REQUIREMENT

An individual must be at least 21 to be licensed as a broker or associate broker. Applicants may take the broker’s examination at age 20, but cannot activate the license until they are 21.

III. GENERAL EDUCATION

Must be a high school graduate or the holder of a certificate of equivalency.

IV. REAL ESTATE EDUCATION

Salesperson Applying For An Associates Broker or Broker License

Applicants licensed as salesperson’s must meet ONE of the following Real Estate Educational Requirements:

1. Successfully complete the required 60-hour Broker’s Prelicense Course at a school approved by the Georgia Real Estate Commission;
2. Successfully complete a minimum of 15 quarter hours or 9 semester hours of either course work eligible for a major in real estate from a U.S. or Canadian accredited college or university or course in real property, agency, or contracts from a U.S. or Canadian accredited school of law. You must submit to AMP (not the Commission) an official transcript from the college, university, or school of law with your application for examination. Continuing education, adult education, crash seminars, and special short courses are not acceptable. AMP will notify you as to whether your coursework is acceptable; OR
3. Provide proof of completion of at least 60 hours of prelicense course work approved by the real estate regulatory agency of another state or province of Canada. You must obtain a letter from that agency that verifies that the course work is approved in that state or province.

Community Association Manager Applying For An Associates Broker or Broker License

Applicants licensed as community association manager’s must meet BOTH of the following Real Estate Educational Requirements:

1. Fulfill ONE of the educational requirements listed as 1, 2, or 3 above under the heading “Salesperson Applying For An Associate Broker or Broker License;” AND
2. Fulfill ONE of the following:
   • successfully complete an additional 75-hours in a course or courses approved by the Commission, or
   • successfully complete a 75-hour Salespersons Prelicense Course approved by the Commission, or
   • successfully complete a minimum of 10 additional quarter hours or 6 additional semester hours of college course work eligible for a major in real estate from a U.S. or Canadian accredited college or university.

V. EXAMINATION

Must pass the Examination administered by AMP and approved by the Commission. The examination fee is $91.00. Persons applying for a salesperson’s license must apply within twelve months of the date they took the examination; or after twelve months have passed, they must retake the examination.

VI. EXPERIENCE

All associate broker and broker applicants must have been licensed on active status for a minimum of three of the previous five years before they can be licensed. However, after two years as an actively licensed salesperson of community association manager, they are eligible to take the Broker Examination.

If you have been actively licensed in Georgia for at least three years and you are enrolled in a Broker’s Prelicense Course at a school approved by the Commission, your license history will be verified by the Commission at the time the school transmits your electronic application.

If you have ever held a real estate license in a state other than Georgia, or if you are not fulfilling your prelicense education requirements by taking a Broker’s Prelicense Course at a school approved by the Commission, you MUST attach a certification of your license history from the state in which you met the education, examination and experience requirements for licensure with your application. The license history must be less than one year old and it must show “active” time or dates.

VII. FEES

Must pay the appropriate licensing fee as described below:

• Any person making application for a broker’s license must pay a total fee of $170.00
• The examination fee of $91.00.

This amount covers all fees due for the first four years of licensure.

VIII. ACTIVE/INACTIVE STATUS

Associate Broker

If your salesperson’s license is on active status with a firm, AMP can issue and associate broker license only to “active” status with that firm. If your salesperson’s license is on “inactive” status, AMP can issue an associate broker’s license to “inactive” status; or if you desire an “active” license, you must also submit to AMP a Sponsoring Broker Statement Application located in the candidate handbook. An “inactive” license does not require that form. You may activate your license at no cost at a later time when you decide to join a real estate firm.

Brokers

AMP can issue only “inactive” brokers licenses. You can activate a brokers license by filing an “opening a new firm” or a “change of qualifying broker” application with the Commission.

Whether placing a license in active” or “inactive” status, the applicant must pay the appropriate licensing fee. Any licensee who places a license on inactive status must also pay renewal fees as they come due.

IX. CONTINUING EDUCATION

The Commission requires that all active licensees licensed after January 1, 1980, must complete at least twenty-four (24) hours of approved continuing education course work during each four year renewal period to meet the Continuing Education requirements.

Salespersons must take a 25 hour Salespersons postlicense course in their first year of licensure. The course taken must be one specifically approved by the Commission. Failure to complete a postlicense course during the first year of being licensed will cause the license to lapse.

GEORGIA 25 HOUR POST LICENSE COURSE ONLINE

GEORGIA 25 HOUR POST LICENSE COURSE CD

AGE REQUIREMENT

Must be at least 18 years of age. Applicants may take the salesperson’s examination at age 17, but cannot activate the license until they are 18.

GENERAL EDUCATION

Must be a high school graduate or the holder of a certificate of equivalency.

REAL ESTATE EDUCATION

Must meet ONE of the following Real Estate Educational Requirements:

• successfully complete the required 75-hour Salesperson Prelicense Course at a school approved by the Georgia Real Estate Commission;
• successfully complete a minimum of 10 quarter hours or 6 semester hours of either course work eligible for a major in real estate from a U.S. or Canadian accredited college or university or course in real property, agency, or contracts from a U.S. or Canadian accredited school of law. You must submit to AMP (not the Commission) an official transcript from the college, university, or school of law with you application for examination. Continuing education adult education, crash seminars, and special short courses are not acceptable. AMP will notify you as to whether your coursework is acceptable; OR
• provide proof of completion of at least 75 hours of prelicense course work approved by the real estate regulatory agency of another state or province of Canada. You must obtain a letter from that agency that verifies that the course work is approved in that state or province.

POSTLICENSE EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Salespersons must take a 25 hour Salespersons postlicense course in their first year of licensure. The course taken must be one specifically approved by the Commission. Failure to complete a postlicense course during the first year of being licensed will cause the license to lapse.

EXAMINATION

Must pass the Examination administered by AMP and approved by the Commission. The examination fee is $91.00. Persons applying for a salesperson’s license must apply within twelve months of the date they took the examination; or after twelve months have passed, they must retake the examination.

EXPERIENCE

There are no experience requirements for a salesperson’s license.

BACKGROUND CHECK

After completing the Georgia Sales Persons Pre-License course, a copy of the applicant’s criminal history or Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) Report must be brought to the AMP testing center (not the commission) prior to receiving a license.  If the report indicates any crime convictions or sanctions by any licensing or regulatory agency, then the Commission will conduct an investigation and decide whether or not to issue the license.

FEES

Must pay the appropriate licensing fee as described below:

• If you are applying within 3 months from taking your exam, the fee will be $170.00.
• If you are applying more than three months but less than 12 months from taking your exam, the fee will be $340.00.
• The examination fee of $91.00.

This amount covers all fees due for the first four years of licensure.

ACTIVE/INACTIVE STATUS

Any individual who successfully passes the salesperson licensing examination may apply to place his or her license on inactive status rather than activating it with a broker. In any case, the applicant must pay the appropriate licensing fee. The salesperson postlicense educational requirements apply to a salesperson who goes on inactive status. Any licensee who places a license on inactive status must also pay renewal fees as they come due.

Any individual who successfully passes the salesperson licensing examination may apply to activate his or her license with a broker using the Sponsoring Broker Statement Application located in the candidate handbook. The application must be signed by the sponsoring broker.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

The Commission requires that all active licensees licensed after January 1, 1980, must complete at least twenty-four (24) hours of approved continuing education course work during each four year renewal period to meet the Continuing Education requirements.

Be selective in taking advice.

If you’re going to ask other agents what they remember of the test, ask those that took their exams in the last few months. Memories falter and tests change, so at least get the most current advice you can.

Check exam training book dates.

Again, tests change over time with business change and to make this passing on of questions and answers more difficult. Look for published study guides that are current.

Learn for the test.

You’ll have lots of time after you have your license to expand your knowledge and expertise. Focus now on locating study materials or courses that are designed for “passing the test”. If you’re considering a pre-exam prep course, find out their first-time passing success rate. Some offer free re-training if you fail the first time around.

Read it, know it, or skip it.

Good test-taking practice is to answer the questions you know, while not getting bogged down time-wise on those that you’re not sure about. Many are given on computers now, and they usually make it easier to mark and come back to skipped questions. If you know it, answer it. If you’re not sure, move on. It may surprise you how a related question further along in the test will help you with the answer to one that you skipped.

The old stand-by advice still works.

The tried-and-true advice to get a good night’s sleep and arrive early and fresh still applies. It’s rare that the midnight oil helps if it’s the midnight before the test.

• CMA
• Bill of Sale
• Listing Agreement
• Real Estate Terms
• Purchase and Sale
• Lease
• Counter Offer
• Qualifying Problem