Alabama Business Broker & M&A Advisor License Requirements
Becoming a licensed business broker or M&A advisor in Alabama requires meeting specific education, exam, and experience standards. This guide covers every requirement, fee, and regulatory pathway for Alabama as of 2025–2026.
License Type Required in Alabama Real estate broker license required. Alabama business brokers operate under the Real Estate Broker License, regulated by the Alabama Real Estate Commission (AREC).
Education Requirements
Pre-license (salesperson): 60 hours of approved coursework
Experience Required 2 years as licensed salesperson/broker.
Exam & Licensing Fees
Exam: PSI national + Alabama state exam
Application fee: $185
License fee: $85
Exam note: Both national and state portions required
Continuing Education 15 hours per 2 years required to maintain active Alabama broker license. Include mandatory ethics and law topics.
M&A Advisor Requirements in Alabama M&A advisors handling deals above $10M enterprise value should obtain FINRA Series 79 (Investment Banking Representative) registration via a registered broker-dealer. The 2014 SEC M&A Broker No-Action Letter provides a narrow exemption for facilitating transfers of privately held companies without full broker-dealer registration, provided specific conditions are met.
Industry Certifications (Optional but Career-Critical)
CBI (Certified Business Intermediary) — International Business Brokers Association (IBBA)
M&AMI (M&A Master Intermediary) — IBBA, for deals $5M+
CMAP (Certified M&A Professional) — AM&AA
Series 79 (Investment Banking Representative) — FINRA, for larger M&A advisory
Series 82 (Private Securities Offerings Representative) — FINRA
How to Get Started as a Business Broker in Alabama 1. Complete 60 hrs pre-license coursework 2. Pass the PSI national + Alabama state exam 3. Obtain your Alabama salesperson/associate license 4. Work under a licensed broker for 2 years as licensed salesperson/broker 5. Complete 30 hrs post-license + broker coursework and pass the broker exam 6. Pursue CBI certification via IBBA to establish market credibility