Best Online Real Estate Schools in Ohio (2026)
Compare Ohio OREPL-approved schools. Find the best price with exclusive CertLaunch discounts and get your Ohio real estate license faster.
Course Cost
$299 – $1,099
Time to License
6 – 12 weeks
Avg Salary
$63,500/yr
Required Hours
100 hours
Top 3 Ohio Real Estate Schools at a Glance
1. Perry Real Estate College
Family-owned Ohio school. Online self-paced with instructor support 7 days/week and payment plans via Shop Pay.
$659
with code SUNSHINE40
2. Kaplan Real Estate Education
65+ years training real estate professionals. Exam-focused video instruction with customizable quizzes and daily live instruction.
$799
Complete Licensing Package
3. Hondros College
Ohio's #1 real estate school since 1981. In-person campuses in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, and more.
$999
Quick Start Online Bundle
Best Real Estate Schools in Ohio
All 5 schools are Ohio OREPL-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Best for Exam PrepStarting at
$799
- 65+ years training real estate professionals
- Kaplan Commitment™ — extra support for up to 18 months post-exam
- Exam-focused video instruction
- Customizable quizzes and daily live instruction
- Free 6-month Inman Select subscription included
Available Packages (2)
Ohio Complete Licensing Package with Exam Prep
- 100 hours of Ohio required education (all 4 courses)
- Exam prep resources
- State-approved curriculum
Hondros College
Ohio's #1 SchoolStarting at
$999
- Ohio's largest real estate school since 1981
- In-person campuses across Ohio (Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton + more)
- Switch between online, livestream, and in-person at any time
- Pass or Don't Pay Guarantee (Career Start & above)
- Instructor support 7 days/week
Available Packages (4)
Quick Start Online Bundle
- 100 hours of pre-licensing education (online only)
- Instructor support 7 days/week
- National Review Webinar Series
- Career Expos
Perry Real Estate College
Starting at
$1099
- Family-owned Ohio school — real people answer every call
- Instructor support 7 days/week
- Payment plans available (Shop Pay)
- Mobile-friendly, study anytime anywhere
- Trusted across Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo & Dayton
Available Packages (4)
Lite Package
- 100 hours of Ohio pre-licensing education
- Self-paced online access
- Instructor support
Tri-C Corporate College
Local | ClevelandStarting at
$1300
- Cuyahoga Community College — Cleveland area institution
- Optional 1-on-1 coaching with a local Ohio real estate agent
- Scholarships available for eligible students
- Earned credit counts toward an ATS Associate Degree
- Course delivered via Leap Online platform
Available Packages (2)
Online Course
- Pre-licensing education (covers all Ohio required hours)
- Exam Prep Edge included
- Online, self-paced format
The CE Shop
Starting at
$1499
- 96% student satisfaction rate
- Interactive LEAP online learning platform
- Built-in Exam Prep Edge with real-time readiness tracking
- Pass Guarantee with Standard+ packages
- Career and professional development resources
Available Packages (4)
Basic Package
- 100 hours of pre-licensing education (4 required courses)
- Business e-books
- Downloadable career resources
- Digital flashcards
- Real estate glossary
- Study schedule
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 Ohio?
Average Annual Income
$52,000 – $75,000
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024
Top Earners
$100,000 – $165,000+
Experienced agents in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland
Commission Structure
Ohio real estate agents typically earn 2.5%–3% commission per transaction. On a $245,000 home (Ohio median), that's approximately $6,125–$7,350 per sale. New agents on a 70/30 split with their brokerage would keep $4,288–$5,145. Closing 5–8 deals your first year is a common benchmark, putting first-year earnings at $21,000–$41,000.
Top-Earning Ohio Markets
Is an Ohio Real Estate License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + Reduced Hours: Ohio cut pre-license requirements from 120 to 100 hours in April 2025, saving you time and money.
- + Multiple Major Markets: Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland are all growing metros with strong and diverse real estate demand.
- + Strong Pass Rate: Ohio's ~72% first-attempt pass rate is above average, especially for students who use quality exam prep.
- + Above-Average Earning Potential: Ohio's growing population and steady home appreciation create year-round transaction volume.
👎 Cons
- - Higher Course Costs: Ohio pre-license courses start at $799+ at most providers, higher than many other states.
- - Mail-In Application: Ohio still requires a paper application mailed to the Division, adding processing time.
- - Commission-Only Income: No salary — you don't get paid until you close a deal, which can take 3–6 months for new agents.
- - Post-License Requirement: Ohio requires 20 hours of post-licensing education within your first year of licensure.
How to Get a Real Estate License in Ohio
Complete 100 Hours of Pre-License Education
Enroll in an Ohio Division of Real Estate-approved 100-hour pre-license program. The curriculum covers Real Estate Principles & Practices (40 hrs), Ohio Real Estate Law (40 hrs), Real Estate Finance (10 hrs), and Real Estate Appraisal (10 hrs). As of April 9, 2025, the requirement was reduced from 120 to 100 hours.
Pass the Course Final Exam
Each approved school requires you to pass a final exam at the end of the pre-license course. This is separate from the state exam and must be passed to receive your completion certificate.
Submit Your License Application
Download the Salesperson License Examination Application from the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing website and mail it along with the $81 processing fee. Include copies of your course completion certificates.
Submit Fingerprints & Background Check
Within 10 days of filing your application, get fingerprinted at an Ohio Attorney General-approved WebCheck provider. Both BCI&I and FBI background checks are required. Cost is approximately $60. Results are sent directly to the Division of Real Estate.
Pass the Ohio Real Estate Exam
Register with PSI Services to schedule your Ohio real estate salesperson exam. The exam consists of 120 questions (80 national + 40 state portions) and must be completed within 180 minutes. You need a score of 70% or higher on each section to pass. Exam fee: $63.
Find a Sponsoring Broker & Activate Your License
Ohio requires all new salespersons to work under a licensed broker. Have your sponsoring broker sign your original license application to activate your license. Once approved by the Division, you’ll receive your license document within approximately 10 business days.
Ohio Real Estate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- High school diploma or GED (if born after 1950)
- No college degree required
- Must pass fingerprint-based background check (BCI&I + FBI)
- U.S. citizen or legal resident with SSN
Education & Exam Requirements
- 100 hours of OREPL-approved pre-license education
- Covers 4 subjects: Principles (40hr), OH Law (40hr), Finance (10hr), Appraisal (10hr)
- Pass course final exam to receive completion certificate
- Pass Ohio state exam via PSI Services (70% on each section)
- 20 hours of post-licensing education within first year
Ohio Real Estate License Cost
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Ohio real estate license in 2026:
| Pre-License Course (100 hours) | $299 – $1,099 | Use CertLaunch discount code |
| State Exam Fee | $63 – $63 | PSI Services |
| License Application | $81 – $81 | Ohio OREPL (mail-in) |
| Fingerprinting / Background Check | $55 – $65 | BCI&I + FBI via WebCheck |
| Estimated Total | $498 – $1,308+ | Save up to 30% with CertLaunch |
The Ohio Real Estate Exam
Exam Details
- Format: Multiple-choice (national + state sections)
- Questions: 120 total (80 national + 40 state)
- Passing score: 70% on each section
- Time limit: 180 minutes
- Provider: PSI Services
- Cost: $63
- First-attempt pass rate: ~72%
Exam Topics
- Real estate principles & practices
- Ohio real estate law (civil rights, housing discrimination)
- Contracts and agency relationships
- Property valuation and appraisal
- Real estate finance and mortgages
- Property ownership and land use controls
💡 Exam Prep Tip
Ohio's state-specific section covers civil rights laws, Ohio license law, and agency relationships in detail. Most students who fail do so on the state section. Schools like Hondros College and The CE Shop include Ohio-specific exam prep tools — their pass guarantee packages are worth considering if you want extra confidence going into test day.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Ohio Real Estate License?
3–5 weeks
Full-time
Studying 4–6 hours/day
6–10 weeks
Part-time
Studying 1–2 hours/day
3–5 months
Casual pace
A few hours per week
Add 2–4 weeks for application processing, background check, and scheduling your PSI exam.
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Compare Real Estate Licensing in Other States
Considering a real estate career in another state? See how Ohio compares to other top markets:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Ohio?
Total costs range from approximately $503 to $1,303+. This includes the 100-hour pre-license course ($299–$1,099), state exam fee ($63), license application fee ($81), and fingerprinting/background check (~$60). Using a CertLaunch discount code can help you save on the course cost.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Ohio?
Most students complete the process in 6–12 weeks. The 100-hour pre-license course can be finished in 3–5 weeks studying full-time, or up to 5 months at a casual pace. After passing the course, you’ll need additional time to submit your application, complete the background check, and schedule your state exam.
What are the requirements to get a real estate license in Ohio?
You must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent (required if born after 1950), be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, complete 100 hours of approved pre-license education, pass a fingerprint-based background check, and pass the Ohio PSI real estate exam with a 70% score on each section.
Is the Ohio real estate exam hard?
About 72% of first-time test takers pass the Ohio real estate exam, which is above average compared to other states. The exam consists of 120 questions (80 national, 40 state) and requires a 70% score on each portion. Thorough preparation with a quality pre-license course significantly improves your odds.
Can I take the Ohio real estate course online?
Yes. All major Ohio-approved schools — including Hondros College, The CE Shop, and Kaplan — offer fully online, self-paced 100-hour pre-license programs. Online courses let you study on your own schedule from anywhere in Ohio, and Hondros also offers hybrid in-person options at campuses statewide.
How much do real estate agents make in Ohio?
Ohio real estate agents earn an average of $52,000–$75,000 per year, with top producers in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland earning $100,000–$165,000+. With Ohio’s average commission rate of 5.81% and a median home price around $245,000, a single transaction can earn an agent $3,500–$7,000 depending on brokerage split.
Do I need a college degree to become a real estate agent in Ohio?
No college degree is required. Ohio only requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) if you were born after 1950. You do not need any prior experience in real estate or business — just complete the 100-hour pre-license program, pass the exam, and meet the basic eligibility requirements.
What is the best real estate school in Ohio?
The best school depends on your budget and learning style. Hondros College is the top Ohio-based provider with in-person and online options across the state. Kaplan offers exam-focused packages starting at $799. Compare all Ohio-approved schools on CertLaunch to find the best price and fit for you.
How do I choose between online and in-person real estate classes in Ohio?
Online courses offer flexibility, self-paced learning, and are typically less expensive — ideal if you are self-motivated or have a busy schedule. In-person classes provide structured schedules and direct instructor interaction. Hondros College offers both formats at locations throughout Ohio including Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Dayton.
Can I get my Ohio real estate license with a criminal record?
It depends on the offense. The Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing reviews each application individually. Certain felonies, crimes of moral turpitude, and civil rights violations within the last two years may disqualify you. However, many offenses do not automatically prevent licensure. Contact the Division before enrolling to discuss your specific situation.