Passed the Colorado RE Exam

[Dan Mackin]

Just wanted to share my experience quickly for those thinking of getting their license in Colorado. I decided back in January that it was time for me to take the step of getting my license. My decision was between that or becoming a certified DBA (Database Admin). The real estate side interested me much more and I took the first step.

The Schools:

The first big step was deciding which school to use. There are quite a few options here and the prices can vary widely. This is due to CO requiring 168 credit hours which is substantially more than some other states. After ending up with the 2 more popular schools (Kaplan and Colorado Real Estate School) I decided to go with CRE School. Kaplan offered things such as in person classes and other services, but for the way I learn those things would just be detrimental to my time. CRE School offered the basic online classes for $399. It covered everything you need and there was 8 months to get it done. For those who prefer to have someone in person for clarification I would recommend the in person classes with Kaplan. I have 2 relatives who took their classes and found them beneficial.

Classes:

Classes themselves took me about 4 months.  I could have been done quicker, but they are admittedly quite drab at times and I did not want to burn out.  One of the two teachers in the videos would occasionally mix up his words and say things a little backwards so it is a good idea to check for yourself if something sounds odd.  

The classes consisted of required reading material followed by a video class then the quiz on that portion.  Sometimes there was no reading for the section.  The videos did cover the material quite well and if paid attention to made the quizzes fairly easy.  

The final portion of the class is a group of review exams and videos to make sure you remember everything from months prior.  The final two class exams were 110-125 questions each and they must be passed before you get your certification of hours.

The Test:

It's a good idea to sign up for the test a few weeks before you are done with classes. I signed up for my test on May 4th and the next available day to take it was May 19th. The day I decided upon was May 23rd at 12:30.  It would give me time to study and I would have some time to review that morning.

When going to take the test don't expect it to be a hyped up center where you can make connections before/after taking your test.  Everyone in the room is quite and/or annoyed that they didn't bring the correct paperwork to take their test.  Once person I met there was taking the test for her 3rd time. At least she is dedicated.  BRING AT LEAST THE FOLLOWING:

- 2 types of ID preferably with photos - one state or federal

- Your REC from the school - This is your proof you passed the classes

My test proctor let me show my REC from my phone, but don't count on it.  If you don't have it then you forfeit the $90 you paid to take the test that day and will have to reschedule which could be a few weeks out.

The tests themselves were between 70-80 questions each for the National and State sides.  National comes first then the state.  The system for the tests is pretty straight forward and user friendly once you are used to it.  The time allotment is around 2 hours for each test.  Total it took me just over 2 hours with reviewing questionable answers.  As with any test there will be horribly worded questions that make choosing the answer very difficult.

After the Test:

I won't go into too much detail here since the state lays out the process pretty well. The general idea here though is that you choose a broker that fits you and will take you on, sign on with them and get your butt out there.  I personally chose @Micki M. with 33 Zen Lane.  My specialties will consist of being an Investor Friendly Agent and a Newbie Home Owner Specialist for the Denver and Northern Colorado regions.

If you decide to get your license I hope my tips were a little helpful and Good Luck!

[Bill S.]

@Dan Mackin congratulations. Now all you have to do is sit back and watch the money roll in. Just kidding. It's too bad that doing well on the exam doesn't mean you are destined to be a multimillionaire agent.  Testing comes easy for me and the classes prepare you for the exam. I took mine from Kaplan and had a good experience. It cost more that $399 and that was years ago but they do have good and engaging teachers. The teachers sometimes go off topic and you get a peek into their world (they were managing brokers, loan originators, title people, appraisers and attorneys).