If you are considering becoming a real estate agent, you need to fully understand the licensing process required to practice this profession. Obtaining a real estate agent license not only authorizes you to work in the real estate sector but also provides the credibility and trust necessary to attract and assist clients who want to buy or sell a property.
Starting a career as a real estate agent requires more than just a passion for the field: you must follow a specific educational path and meet certain requirements.
In this article, you will learn how to obtain a real estate agent license, examining the eligibility requirements, training and examination process, and registration procedures. This will help you better understand the steps to become a qualified real estate agent, ready to successfully enter the dynamic world of property brokerage.
What Is the Licensing Process for Real Estate Agents?
Obtaining a real estate agent license means acquiring the “patentino”, a document issued by the Chamber of Commerce that legally authorizes the holder to operate as a real estate broker in Italy.
This certificate confirms your skills and knowledge in the real estate sector, ensuring compliance with current laws. Without the patentino, it is illegal to practice as a real estate agent, which can lead to penalties and also limit your career opportunities and credibility with clients. Learn more about how to become a real estate agent.
Requirements to Obtain a Real Estate Agent License
1. Educational Requirements
To become a real estate agent, you must meet specific educational criteria.
These include:
• Possession of a high school diploma (secondary school diploma).
• Participation in a training course accredited by the relevant Region, with a duration of 150 to 220 hours, depending on local regulations.
2. Moral Requirements
In addition to educational requirements, there are moral criteria that candidates must satisfy:
• No criminal record for offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding two years, as established by Law 39/1989.
• Not declared bankrupt.
• Not legally incapacitated or restricted.
• Not subject to anti-mafia measures.
Non-EU citizens can obtain the license if they hold a valid residence permit and have residence or professional domicile in Italy.
Training Course and Licensing Exam for Real Estate Agents
1. The Training Course
As mentioned earlier, participation in a Regionally recognized training course is mandatory. During the course, the following subjects are covered:
• Public and private law
• Tax law
• Real estate contracts and regulations
• Property valuation and appraisal
• Brokerage techniques and marketing
The courses typically include webinars, exam simulations, and dedicated tutors, along with online quizzes to help prepare for the final exam.
2. The Licensing Exam
At the end of the course, candidates must take a licensing exam at the Chamber of Commerce in their province. The exam consists of:
• Two written tests: questions on real estate law, tax regulations, valuation, and brokerage
• One oral test: assessing knowledge of regulations and technical aspects of the real estate market
To pass the written tests, a minimum average score of 7/10 is required, while the oral test requires a minimum score of 6/10.
Registration Procedure and Associated Costs
1. Registration with the Business Register
After passing the exam, the real estate agent must register with the Business Register (Registro delle Imprese) at the Chamber of Commerce by submitting the SCIA (Certified Notification of Commencement of Activity). Registration is required to legally operate in the sector.
The required documents include:
• Completed SCIA form
• Declaration confirming possession of moral and professional requirements
• Identification document and tax code
2. Associated Costs
Becoming a real estate agent involves several costs:
• Training course: between €400 and €1,000
• Licensing exam: approximately €25 administrative fees + €16 revenue stamp (varies by region)
• Registration with the Business Register: between €90 and €200, depending on the Chamber of Commerce
• Professional insurance: mandatory only for independent agents; the cost varies based on the company and coverage chosen
The Final Step: Start Your Own Agency or Work for Someone Else?
Once you’ve obtained your real estate agent license, you face a choice: open your own agency or work for another agency?
It’s important to know that, nowadays, opening a traditional real estate agency may not always be the best option. You would likely need to:
• Bear high start-up and operating costs
• Cover additional expenses for digitalization
• Deal with the limited scalability of a traditional model
• Compete in an extremely saturated market
Learn more by reading our answer to the question: “Is it still worth opening a traditional real estate agency?”
On the other hand, if you choose to work for a traditional real estate agency, you may face significant challenges such as:
• Internal competition for assignments
• Limited professional growth opportunities
• Often unfavorable commission splits
Additionally, you may be bound to outdated work methods and have access to few truly effective digital tools.
Don’t Be Discouraged: Join a Hybrid Real Estate Agency!
Don’t let these challenges discourage you—there is a solution: joining the team of a hybrid real estate agency! By choosing this path and working with a hybrid real estate agency, you can benefit from:
• Greater flexibility and autonomy: manage your work as you see fit, whether from home or on-site.
• Expanded operational reach: operate nationally without being tied to a specific territory, accessing a broader market.
• Access to advanced technological tools: simplifying your daily work, increasing efficiency and the scope of your activities.
• Higher earning opportunities: by offering clients more flexible and advantageous services compared to traditional percentage-based commissions.
• Growth in the luxury real estate sector: leveraging the higher profitability of this market segment.
• Collaboration and networking: enjoying the benefits of being part of an international network of colleagues, united by a strong culture of collaboration.
• Market adaptability: allowing you to keep up with the digital transformation of the market and deliver exactly what your clients are looking for, standing out from competitors.
Discover what a hybrid real estate agency is and why a modern real estate agent should choose it.
At Hasamia, we offer all this—and more! By joining our team, you won’t have to struggle to acquire new clients, stand out from competitors, or earn income that reflects your real effort.
The problem isn’t the market—it’s the method!
With our scalable approach, you can manage more properties in less time. Thanks to our partnership with John D Wood & Co.—a leader in the London and South England real estate market since 1872—we ensure maximum visibility for properties both in Italy and abroad.
Additionally, you’ll benefit from:
• Continuous training: courses on sales, digital marketing, and client management.
• Less bureaucracy, more sales: a model that lets you focus on properties.
• Real professional growth: we reward effort and merit, giving you the opportunity to become a Hasamia Partner.
We evaluate applications throughout Italy!
If you want to work in a dynamic environment with the support of an innovative structure, Hasamia is the right choice for you!
