License guide

How to get a Colorado real estate license

Colorado licenses real estate professionals through the Colorado Division of Real Estate and the Real Estate Commission. Here is the path in plain steps, checked against the official sources in October 2026.

Step by step

Take 168 hours of qualifying education
Complete the Commission's courses through an accredited college or a school approved by the Colorado Division of Private and Occupational Schools: Real Estate Law and Practice (48), Colorado Contracts and Regulations (48), Trust Accounts and Record-Keeping (8), Current Legal Issues (8), Real Estate Closings (24) and Practical Applications (32). A degree with a major in real estate can substitute.
Pass both parts of the exam
PSI runs the Colorado broker exam, which has a national and a state portion. Each passing score is good for one year.
Complete the fingerprint background check
Submit fingerprints for the criminal history background check described in the Division's bulletin.
Get E&O insurance and apply online
You need a current errors and omissions insurance policy before the license can be active. Then complete the online application with your course certificate.
Start at the associate level
The independent and employing broker levels need two years of active broker experience, so a new broker starts as an associate broker working under an employing broker.

Keeping your license

24 hours of CE each 3-year cycle for active brokers.
12 of the 24 hours are three different versions of the 4-hour Annual Commission Update course. Active brokers take the update course each year and pass its exam. The other 12 hours are electives.
Keep proof of completion for at least 4 years.

Renewal and CE rules

Questions

Does Colorado have a salesperson license?

No. The license is the broker license, with associate, independent and employing levels.

I am licensed in another state. What do I need?

With a non-expired license held at least two years elsewhere, you pass the state portion of the exam, complete the background check and send a certified license history dated within 90 days.

Do I need a website on day one?

No, but a simple page with your photo, brokerage and contact info helps clients find you. Property Landing Pages has a free plan with one listing page and an agent site.