How to Become a Real Estate Broker in Utah

Obtaining a real estate broker license in Utah might boost your earning potential and allow you to manage your own firm or team of real estate agents. This article provides a thorough description of the stages necessary to become a licensed broker in Utah, from satisfying the requirements to passing the state exam. Following these steps will prepare you to take your professional career to the next level.

Steps to Become a Real Estate Broker in Utah

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to do to get your broker’s license in Utah. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of each step.

1. Meet the licensing requirements 
2. Satisfy the experience requirements for brokers
3. Complete 120-hour broker pre-licensing education 
4. Submit your license application and required documents
5. Pass the Utah real estate broker exam
6. Complete a background check and fingerprinting
7. Activate your broker’s license

By completing these steps, you will be well on your way to becoming a registered real estate broker in Utah, and preparing yourself for a fulfilling and successful career in real estate.

1. Meet the Licensing Requirements

The Utah Division of Real Estate (DRE) has various licensing standards that you must meet before you can start your career as a real estate broker. Generally, you have to:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Have a current Utah real estate license in good standing.

For any new or revised eligibility requirements, be sure to check the Utah DRE website.

2. Satisfy the Experience Requirements for Brokers

As a licensed sales agent, you must fulfill certain experience criteria before you can apply for a Utah real estate broker license. Here's everything you'll need:

• Three years of full-time, active real estate experience in the previous five years.
• At least 60 experience points acquired from real estate transactions and other professional activity.

These qualifications ensure that you have the necessary hands-on experience and industry expertise to effectively manage real estate operations and head a brokerage in Utah.

3. Complete 120-hour Broker Pre-Licensing Education

After meeting Utah's initial broker qualifications, you must complete 120 hours of authorized broker pre-licensing study at a recognized real estate school. Your coursework will cover important areas you'll need to know as a broker, including:

• Utah real estate law
  (UCA 61-2, Administrative Rules, and important state regulations)
• Broker principles
  (agency relationships, federal laws, real estate finance, property ownership, contracts, math, appraisal basics, and more)
• Broker practices
  (real estate forms, appraisal techniques, brokerage management, property management operations, agency practices, ethics, and professionalism)

Most approved real estate schools will require you to pass a final exam on the course topic to demonstrate your understanding. After completing the coursework and final exam, you’ll earn a certificate confirming your 120 hours of broker education—an essential step toward taking the Utah broker exam.

If you’re looking for a trusted program, we invite you to explore our partnered real estate broker training. With expert instructors, up-to-date materials, and strong support, you’ll be well-prepared to pass the Utah broker exam and launch a successful career as a licensed broker.

4. Submit Your License Application and Required Documents

After completing 120 hours of broker pre-licensing coursework, submit a comprehensive application to the Utah Division of Real Estate. This usually includes:

• Proof of completing the 120 hours of broker education (course certificates).
• Verification of your real estate experience and licensure history.
• Any additional documents outlined by the DRE (e.g., transcripts if you have a degree in real estate).

To ensure an easy application process, carefully review all requirements outlined in the Broker License Checklist. This will provide detailed guidance on the necessary forms and documentation. Incomplete or incorrect submissions can lead to delays or rejection of your application.

5. Pass the Utah Real Estate Broker Exam

Once your application is approved by the Utah Division of Real Estate, you’ll receive authorization to take the Real Estate Broker Exam—a critical step in earning your license.

How to register:
The exam is given by Pearson VUE, Utah's official testing partner. You can arrange your exam online, over the phone, or via mail. Visit the Pearson VUE website for the most up-to-date registration information, available test dates, and exam cost payment options.

How to prepare:

Set yourself up for success by studying your pre-licensing training, taking practice tests, and brushing up on any areas where you need extra help. Many top real estate institutions also provide broker exam preparation resources that are specific to Utah's test topics.

Utah Broker Exam details:

• Total questions: 130 multiple choice
  
  • 80 questions on national real estate principles
  • 50 questions on Utah-specific laws and regulations
• Time limit: 4 hours
• Passing score: 70% or higher on both sections

Stay up to date:
Testing operations, prices, and formats may vary; please double-check the current guidelines on the Pearson VUE and Utah DRE websites.

Passing the Utah Real Estate Broker Exam is an important milestone. With the proper preparation and tools, you'll be well on your way to obtaining your broker's license and furthering your real estate career.

6. Complete a Background Check and Fingerprinting

As with all real estate license candidates in Utah, aspiring brokers are required to undergo a background check. This usually involves submitting fingerprints at an authorized location. 

The Utah Division of Real Estate then reviews criminal history records to ensure that broker candidates meet the state's high ethical standards necessary for managing real estate transactions.

7. Activate Your Broker’s License

Once you complete the exam and your background check is processed by the state, you can apply for license activation. At this stage, you’ll pay any outstanding fees and confirm the last requirements. After official approval, you’ll receive your Utah real estate broker’s license. 

Congratulations! You now have the legal authority to start or run a brokerage, manage real estate transactions at a higher level, and oversee sales agents.

FAQs about Becoming a Real Estate Broker in Utah

Below are some of the most common questions asked by those considering the broker route in Utah.

Should You Become a Real Estate Broker in Utah?

If you’re a seasoned real estate agent ready to take your business to the next level, earning your broker’s license in Utah can be exactly what you need. Becoming a broker allows you to manage your own business, lead a team of agents, and impact the real estate industry — giving you more freedom, income potential, and control over your professional future.

Agents who thrive in leadership roles and love mentoring others will find that becoming a broker adds to their fulfillment and credibility. It's a logical next step for people who want to have a greater influence in the real estate industry.

How Fast Can You Get a Broker’s License?

The timeline to get a broker’s license depends on how quickly you complete the required education and how soon you submit your documentation. Here's a general breakdown:​

• You must have at least three years of full-time, active real estate experience within the past five years
• 120 hours of broker-specific coursework. Depending on your schedule, this can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 2 months.
• The Utah Division of Real Estate typically processes complete applications within 4 to 6 week

In total, after meeting the initial experience requirements, most candidates can expect to obtain their Utah real estate broker license within 2 to 4 months.

How Much Do Real Estate Brokers Make?

Real estate brokers in Utah generally earn more than sales agents due to their ability to oversee transactions and manage a group of agents. They often collect a portion of the commissions generated by the agents they supervise and have the flexibility to establish their own commission models.

Broker earnings can vary based on the size of their brokerage, local market conditions, and office overhead costs.

According to Indeed, the average annual salary for a Utah real estate broker is around $88,946, with reported earnings ranging from $46,617 to $149,690. Glassdoor reports even higher figures, estimating total annual compensation at approximately $242,000—including base pay, commissions, and bonuses.

These estimates highlight the potential for brokers to out-earn agents significantly, though actual income depends on various personal and market-driven factors.

How Much Does a Real Estate Broker’s License Cost?

Here’s a breakdown of the typical expenses you can expect as you work toward upgrading your license:

• Pre-licensing education: $400–$600 (varies by provider)
• Broker exam fee: $60
• Application fee: $153
• Background check & fingerprinting: $20–$40

Keep in mind, these costs are estimates and may change, so be sure to check with the Utah Division of Real Estate and your selected education provider for the most up-to-date information.

Investing in your broker’s license is a big step—but it’s one that can lead to more autonomy, higher earning potential, and new career opportunities in Utah’s real estate market.

What’s the Difference Between Real Estate Brokers and Agents?

A real estate agent—also known as a sales agent—is licensed to assist clients with buying, selling, or renting property but must work under the supervision of a licensed broker. Agents cannot operate independently and are required to be affiliated with a broker or brokerage firm.

A real estate broker, however, has completed additional education, gained significant experience, and passed a more advanced licensing exam. Brokers have the authority to work independently, open and manage their own brokerage, and oversee other sales agents. With this added responsibility comes increased earning potential and the opportunity to grow a more expansive real estate business.

Does Utah Have a Broker’s License Reciprocity Agreement?

Utah offers limited reciprocity with other states when it comes to real estate broker licensing. If you're already licensed in another state, you may be eligible to waive certain education or exam requirements—but this depends on your state's agreement with Utah. 

Since these agreements can change, it's important to check directly with the Utah Division of Real Estate for the most current reciprocity information. Reviewing their guidelines can help you determine whether you qualify for a faster path to your Utah broker’s license.

Final Thoughts on Becoming a Real Estate Broker in Utah

Unlock greater earning potential and take full control of your real estate career by becoming a licensed broker in Utah. With the right experience, education, and determination to pass the state exam, you can open the door to managing agents, starting your own brokerage, and leading in the local market.

Ready to lead? Enroll in our trusted Utah broker licensing program and start building the business you've always envisioned.