Although it has fewer regulations than some states, there are several requirements you must meet to become a real estate agent in Missouri. Like all other states, you must obtain a license in order to work as a real estate agent in Missouri. Acquiring this license requires the completion of a few real estate certifications, including educational courses, an application for a real estate license and an exam.

This guide will outline what certifications and other prerequisites the state of Missouri requires from anyone who wishes to work as a real estate agent within the state.

Education Requirements

Like all careers, there are some recommended educational requirements to land a job and start working in the field. To work as a real estate agent in Missouri, you only need a high school diploma or GED. A college degree, however, may be preferred by some employers, especially as the real estate market becomes more competitive and complex. Associates and Bachelor’s degrees in real estate are offered by many colleges and universities, as are courses in real estate.

Once that is completed, you will need to sit for an additional 72 hours of real estate courses. These include the 48-hour pre-exam salesperson course and the 24-hour Missouri Real Estate Practice Course. All courses must be taken through an accredited Missouri real estate school. The exception to this is if you are already a licensed attorney in Missouri. If you are an attorney, you do not need to complete the course requirements. This is because the material covered in these courses has to do with legal topics attorneys already know.

Examination Requirements

Once you have completed your coursework, you will need to pass both parts of an exam to be awarded your real estate agent license. These tests are taken on computers and are held at four different testing locations throughout Missouri: St. Louis, Jefferson City, Springfield and Kansas City. You can schedule to take the exam online and will need to provide your name, date of birth, mailing address, social security number, the school at which you took the courses and the exam you wish to take.

Even if you are an attorney and had the educational requirement waived, you still need to pass the examination. Once you have passed the exam, you have six months to send in your completed application for a real estate license.

Work Requirements

Once you obtain your license, you are required to work with a real estate broker when first starting out. Be sure to take the time and find a broker you believe will be a good match to work with. Interview with a number of different options before you make your choice.

Once you have your Missouri real estate license, you can only use it for the buying and selling of property in Missouri. Missouri does not have any specific reciprocity agreements with other states. Some states, however, will accept real estate licenses from any other state.

Other Requirements

You must be at least 18 years old to get licensed as a real estate agent in Missouri. You must also submit to a background check, which requires you to be fingerprinted. Criminal history may potentially bar you from being able to obtain a real estate license. A fee is required for the background check, as well as for the license itself.

Experienced Missouri real estate agents can choose to obtain a broker license to further their careers. To get a broker license, you must possess a valid Missouri real estate agent license for 24 consecutive months within the last 30 months. You must also take an additional 48-hour course on broker education.

Hopefully this guide has made the process of obtaining a real estate license in Missouri clearer.  You will be fully prepared once you have completed all coursework and passed all exams.  This will begin your career as a Missouri real estate agent. Be sure to contact the appropriate state body with any questions or for further details on required real estate certifications.  That state body will be the Missouri Division of Professional Registration.