Getting your Alaska Real Estate License is the first step to becoming a real estate agent in Alaska. Nowadays, this process can be done almost entirely online. You will still need to take your Alaska real estate license exam in person, but the rest of the process can be completed entirely online!
This article outlines how to become a real estate agent in Alaska in an easy to understand, step-by-step manner. You’ll learn how much it will cost, how long it will take, what is on the exam, and much more.
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How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Alaska
Becoming a real estate agent in Alaska is as simple as getting your license, finding a broker sponsor, and getting to work selling real estate! As long as you fulfill the below requirements, you are already on your way to your goal.
Alaska Real Estate License Requirements
The requirements to become a real estate affiliate in Alaska are:
- Be a citizen of the United States or a lawfully admitted alien
- Be 19 years of age or older
How to Get Your Real Estate License in Alaska
Step 1. Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course
Alaska requires that real estate sales agents complete 40 hours of pre-license coursework before sitting for their exam. Education certificates are only valid for 18 months from the date of completion.
Most people choose to take their pre-license education course online. The majority of online courses are self-paced and include study materials like real estate practice exams and flashcards. Some also come with a “guarantee” that you will pass the exam on your first attempt if you complete their course. These benefits are all dependent on the education provider and package you choose, so be sure to get the course that best suits your needs.
Remember that the point of these courses isn’t just to check a box and complete a requirement, but rather to prepare you to pass your exam and become a better agent.
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Alaska does not require the final pre-license exam to be supervised by a proctor. This is not the same as the state exam. This test is provided by your pre-license education company and is an indication that you have completed and retained the information from your pre-license education course.
Similar to the state exam, this test is closed-book and closed-note. You are allowed a basic-function calculator and scratch paper, but no cell phones or outside internet access.
Step 2. Alaska Real Estate License Exam
After you’ve completed your pre-license education, it’s now time to take the Alaska Real Estate Exam.
The fee to take the exam is $100 per attempt.
The Alaska Real Estate Exam consists of 120 questions. This includes 80 for the National section and 40 for the State section.
You will have 240 minutes (4 hours) to complete the entire exam. The National section time is 150 minutes (2.5 hours), and the State section time is 90 minutes (1.5 hours).
A passing score for the Alaska Real Estate Salesperson Exam is 60/80 on the National section and 30/40 on the State section.
Immediately after completing your exam, you will receive a scoring document that states whether you passed or failed. If it is marked “Fail,” then you will see a breakdown of your score in the different areas of the exam. If you decide to retake the exam, use this as a guide for your studies.
Exam scores are valid only for six months from the exam date, and you must have a complete application filed with the Alaska Real Estate Commission before the expiration of the exam scores.
How Hard is the Alaska Real Estate Exam
The passing rate for the Alaska Real Estate Salesperson Exam is 75%. This test is purposefully difficult, but not impossible. Be sure to pay attention during your pre-license course and take studying seriously. If you put the proper effort forth, we know that you can pass on your first attempt!
You can register to take your exam on the Pearson VUE Alaska Real Estate page. On this page, you will find some other helpful resources, including the Candidate Handbook and Content Outline.
Before taking the exam, check out StateRequirement’s guide on How to Pass the Real Estate Exam. This in-depth guide works as a great partner to your pre-license course to prepare you to pass on your first attempt!
Step 3. Obtain Errors and Omissions Insurance
All licensees are required to obtain and submit proof of E&O Insurance, either through the Master Policy offered by RISC or through equivalent coverage.
Those licensees who choose to obtain E&O insurance through equivalent coverage will be required to submit a form completed by their insurance provider that certifies the licensee has met the E&O.
Step 4. Real Estate License Application
The last step to getting your real estate license in Alaska is to complete your license application.
Online applications are filed through your MyAlaska account. If you file via the MyAlaska account you will receive email notifications about your application status.
Alternatively, you may submit the completed application form to the following address:
Alaska Real Estate Commission
550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1500
Anchorage, AK 99501
Along with your application form, you must also attach the following documents:
- $390 license application fee (breakdown: $200 application fee, $140 license fee, and $50 recovery fund fee)
- Original exam score sheet showing proof of passing the Alaska Salesperson exam
- Certificate of completion of the required 40 hours of pre-licensing education
- Proof/verification of E&O Insurance coverage
- If you have responded “yes” to any professional fitness questions in the application, be sure to submit a signed and dated explanation and both charging and closing court documentation
- Sponsoring broker’s information
Step 5. Application Review
Once you’ve passed your exam, you will only need to wait for your license to be issued. In most cases, this process should take about 10 business days. After this, you should receive a letter from the Alaska Real Estate Commission with a license document. If you have any questions at this point, you should contact AREC at (907) 269-8160 or RealEstateCommission@Alaska.Gov.
Congratulations!
Be sure to take some time to celebrate your accomplishment. You’ve put in a lot of work and effort and deserve a celebration!
Step 6. Real Estate License Sponsorship
To activate your real estate license, make sure to have your sponsoring broker complete the application form’s employing broker portion.
If you don’t yet have a broker to work with check out StateRequirement Jobs for a real estate salesperson opening in your area.
Alaska Post-Licensing Education
All new licensees are required to complete 30 hours of post-licensing education (PLE). This education must be completed within one year after the date of the initial salesperson license.
After the required 30 hours of PLE is completed, an Affidavit of Post Licensing Affidavit form (08-4326) along with a $50 fee must be submitted to the Alaska Real Estate Commission. Copies of all completed education certificates and appropriate fees must accompany the PLE Affidavit within 30 days after the one year of initial licensure, or the license will lapse.
Note
There’s a chance that your pre-license education package came with these post-license courses in the package, so be sure you check before you buy another course.
Check out StateRequirement’s recommended post-license course provider for access to these courses.
Alaska Division of Professional Licensing
Mailing Address:
Alaska Real Estate Commission
550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1500
Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: (907) 269-8160
Email: RealEstateCommission@Alaska.Gov
Website: https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/RealEstateCommission.aspx
Alaska Real Estate License FAQ
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Real Estate License in Alaska?
The total estimated cost to become a real estate licensee in Alaska, including all fees and real estate classes, ranges from $1,507 to $1,631. This includes Alaska’s specific fees of $1,132 and an estimated $375-$499 for real estate pre-licensing education.
How Long Does it Take to Get an Alaska Real Estate License?
Getting a real estate license can take up to three to six months, accounting for pre-license education and test preparation. If you dedicate a full-time schedule and meet the appropriate education requirements, you could complete this process in two months. However, rushing is not advisable; taking time to thoroughly study and prepare is important for a successful real estate career.
How to Get an Alaska Commercial Real Estate License?
To sell commercial real estate in Alaska, a standard Salesperson or Broker license is all that you need. There is no specific “commercial real estate license”. If you wish to take on a career selling specifically commercial real estate, choose a broker that handles the types of deals that you want to be a part of.
Are There any Real Estate Jobs Open Around Me?
To discover open positions in the real estate business near you, including roles like associate broker or licensed broker, visit StateRequirement Jobs. We offer a comprehensive listing of available real estate jobs in your area, helping you find the right opportunity in the industry.