The Arkansas Real Estate License Examinations are developed and administered by Pearson VUE, a National Independent Testing Company. The testing method in Arkansas is an electronic system that is PC-based which eliminates the use of paper answer sheets. The PC-based program is easy to operate. Knowledge of computers and typing is NOT required or needed. Further information about Pearson VUE and the examination process, including an Application for Examination can be found in the “Real Estate Candidate Handbook”, which is available at most schools and providers of Real Estate Education.
Salesperson applicants must:
Broker applicants must:
Workforce Expansion Act Waivers
As mandated by Act 725 of 2021, the Arkansas Real Estate Commission has implemented a waiver of the initial licensing fee for applicants who qualify for the Workforce Expansion Act of 2021. If the initial applicant is currently receiving assistance through the Arkansas Medicaid Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (TANF), Lifeline Assistance Program and/or the applicant was approved for unemployment with the last twelve (12) months and/or the applicant’s income does not exceed two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty income guidelines that applicant may qualify for the waiver.
If you meet the qualifications for the Workforce Waiver, please contact the office at (501) 683-8010 or areclic@arkansas.gov to provide documentation and request the waiver for the initial application fee.
Military Members, Veterans, and Spouses
Pursuant to Act 725 of 2021, active-duty military members, returning veterans, and spouses may qualify for automatic licensure or expedited application processing. Please contact the AREC for additional information.
Applicants currently licensed in another state:
A salesperson applicant currently licensed in another state and seeking licensure in Arkansas at the same level, may request a waiver of the GENERAL portion of the examination. A salesperson applicant who meets all three (3) of the following requirements may be required to take only the Arkansas Law Portion of the Examination.
Effective January 1, 2006, the Arkansas Real Estate Commission requires all applicants for original licensure as a real estate salesperson or broker to complete a state and federal criminal background check. The federal criminal background check requires resident applicants to submit digital fingerprints.
The Arkansas State Police conducts the criminal background check on each applicant, including an FBI check, which requires the taking of fingerprints, and submits the report to the Commission.
In order to process the application, the following must be received by AREC:
*NOTE: AREC will now accept Applications for Real Estate License Examination prior to completion of the sixty-hour (60) pre-licensing course.
Applications can be submitted prior to completion of pre-license education. Please note that Certificates of Exam Eligibility will not be issued until 1) AREC receives proof of completion of pre-license education AND 2) Complete Background Check Acknowledgment (BCA) Form has been submitted to AREC.
The criminal background reports must be received and approved by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission before the Real Estate Commission will issue the license.
Applicants should frequently check their email including spam folders for information on the criminal background check process.
Effective January 1, 2006, the Arkansas Real Estate Commission requires all applicants for original licensure as a real estate salesperson or broker to complete a state and federal criminal background check. The Arkansas State Police conducts the criminal background check on each applicant, including an FBI check, which requires the taking of fingerprints. Non-resident applicants will submit requests for the state and federal background checks using an applicant fingerprint card.
In order to process the application, the following must be received by AREC:
