Best Online Real Estate Schools in Arkansas (2026)
Compare 7 AREC-approved schools. Find the best price with exclusive CertLaunch discounts and get your Arkansas real estate license faster.
Course Cost
$200 – $600
Time to License
4 – 12 weeks
Avg Salary
$63,000/yr
Required Hours
60 hours
Top 3 Arkansas Real Estate Schools at a Glance
1. Kaplan Real Estate Education
Best value for Arkansas's 60-hour pre-license course. Online self-paced with 18-month Kaplan Commitment support and free Inman Select subscription.
$369
starting price
2. Mid-South Real Estate Academy
Best local school. Instructor Keith Montgomery has been teaching since 1983. In-person (Sherwood, AR) and live Zoom options available.
$375
in-person, digital textbook
3. The CE Shop
Best for interactive learning. LEAP 2.0 platform with scenario-based learning, exam prep tools, and 30-day money-back guarantee.
$379
Courses Only package
Best Real Estate Schools in Arkansas
All 7 schools are Arkansas AREC-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Starting at
$369
- Daily live instructor sessions
- Kaplan Commitment (18-month support)
- Free 6-month Inman Select subscription
- Personalized quizzes
- Arkansas-specific study materials
Available Packages (3)
Arkansas Real Estate Principles (60-Credit Hours)
- 60-Hour Arkansas Pre-License Course
- Online Self-Paced Access
- Kaplan Commitment (18-month support)
- Free 6-Month Inman Select Subscription
Mid-South Real Estate Academy
Best Local SchoolStarting at
$375
- Instructor Keith Montgomery teaching since 1983
- Weekday and weekend class options
- In-person (Sherwood, AR) and live Zoom options
- All course materials provided
- Serving Arkansas students since 1989
Available Packages (4)
In-Person – Course + Digital Textbook
- 60-Hour Pre-License Course
- In-Person Classroom (Sherwood, AR)
- Digital Textbook
The CE Shop
Starting at
$379
- LEAP 2.0 interactive platform
- High pass rates
- 5-day free trial
- Scenario-based learning
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Available Packages (4)
Courses Only
- 60-Hour Arkansas Pre-License Course
- Business eBooks
- Career Resources
- Digital Flashcards
- Real Estate Glossary
- Study Schedule
Colibri Real Estate
Starting at
$379
- Narrated audio option
- Pass or Don't Pay guarantee (select packages)
- Award-winning student dashboard
- State-approved instructor support
- Active local instructors
Available Packages (4)
The Basics
- 60-Hour Pre-License Course
- State-Approved Instructor Support
- Real Estate Study Guides
- Narrated Audio
- Flashcards
- Live Instructor Support
Lindsey School of Real Estate
Starting at
$395
- Fayetteville, AR based school
- Both self-paced online and live classroom options
- Zoom + in-person hybrid classroom available
- Textbooks and materials included in classroom
- Serving NW Arkansas since 2007
Available Packages (3)
Online Self-Paced (60-Hour Course)
- 60-Hour Pre-License Online Course
- Self-Paced Access (6 months)
- Extension Options Available
Northwest Arkansas Real Estate School
Starting at
$395
- Guiding NWA careers since 1999
- Locations in Fayetteville, Rogers, and Bentonville
- Instructor Luther Keeling – active REALTOR® and Broker
- All materials provided
- Exam prep and handouts included
- Veteran discount available
Available Packages (1)
60-Hour Pre-License Course
- 60-Hour Arkansas Pre-License Course
- All Course Materials Provided
- Exam Prep Handouts
- State Application Guidance
- Testing Handbook
- In-Person or Online Option
Arkansas Real Estate School
Starting at
$400
- Little Rock based; serves statewide via Zoom
- Weekday and weekend virtual class options
- Books and study materials included
- Free repeat attendance for up to 1 year
- Active broker-instructors
Available Packages (1)
60-Hour Pre-License Course (Virtual/Classroom)
- 60-Hour Arkansas Pre-License Course
- Principles of RE Practice in AR textbook
- Virtual Live Stream via Zoom or In-Person
- Exam Prep Study Materials
- Free Repeat Attendance (up to 1 year)
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in Arkansas?
Average Annual Income
$52,000 – $75,000
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024
Top Earners
$100,000 – $120,000+
Experienced agents in Bentonville, Fayetteville & Little Rock
Commission Structure
Arkansas real estate agents typically earn 2.5%–3% commission per transaction. On a $260,000 home (Arkansas median), that's approximately $6,500–$7,800 per sale. New agents on a 70/30 split with their brokerage would keep $4,550–$5,460. Closing 6–8 deals your first year is a common benchmark, putting first-year earnings at $27,300–$43,680.
Top-Earning Arkansas Markets
🚀 NW Arkansas: The Hottest Growth Market
Northwest Arkansas — anchored by Bentonville, Rogers, and Fayetteville — is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country. Home to Walmart's global headquarters, major tech and supply-chain employers, and a booming arts scene, NW Arkansas is attracting thousands of new residents annually. Agents working this corridor consistently outperform state salary averages.
Is an Arkansas Real Estate License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + Low Entry Costs: Only 60 hours of pre-license education required, with courses starting at $369 — among the most affordable in the South.
- + NW Arkansas Boom: Bentonville and Rogers are experiencing rapid population growth driven by Walmart, Walmart suppliers, and remote workers.
- + Low Cost of Living: Arkansas' affordable housing market means more buyers can enter the market, creating steady transaction volume.
- + Approachable Exam: ~73% first-attempt pass rate makes Arkansas' exam more manageable than most states.
👎 Cons
- - Commission-Only Income: No base salary — you don't get paid until you close a deal.
- - High Course Final Requirement: You must score 90% or higher on the course final exam to earn your certificate — a stricter threshold than most states.
- - Post-License Requirement: After getting licensed, you must complete 18 hours of post-license education within 6 months of initial licensure.
- - Lower Median Prices: Arkansas home prices are below national averages, which limits per-transaction commission income compared to coastal markets.
How to Get a Real Estate License in Arkansas
Complete 60 Hours of Pre-License Education
Enroll in an AREC-approved 60-hour pre-license course. At least 30 of these hours must cover the basic principles of real estate. You must score 90% or higher on the course final exam to earn your certificate of completion.
Submit Your Application to AREC
Submit a salesperson application to the Arkansas Real Estate Commission along with the $50 application fee and $36.25 in background check fees ($22 state + $14.25 FBI). Do not get fingerprinted until AREC sends you authorization via email.
Complete Fingerprinting & Background Check
Once AREC authorizes you, complete fingerprinting through the AREC-approved online portal. The Arkansas State Police conducts a state and federal (FBI) background check on every applicant. Allow 5–10 business days for AREC to process your full application.
Schedule & Pass the Pearson VUE Exam
After receiving your Certificate of Examination Eligibility from AREC, schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE test center in Arkansas (Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, and others). The exam has 140 questions — 70 national and 70 state-specific. You need a 70% score on each section to pass. The exam fee is $75.
Apply for Your Arkansas Real Estate License
Within 90 days of passing the exam, submit your license issuance fee and all required documents to AREC. The license fee is $85 for a 1-year license or $170 for a 2-year license. You’ll also complete your 18-hour post-license course within 6 months of initial licensure.
Find a Sponsoring Broker & Launch Your Career
Arkansas requires all salespersons to work under a licensed broker. Research brokerages in your target market — Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Bentonville (home to Walmart’s headquarters) are the state’s fastest-growing real estate markets.
Arkansas Real Estate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- No college degree required
- Must have a valid Social Security Number
- Must pass state and federal background check
Education & Exam Requirements
- 60 hours of AREC-approved pre-license education
- Score 90% or higher on the course final exam
- Pass the Pearson VUE 140-question state exam
- 70% passing score required on each exam section
Arkansas Real Estate License Cost
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Arkansas real estate license in 2026:
| Pre-License Course (60 hours) | $200 – $600 | Use CertLaunch discount |
| State Exam Fee | $75 – $75 | Pearson VUE — non-refundable |
| AREC Application Fee | $50 – $50 | Cashier’s check or money order |
| Background Check (State + FBI) | $36 – $37 | $22 state + $14.25 FBI |
| License Issuance Fee | $85 – $170 | $85 for 1-year / $170 for 2-year |
| Estimated Total | $446 – $932+ | Save up to 30% with CertLaunch |
The Arkansas Real Estate Exam
Exam Details
- Format: Multiple-choice (national + state sections)
- Questions: 140 total (70 national + 70 state)
- Passing score: 70% on each section
- Provider: Pearson VUE
- Cost: $75
- First-attempt pass rate: ~73%
Exam Topics
- Property ownership, land use controls & regulations
- Laws of agency and fiduciary duties
- Real estate contracts and Arkansas contract law
- Real estate finance and mortgage concepts
- Arkansas License Law and AREC regulations
- Property valuation, appraisal, and market analysis
💡 Exam Prep Tip
The Arkansas real estate exam covers both national principles and Arkansas-specific license law. AREC regulations and Arkansas contract law are common stumbling blocks for first-time test-takers. Schools that include exam prep packages with practice tests, flashcards, and simulated exams significantly improve your first-attempt pass rate. Consider the Standard Package from The CE Shop or the Exam Preparation package from Colibri Real Estate if exam prep is a priority.
How Long Does It Take to Get Your Arkansas Real Estate License?
4–6 weeks
Full-time
Studying 4–6 hours/day
2–3 months
Part-time
Studying 1–2 hours/day
4–6 months
Casual pace
A few hours per week
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Arkansas?
The total cost to get your Arkansas real estate license ranges from approximately $446 to $846. This includes your pre-license course ($200–$600), the Pearson VUE exam fee ($75), the AREC application fee ($50), state and FBI background check fees ($36.25), and the license issuance fee ($85). Using a CertLaunch discount code can save you significantly on the course cost.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Arkansas?
Most students complete the Arkansas licensing process in 4–12 weeks. Studying full-time, you can finish the 60-hour pre-license course in 4–6 weeks. Part-time students typically take 2–3 months. Add 1–2 weeks for AREC application processing and exam scheduling. The fastest documented path from enrollment to licensed agent is about 6–8 weeks.
What are the requirements to get a real estate license in Arkansas?
To become a licensed real estate salesperson in Arkansas you must: (1) be at least 18 years old, (2) complete 60 hours of AREC-approved pre-license education with a 90% or higher score on the course final, (3) pass a state and federal background check, (4) pass the 140-question Pearson VUE exam with at least 70% on each section, and (5) submit all fees to AREC within 90 days of passing the exam. No college degree is required.
Is the Arkansas real estate exam hard?
The Arkansas real estate exam has an estimated first-attempt pass rate of approximately 73%, making it more approachable than many states. The exam has 140 questions — 70 covering national real estate principles and 70 covering Arkansas-specific law and practice. A 70% passing score is required on each section. Candidates who complete a quality pre-license course and use dedicated exam prep materials pass at significantly higher rates.
Can I take the Arkansas real estate course online?
Yes. The majority of AREC-approved pre-license schools offer fully online, self-paced 60-hour courses. Online programs let you study from anywhere in Arkansas on your own schedule. However, the final state licensing exam must be taken in person at an authorized Pearson VUE testing center — it cannot be taken online.
How much do real estate agents make in Arkansas?
Arkansas real estate agents earn an average of $52,000–$75,000 per year, with income varying widely based on market, brokerage, and experience. Top agents in high-growth markets like Fayetteville, Bentonville, and Little Rock can earn $100,000–$120,000+ annually. With a state median home price of approximately $260,000 and typical 2.5–3% agent commission, each transaction generates $6,500–$7,800 in gross commission.
Do I need a college degree to become a real estate agent in Arkansas?
No. Arkansas does not require a college degree to obtain a real estate license. You only need to meet the basic eligibility requirements: be 18 years old, complete the 60-hour approved pre-license course, pass the background check, and pass the state exam. Many successful Arkansas agents never attended college.
What is the best real estate school in Arkansas?
The best school depends on your learning style and budget. Online self-paced options like Kaplan Real Estate Education are the most affordable, starting at $369. Mid-South Real Estate Academy and Northwest Arkansas Real Estate School are top-rated local options with experienced instructors. Compare all options on CertLaunch to find the course that fits your schedule and budget.
How do I choose between online and in-person real estate classes in Arkansas?
Online courses are ideal if you’re self-motivated and want to study on your own schedule — they’re also typically less expensive. In-person classes work better for learners who thrive in a structured classroom with instructor interaction. Either format qualifies you for the AREC exam. Note that regardless of which format you choose for the course, the state licensing exam itself must be taken in person at a Pearson VUE testing center.
Can I get my Arkansas real estate license if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the nature of the offense. The Arkansas Real Estate Commission reviews each application individually after conducting a state and FBI background check. Certain felonies — particularly those involving fraud, theft, or dishonesty — may disqualify you, but not all criminal records result in denial. AREC recommends contacting the commission before enrolling in a pre-license course if you have concerns about your background.