How to Get Your Real Estate License in Alaska in 2026
Complete your 40-hour course, pass the Pearson VUE exam, and launch your career in one of the country's most unique real estate markets — from Anchorage condos to wilderness properties.
Course Cost
$349 – $755
Time to License
3 – 10 weeks
Avg. Salary
$60K – $90K
Required Hours
40 hours
Top 3 Alaska Real Estate Schools in 2026
All schools below are approved by the Alaska Real Estate Commission (AREC) for the required 40-hour pre-license salesperson course.
1. The CE Shop
Most affordable online option. LEAP 2.0 interactive platform with 5-day free trial and scenario-based learning.
$349
Courses Only package
2. Alaska Real Estate Education
Alaska-specific school. AREC-approved correspondence course with all materials included and Alaska-focused curriculum.
$375
40-Hour Pre-License
3. Colibri Real Estate
Best AI-powered platform. Features AI Tutor (Rubi), narrated audio, and a Pass or Don't Pay guarantee.
$389
The Basics package
Best Real Estate Schools in Alaska
All 4 schools are Alaska Alaska Real Estate Commission-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
The CE Shop
Starting at
$349
- LEAP 2.0 interactive platform
- High pass rates
- 5-day free trial
- Scenario-based learning
Available Packages (4)
Courses Only
- 40-Hour AK Pre-Licensing Course
- Business Ebooks Written by the Experts
- Digital Flashcards
- Career Resources
- Study Schedule
Alaska Real Estate Education
Starting at
$375
- State-approved 40-hour correspondence course
- All materials included
- AK Real Estate Commission approved
- Complete at your own pace
Available Packages (1)
40-Hour Pre-License Course
- 40-Hour AK Pre-License Correspondence Course
- All Course Materials
- Course Completion Certificate
Colibri Real Estate
Starting at
$389
- AI Tutor (Rubi)
- Narrated audio option
- Pass or Don't Pay guarantee available
- Award-winning student dashboard
Available Packages (4)
The Basics
- 40-Hour AK Pre-License Course
- Instructor Support
- Study Guides
- AI Tutor (Rubi)
- Narrated Audio
- Flashcards
Alaska Real Estate School
Starting at
$450
- 40+ years real estate experience
- In-person classroom in Anchorage
- Hybrid: 20 hrs correspondence + 20 hrs in-class
- Free retakes for up to 18 months
Available Packages (2)
Class Only
- 40-Hour AK Pre-License Course (Hybrid)
- 20 Hours Correspondence + 20 Hours In-Class
- State-Approved Instruction
- Free Retakes for 18 Months
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
Earning Potential in Alaska Real Estate
Alaska's elevated home prices translate directly to higher per-transaction commissions — one of the best income opportunities for new agents anywhere in the country.
$390,000
Median Home Price in Alaska
$9,750–$11,700
Gross Commission per Transaction
at 2.5–3% agent commission
$130,000+
Top Agents Earn (Anchorage / Mat-Su)
Commission Structure Example
On a $390,000 Anchorage home sale, the total real estate commission is typically 5–6% of the sale price, split between the listing and buyer's agents. A buyer's agent at a 2.5% commission earns $9,750 gross — then splits with their sponsoring broker (often 50/50 when starting out), netting roughly $4,875 per transaction.
Experienced agents negotiating better splits (70/30 or higher) on the same transaction walk away with $6,825+. Close 10–12 transactions per year and you're looking at $50,000–$80,000 net as a mid-career agent — without counting listings of your own.
Top Alaska Real Estate Markets
Pros & Cons of Getting Your Alaska Real Estate License
👍 Pros
- +High home values. Alaska's $390K median home price means larger commissions per transaction than most states.
- +Low education barrier. Only 40 hours of pre-license education required — one of the lower requirements nationally.
- +Fast path to licensure. Motivated students can complete the entire process in as little as 3–5 weeks.
- +Unique market variety. From Anchorage urban condos to remote wilderness cabins, Alaska offers diverse real estate niches.
- +No degree required. No college education needed — just pass the exam and meet the basic eligibility requirements.
👎 Cons
- -Application by fax or mail only. AREC does not accept email applications — the paper-based process adds 1–2 weeks to your timeline.
- -E&O insurance required upfront. You must obtain Errors & Omissions insurance before your license is issued, adding $200–$400/year to startup costs.
- -Below-average exam pass rate. Only ~70% of first-time test-takers pass — thorough prep is essential.
- -Smaller, seasonal market. Alaska's population and transaction volume are significantly lower than the contiguous U.S., which can limit deal flow.
How to Get Your Alaska Real Estate License: 6 Steps
Follow these steps in order — the Alaska Real Estate Commission requires each to be completed before the next.
Complete 40 Hours of Pre-License Education
Enroll in an Alaska Real Estate Commission-approved 40-hour pre-licensing course. Courses are available online and in-person from AREC-approved schools. You must complete all 40 hours before you can sit for the state exam.
Schedule & Pass the Pearson VUE Exam
Register for the Alaska real estate salesperson exam through Pearson VUE at home.pearsonvue.com/ak/realestate. The exam fee is $100. The exam has 120 questions — 80 covering national real estate principles and 40 covering Alaska-specific law and practice. You must achieve a scaled passing score of 75. Testing centers are located in Anchorage, Bethel, Fairbanks, Juneau, Kenai, and Kodiak.
Obtain Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance
Alaska requires all licensed real estate salespersons to carry Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance before a license can be issued. You must obtain a valid E&O policy prior to submitting your license application to the Commission.
Find a Sponsoring Broker
Alaska law requires all licensed salespersons to work under a licensed employing broker. Research brokerages in your target market — Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, and Fairbanks are the state's most active markets. You will need your sponsoring broker's information on your license application.
Submit Your License Application & Fees
Within 6 months of passing the exam, submit Form #08-4179 (Salesperson License by Examination) to the Alaska Real Estate Commission along with the total licensing fee of $390 (which includes the $200 non-refundable application fee, $140 license fee, and $50 recovery fund fee). Applications must be submitted by fax or US Mail — the Commission does not accept email applications.
Receive Your License & Launch Your Career
Once AREC approves your application, your license is issued and you can begin practicing real estate under your employing broker. Alaska's unique market — from Anchorage condos to remote wilderness properties — offers a rewarding career for motivated agents.
Alaska Real Estate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 19 years old
- No college degree required
- Social Security Number required
- Background check required
- E&O insurance required before issuance
- Sponsoring broker required
Education & Exam Requirements
- 40 hours of AREC-approved pre-license education
- Online or in-person course format accepted
- Exam provider: Pearson VUE
- 120 questions (80 national + 40 AK state)
- Passing score: scaled score of 75
- Application by fax or US Mail only
Alaska Real Estate License Cost Breakdown
Every fee you'll pay from enrollment through license issuance — no surprises.
| Expense | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-License Course (40 hours) | $199 | $400 |
| State Exam Fee | $100 | $100 |
| AREC License Application Fee | $390 | $390 |
| E&O Insurance (annual) | $200 | $400 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $889 | $1,290+ |
* Costs may vary. E&O insurance is required by AREC before license issuance. The $390 AREC fee breaks down as: $200 non-refundable application fee + $140 license issuance fee + $50 Real Estate Recovery Fund fee.
Alaska Real Estate Exam Details
Exam At a Glance
- Provider: Pearson VUE
- Questions: 120 (80 national + 40 AK state)
- Passing score: Scaled score of 75
- Exam fee: $100 (non-refundable)
- First-attempt pass rate: ~70%
Pearson VUE Test Centers in Alaska
- 📍Anchorage
- 📍Bethel
- 📍Fairbanks
- 📍Juneau
- 📍Kenai
- 📍Kodiak
Exam Topics Covered
How Long Does It Take to Get Your Alaska License?
Your timeline depends on how many hours per week you dedicate to the pre-license course and how quickly AREC processes your application.
3–5 weeks
🚀 Fast Track
Study full-time (8+ hrs/day), complete 40 hrs in 1–2 weeks, apply by fax for fastest processing
6–10 weeks
⚖️ Part-Time
Study evenings & weekends, complete 40 hrs in 3–4 weeks, submit application by mail
3–4 months
🐢 Casual Pace
A few hours per week, complete course at your own pace, full-time job alongside studies
Note: AREC application processing via fax or mail typically adds 1–2 weeks after submission. Plan accordingly to stay within the 6-month window after passing your exam.
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Compare Real Estate Licensing in Other States
Considering practicing real estate elsewhere or wondering how Alaska compares? Here are some popular states to consider.
Frequently Asked Questions — Alaska Real Estate License
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Alaska?
The total cost to get your Alaska real estate license ranges from approximately $689 to $890 or more. This includes your 40-hour pre-license course ($199–$400), the Pearson VUE exam fee ($100), and the AREC license application fee ($390, which covers the application, license issuance, and recovery fund). You'll also need to budget for Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance, which is required before your license can be issued. Using a CertLaunch discount code can reduce your course cost significantly.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Alaska?
Most students complete the Alaska licensing process in 3 to 10 weeks. Studying full-time, you can finish the 40-hour pre-license course in as little as 1–2 weeks, then schedule your Pearson VUE exam and submit your application. Part-time students typically take 6–10 weeks. Add 1–2 weeks for AREC to process your license application. The fastest realistic path from enrollment to licensed agent is about 3–5 weeks.
What are the requirements to get a real estate license in Alaska?
To become a licensed real estate salesperson in Alaska you must: (1) be at least 19 years old (Alaska's minimum age is 19, not 18), (2) complete 40 hours of AREC-approved pre-license education, (3) pass the Pearson VUE Alaska real estate salesperson exam with a scaled score of 75, (4) obtain Errors and Omissions insurance, (5) secure sponsorship from a licensed Alaska broker, and (6) submit your application and $390 in fees within 6 months of passing the exam. No college degree is required.
Is the Alaska real estate exam hard?
The Alaska real estate exam has a first-attempt pass rate of approximately 70%, which is below average compared to many states — meaning preparation is important. The exam has 120 questions: 80 covering national real estate principles and 40 covering Alaska-specific law and practice. A scaled passing score of 75 is required. Candidates who complete a quality pre-license course and dedicated exam prep study materials pass at significantly higher rates.
Can I take the Alaska real estate course online?
Yes. AREC-approved pre-license schools offer fully online, self-paced 40-hour courses that you can complete from anywhere in Alaska — or even from out of state if you plan to relocate. Online courses are typically the most affordable option. However, the state licensing exam must be taken in person at a Pearson VUE testing center; locations include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Kenai, Kodiak, and Bethel.
How much do real estate agents make in Alaska?
Alaska real estate agents earn an average of $60,000–$90,000 per year, with income varying by market, experience, and brokerage. Top agents in Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley can earn $120,000–$130,000+ annually. With Alaska's median home price around $390,000 and a typical 2.5–3% agent commission, each transaction generates roughly $9,750–$11,700 in gross commission — significantly higher than the national average due to Alaska's elevated home values.
Do I need a college degree to become a real estate agent in Alaska?
No. Alaska does not require a college degree to obtain a real estate license. You only need to meet the basic eligibility requirements: be at least 19 years old, complete the 40-hour approved pre-license course, pass the Pearson VUE exam, carry E&O insurance, and work under a licensed broker. Many successful Alaska agents never attended college.
What is the best real estate school in Alaska?
The best school depends on your learning style and schedule. Online self-paced courses offer the most flexibility and tend to be the most affordable, often starting under $400 with a CertLaunch discount code. In-person and correspondence options are also available from AREC-approved schools for those who prefer structured instruction. Compare Alaska-approved schools on CertLaunch to find the right fit for your needs and budget.
How do I choose between online and in-person real estate classes in Alaska?
Online courses are ideal if you're self-motivated, live in a rural area of Alaska, or want to study on your own schedule — they're also typically less expensive. In-person or hybrid classes work better for learners who thrive with instructor interaction and accountability. Either format qualifies you for the AREC exam. Note that regardless of which format you choose for the course, the state licensing exam must be taken in person at a Pearson VUE testing center.
Can I get my Alaska real estate license if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the nature and timing of the offense. The Alaska Real Estate Commission reviews each application individually. Under AS 08.88.171, a license will not be granted to anyone under indictment or convicted of a felony, forgery, theft, extortion, conspiracy to defraud creditors, or fraud. However, if convicted, an individual may apply once 7 years have lapsed since completing their sentence. The Commission encourages applicants with concerns to contact AREC at (907) 269-8168 before enrolling.