Ohio Online Real Estate Academy

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Cleveland Real Estate License: Quick Facts & Requirements

Essential requirements for Cleveland students starting in 2026.
At a glance
  • Ohio Education Requirement: 120 hours (pre-licensing)
  • Typical time to finish (self-paced): 3–6 weeks
  • Testing provider: PSI
  • Nearest exam sites: Cleveland PSI Test Center (10.87 mi) • Akron PSI Test Center (26.96 mi)
  • Education cost (our packages): $999–$1,299
  • State + processing fees (estimate): ~$250 (exam + application)
Fit for Cleveland students
Best for Working adults, people switching careers, parents & students who need a flexible schedule
Not ideal for People who prefer in-person classes weekly
Recommended next step
Ready to Get Started?
Need More Information?

Cleveland Housing Market Snapshot: 2026 Trends

Current real estate performance and inventory levels in Cleveland, Ohio.
Cleveland — local market snapshot
Median Sale Price
(For 31 March 2026)
$135,000
Updated: April 14, 2026
12-Month Price Change
3.30%
Active Listings
(for sale)
1,152
Market Heat
Very Competitive
Local Market Summary
  • Median sale price is $135,000, up about 3.3% year over year.
  • There are approximately 1,152 active listings available now.
  • The market is very competitive with homes selling in about 33 days on market.
Local Neighborhood Insight
  • Ohio City (44113) is a trendy walkable neighborhood with renovated single-family homes and proximity to West Side Market.
  • Tremont offers historic charm with an artsy vibe ideal for buyers seeking renovation opportunities near downtown.
  • Shaker Heights provides family-friendly suburbs with strong schools, while Collinwood draws first-time buyers and artists with affordable lakeside properties.
Market Data as of: April 14, 2026 Source: Redfin

Ohio Real Estate Class Packages

⭐ 4.9 ★ (418 verified reviews) · Trusted by Ohio real estate professionals for 40+ years

Most affordable

$999 list price
Affirm logo
Pay Over Time Financing
Available from $63/Month.
  • All 100 hours of Ohio pre-licensing education required for licensure
  • 24/7 online access — study on your schedule
  • Mobile compatible
Perfect for: Self-motivated learners on a budget
Best Value

Exam prep support

$1299 list price

Recommended for most students

Affirm logo
Pay Over Time Financing
Available from $82/Month.
Everything in Quick Start, plus:
  • Live exam prep sessions
  • Expert instructor guidance
Perfect for: Students who want extra exam support

Pass guarantee!

$1499 list price
Affirm logo
Pay Over Time Financing
Available from $94/Month.
Everything in Career Start, plus:
  • Exam prep software
  • Pass guarantee included
Perfect for: Students who want maximum confidence

Complete solution

$1799 list price
Affirm logo
Pay Over Time Financing
Available from $63/Month.
Everything in Set for Success, plus:
  • Savings on the required post-licensing class
  • Maximum career savings bundle
Perfect for: Committed professionals planning ahead

Enrollment at a Glance

Key enrollment policies for Cleveland students.
  • Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee92% first-try pass rate
  • 6-month course access — extensions available if needed
  • Refund window — full refund within 30 days if not started
  • Student support — phone, email, and instructor Q&A options
  • Flexible access — works on phone, tablet, or computer
Affiliate disclosure: Ohio Online Real Estate Academy is an authorized affiliate of Hondros College of Business, licensed by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools (Registration #1926, #2312). Policies shown reflect information as of February 2026; confirm current policies before enrolling.

Student Reviews

Great Staff Great Experience

Very accommodating with my schedule I end up going to classes in the a. m. and online the second half the Day . Instructors were great and the facility was nice great environment!!!

Matthew P. (Hondros.com, 12/12/25)

New Career

Starting a new career in real estate felt overwhelming, and I was incredibly nervous. To give you an idea, I was the person who spelled Realtor with an extra ‘a’—’Realator’! Choosing Hondros College was the best decision I could have made. The instructors, Bob and Mike, have been amazing. They are patient, knowledgeable, and have helped me understRead more about Starting a new career in real estateand everything I need to know. I feel so much more prepared and confident about taking my exams. Thank you, Hondros, for helping me build the foundation for my new dream career!

PamelaCarter (Hondros.com, 10/03/25)

Outstanding Customer Service and Education

Completed my pre-licensing hours with Hondros and from start to finish it was a great experience. Erin McCollough assisted in my enrollment and any time I needed anything she was there for assistance. I would recommend her and Hondros to anyone looking into getting their real estate license.

Josh (Hondros.com, 01/07/26)

Passed the exam

“Compucram provides you with what you need to pass the exam. I used a different test prep service in the past, they had a lot of content and resources that didn’t help prepare me for the real estate exam. I failed that attempt. Compucram’s vocab review, section tests, and simulated exams is exactly what I needed to pass.”

javisuerto (Hondros.com, 12/12/22)

Passed

“Compucram is a great resource, I did all of the simulations until it said I was ready and passed my Property and Casualty test on my first attempt with an 83%.”

Sara (Hondros.com, 12/1/22)

Hondros Real Estate

“Hondros is the best. There are so many resources and everyone is so helpful. I recommend Hondros to everyone! Thank you Hondros.”

Sunnie (Hondros.com, 11/17/23)

Love Hondros!

Attending Hondro’s College has been a pleasant and amazing experience. Everyone I’ve talked to on the support side have been super resourceful, patient, and quick to resolve my issue/inquiry. The online class experience has been nothing short of exceptional! – Shout outs to Dominique A. for being an exceptional customer service rep 🙂 Cheers!

Tnova (Hondros.com, 05/03/24)

Their customer service team is truly outstanding—friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to help.

“Their customer service team is truly outstanding—friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. My first interaction was with Jana Guild, who was incredibly informative and helpful. I was so impressed that I initially thought I’d prefer to deal with her alone, as people like her are rare to come by.

However, when I was ready toRead more about review stating Their customer service team is truly outstanding—friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. purchase the course, I encountered an issue that required immediate assistance. Since Jana was unavailable at the time, I called the helpline and was connected with ShayLynn Cartwright—another exceptional representative. Her willingness to assist went above and beyond, reinforcing my belief that their entire customer service team is remarkable.

If their courses are as high-quality as their customer support, I have no doubt I’m in for a great experience.”

Mavis (Hondros.com, 03/05/25)

Hondros

“Hondros has been great. I chose the online self paced classes, and I’ve had to reach out a couple of times for support, and the support team was always very helpful and made me feel important and taken care of. The classes are great and very helpful and easy to navigate. Truly happy with the experience Hondros has provided.”

Taylor (Hondros.com, 06/13/25)
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Licensing FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I get a real estate license in Cleveland Ohio?

To get a real estate license in Cleveland, Ohio, you must: complete 100 hours of pre-licensing education, pass the Ohio real estate exam, find a sponsoring broker, and submit your application with a $81 fee. The process typically takes 3-6 months from start to finish.

The 5 steps are:

  1. Complete 100 hours of approved real estate education
  2. Find a sponsoring broker
  3. Apply for the exam ($81 application fee)
  4. Pass the Ohio real estate exam ($63 exam fee)
  5. Submit background check and fingerprinting ($50-$80)

Find more detailed information in our Ohio Licensing Process Guide or check out our online and in-person classes.

What are the basic requirements to get a real estate license in Cleveland Ohio?

You must be:

  1. At least 18 years old
  2. Have a high school diploma or equivalent (if born after 1950)
  3. Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
  4. Have no disqualifying criminal convictions
  5. Not have violated civil rights laws regarding real estate in the past 2 years

Find more detailed information in our Ohio Licensing Process Guide, see the Ohio Revised Code 4735.09, or check out our online and in-person classes.

How many hours of education are required for an Ohio real estate license?

Ohio requires 100 hours of pre-licensing education as of April 9, 2025 (reduced from 120 hours). The courses must be completed at an accredited institution that offers at least a two-year degree program.

The 100 hours break down as:

  1. 40 hours: Real Estate Principles and Practices
  2. 40 hours: Ohio Real Estate Law (including civil rights)
  3. 10 hours: Real Estate Finance
  4. 10 hours: Real Estate Appraisal

Find more detailed information in our Ohio Licensing Process Guide, visit the Ohio Department of Commerce site, or check out our online and in-person classes.

How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Cleveland Ohio?

The total cost ranges from $1,275 to $2,220 in Cleveland, Ohio, depending on your choice of real estate school and additional services.

Typical costs include:

  1. Pre-licensing course: $999–$1,799+ (View our course packages)
  2. Exam application fee: $81
  3. Exam fee: $63
  4. Background check/fingerprinting: $50–$80
  5. License application fee: $58

Our Quick Start package begins at just $999, making it one of the most affordable options in Ohio. Compare all package options here.

Can I take the Ohio real estate exam online in Cleveland Ohio?

Yes, Ohio offers remote online proctored exams through PSI in addition to in-person testing at PSI centers. You must schedule in advance regardless of which option you choose.

For online testing, you'll need a computer with webcam, microphone, and stable internet. See our enrollment details page for full technical requirements.

Schedule your exam at PSI's Ohio Real Estate portal.

Can I take Ohio real estate courses online in Cleveland Ohio?

Yes, you can complete all 100 hours of pre-licensing education online through state-approved schools. Our online courses are available 24/7 with mobile-friendly access, allowing you to study at your own pace from anywhere.

Benefits of online learning:

  1. 24/7 access to course materials
  2. Self-paced learning that fits your schedule
  3. Interactive content with real-world scenarios
  4. 7-day support via phone, chat, and email

We partner with Hondros College, a top-rated Ohio real estate school licensed by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools.

How long does it take to complete Ohio real estate education?

Most students complete the 100-hour requirement in 4–8 weeks, depending on their schedule. If studying part-time while working, it may take 2–4 months.

Our programs give you 6 months to complete the coursework, with paid extensions available if needed. See our enrollment details for full policy information.

Do I need a sponsoring broker in Cleveland Ohio?

Yes, you must have a sponsoring broker before you can practice real estate in Ohio. The broker serves as your supervisor and mentor. You cannot work independently as a new licensee.

What to look for in a broker:

  1. Commission structure and splits
  2. Training and mentorship programs
  3. Lead generation support
  4. Technology and marketing tools
  5. Office culture and reputation

Learn more about the complete licensing process including broker selection in our detailed licensing guide.

Cleveland Census Data & Demographic Profile

Housing fundamentals and economic demographics for Cleveland, Ohio, based on U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
Total Population
366,097
Total residents
Median Household Income
$40,801
Annual household income
Median Home Value
$102,000
Owner-occupied homes
Median Rent
$945
Gross monthly rent
Owner Occupancy Rate
41.7%
Homes owner-occupied
Recent Move-In Rate
1.9%
Moved in past year
ACS 5-Year Estimates (2024) Source: U.S. Census Bureau Updated: February 28, 2026

Top-Rated Real Estate Brokerages in Cleveland Area

A research shortlist to help you start your brokerage search in Cleveland. Ratings and review counts change over time.

Manual audit date: April 30, 2026

Progressive Urban Real Estate

★ 4.6 (73)

4001 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA

Relevant Real Estate Services

★ 4.9 (56)

6100 Oak Tree Blvd #200, Independence, OH 44131, USA

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty

★ 4.9 (54)

2217 E 9th St #300, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA

Howard Hanna Cleveland Heights/University Circle

★ 4.7 (47)

12435 Cedar Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44106, USA

What to Look For as a New Agent
  • Mentorship: onboarding plan, shadowing, live coaching.
  • Training cadence: weekly training, role-play, CRM support.
  • Lead expectations: company leads vs self-gen, distribution rules.
  • Compensation clarity: splits + fees (desk/tech/transaction).
  • Culture fit: support, accountability, realistic performance expectations.
Methodology: We compiled this list from Google Places / Business Profile data, then manually screened results to remove individuals, teams, real estate flippers/investors, property-management-only firms, and other results that are not actual real estate brokerages. We also removed businesses that didn’t have a working website or appeared to be out of business. It was surprisingly hard — we hope this helps point you in the right direction.

Disclosure: This is not a complete list and is not meant to be a recommendation. There is no relationship between Ohio Online Real Estate Academy and these businesses.

Source: Google Places (New) API (Overview).

Cleveland Ohio Real Estate Licensing Prep: Closest Exam and Fingerprint Locations

Closest Ohio real estate exam locations near Cleveland: Cleveland PSI Test Center (10.87 miles), Akron PSI Test Center (26.96 miles), with State & FBI fingerprint locations: Fieldprint Ohio (0.12 miles), Moore Safety Solutions, LLC (0.12 miles), Health Express Urgent Care (3.62 miles), R-CAP Security (3.87 miles), University Circle Police Department (4.54 miles).

PSI Test Locations (Updated: February 6, 2026)
Test Center Distance

Cleveland PSI Test Center

7029 Pearl Rd, Suite 320, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130

Map
10.87 mi

Akron PSI Test Center

231 Springside Dr, Suite 125, Akron, OH 44333

Map
26.96 mi
Exam Logistics Checklist
  • Schedule after you're approved: Once eligibility is approved, register/schedule your exam with PSI.
  • Arrive early: Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before your appointment for sign-in and ID checks.
  • Bring valid ID: Use an unexpired ID and ensure your name matches exactly what you used when scheduling.
  • Know security rules: Review prohibited items and test center procedures before you go.
  • Remote option: If using remote proctoring, launch within the allowed window—late starts can forfeit fees/eligibility.
Source: PSI Exam FAQ
Fingerprint Locations (State & FBI Approved) (Updated: February 4, 2026)
Fingerprint Location Distance

Fieldprint Ohio

2035 Hamilton Avenue, Cleveland OH 44114

Map
0.12 mi

Moore Safety Solutions, LLC

1287 Marquette Street, Cleveland OH 44114

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0.12 mi

Health Express Urgent Care

3762 Pearl Rd., Cleveland Ohio 44109

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3.62 mi

R-CAP Security

7800 Superior Ave, Cleveland OH 44103

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3.87 mi

University Circle Police Department

12100 Euclid Ave, Cleveland Ohio 44106

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4.54 mi
Webcheck Fingerprint Checklist
  • File application first: Submit your license application BEFORE getting fingerprinted (don’t fingerprint early).
  • Schedule within 10 days: Book fingerprinting at an approved Webcheck location within 10 days of filing.
  • Verify dual capability: Confirm location processes BOTH state AND FBI fingerprints—not all do.
  • Bring photo ID: Take government-issued ID to your appointment.
  • Use correct codes: Provide reason codes 4735.143 (BCI&I) and 4735.143 (FBI) to the Webcheck operator.
  • Processing timeline: BCI&I typically submits results to the Division within 30 days of receiving your fingerprints.
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Ohio Real Estate Agent Licensing Requirements

Ohio Licensing Basics

What You Need to Get Licensed in Ohio

Here’s the simplified version: meet the basic eligibility requirements, complete the required education, pass the exam, and finish your application with Ohio.

Be at least 18 years old You must meet Ohio’s minimum age requirement to apply for a real estate license.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent A diploma (or equivalent credential) is required before licensing.
Complete Ohio’s required pre-licensing education Complete the required hours and required course subjects before you apply for the exam.
Pass the Ohio real estate exam After completing education, you’ll schedule and pass the licensing exam.
Submit your Ohio application Once you pass, complete the remaining application steps required by the state.

Your 2026 Ohio Real Estate Licensing Roadmap

A simple checklist to keep you moving. Always confirm latest official requirements with the State of Ohio.

Next steps
  • Enroll: pick a 100-hour package and start your study plan.
  • Complete hours: finish coursework (many students finish in 4–8 weeks).
  • Apply: submit your salesperson application when ready.
  • Schedule exam: once approved, schedule with PSI and follow test-day rules.
  • Fingerprinting: complete Webcheck (BCI + FBI) within the required timing.