1. Under Ohio law, which state agency is responsible for licensing and regulating real estate salespersons and brokers?
- A. Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing ✓
- B. Ohio Real Estate Commission only, operating independently of any department
- C. Ohio Secretary of State's Business Services Division
- D. Ohio Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section
The Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing administers licensing and regulation for Ohio real estate brokers and salespersons under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4735, with oversight involving the Superintendent of Real Estate and the Ohio Real Estate Commission.
2. In Ohio, how many members serve on the Ohio Real Estate Commission, and who appoints them?
- A. Five members appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation ✓
- B. Seven members appointed by the Ohio Real Estate Commission itself
- C. Nine members appointed by the Superintendent of Real Estate
- D. Five members appointed by the Ohio Attorney General
Under ORC 4735.03, the Ohio Real Estate Commission consists of five members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Ohio Senate. The commission includes a public member who is not licensed as a real estate broker or salesperson.
3. An Ohio real estate salesperson's license is ALWAYS issued in the name of and associated with:
- A. The sponsoring broker with whom the salesperson is affiliated ✓
- B. The salesperson individually, independent of any broker
- C. The Ohio Real Estate Commission directly
- D. The multiple listing service in the salesperson's county
Under ORC 4735.13, a salesperson's license is issued in the name of and delivered to the broker who sponsors the salesperson. The salesperson may only practice real estate under the supervision of and through a licensed broker.
4. Under Ohio law, what is the minimum age requirement to obtain a real estate salesperson's license?
- A. 18 years of age ✓
- B. 16 years of age
- C. 19 years of age
- D. 21 years of age
ORC 4735.09 requires that an applicant for a salesperson's license be at least 18 years of age. This is consistent with the general legal capacity for contracts in Ohio.
5. What is the required number of hours of pre-licensing education an applicant must complete before sitting for the Ohio real estate salesperson examination?
- A. 120 hours ✓
- B. 40 hours
- C. 72 hours
- D. 180 hours
ORC 4735.09 requires applicants for a salesperson's license to complete 120 hours of approved pre-licensing education before taking the state examination. This includes courses in real estate principles and law.
6. After passing the Ohio salesperson licensing examination, within what period must an applicant activate the license by affiliating with a sponsoring broker before the examination results expire?
- A. One year from the date of passing the examination ✓
- B. Six months from the date of passing the examination
- C. Two years from the date of passing the examination
- D. Ninety days from the date of passing the examination
Under ORC 4735.09, examination results are valid for one year. If an applicant does not obtain licensure and affiliate with a broker within one year of passing the exam, they must retake the examination.
7. When an Ohio salesperson terminates affiliation with a broker, what happens to the salesperson's license?
- A. The license is returned to the Division and placed on inactive status until a new broker is named ✓
- B. The salesperson may continue practicing independently for up to 30 days while seeking a new broker
- C. The license is automatically suspended and the salesperson must reapply for licensure
- D. The license transfers automatically to the new broker upon verbal agreement
Under ORC 4735.13, when a salesperson leaves a broker, the broker must return the license to the Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing. The license is placed on inactive status, and the salesperson cannot engage in real estate activity until a new broker submits a new license application on the salesperson's behalf.
8. Under the Ohio continuing education requirement, how many hours must a salesperson complete during each two-year license renewal period?
- A. 30 hours ✓
- B. 15 hours
- C. 20 hours
- D. 40 hours
Ohio real estate salespersons must complete 30 hours of continuing education for each three-year license renewal period, including required core topics such as civil rights, ethics/canons of ethics, and core law.
9. A licensed Ohio salesperson wishes to also act as a property manager collecting rents on behalf of an owner. Under Ohio law, this activity:
- A. Requires a real estate license and must be performed through a licensed broker ✓
- B. Is exempt from licensing requirements and can be done independently
- C. Requires a separate property management license issued by the Division
- D. Is permitted only if the salesperson holds a broker's license
Under ORC 4735.01, managing property and collecting rents for others for compensation is defined as a real estate brokerage activity. It requires a real estate license, and a salesperson must perform these activities through and under the supervision of a licensed broker.
10. Which of the following individuals is EXEMPT from the Ohio real estate licensing requirements under ORC Chapter 4735?
- A. An attorney-at-law performing real estate transactions as part of the attorney's regular legal duties ✓
- B. A mortgage loan originator who occasionally refers buyers to specific properties
- C. A licensed home inspector who charges a fee for recommending investment properties
- D. A salaried employee of a property management company who negotiates leases with prospective tenants
ORC 4735.01 explicitly exempts licensed attorneys at law acting within the scope of their professional duties from the real estate licensing requirements. The other options describe activities that would generally require a real estate license under Ohio law.