How to Get a Real Estate Broker License in Georgia

If you’re thinking about taking the next step in your real estate career, becoming a broker in Georgia can open the door to more opportunities, higher income potential, and the ability to run your own company. Many agents reach a point where they want more control over their business, and earning a broker license is the path to get there.

This guide will walk you through the process in a simple, easy-to-understand way so you know exactly what to expect.

How to Get a Real Estate Broker License in Georgia:

Understanding the Broker License in Georgia

Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand what a broker license allows you to do.

In Georgia, a real estate broker can:

• Open and operate their own brokerage

• Hire and manage real estate agents

• Oversee transactions and compliance

• Earn income not only from personal deals but also from agents working under them

This is a big step up from being a salesperson, where you must work under a licensed broker.

Step 1: Meet the Experience Requirement

The first requirement to becoming a broker in Georgia is experience.

You must have been an active licensed real estate agent for at least 3 of the past 5 years. This requirement ensures that you have real, hands-on experience in the industry before taking on the responsibilities of a broker.

“Active” generally means your license has been placed with a brokerage and you have been eligible to conduct real estate business during that time.

If your license has been inactive or you haven’t been consistently affiliated with a brokerage, you may need to take steps to get back on track before applying.

Step 2: Complete the 60-Hour Broker Course

Once you meet the experience requirement, the next step is education.

Georgia requires you to complete a 60-hour real estate broker pre-licensing course. This course is designed to prepare you for the additional responsibilities that come with being a broker.

Topics typically include:

• Brokerage management

• Real estate law and compliance

• Trust accounts and financial responsibilities

• Risk management

• Supervising agents

The course builds on what you already know as an agent, but with a stronger focus on leadership and running a business.

Step 3: Pass the Georgia Broker Exam

After completing the required education, you will need to pass the Georgia broker state exam.

The exam is designed to test your knowledge of both national real estate principles and Georgia-specific laws. It is generally more detailed than the salesperson exam, since brokers are expected to have a deeper understanding of the industry.

Preparation is key here. Many agents choose to take practice exams or review courses to make sure they are fully ready before scheduling their test.

Once you pass the exam, you will be eligible to apply for your broker license.

Step 4: Apply for Your Broker License

After passing the exam, you will submit your application to the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC).

This process typically includes:

• Submitting your application

• Paying the required licensing fee

• Providing proof of education and experience

• Completing any background requirements

Once your application is approved, you will officially hold a Georgia broker license.

Step 5: Decide How You Want to Use Your Broker License

Earning your broker license is a major accomplishment, but the next step is deciding how you want to use it.

Many brokers choose to:

• Start their own real estate company

• Bring on agents and build a team

• Continue selling while operating their brokerage

Running your own company gives you full control over your business, but it also comes with added responsibilities such as compliance, training agents, and managing transactions.

Some brokers prefer to keep things simple and use their license in a more flexible way.

Building Your Experience Along the Way

If you are still working toward the 3 out of 5 years experience requirement, it’s important to make sure your license stays active during that time.

One option to consider is working with a brokerage that allows you to remain active without the high costs typically associated with traditional real estate companies.

For example, Park Place Realty Network provides a way for agents to keep their license active while focusing on referrals instead of full-time sales.

This can be especially helpful if:

• You are not currently selling real estate full-time

• You want to avoid paying Realtor or MLS fees

• You still want to earn income from your real estate connections

A Different Way to Earn While You Gain Experience

At Park Place Realty Network, agents can refer out their residential and commercial real estate contacts to experienced agents who handle the transaction from start to finish.

Instead of managing deals yourself, you simply connect your contact with a qualified agent.

Once the transaction closes, you earn 22.5% of the total commission as a referral fee.

This approach allows you to:

• Stay active and build your required experience timeline

• Avoid the cost of Realtor and MLS memberships

• Earn income without the day-to-day workload of selling real estate

It’s a practical option for agents who are working toward their broker license but may not want to operate as full-time sales agents or who need the additional years in order to be active.

Education and Cost Savings

Another benefit to consider while working toward your broker license is access to affordable education.

Through partnerships with providers like The CE Shop, agents will receive 40% off of all continuing education and professional development courses, including the required broker course.

Reducing your education costs can make the process of advancing your career more manageable.

Is Becoming a Broker the Right Move?

Becoming a broker in Georgia is a great step for agents who want to grow their career, increase their earning potential, and gain more independence.

However, it’s important to think about your long-term goals.

You may want to become a broker if you:

• Want to start your own real estate company

• Enjoy leadership and managing other agents

• Want more control over your business operations

On the other hand, if you prefer flexibility and a lower level of responsibility, you can still benefit from having a real estate license without running a brokerage.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to get a real estate broker license in Georgia is a key step for agents who are ready to take their career to the next level.

The process is straightforward:

1. Gain 3 out of 5 years of active experience

2. Complete the 60-hour broker course

3. Pass the state exam

4. Apply for your broker license

From there, you can choose the path that fits your goals—whether that’s opening your own brokerage or using your license in a more flexible way.

If you are still working toward your experience requirement or want a cost-effective way to stay active, Park Place Realty Network offers an alternative that allows you to refer business, avoid high fees, and earn income along the way.

By understanding your options and planning ahead, you can build a real estate career that works for your schedule, your goals, and your long-term success.

Author bio: John Lewis brings more than two decades of experience in the real estate industry, offering practical insight into market behavior, emerging trends, and long-term investment decisions. His writing is focused on helping real estate professionals navigate the business with clarity, whether they are just getting started or refining an established career.