Best Online Real Estate Schools in Vermont (2026)
Compare 5 Vermont OPR-approved schools. Find the best price with exclusive CertLaunch discounts and get your real estate license faster in The Green Mountain State.
Course Cost
$259 – $579
Time to License
2–3 months
Avg Salary
$65K – $91K/yr
Required Hours
40 hours
Top 3 Vermont Real Estate Schools at a Glance
1. Cooke Real Estate School
Best value for Vermont. Comprehensive video-based streaming course with all study materials included.
From $259
Bronze Package
2. Colibri Real Estate
Best for flexible learning with audio option and Pass or Don't Pay guarantee. Award-winning dashboard.
From $269
The Basics Package
3. The CE Shop
Best for interactive content and exam prep. LEAP platform with pass guarantee on Standard package and above.
From $289
Courses Only
Best Real Estate Schools in Vermont
All 5 schools are Vermont Vermont Real Estate Commission (Office of Professional Regulation)-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
Cooke Real Estate School
Best ValueStarting at
$259
- Video-based streaming lessons
- Comprehensive study materials
- VT OPR-approved curriculum
- Pass guarantee
Available Packages (4)
Bronze Package
- 40-Hour Vermont Pre-License Course
- Modern Real Estate Practice Book & Study Guide
- VT Candidate Handbook
- Course Support Document
Colibri Real Estate
Starting at
$269
- Self-paced learning
- Audio learning option
- Award-winning student dashboard
- Pass or Don't Pay guarantee
Available Packages (4)
The Basics
- 40-Hour Pre-License Course
- Instructor Support
- Study Guides (e-books)
- AI Tutor (Rubi)
- Narrated Audio
- Flashcards
The CE Shop
Starting at
$289
- Interactive content
- LEAP learning platform
- Digital flashcards
- Pass guarantee
Available Packages (4)
Courses Only
- 40 Hours of VT Pre-Licensing
- Business eBooks
- Career Resources
- Digital Flashcards
- Real Estate Glossary
- Study Schedule
REI of New England
Starting at
$300
- New England market expertise
- Live instructor support
- Vermont-specific curriculum
- Small class sizes
Available Packages (2)
Online Self-Paced
- 40-Hour Vermont Pre-License Course
- Vermont OPR-Approved Content
- Practice Quizzes
- Certificate of Completion
Randy Mayhew School of Real Estate
Starting at
$500
- Vermont-licensed instructors
- OPR-approved curriculum
- Exam prep included
- Comprehensive course materials
Available Packages (1)
Complete Pre-License Package
- 40-Hour Vermont Pre-License Course
- Vermont State Exam Prep
- Study Materials
- Instructor Support
- Certificate of Completion
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
Why Get a Vermont Real Estate License?
👍 Pros
- +Low barrier to entry: Only 40 hours of coursework required — one of the shortest pre-license requirements in New England.
- +No fingerprinting costs: Vermont doesn't require fingerprinting, keeping your total startup costs to $360–$610.
- +Booming luxury markets: Stowe, Woodstock, and Manchester attract high-end buyers — translating to large commissions per transaction.
- +Strong remote-worker demand: Vermont's Remote Worker Grant and natural beauty continue to attract buyers from Boston, NYC, and beyond.
👎 Cons
- -Commission-only income: No salary — you don't get paid until you close a deal.
- -Small population: Vermont is the 2nd least populous state, so deal volume is lower than larger states.
- -Act 250 complexity: Vermont's unique land use regulations require additional expertise, especially for rural and development properties.
- -Seasonal slowdowns: Vermont's market is slower in winter months outside ski resort areas, affecting deal flow.
How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in Vermont?
Average Annual Income
$65,000 – $91,000
Source: ZipRecruiter, CareerExplorer (2025–2026)
Top Earners
$120,000 – $130,000+
Experienced agents in luxury markets (Stowe, Woodstock)
Commission Structure
Vermont real estate agents typically earn 2.5%–3% commission per transaction. With Vermont's statewide median home price at ~$406,100, that's approximately $10,150–$12,180 per sale. New agents on a 70/30 split with their brokerage would keep $7,105–$8,526. In Stowe, where median prices top $882,500, a single transaction can generate over $22,000 in gross commission. Closing 5–8 deals your first year is a realistic benchmark.
Highest-Demand Vermont Markets
How to Get a Real Estate License in Vermont
Confirm You Meet Vermont's Eligibility Requirements
To get a Vermont real estate salesperson license, you must be at least 18 years old. Vermont does not require a high school diploma, college degree, or prior real estate experience. You do not need to be a Vermont resident — the state offers reciprocal licensing for agents licensed in most other states (except Indiana and Rhode Island, which require the full 40-hour course). You must disclose any criminal conviction history on your application. Vermont does not require fingerprinting.
Complete the 40-Hour Vermont Pre-License Course
Enroll in a Vermont OPR-approved 40-hour salesperson pre-licensing course covering real estate principles, agency, contracts, financing, federal and Vermont regulations, and property valuation. Courses are available online (self-paced) through the approved providers listed above. Upon completing the course, you receive a Certificate of Completion valid for two years — keep this document for your exam registration and license application.
Pass the National Real Estate Exam Through PSI
After completing the pre-license course, register with PSI Exams to take the national portion of the Vermont real estate exam. Schedule at schedule.psiexams.com or by calling (913) 895-4600. PSI test centers are available in Burlington and South Burlington, VT, plus nearby NH and MA locations. The national exam is 100 multiple-choice questions with a 75% passing score required. The non-refundable fee is $110.
Find a Vermont-Licensed Principal Broker
Before applying for your Vermont salesperson license, you must affiliate with an active Vermont-licensed principal broker. Your broker must complete a Supervision Verification Form to submit with your application. This is a key difference from many other states — the broker relationship is required before you complete the application. Research brokerages in active Vermont markets like Burlington, South Burlington, and Stowe.
Apply for Your License and Pass the State Exam Online
Submit your salesperson license application through the Vermont OPR Online Services System at secure.professionals.vermont.gov. Upload your Certificate of Completion and PSI national exam results, and include your broker's Supervision Verification Form. Pay the $100 license application fee. As part of the application, you will take the Vermont state licensing exam online — covering Vermont real estate laws, OPR rules, Act 250, shoreland regulations, and state-specific practices. The state exam is included in the application process at no additional charge.
Receive Your License and Launch Your Career
Once OPR approves your application (typically 5 business days), your Vermont real estate salesperson license is activated. Verify your license status at sos.vermont.gov. Vermont licenses renew every two years. Within the first year, you must complete 8 hours of post-licensure continuing education approved by the Vermont Real Estate Commission. You're now authorized to practice real estate under your sponsoring broker in The Green Mountain State — congratulations!
Vermont Real Estate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- No high school diploma or degree required
- Vermont residency not required
- Disclose criminal conviction history (no fingerprinting)
- Must affiliate with a Vermont-licensed principal broker
Education & Exam Requirements
- 40 hours of OPR-approved pre-license education
- Pass course final exam (Certificate of Completion valid 2 years)
- Pass PSI national exam (75% passing score, $110 fee)
- Pass Vermont state exam online via OPR portal (included in $100 application fee)
Reciprocity Note: Vermont offers reciprocity with most states. If you hold an active real estate license in another state (except Indiana or Rhode Island), you can apply for a Vermont license without completing the 40-hour pre-license course. You still must pass the Vermont state exam online and affiliate with a Vermont principal broker.
Vermont Real Estate License Cost
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Vermont real estate license in 2026:
| Pre-License Course (40 hours) | $150 – $400 | Use CertLaunch discount codes for best pricing |
| PSI National Exam Fee | $110 – $110 | Non-refundable; one free reschedule allowed |
| License Application Fee | $100 – $100 | Paid to Vermont OPR; includes online state exam |
| Fingerprint / Background Check | $0 – $0 | Vermont does not require fingerprinting |
| Estimated Total | $360 – $610+ | Save up to 30% with CertLaunch discount codes |
💰 Vermont Cost Advantage: Vermont's $0 fingerprinting requirement and state exam included in the $100 application fee make it one of the most affordable states in New England to get licensed. Compare that to neighboring states that charge separate exam fees plus mandatory fingerprinting costs.
The Vermont Real Estate Exam
Exam Details
- National Exam: 100 multiple-choice questions via PSI Exams
- State Exam: Online via Vermont OPR portal (included in application)
- Passing score: 75% on each section
- Total questions: 136 combined
- PSI Exam Fee: $110 (non-refundable)
- First-attempt pass rate: ~65%
Exam Topics
- Real Property Ownership & Land Use (national)
- Contracts and Agency Relationships (national + state)
- Finance and Mortgages (national + state)
- Property Valuation & Appraisal (national)
- Vermont Real Estate Laws & OPR Rules (state)
- Act 250 Land Use, Shoreland Regs & Property Transfer Tax (state)
💡 Vermont Exam Prep Tip
The Vermont-specific state content is where most candidates struggle — particularly Act 250 land use regulations, shoreland protections, Vermont's lead paint disclosure rules, and Property Transfer Tax requirements. These topics are unique to Vermont and not covered in standard national study guides. Choose a course that includes Vermont-specific exam prep (The CE Shop's Exam Prep Edge or Colibri's Pass or Don't Pay package) to maximize your chances of passing on the first try.
How Long Does It Take to Get Licensed in Vermont?
2–3 weeks
Full-time
Studying 4–6 hours/day
4–6 weeks
Part-time
Studying 1–2 hours/day
2–3 months
Casual pace
Weekends & evenings
Add 5–7 business days for OPR to process your application after completing the state exam online. Vermont's 40-hour requirement is one of the lowest in New England, making the path to licensure faster than neighboring states like Massachusetts (40 hours + additional coursework), New Hampshire (40 hours), or Connecticut (60 hours).
Top Real Estate Markets in Vermont
Vermont's real estate market is driven by remote workers, second-home buyers, and the state's thriving ski and outdoor recreation economy. Vermont's statewide median home price is ~$406,100 — and growing. Here's where the best opportunities are:
🏙️ Burlington
Urban HubVermont's largest city and economic hub. Strong demand from UVM students, young professionals, and remote workers. Competitive market with inventory constraints.
🏘️ South Burlington
Growing SuburbFast-growing suburb of Burlington with strong residential demand. Popular with families and commuters. Active new construction market.
⛷️ Stowe
Luxury MarketVermont's premier ski resort town. Median home prices near $882,500. High-net-worth buyers, luxury vacation properties, and strong year-round tourism.
🏛️ Montpelier
State CapitalThe nation's smallest state capital. Stable market with government employees, professionals, and a strong arts community. Affordable compared to Burlington.
🍂 Woodstock
Second-Home MarketHistoric New England village with wealthy second-home buyers and year-round tourism. Premium prices for character properties and farmhouses.
🏔️ Rutland
Affordable MarketVermont's second largest city. More affordable market with strong local demand. Gateway to Killington ski resort.
🛍️ Manchester
Luxury EnclaveUpscale shopping village with high-end second homes and luxury buyers. Popular with New York City and Boston weekenders.
🌿 Brattleboro
Up-and-ComingSouthern Vermont's cultural hub. Growing remote worker population, arts scene, and proximity to Massachusetts drives demand. Competitive entry-level market.
Get the Complete Vermont Real Estate Guide
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Compare Real Estate Licensing in Other States
See how Vermont's 40-hour pre-license requirement stacks up against other states — costs, exam format, and income potential.
New Hampshire Real Estate License
40-hour course · Similar New England market
Maine Real Estate License
55-hour course · Coastal market appeal
New York Real Estate License
77-hour course · Larger market, higher earning potential
Massachusetts Real Estate License
40-hour course · Boston metro, high home prices
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Vermont?
The total cost to get your Vermont real estate salesperson license typically ranges from $360 to $610. This includes the 40-hour pre-license course ($150–$400), the PSI national exam fee ($110), and the state license application fee ($100). Vermont does not require fingerprinting, which keeps costs lower than many other states. Using CertLaunch discount codes for your pre-license course can help you stay toward the lower end of that range.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Vermont?
Most Vermont applicants complete the entire licensing process in 4–10 weeks. If you study full-time, you can finish the 40-hour pre-license course and schedule your PSI national exam in as little as 2–3 weeks. Part-time students typically take 4–6 weeks. Add about 5–7 business days for OPR to process your application after passing the state exam. Casual weekend studiers can expect 2–3 months total.
What are the requirements to get a real estate license in Vermont?
Vermont's requirements are straightforward: (1) be at least 18 years old, (2) complete a 40-hour OPR-approved pre-license course with a passing final exam, (3) pass the PSI national real estate exam with at least 75%, (4) affiliate with an active Vermont-licensed principal broker, (5) pass the OPR online state exam included in the license application, and (6) disclose any criminal conviction history. Vermont does not require a high school diploma, college degree, residency, or fingerprinting.
Is the Vermont real estate exam hard?
The Vermont real estate exam has a first-attempt pass rate of approximately 65%, which is moderately challenging. The national portion (100 questions via PSI) tests general real estate principles, while the state portion focuses on Vermont-specific laws, OPR rules, Act 250 land use regulations, and state disclosure requirements. Many candidates find the Vermont-specific content — particularly Act 250, shoreland regulations, and brokerage rules — to be the trickiest material. Strong preparation with quality study materials significantly improves your chances of passing on the first try.
Can I take the Vermont real estate course online?
Yes — the 40-hour Vermont pre-license course is available fully online through multiple OPR-approved providers. Online self-paced formats are the most popular option because they let you study around your existing schedule. However, the PSI national exam must be taken in person at a PSI test center (Burlington or South Burlington, VT, or nearby New Hampshire and Massachusetts locations). The Vermont state exam is taken online through the OPR portal as part of your license application.
How much do real estate agents make in Vermont?
Vermont real estate agents typically earn $65,000–$91,000 per year, with significant variation based on market and experience. ZipRecruiter reports an average of $91,219/year for Vermont agents, while entry-level agents typically start around $61,400. In luxury markets like Stowe (median home price ~$882,500), experienced agents can earn $120,000–$130,000+ annually. With Vermont's statewide median home price at ~$406,100 and a typical 2.5–3% agent commission, each transaction generates roughly $10,150–$12,180 in gross commission.
Do I need a college degree to become a real estate agent in Vermont?
No. Vermont does not require any college education — or even a high school diploma — to obtain a salesperson license. The only required education is the 40-hour Vermont-approved pre-license course. Vermont's licensing process is accessible to applicants from all educational backgrounds, making it one of the more straightforward states for entering real estate.
What is the best real estate school in Vermont?
The best school depends on your learning style, schedule, and budget. Online self-paced programs are the most flexible and affordable, typically starting at $259–$289 for the basic package. OPR-approved providers include Cooke Real Estate School, Colibri Real Estate, The CE Shop, REI of New England, and Randy Mayhew School. Compare all Vermont-approved online schools on CertLaunch to find the best value for you.
Does Vermont offer real estate license reciprocity with other states?
Yes — Vermont offers reciprocity with most U.S. states, allowing licensed agents to apply for a Vermont license without completing the full 40-hour pre-license course. Notable exceptions are Indiana and Rhode Island, whose licensing requirements are not considered equivalent to Vermont's — applicants from those states must complete the full 40-hour course. All reciprocal applicants must still pass the Vermont state exam (taken online through OPR) and affiliate with a Vermont-licensed principal broker.
Can I get my Vermont real estate license with a criminal record?
It depends on the nature, severity, and recency of the offense. Vermont does not require fingerprinting, but you must disclose all criminal conviction history on your license application. The OPR reviews disclosures on a case-by-case basis, giving particular attention to offenses involving fraud, dishonesty, or crimes related to real estate or financial transactions. Evidence of rehabilitation and time elapsed since the offense are considered. If you have a criminal history, it's advisable to contact the Vermont OPR before investing in the pre-license course to understand your eligibility.