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How to get an Associate Broker license in Colorado

Colorado licenses real estate agents statewide through the Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Real Estate.1 For the Associate Broker license you need a passing score on the Real Estate Licensing Examination1 and a criminal background check1. You renew every 3 years1 and complete 24 hours of continuing education1.

Last checked · 1 official sources

Who issues it

Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Real Estate

Training and experience

An approved education program; see the requirements

Exam

Real Estate Licensing Examination1

Renewal

Every 3 years1, 24 hours of continuing education1

From another state

Military service members and spouses1 Details

On this page
  1. Colorado real estate agent licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs an Associate Broker license
  4. Requirements for an Associate Broker license
  5. Renewal and continuing education
  6. Employing Broker
  7. Independent Broker
  8. Laws and rules
  9. Rule changes since January 2024
  10. Common questions
  11. Real estate agent licenses in other states

Colorado real estate agent licenses

Colorado issues 3 real estate agent credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

LicenseWhat it coversTraining or experienceExam
Associate BrokerEntry-level broker license; works under the supervision of an Employing Broker. Colorado has no separate "salesperson" license — all licensees are Brokers.1–Yes1
Employing BrokerMay employ and supervise other brokers.1Training 24 clock hours1
Experience 2 years1		–
Independent BrokerActs as own brokerage firm or sole proprietor without employing or supervising Associate Brokers.1–Yes1

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the Colorado real estate agent licenses on this page, so they are shown once here, with the licenses they apply to. Each license's own section lists only what differs.

1. Every license level (all 3)

Requirements

Background check
Background check required1
Fingerprints required1
Applicants with any misdemeanor (other than traffic) or felony record, or pending charges, must file court dispositions, police reports and a written explanation; active-license applicants also need a supervision statement from the employing broker.1
You can ask the board to review your record before you apply1
Insurance
Every Active Broker must carry errors and omissions insurance (state group policy or an independent policy meeting the rule).1
Insurance
Minimum $100,000 per covered claim and $300,000 annual aggregate per licensee under the Commission policy1
Also required
Applicants with past or pending professional discipline anywhere must file orders and an explanation.1
Also required
A license may be issued on Inactive status when E&O proof or an employing broker is missing.1

Renewal

How often
Every 3 years1
When it expires
Three-year calendar cycle from January 1 of year one to December 31 of year three; an initial license expires December 31 of the year of issuance.1
Continuing education
24 hours each renewal period1
Required topics
12 hours of Annual Commission Update courses (4 hours each year); from 2027 each year's update must be finished by July 11
12 hours of electives in statutory subject areas1
Alternatives: pass the Colorado portion of the exam, take the 24-hour Broker Reactivation Course (not in consecutive cycles), or complete 72 hours of Contracts (48) and Closings (24)1
Annual Commission Update requires 70% on the course exam1
Approved courses
CE must come from Commission-approved (or exempt) providers; max 8 hours per day; no carry-over beyond 24 hours.1
If it expires
A license inactive or expired up to 36 months without CE needs the 24-hour Broker Reactivation Course before going Active.1
All licenses must be renewed, whatever their status.1

From another state

Route
Military service members and spouses
What the board says
Servicemembers and spouses relocating to Colorado on military orders with a valid broker license from another jurisdiction get authority to practice, subject to CBI fingerprints, orders, marriage certificate (spouses) and an attestation.1

2. Every license level except Employing Broker

Requirements

Exam
Real Estate Licensing Examination1
When you can take it: Qualifying education must be completed and proof filed before taking the exam.1
National (general) portion1
Colorado (state) portion1
Retakes: Failed part(s) may be retaken later.1
Time limit: A passing score on either part is valid for 1 year; the complete application must be filed within that year.1

How to apply

  1. Complete the required qualifying education and keep the proof (must be filed before the exam).1
  2. Pass both parts (national and Colorado) of the Real Estate Licensing Examination; a pass is valid for one year.1
  3. Submit fingerprints to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation for the criminal history check.1
  4. Get errors and omissions insurance before going Active.1
  5. Apply with the fee, education/experience proof and exam results within a year of passing.1

Who needs an Associate Broker license

Entry-level broker license; works under the supervision of an Employing Broker. Colorado has no separate "salesperson" license — all licensees are Brokers.1

Requirements for an Associate Broker license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 2 under Applies to every license level.

Education or training
Qualifying education under C.R.S. 12-10-203(4); the rule specifies the 72-hour component: trust accounts and record keeping 8, real estate closings 24, current legal issues 8, practical applications 321
Who may teach it: Approved courses from an accredited college or university or a Real Estate School; subject to Commission audit.1
Experience
No prior experience required for the entry (Associate Broker) level; new associates (under 2 years Active) work under an Employing Broker.1

Renewal and continuing education

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your Colorado Associate Broker license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Employing Broker

May employ and supervise other brokers.1

Requirements

Education or training
At least 24 clock hours1
24-hour brokerage administration course1
Experience
At least 2 years1
At least 2 years as an Active Broker within the 5 years before applying, plus 50 points (employing-broker years 10 pts; delegated supervision 5 pts/yr; CE hours 1 pt each up to 20; transactions 1-6 pts each).1
License you must hold first: Colorado broker license, Active for at least 2 years1
Substitute: Points: each residential sale 3, commercial sale 6, vacant land sale 6, commercial PM 4, residential PM 2, commercial lease 2, residential lease 1, time share 2; CE capped at 20 points1
Business requirements
Submit the Commission's points worksheet and supporting documents with the application.1

How to apply

  1. Hold an Active Colorado broker license for 2 of the last 5 years and build at least 50 points.1
  2. Complete the 24-hour brokerage administration course.1
  3. Apply with the worksheet, supporting documents and the fee.1

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 under Applies to every license level.

Independent Broker

Acts as own brokerage firm or sole proprietor without employing or supervising Associate Brokers.1

Requirements

Business requirements
A sole proprietor broker must hold an Independent or Employing Broker level license.1
Business requirements
Partnerships, corporations and LLCs must be registered and in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State.1

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 2 under Applies to every license level.

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Rule changes since January 2024

  • January 30, 2026: Chapter 4 (continuing education) and other rules amended effective 01/30/2026.1

Common questions

How often do you renew an Associate Broker license in Colorado?

Every 3 years1. Continuing education: 24 hours1.

Real estate agent licenses in other states

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

  1. 4 CCR 725-1 Real Estate Brokers (version effective 09/30/2026)Colorado Secretary of State, Code of Colorado Regulations (Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Real Estate)Dated September 30, 2026Checked November 6, 2026