General requirements
Anyone who wants to hold an Alaska real estate license must be at least 19 years of age and not be under indictment for a felony or crime that could impact their ability to competently practice real estate.
If you meet this basic qualification, you can earn an Alaska salesperson license in (6) steps.
Step 1: Take the 40-hour Pre-licensing Education
All new salesperson candidates must take 40 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved education provider. During your course, you will learn about real estate practice, federal and state real estate regulations, real estate financing, and other essential topics for working as a salesperson. An online course is the fastest and easiest way to complete your pre-licensing education requirement.
Upon completion, you will receive a course completion certificate that is good for 18 months.
Step 2: Schedule the Licensing Exam
Pearson VUE administers Alaska's Real Estate Salesperson License Exam. You can schedule your exam directly by visiting www.pearsonvue.com or calling (800) 274-5592. All applicants must make an exam appointment.
The non-refundable exam fee is $100. Any changes to your exam appointment day must be made 48 hours in advance, or you will forfeit the fee. You directly pay Pearson VUE the exam fee. Pearson VUE accepts credit card, money order, company check, voucher, or electronic check.
Bring to the test center two forms of identification in English. One form of identification must be a photo-bearing government-issued ID. Test centers are available in Juneau, Anchorage, Bethel, Fairbanks, Homer, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Palmer, Seward, and Sitka.
Refer to the Alaska Candidate Bulletin for more information on examination schedules, site locations, exam security, reporting, and preparation.
Step 3: Pass the Licensing Exam
The Alaska state salesperson exam is divided into two sections: general and state law. Both sections are multiple-choice.
The Alaska Salesperson Pre-licensure Exam includes:
Alaska uses a scaled score on its licensing exam. Scaled scores are intended to compensate for variations in exam difficulty and run from 1 to 100. The number does not reflect the actual number of questions asked or passed. A passing score on the salesperson exam is 75.
You will receive a score report marked “pass” or “fail” before leaving the center. Any failed scores will include diagnostic information. If you fail one section and not the other, you still must retake the entire exam. Your exam results are valid for six months.
Step 4: Purchase Errors and Omissions Insurance
All real estate salespersons are required to carry errors and omissions insurance in Alaska. The policy must meet the minimum standards of coverage as detailed in Article 4 of these centralized licensing regulations.
Alaska does offer a group policy through RISC. Their policies vary by the kind of coverage in its limits. The fee you pay also varies depending on when you enroll. For example, the residential sales coverage only policy starting in January 2021 cost $450. Again, you can select a private carrier as long as the policy meets the required minimum standards.
Step 5: Be hired by an Alaska broker
All Alaska salespersons must work under the supervision of a licensed Alaska broker. A broker must agree to hire you before submitting your license application, as their information is required on your application form.
Step 6: Apply for an Alaska Salesperson Real Estate License
After passing the exam, you have six months to apply for your salesperson license. Alaska gives salespersons the option to use an online application or a paper application. For online applications, follow the instructions to create an account and start the process.
The initial application fee is $200. Your initial licensure also charges a $140.00 license fee and a $50 recovery fund fee, for a total of $390.00. You can pay your fees using a credit card.
Submit with your Alaska salesperson application your:
It can take the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development several weeks to process your salesperson application. Once the application has been reviewed and you have paid the license fee, the license will be issued and sent to you. Congratulations, you are now an Alaska real estate salesperson!
Step 7: Post-licensing education
Be aware that all new licensees must take 30-hour post-licensing education within one year of licensure to maintain an Alaska salesperson license. These 30 hours are in addition to the 20 hours of continuing education required for your first renewal.
Your deadline for completing this education is listed on your individual license. If you fail to submit proof that you have taken the post-licensing education, you will be required to pay a license reinstatement fee.