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

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

Last verified: 2026 | Source: Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC) (grec.state.ga.us)

Georgia Business Broker License — Quick Facts 2026

How Georgia compares: higher salesperson hours than Florida (63 hrs) but longer CE cycle (4 years vs 2 years); lower fees than Tennessee ($91+91).

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

1. Complete pre-license coursework — 75 hours of Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC)-approved real estate education
2. Pass the PSI — national + Georgia state exam — both national and Georgia state portions required
3. Obtain your Georgia salesperson / associate license — activate under a licensed employing broker
4. Gain 3 years as a licensed salesperson — actively transacting under broker supervision
5. Complete broker upgrade coursework — 60 hrs broker pre-license course
6. Pass the Georgia broker exam — separate from the salesperson exam
7. Apply for your Real Estate Broker License — $170 application fee to Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC)

Education & Exam Requirements

• Pre-license (salesperson level): 75 hours of approved coursework
• Broker upgrade education: 60 hrs broker pre-license course
• Exam: PSI — national + Georgia state exam
• Continuing education: 36 hours per 4 years (mandatory ethics and law topics included)

Licensing Fees — Georgia 2026

• Application fee: $170
• License fee: $100
• Renewal: Every 4 years — check grec.state.ga.us for current renewal fees

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

Georgia Secretary of State's Securities Division oversees M&A securities. Atlanta's mid-market M&A scene is highly active. FINRA Series 79 is standard for advisors working above $10M enterprise value.

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

Georgia Market Insight for Business Brokers

Georgia (Atlanta) is the Southeast's primary M&A hub. Top sectors: logistics/distribution, healthcare, tech, and film/media.

Key differentiator for Georgia brokers: Atlanta is home to more Fortune 500 headquarters per capita than any US city outside New York and Chicago — creating a large downstream market for lower-middle-market business brokerage.

Frequently Asked Questions — Georgia Business Broker License

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

Yes. In Georgia, business brokers are required to hold a Real Estate Broker License issued by the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC). 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 Georgia?

The typical timeline in Georgia is 18–36 months: approximately 75 hours of pre-license coursework, passing the PSI — national + Georgia state exam, then gaining 3 years as a licensed salesperson before qualifying for the full broker exam.

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

Total licensing costs in Georgia typically run $170 in application fees plus $100 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 Georgia?

Business brokers in Georgia 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 Georgia recognize out-of-state broker licenses (reciprocity)?

Georgia has reciprocity agreements with select states. Check directly with the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC) (grec.state.ga.us) for the current list of approved reciprocal states, as these agreements change periodically. Reciprocity typically requires passing a Georgia-specific state law exam even if your prior license is recognized.

Ready to Become a Licensed Business Broker in Georgia?

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 Georgia market in 2026.