What generally distinguishes a real estate BROKER's license from a SALESPERSON's license under state law?

BROKER vs SALESPERSON LICENSE: SALESPERSON (sales agent) LICENSE: Entry-level; requires pre-licensing education and passing the exam; MUST work under a sponsoring/supervising BROKER; cannot operate independently; cannot hold others' licenses; BROKER LICENSE: Requires ADDITIONAL education AND EXPERIENCE (typically years of experience as a salesperson plus advanced coursework) and passing the broker exam; CAN: operate independently; own and manage a brokerage; supervise and sponsor salespeople (and sometimes other brokers); hold/manage the trust account; be responsible for the brokerage's compliance; ASSOCIATE BROKER: Someone with a broker license who chooses to work under another broker; DESIGNATED/PRINCIPAL/MANAGING BROKER: The broker responsible for a brokerage and its agents; RESPONSIBILITY: Brokers carry greater legal responsibility, including supervising agents and ensuring compliance; PROGRESSION: Typically salesperson first, then qualify for broker after gaining experience; the distinction — brokers have higher requirements and can operate independently/supervise, while salespeople must work under a broker — is fundamental state license law structure tested on the exam.