How to get a real estate license in Colorado
In Colorado every licensee is a broker. New licensees complete 168 hours of education, pass a two-part PSI exam, clear a CBI fingerprint check, and carry errors and omissions insurance. With less than two years of experience you're licensed as an associate broker under an employing broker.
Last checked October 2026. Official source: Colorado Division of Real Estate
- License
- Real estate broker (associate broker)
- Pre-licensing education
- 168 hours
- State exam
- PSI. National and state portions. Each passing result is good for one year.
- Background check
- Fingerprint-based background check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
- Broker
- New licensees are associate brokers and work under an employing broker until they have two years of experience.
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Steps to get licensed in Colorado
- 1
Complete 168 hours of approved education
Take all six required courses from a Division-approved provider.
- 2
Pass the PSI exam
Pass the national and Colorado portions. Each result is valid for one year from the day you pass it.
- 3
Complete the CBI fingerprint check
Submit fingerprints for the Colorado and national background check.
- 4
Get errors and omissions insurance
Colorado requires active brokers to carry E&O coverage.
- 5
Apply and join an employing broker
Apply online through the Division of Real Estate and affiliate with your employing broker.
Required courses
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Law and Practice | 48 |
| Colorado Contracts and Regulations | 48 |
| Trust Accounts and Recordkeeping | 8 |
| Current Legal Issues | 8 |
| Real Estate Closings | 24 |
| Practical Applications | 32 |
| Total | 168 |
A degree with a major in real estate from an accredited college can substitute for the 168 hours.
State fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam feePer attempt, paid to PSI. Retakes $42.50. | $44.95 |
| License application fee | See the Division's fee schedule |
| FingerprintingSet by the fingerprint vendor | Varies |
Course tuition is set by each school and isn't included.
After you're licensed
- Continuing education is required to renew. Check the Division for current hours.
Licensed in another state?
Colorado accepts reciprocity from all U.S. states. If you've held a non-expired license for at least two years, you take only the Colorado portion of the exam plus the background check.
Colorado real estate license FAQ
Who issues real estate licenses in Colorado?
The Colorado Division of Real Estate (DRE) issues the real estate broker (associate broker) license in Colorado. Its official website is dre.colorado.gov.
How many hours of pre-licensing education does Colorado require?
Colorado requires 168 hours of approved pre-licensing education. A degree with a major in real estate from an accredited college can substitute for the 168 hours.
What courses do I need to take for a Colorado real estate license?
The required coursework is Real Estate Law and Practice (48 hours), Colorado Contracts and Regulations (48 hours), Trust Accounts and Recordkeeping (8 hours), Current Legal Issues (8 hours), Real Estate Closings (24 hours), and Practical Applications (32 hours).
What is the Colorado real estate exam like?
PSI. National and state portions. Each passing result is good for one year.
Is a background check required in Colorado?
Fingerprint-based background check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Do I need a sponsoring broker to get licensed in Colorado?
New licensees are associate brokers and work under an employing broker until they have two years of experience.
How much does a Colorado real estate license cost?
State fees include exam fee ($44.95), license application fee (See the Division's fee schedule), and fingerprinting (Varies). Course tuition is set by each school and is not included.
Can I transfer a real estate license from another state to Colorado?
Colorado accepts reciprocity from all U.S. states. If you've held a non-expired license for at least two years, you take only the Colorado portion of the exam plus the background check.
What do I need to do after getting my Colorado real estate license?
Continuing education is required to renew. Check the Division for current hours.
Get course info for Colorado
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Requirements and fees change. Confirm the current rules with the Colorado Division of Real Estate before you enroll or apply.