Becoming a Delaware real estate broker is a strong step forward in your career. Not only does this advanced license look great on a resume, it also allows you to work independently, open real estate brokerage firms, and manage other agents within these firms.

Getting the Delaware Real Estate Broker License is a fairly simple process, but it does require you to complete four steps, and have a few prerequisites before applying or taking the broker’s exam.

This guide covers all of these requirements in a simple, easy-to-understand way that will make it easier for you throughout this process.

Delaware Real Estate Agent vs. Real Estate Broker

Delaware offers two different types of real estate license: Sales and Broker.

A sales agent’s license is the initial license that real estate agents get in order to sell real estate.

A broker’s license is an advanced license that allows the license holder to operate at a higher level within real estate businesses in Delaware.

People often confuse sales agents and brokers. A simple way to look at the difference is that holders of the sales agent’s license are called real estate agents, while holders of the broker’s license are called real estate brokers.

Delaware Real Estate Broker License Requirements

First, to be eligible for a real estate broker’s license, you must meet the prerequisites to become a real estate broker in Delaware.

These prerequisites are:

• Have continuously held an active real estate agent’s license in the state of Delaware for the last five years (or a broker or agent in another state)
• At least three of those five years must be spent actively practicing in the industry through real estate transactions
• Submit proof of a minimum of 30 real estate transactions in the five years immediately preceding your broker’s application

How to Become a Real Estate Broker in Delaware

Once you meet all the requirements listed above, you can follow these four steps to easily help you get your real estate broker license in Delaware.

Step 1: Complete a Delaware Broker Pre-Licensing Course

The first thing you will need to do to get your real estate broker license in Delaware is to complete the 99 hours of pre-licensing coursework.

The pre-license coursework consists of nine classes and must be taken through an accredited educator that’s been approved by the Delaware Real Estate Commission. These courses can be completed online or in person.

These real estate courses cover the basic concepts and principles of working in the industry and completing real estate transactions. You must complete these pre-licensing courses before applying for your broker’s license.

The required 99 hours of real estate broker pre-licensing education in Delaware includes:

• Brokerage Management
• Real Estate Documents
• Valuing Real Property
• Real Estate Financing
• Landlord Tenant Code/Property Management/Condominiums
• Legal and Governmental Aspects of Real Estate
• Real Estate Investment
• Real Estate Ethics
• Real Estate Math

Delaware does offer reciprocity for active real estate brokers moving to the area. If you currently hold a license in another state, you can obtain a reciprocal license in Delaware by passing the Delaware law portion of the licensing exam.

Once you’ve completed the 99-hour education requirements, you will need to take and pass an end-of-course final examination. This test is administered to ensure you’ve retained and can apply the concepts taught in the coursework. You must achieve a passing grade of 70% or higher to pass the broker course and move on to the next phase of licensure.

Step 2: Pass the Delaware Real Estate Broker Exam

Once you’ve completed the pre-licensing coursework and obtained a passing score on your end-of-course exam, you will need to take the Delaware real estate broker licensing exam. This test is administered by Pearson VUE.

The fee for the broker exam is $85.

In Delaware, the broker’s exam consists of 130 questions divided into two sections. The state-specific section covers Delaware law and consists of 50 multiple choice questions. The general section has 130 questions. You will have 240 minutes (four hours) to complete both sections.

To pass the broker exam in Delaware, you must receive a score of 70% or higher.

If you fail one or both parts of the exam, Delaware allows you to retake the portions you failed three times. If you’re unable to pass both sections within one year, you must retake the pre-licensing coursework.

To learn more about the exam, Pearson VUE provides each applicant with a Candidate Handbook containing the Delaware Real Estate Broker Exam Content Outline.

Taking an exam prep course provides you helpful tools and materials, such as quizzes and specific state-only practice exams, to increase your chances of passing your broker license exam the first time.

Step 3: Submit a Delaware Broker License Application

Once you’ve completed the necessary pre-licensing coursework and passed both the state and national sections of the exam, you’re ready to apply for your broker’s license.

All applications must be submitted online using the DELPROS online system. The application fee for a broker’s license is $238 and $219 for associate brokers.

Step 4: Application Review

Once you’ve successfully submitted your application, all that’s left to do is wait for the DPR to review your online application.

The current application processing time is 3-5 business days, but this may vary. Once processed, you’ll receive notification of your approval (or a request for additional information).

You can then access your license through DELPROS. If you have any questions, you can contact the DPR by email at customerservice.dpr@delaware.gov or by phone at (302) 744-4500.

Congratulations!

Now that you’ve successfully passed the broker licensing exam and obtained your license, there are a few things you need to do to keep your broker license active and updated.

Delaware Real Estate Broker License Renewal and CE

Licensed Delaware real estate brokers are required to renew their licenses by April 30, of even years. DPR will email you a reminder renewal notice approximately 90 days before your license’s expiration date. This notice will contain detailed instructions regarding how to access and complete your renewal application.

Renewal applications are processed using DELPROS. You will also be required to pay your renewal fee at this time. Your renewal notice will contain details regarding how much your renewal fee is. Real estate broker renewal fees are around $200. All late renewal applications will be assessed a penalty of 50% of the renewal fee.

All Delaware real estate brokers are required to complete 21 hours of approved continuing education (CE) prior to their renewal date. Brokers applying for their first renewal may not have to complete the full 21 hours. Initial renewal CE requirements are determined by the date your license was issued.

DEDPR – Delaware Division of Professional Regulation

Mailing Address:

Delaware Real Estate Commission
Cannon Building, Suite 203
861 Silver Lake Blvd.
Dover, DE 19904

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:15am – 4:15pm

Phone: (302) 744-4500

Email: customerservice.dpr@delaware.gov 

Website: https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/realestate/