General Questions | Salesperson Course | Brokers Course | Continuing Education
General
Q. Where are you located?
A. We are conveniently located at 168 Monticello Ave., Jersey City for salesperson classes and Kearny Point for everything else.
Q. How do I sign up for online classes?
A. Same process as the live ones. We take Zelle (preferred), Venmo, PayPal, Cash app, broker’s check, cashier’s check, or straight cash.
Q. What are your office hours?
A. Please refer to the Schedules page for class dates and times at all of our locations.
Q. I need help paying for tuition. Does AREA offer financial aid?
A. Currently, AREA does not know of any financial aid programs that would cover the cost of tuition. However, if you find one and forward us the details, we’re happy to give you a $30 credit towards any of our offerings as a thank you.
Q. I am licensed in New Jersey, but I’d like to be licensed in another state as well. What should I do?
A. NJ has no reciprocity with any other state. You’d have to call the individual state that you wish to be licensed in for more information.
In general, there is an 80% overlap between our course material and the national exam which should help you pass in any state.
Salesperson Course:
Q. What is the difference between a salesperson and a broker?
A. The major differences between salespersons and brokers are license requirements and client interaction. Brokers are generally required to have more education and sales experience than real estate salespersons. A real estate salesperson is licensed by the state, but must work under the supervision of a broker.
Q. How many hours do I need to be a salesperson?
A. In order to obtain your Sales License, you need 75 hours of sales class time.
Q. Do I need any previous sales experience? Are there any education requirements?
A. You do not need to have any previous sales experience to become a salesperson. The prior education requirement is either a high school diploma or its’ equivalency.
Q. Is there any way I can be exempt from having to take these classes?
A. All of the following exemptions from taking the class exist:
NJ licensed attorneys.
Those granted an exemption by the NJ REC (includes some agents licensed in other states).
Certain honorably discharged veterans with a medical exemption.
Q. I have a previous felony/misdemeanor. Can I still get a sales license?
A. You must contact the real estate commission at
If before the start of the 4th hour of instruction, you feel like you need a refund, you may invoke the “easy out clause” which grants a full refund less $65.
Q. When can I start classes?
a. Any time before the 7th hour of a particular class begins. However, if you join after the 3rd hour of instruction, you waive your right to the “easy out clause.”
Q. Are there any supplies or books I’ll need for this course?
a. You may need to take notes during the lessons, so bring a highlighter and a note pad. We also offer our students additional materials for additional fees at their option.
Q. How can I pay for classes or materials at AREA?
A. We accept cash, money order, credit or debit card. We do not accept personal checks. (You know why.)
Q. Can I take courses online and in-class to complete my 75 hours?
A. Regularly, no. Currently, yes due to COVID-19. Salespersons can only get credit for classes attended in person at this time.
Q. Can I register for courses on the same day they are being offered?
a. Yes! Registration is always ongoing, and you can attend the same day. Please arrive 30-60 minutes prior to the class start (for a list of class schedules, click here).
Q. Is there a certain time limit to complete the Salesperson course?
a. You have seven (7) months from the time you attend your first course to complete the sales course and school exam.
Q. I need more time to complete the course. What do I do?
a. Call John for details. TBD.
Q. How long is each sales class?
a. Each session is approximately 3 hours long in the evening and 6 hours long on the weekends.
Q. What does the Salesperson course include?
a. The Salesperson course includes 22 modules (23 classes) that will give you all the information you need to be a salesperson + 1 free Q+A session prior to final. Additional Q+A sessions can be purchased here.
Q. Is the textbook included in the cost of tuition?
a. Yes.
Q. I’m really confused about the class content. Can I repeat a class if I need some extra information?
a. You are more than welcome to repeat any of the classes. Please note you will only receive hourly class credit the first time you attend a class.
Q. Does AREA offer tutoring if I don’t understand any content?
a. Absolutely! 1-1 tutoring sessions are held by appointment only for an additional fee per hour.
Q. Do I have to attend all 22 modules? What if I miss a course?
a. In order to be eligible for our school exam as well as the state exam, you must complete 80% of the hours needed, totaling 60 hours of mandatory class time for salespersons.
Q. Do I have to take the 22 modules in any particular order?
a. Yes, save the first three chapters, our lessons are dependent of one another. You need information from one lesson in order to move on to the next one. It is recommended to follow classes in order when possible.
Q. I’ve completed the 75 hour sales class requirement. What’s next?
a. You must take our school exam. Upon achieving a 70% passing grade or higher, you will receive a certificate of completion.
Q. Do I have to pre-register for the school exam?
a. If you take it at a time when the school is scheduled to give it, then no. Otherwise, yes. An additional fee of $50 applies.
Q. What if I fail the school exam?
a. No worries, you can always schedule to re-take the exam with one of our counselors. You have three attempts to pass the exam within 4 months from the date of the original final exam. A $25.00 fee will be assessed before the third attempt. A $50.00 fee will be assessed on the third attempt. Also, note, that regardless of when you pass the school exam, you have 1 year from the date of when your 75 hours are complete to pass the school exam, pass the state exam, and sign with a broker.
Q. I passed my school exam, now what?
a. You will receive a certificate of completion. Save this certificate, as it proves you’ve completed all coursework. You will need it to take your state exam. Also, the real estate commission will need it for your application.
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Q. Can I take the state exam before AREA’s school exam?
a. No.
Q. Does AREA administer the State Exam? How often is the State exam given?
a. AREA does not administer the State Exam. PSI does. Exams are held based on the availability of individual locations. The cost for the exam is $45.00.
Q. I’ve passed the state exam. What’s next?
a. Congratulations! You now must find a broker to sponsor you. Once you’ve done so, you can formally apply for your Salesperson License. The cost to apply for your sales license is $160.00. Once you receive it, you can start working immediately.
Q. How do I find a broker to sponsor me?
a. TBD
Q. I did the 75 hour class work, but never applied for my license. How long are my passing test grades valid until?
a. Your school certificate is good for one (1) year and you have to pass the state exam and get signed before it expires.
Q. Do I need a college degree to obtain my Salesperson license?
a. No, no degrees are necessary to obtain a salesperson license.
Q. Can I attend classes at AREA while I am currently enrolled in college?
a. Yes. As long as you are 18, with a high school diploma or its’ equivalency and in the country legally. you do not need to have a degree to obtain your license.
Brokers Course:
Q. How many hours is this course?
a. The Brokers License Course is 150 hours in total.
Q. I want to be a broker. What do I need?
a. tbd
Q. I need to take the brokers exam on a date that is not offered on the calendar. Can I call and schedule a date?
a. Yes! You can call us at ….. Please be advised a $60.00 fee will be assessed.
Q. Can I have my brokers’ classes count toward the necessary continuing education I’ll need?
a. They sure do. Just remind us to upload you into PSI for CE and you’ll have 150 credits towards that cycle.
Q. I missed a Brokers class. How can I make it up?
a. You can make up the class next time it’s being offered. Please note that the broker class is only being offered twice per year at the moment.
Q. What if I fail the Brokers school exam?
a. You can always retake the Brokers exam the next time it is offered. You have three attempts to pass the exam. A $50.00 fee will be assessed after the third attempt.
Q. I passed my Brokers school exam, now what?
a. You will receive a certificate of completion. Save this certificate, as it proves you’ve completed all coursework. ………… This account will allow you to register for your state exam.
Q. Can I take the state exam before AREA’s Brokers school exam?
a. Nope.
Q. Does AREA administer the brokers’ State Exam? How often is the State exam given?
a. AREA does not administer the Brokers State Exam. PSI. The cost for the exam is $45.00.
Q. I’ve passed the state exam. What’s next?
a. Congratulations! You now must apply for your Brokers license. The cost to apply for your Brokers license is $x.00. Once you receive it, you can start working as a Broker immediately.
Continuing Education:
Q. I am a salesperson/broker and my license will expire soon. What do I do?
a. ….
Q. What is continuing education? As a salesperson or a broker, do I have to take these classes?
a. The NJ REC requires licensees (both salespersons and brokers) to successfully complete 12 hours of approved real estate continuing education within their two year license term.
Q. I have been a real estate licensee for many years. Am I exempt from the continuing education requirements?
a. Either of the below are exempt from the continuing education requirements:
- .
- .
Q. How long are these classes?
a. Each continuing education class is credited for anywhere from 1-4 hours
Q. Are there any specific classes I am required to take?
a.Yes ….
Q. How often must I complete these classes?
a. Real estate professionals must complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years to keep their licenses active.
Q. Are there any other classes that can be counted as continuing education?
a. Yes! The following courses have been approved for continuing education:
Q. Is there a deadline to complete continuing education?
a. You must complete all 12 hours of continuing education before your license expires on June 30th of every odd numbered year.
Q. Can I do my continuing education 12 hour requirement courses online?
a. Yes! Click here to register for continuing education classes online.
Q. I’ve completed all 12 hours of continuing education. What’s the next step?
a. PSI
Q. What happens if I do not complete my continuing education and don’t renew my license?
a. If you do not renew your license, you cannot conduct any real estate activities that require a NJ State real estate license in accordance with Title 45 of the Real Property Law. There are no grace periods that allow you to continue working while not licensed. You have two years from the date your license expires to renew your license. If you fail to renew within that period, you will be required to pass the state written examination. No continuing education will be required to repeat the licensing process again.
When you submit your new salesperson application, you must include the following: your new examination results, application fee, and a copy of your expired license/pocket card or ORIGINAL proof of completing the salesperson course. If possible, it is better to submit original proof of your salesperson course. If you do not have an original certificate, then call the school where you took the course to request another certificate. If you are applying for your broker’s license, you must submit ORIGINAL proof of your 75-hour salesperson course and 150-hour broker course, or a copy of your expired broker’s license.