-
A
Immediately start selling properties
-
B
Must be SPONSORED by an active licensed broker before practicing; license is officially issued only after sponsorship; activity is permitted only after license is issued AND sponsorship is in place AND any other state-specific requirements (e.g., E&O insurance, agency disclosure forms, post-license education enrollment) are met
-
C
Take the broker exam
-
D
Apply for federal registration
Why this is the answer
POST-EXAM REQUIREMENTS for new salespersons before practicing: (1) PASS THE EXAM — passing the state real estate exam (or 'Pre-License Exam' depending on state terminology); typically scored at 70-75% or higher; passes generally need both national and state portions; (2) APPLY FOR LICENSE — pay fees, submit application with completed documentation, fingerprints/background check (most states), proof of pre-license education; (3) FIND SPONSORING BROKER — salesperson must be sponsored by an active licensed broker; broker accepts responsibility for supervising; (4) LICENSE ISSUED — commission issues license number; in many states, salesperson cannot practice until they have a license number; (5) ACTIVE STATUS — license is ACTIVE when sponsored; INACTIVE when not sponsored. PRACTICE PERMITTED only when license is active and properly sponsored. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS that may apply: (a) E&O INSURANCE — some states require errors-and-omissions insurance; broker may carry for all sponsored agents, or salesperson may need own; (b) POST-LICENSE EDUCATION — in states with post-license requirements (Florida 45 hours, Georgia 25 hours, others), must enroll/complete within first year or two; (c) BOND — some states require licensee bonds; (d) AGENCY DISCLOSURE FORMS — must have appropriate forms ready; (e) MLS MEMBERSHIP — most active practice involves Multiple Listing Service membership through broker. PRACTICE BEFORE LICENSING: unlicensed practice of real estate is a serious offense — both criminal and civil consequences. Salesperson MAY NOT show properties to buyers, negotiate transactions, write contracts, or perform other licensed activities BEFORE proper licensure. UNLICENSED ASSISTANT activities may be permitted (administrative support, scheduling, attending open houses without negotiating) but state rules limit specifically. NEW LICENSEE BEST PRACTICES: (1) Choose broker carefully — training, mentorship, commission structure, brokerage culture matter enormously; (2) Complete post-license education promptly; (3) Build referral network; (4) Use forms and procedures correctly from day one; (5) Don't take shortcuts on disclosure or paperwork; (6) Stay current on commission rule changes. The state portion exam may test specific post-licensure requirements for YOUR state.
Source: Real Estate State Portion, Beginning Practice