5 Steps to Get a Michigan Real Estate License & Become a REALTOR®
Step 1 – Complete the Required 40 Hours of Pre-licensing Coursework
The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) requires that all applicants take a 40-hour Michigan real estate pre-licensing course from an approved educator. Four (4) of the coursework hours must cover civil rights law and equal opportunity in housing. The remaining thirty-six (36) hours include topics that are on the licensing exam, such as financing, state regulations, and property ownership.
Course Options (In-Person & Online):
- List of Approved Pre-Licensing Courses CLICK HERE
- From the list of reports, select Real Estate Approved Courses Report
- Real-time data is queried, so it may take a few minutes to generate the list. While the report is generating, you may see a message to “Please wait…”
- Depending on the internet browser being used, a window may appear when the report is ready to download. Click on it to open the document in Excel. Some reports are generated as a .pdf file and will open in your browser or download to your computer automatically.
- The CE Shop Online 40-Hr. Packages (BCAAR Affiliate Link) CLICK HERE
- YouLearnIt 40-Hr. Packages (BCAAR Affiliate Link) CLICK HERE
Step 2 – Submit an Application
Now that you’ve met the education requirement, it’s time to apply for your real estate license. Submit an application online using the MI Plus system (fees apply). After LARA processes the application, your information will be passed along to PSI, the licensing exam administrator.
CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions.
Step 3 – Pass the Michigan Real Estate Licensing Exam
Once your information is received by PSI Services, LLC, you can register to take the exam at PSIexams.com. It’s a pass/fail exam that covers national and Michigan-specific real estate questions. If you don’t pass the Michigan real estate pre-licensing exam on your first attempt, it’s okay. It happens to a lot of people. You’ll be able to retake the test and can still get a real estate license even if it takes a few tries.
Now that you know how to get a real estate license in Michigan, it’s time to take the first step. In a matter of a month or two, you can be working as a Michigan real estate agent.
- The CE Shop Real Estate Exam Prep (BCAAR Affiliate Link) CLICK HERE
Industry-leading exam prep that provides everything you need to feel confident on the day of your licensing exam.
Step 4 – Find a Broker Sponsor
Michigan real estate agents are independent contractors, but they aren’t completely on their own. You must work under the supervision of a broker sponsor. Any licensed broker in Michigan can act as a sponsor, but it’s important to find a brokerage that’s a good fit for your career goals. You may choose to find a broker before or after passing your licensing exam; however, your license will not be active until your broker approves the relationship in the MI Plus System.
Exam results are only valid for one year, so you’ll need to find a broker sponsor within that period. LARA requires that you designate a sponsoring broker within one (1) year of applying, or you’ll have to submit an application (fees apply).
Step 5: Join a REALTOR® Association
Becoming a member of a REALTOR® Association is an essential step in advancing your real estate career. As a member, you’ll gain access to valuable industry resources, networking opportunities, and tools that can help you succeed. Additionally, REALTOR® is a respected trademark and may only be used by members of a REALTOR® Association. By joining, you gain the right to use the REALTOR® title, which sets you apart as a professional in the real estate industry.
You can join the REALTOR® Association of your choice once you meet the membership criteria and complete the necessary application process. Each Association may vary in terms of benefits, pricing, and membership requirements, so it’s important to research the options available to you and choose the one that best aligns with your professional goals.
CLICK HERE to view benefits and apply for membership with the Battle Creek Area Association of REALTORS®.
Important: To join a REALTOR® Association, your brokerage must also be a member of the association you wish to join. Be sure to confirm that your brokerage is affiliated with the association before applying for membership.