Get a Real Estate License in Oregon: Complete Guide

If you’re considering a real estate career, Oregon is an excellent place to start. From Portland’s urban neighborhoods to growing rural markets, it offers diverse areas where new brokers can thrive. 

But before you can help clients buy and sell homes, you’ll need to get licensed by the Oregon Real Estate Agency.

As a test prep platform, we are committed to helping our students with everything they will need.

We have prepared this guide to help you understand the process of obtaining a real estate license in Oregon, from meeting the eligibility requirements to applying for your broker’s license. 

By the end, you’ll have a complete roadmap that explains not just how to get licensed, but how to start your career with confidence in the Oregon real estate market.

Step 1: Meet the Oregon Real Estate License Requirements

Before you can start coursework or register for the exam, you must meet Oregon’s basic eligibility standards. Which are not at all unfair or hard to meet. 

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a real estate license.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Create an account in the agency’s online license management system (eLicense).
  • You’ll need this account to apply for your license, monitor your application, schedule your exam, and even renew your license in the future. 

Once you meet these requirements, you’re ready for the next step. 

Step 2: Complete the 150-Hour Pre-License Education

This is the step that will take you the longest, as Oregon requires all applicants to complete a 150-hour broker pre-license course from an agency-approved real estate school. But it’s an essential step. 

To motivate yourself, think of this education as the foundation you’ll need to pass the exam and succeed in practice.

Here’s what you need to know about the course:

• The program comprises 150 hours, divided into several modules. So expect it to cover real estate principles, law, contracts, and practices.
  
• Always check that a provider is approved by the Oregon Real Estate Agency.
  
• At the end of the program, you’ll take a school exam that verifies you’ve mastered the material before registering for the state exam.
  
• Courses are flexible, and depending on the provider, you can take them online, in a classroom, or a combination of both.
  

Step 3: Pass the Oregon Real Estate Broker Exam

The next significant step, and one that most candidates fear, is passing the PSI Oregon Real Estate Broker Exam. Although you took a final exam on the previous step, this one is more challenging, as it is designed to test not only memorization but also your ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios.

What to expect from the Oregon real estate broker exam? 

• The exam has a total of 130 questions. The national portion has 80, and the state-specific portion has 50.
  
• You’ll have a total of 240 minutes to complete it, with 190 for the national portion and 50 for the state portion.
  
• To pass successfully, you’ll need a minimum score of 75% in each portion.
  
• If you fail one portion, you only need to retake that section and wait for the day after the exam to reschedule it. 

Lexawise, an Affordable Exam Prep Platform

If you’re nervous about the licensing exam, you can take advantage of the best tools to prepare for it. Here at Lexawise, we are fully dedicated to helping you start your real estate career with the best tools in the market. 

Check out all the resources we offer with our Exam prep courses!

• 4,500+ Practice Questions across every key exam topic
• Smart Analytics to track your performance and progress
• Real Estate Math Guide with easy-to-follow steps
• Unlimited Practice Exams to build confidence and endurance
• Real Estate Exam Study Guide PDF to study anywhere, anytime
• 800+ Flashcards to master your exam’s real estate terms
• 24/7 AI Tutor ready to answer your questions on the spot
• Video Lessons to visually guide you through complex concepts
• 100+ Audio Lessons so you can review key material on the go, hands-free

Lexawise suits every learning style and has very affordable pricing, going from $39 for a week-long intensive course to $79 for 6 months of access. Check our exam prep courses and find the one that fits you best.

Step 4: Complete the Background Check and Fingerprinting

Before your license can be issued, you must complete a fingerprint-based background check to ensure that every Oregon broker meets the state’s ethical and legal standards. 

Your fingerprints will be taken at the PSI exam center after you pass the license exam, or at a later date if you took the exam online. These are later processed through the Oregon State Police (OSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Regarding the background check, you’ll need to provide the necessary details as part of the license application process in eLicense. Always disclose everything, as failing to do this can lead to license denial. Remember, having a criminal history doesn’t automatically mean you won’t get a license. Depending on the circumstances, you can get a real estate license with a felony.

Step 5: Apply for Your Oregon Broker License

Once you’ve passed the PSI exam, the final step is applying for your broker license through the Oregon Real Estate Agency and waiting for it to be approved. This makes your status official and allows you to start practicing.

Step 6: Start Working as a Real Estate Broker in Oregon

After your license is issued, you’re ready to launch your career as a real estate broker. Your first year is going to be hard, as you’ll be building a strong foundation for your real estate career.

Here are some of the first career steps you’ll want to take:

• Join a Brokerage: Many new brokers begin their careers under an established brokerage for support, training, and lead opportunities.
  
• Build Your Network: Let every person you know learn about your new career, and start getting new contacts and gaining experience.
  
• Develop Marketing Basics: You can do this by creating professional business cards to share. But it also involves establishing a digital presence and a simple brand identity.
  
• Know the Market: Use your time to study Oregon housing trends and neighborhood insights to become a reliable local expert. We talk a lot more on our blog about the typical day as a real estate agent.

FAQs About Getting a Real Estate License in Oregon

Below are some of the most common questions about getting a real estate license in Oregon to help you better understand the process.

How long does it take to get a real estate license in Oregon?

Most people finish it in 3 to 6 months. Of course, this depends on how quickly they complete the 150-hour course and schedule their exam. 

Can I take the Oregon real estate exam online?

Yes, PSI offers online proctored exams. Keep in mind that in-person testing centers provide more reliability and fewer technical issues, but both formats follow the same structure.

How much does it cost to get licensed in Oregon?

The total cost typically ranges from $700 to $1,000, including education, exam fees, application fees, and fingerprinting. Renewal adds a recurring cost every two years.

Does Oregon have reciprocity with other states?

Yes, Oregon has reciprocity with select states, but most applicants still need to pass the Oregon state portion of the exam. 

What are the continuing education requirements in Oregon?

You must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years, including the Law and Rule Required Course (LARRC). Just as with the prelicensing course, ensure that the courses are taken from an approved provider.

Conclusion

Getting your Oregon real estate license is a major achievement, but it’s not the end of the road; it’s the start of your career. 

The real work begins as you join a brokerage, build your network, and develop your expertise in Oregon’s dynamic housing market.

What are you waiting for? Start your education today!