37-51-302. Broker's or salesperson's license -- qualifications of applicant -- supervising broker endorsement. (1) Licenses may be granted only to individuals considered by the board to be of good repute and competent to transact the business of a broker or a salesperson in a manner that safeguards the interests of the public.

(2) An applicant for a broker's license:

(a) must be at least 18 years of age;

(b) must have graduated from an accredited high school or completed an equivalent education as determined by the board;

(c) must have been actively engaged as a licensed real estate salesperson for a period of 2 years or have had experience or special education equivalent to that which a licensed real estate salesperson ordinarily would receive during this 2-year period as determined by the board, except that if the board finds that an applicant could not obtain employment as a licensed real estate salesperson because of conditions existing in the area where the applicant resides, the board may waive this experience requirement;

(d) shall file an application for a license with the department; and

(e) shall furnish written evidence that the applicant has completed 60 classroom or equivalent hours, in addition to those required to secure a salesperson's license, in a course of study approved by the board and taught by instructors approved by the board and has satisfactorily passed an examination dealing with the material taught in each course. The course of study must include the subjects of real estate principles, real estate law, real estate finance, and related topics.

(3) The board shall require information it considers necessary from an applicant to determine honesty, trustworthiness, and competency.

(4) (a) An applicant for a salesperson's license:

(i) must be at least 18 years of age;

(ii) must have received credit for completion of 2 years of full curriculum study at an accredited high school or completed an equivalent education as determined by the board;

(iii) shall file an application for a license with the department; and

(iv) shall furnish written evidence that the applicant has completed between 60 and 80 classroom or equivalent hours, as set by the board. The hours must be in a course of study approved by the board and taught by instructors approved by the board. The applicant must satisfactorily pass an examination dealing with the material taught in each course. The course of study must include the subjects of real estate principles, real estate law and ethics, real estate finance, and related topics.

(b) The application must be accompanied by the recommendation of a licensed broker with a supervising broker endorsement by whom the applicant will be employed or placed under contract, certifying that the applicant is of good repute and that the broker will actively supervise and train the applicant during the period the requested license remains in effect.

(5) If the board determines that an applicant possesses the qualifications required by this chapter, the department shall issue a license to the applicant.

(6) (a) An applicant for a supervising broker endorsement must meet the education and experience requirements established by the board by rule except that continuing education requirements for a supervising broker endorsement may not be in addition to the continuing education requirements for a licensed broker with respect to the total number of hours or credits required.

(b) The board may not assess a licensing fee for obtaining or renewing a supervising broker endorsement.

(c) The board may adopt rules allowing a salesperson to temporarily associate with a broker with a supervising broker endorsement other than the supervising broker listed on the salesperson's license.