Connecticut Business Broker License 2026 — Requirements, Fees & M&A Advisor Guide

In Connecticut, business brokers must hold a Real Estate Broker License issued by the Connecticut Real Estate Commission. This guide covers the exact education hours, fees, exam requirements, and M&A advisor pathways for 2026 — verified against current Connecticut Real Estate Commission regulations.

Last verified: 2026 | Source: Connecticut Real Estate Commission (portal.ct.gov/DCP)

Connecticut Business Broker License — Quick Facts 2026

How Connecticut compares: same hours as Rhode Island (45+90) but lower fees than New York ($185+exam); similar to Massachusetts.

Step-by-Step: How to Become a Licensed Business Broker in Connecticut

1. Complete pre-license coursework — 60 hours of Connecticut Real Estate Commission-approved real estate education
2. Pass the PSI — national + Connecticut state exam — both national and Connecticut state portions required
3. Obtain your Connecticut salesperson / associate license — activate under a licensed employing broker
4. Gain 2 years as a licensed salesperson — actively transacting under broker supervision
5. Complete broker upgrade coursework — 60 hrs additional broker coursework
6. Pass the Connecticut broker exam — separate from the salesperson exam
7. Apply for your Real Estate Broker License — $230 application fee to Connecticut Real Estate Commission

Education & Exam Requirements

• Pre-license (salesperson level): 60 hours of approved coursework
• Broker upgrade education: 60 hrs additional broker coursework
• Exam: PSI — national + Connecticut state exam
• Continuing education: 12 hours per 2 years (mandatory ethics and law topics included)

Licensing Fees — Connecticut 2026

• Application fee: $230
• License fee: $180
• Renewal: Every 2 years — check portal.ct.gov/DCP for current renewal fees

M&A Advisor Licensing in Connecticut — What's Different

Connecticut's proximity to NYC makes it an extension of the New York M&A market. The Connecticut Department of Banking oversees securities. Mid-market M&A advisors typically hold FINRA Series 79.

Industry Certifications That Open More Doors

• CBI (Certified Business Intermediary) — IBBA. Required for most serious business brokerage practices.
• M&AMI (M&A Master Intermediary) — IBBA, for advisors handling deals $5M and above
• CMAP (Certified M&A Professional) — AM&AA, the M&A advisory credential
• Series 79 (Investment Banking Representative) — FINRA, for larger M&A advisory
• Series 82 (Private Securities Offerings Representative) — FINRA

Connecticut Market Insight for Business Brokers

Connecticut's M&A-active sectors: financial services, insurance (Hartford), pharma/biotech, and manufacturing.

Key differentiator for Connecticut brokers: Hartford, CT is one of the largest insurance industry hubs in the world — insurance agency M&A is a highly specialized and lucrative niche for Connecticut business brokers.

Frequently Asked Questions — Connecticut Business Broker License

Do I need a real estate license to be a business broker in Connecticut?

Yes. In Connecticut, business brokers are required to hold a Real Estate Broker License issued by the Connecticut Real Estate Commission. This applies to any transaction involving the sale of a business where the broker receives a commission or fee.

How long does it take to get a business broker license in Connecticut?

The typical timeline in Connecticut is 18–36 months: approximately 60 hours of pre-license coursework, passing the PSI — national + Connecticut state exam, then gaining 2 years as a licensed salesperson before qualifying for the full broker exam.

How much does a Connecticut business broker license cost in total?

Total licensing costs in Connecticut typically run $230 in application fees plus $180 in license fees, plus the cost of pre-license coursework (typically $500–$2,000 depending on the provider). Budget approximately $1,500–$3,500 total to reach licensed broker status.

What is the difference between a business broker and an M&A advisor in Connecticut?

Business brokers in Connecticut typically handle transactions under $5M enterprise value using the real estate broker license. M&A advisors work on larger deals ($5M–$250M+) and often affiliate with FINRA-registered broker-dealers, holding a Series 79 (Investment Banking Representative) license in addition to the state real estate broker credential.

Does Connecticut recognize out-of-state broker licenses (reciprocity)?

Connecticut has reciprocity agreements with select states. Check directly with the Connecticut Real Estate Commission (portal.ct.gov/DCP) for the current list of approved reciprocal states, as these agreements change periodically. Reciprocity typically requires passing a Connecticut-specific state law exam even if your prior license is recognized.

Ready to Become a Licensed Business Broker in Connecticut?

The fastest path from zero to licensed business broker combines proper pre-license coursework, industry mentorship, and the right training program. Explore our business broker training pathway → designed specifically for professionals entering the Connecticut market in 2026.