What should you do first?
The Rule
Do not sign the COA at home. PSI says you answer four questions and sign it in front of test-center personnel during the license application.
The complete license document checklist
| Item | Exact requirement | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Certification of Accuracy | Unsigned COA complete with photograph. | Signing before PSI witnesses it. A duplicate costs $15 by money order under the bulletin. |
| Photo identification | One of the accepted licensing IDs listed in the bulletin. | Assuming the exam-day list and licensing list are worded identically. |
| Criminal history report | Certified GCIC report no more than 60 days old at application, or resident-state equivalent for nonresidents. | Anchoring the 60 days to exam day instead of application day. |
| Lawful Presence Affidavit | Signed and notarized current form from the bulletin. | Arriving without notarization. |
| Sponsoring Broker Statement | Required for active status, with the correct brokerage firm number. | Using the individual broker's personal license number. |
| License fee | $170, nonrefundable, in a current accepted form. | Bringing cash or a personal or company check. |
Where and when can PSI issue the license?
The bulletin says licenses are issued at "any one of the four PSI Test Centers." Of the six exam sites, four are run by PSI: Duluth, Marietta, Macon, and Savannah. Decatur and Fayetteville are run by partner organizations, so do not plan to get your license there. The bulletin does not list the licensing sites by name, so confirm with PSI before you go. Licensing is first come, first served Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. on regular business days. Confirm the location and hours before traveling.
Which payment methods are accepted?
The current bulletin accepts cashier's check or money order payable to GREC and specified Visa or MasterCard credit or debit payment in the licensing section. Another bulletin summary also lists American Express and Discover. Because those two passages are not identical, confirm card acceptance with the licensing location. Cash, personal checks, and company checks are not accepted.
Should you choose active or inactive status?
Choose active only when you have a sponsoring brokerage and a completed statement. An active salesperson works under an active Georgia broker. Choose inactive if you are not joining a firm immediately. Inactive status does not authorize brokerage activity, but it lets you obtain the license without inventing a sponsor or rushing a brokerage decision.
Compare the options in active versus inactive status and evaluate firms using the sponsoring broker guide.
What deadlines start after passing?
- After 24 hours: you may return for license issuance.
- After three months: Rule 520-1-.04 requires a fee equal to two times the original application fee.
- After twelve months: the passing result expires and you must retake the exam.
- Within the first year of licensure: complete the 25-hour approved post-license course, subject to the rule's authorized extension.
What comes after the first-year course?
Active renewal requires 36 hours of continuing education during the renewal period, including at least 3 hours on license law. The first-year post-license course and renewal CE are separate obligations. Read the renewal guide and keep the completion records.
Know someone who has not tested yet? Send them the complete exam guide or free Georgia practice questions. Once they need full practice and mastery tracking, the guide leads them to Pass Georgia without withholding any public fact.