The complete, step-by-step guide to earning your New York real estate broker license — from the 75-hour DOS-approved broker course and qualifying experience to the New York State exam, whether you practice upstate or in NYC.
Start Your NY Broker Course →Become a Real Estate Broker in New York
From Manhattan and Brooklyn to Buffalo and the Hudson Valley, New York is one of the most lucrative real estate markets in the country. Once you have built experience as a licensed salesperson, this guide shows you exactly how to become a real estate broker in New York and NYC.
This guide reflects current requirements from the New York Department of State (DOS), Division of Licensing Services.
4 Steps to Become a Real Estate Broker in New York
You must first meet New York’s experience requirement (2 years as a licensed salesperson, or equivalent points). Once you qualify, follow these four steps to earn your New York real estate broker license.
Complete the 75-Hour Broker Pre-License Course
Complete a DOS-approved 75-hour broker course covering agency law, real estate finance, investment, business law, conveyance of property, and taxes. This is the final part of New York’s 152-hour qualifying-education requirement. MLS Campus offers it fully online.
Pass Your Course Final Exam
Pass the proctored course final exam with a score of 70% or higher. Your course completion certificate is valid for 8 years and is required to sit the state exam. MLS Campus includes a free practice exam with a large question bank.
Pass the New York State Broker Exam & Get Fingerprinted
Schedule the New York State broker exam through eAccessNY ($15 fee). After passing, complete a criminal background check via electronic fingerprinting with IdentoGO by IDEMIA (about $99).
Apply for Your New York Real Estate Broker License
Submit your application online through eAccessNY with your NY.gov ID, entering your transaction history so the system calculates your experience points (3,500 for the salesperson track, 5,250 for the general track). The application fee is $185.
Understanding the New York Real Estate Broker Exam
The New York State broker exam is a multiple-choice test based on the full 152-hour qualifying curriculum (the 77-hour salesperson and 75-hour broker courses). You have 2.5 hours to complete it, and results are reported as simply Passed or Failed — no numerical score is given.
Schedule and view results through New York’s licensing portal, eAccessNY. A passing result is valid for two years, within which you must submit your broker license application.
Complete Cost Breakdown: New York Real Estate Broker License
| Cost Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 75-Hour Broker Course | From $232 | Varies by package and format |
| DOS License Application Fee | $185 | Nonrefundable, via eAccessNY |
| State Exam Fee | $15 | Per attempt (eAccessNY) |
| Fingerprinting (IdentoGO) | ~$99 | IDEMIA / IdentoGO |
| Estimated Total | ~$530–560 | Plus optional exam prep |
Fees approximate as of 2026 — verify current amounts with the New York Department of State before applying.
Advance Your Career as a New York Broker
Enroll in the DOS-approved 75-hour broker pre-license course — 100% online and self-paced. Everything you need to pass the New York broker exam and run your own brokerage.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Broker in New York?
Once you have met the 2-year experience requirement, most candidates complete the broker licensing process in 2 to 3 months. Here is a realistic breakdown:
New York Real Estate License Reciprocity
New York ended all of its real estate license reciprocity agreements in February 2023. There is currently no reciprocity shortcut for out-of-state brokers — everyone must meet the same New York requirements.
Always confirm the latest policy with the New York Department of State before applying, as reciprocity rules can change.
Why Become a Real Estate Broker in New York?
A New York broker license lets you work independently, open your own real estate firm, and earn a share of every salesperson’s commission. In a market as large as New York City and the wider state, that earning ceiling is among the highest in the country.
Salary data: Indeed & Glassdoor (2026), with career outlook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Individual results vary with experience, market, and effort.
Tips for Passing the New York Broker Exam
Candidates who complete the 75-hour broker course and prepare with practice exams pass on their first attempt. These tips help you study efficiently and walk in confident.
Continuing Education & Renewal
New York real estate broker licenses are valid for two years. To renew, brokers must complete 22.5 hours of approved continuing education each cycle — including required content on ethics, fair housing, agency, legal updates, cultural competency, and implicit bias. Renew on time through eAccessNY to keep your license active.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to be a salesperson before becoming a broker in New York?
You need at least 2 years of experience as a licensed New York salesperson (3,500 points), or 3 years in the general real estate field (5,250 points), or a qualifying combination of the two.
What are the requirements for a New York real estate broker license?
The New York real estate broker license requirements are: be 20 or older, have no felony or sex-offense convictions, complete 152 hours of qualifying education (77-hour salesperson + 75-hour broker), meet the experience-point requirement, and pass the New York State broker exam plus fingerprinting.
How many education hours do you need for a NY broker license?
New York requires 152 hours of DOS-approved qualifying education: the 77-hour salesperson course plus the 75-hour broker course. If you completed the older 45-hour broker course, a 32-hour remedial course brings you to 152.
How much does it cost to get a New York broker license?
Expect roughly $530–$560 total: a DOS application fee of $185, a $15 state exam fee, fingerprinting around $99, plus a 75-hour broker course starting from $232.
Does New York have broker license reciprocity?
No. New York ended all of its real estate reciprocity agreements in February 2023. Out-of-state brokers must meet New York’s education, experience, and exam requirements, though prior licensed experience can count toward the qualifying points.
What is the difference between a salesperson and a broker in New York?
A salesperson must work under the supervision of a licensed broker. A New York real estate broker can work independently, own a brokerage, and hire and supervise salespersons.
How long does it take to become a broker in New York?
After meeting the 2-year experience requirement, most candidates finish the 75-hour course, the exam, and the application in 2–3 months, depending on study pace.
Key Takeaways
Start Your New York Broker Career Today
MLS Campus is a DOS-approved school with over 20 years of experience helping students pass the New York real estate broker exam. Complete your 75-hour broker course online, at your own pace.
Ready to get your New York real estate license?
Study online at your own pace with state-approved, instructor-supported courses. Browse the New York packages or head back to our homepage to explore everything MLS Campus offers.