How to Get a Real Estate License in New York

New York administers its own real estate licensing exam through the Department of State's Division of Licensing Services — one of only a few states that doesn't use PSI or Pearson VUE. The state requires 77 hours of pre-licensing education, and licenses renew every two years with 22.5 hours of continuing education required. New York City is one of the world's most complex real estate markets, but New York State also encompasses the Hudson Valley, Long Island's diverse markets, the Hamptons luxury corridor, the Catskills, and major upstate cities like Buffalo, Rochester, and Albany — each with distinct market dynamics and buyer profiles.