Key Takeaways:
In Colorado, there is no separate commercial real estate license. All agents must obtain the standard Colorado real estate license, which authorizes both residential and commercial transactions. A license is required when listing, selling, buying or leasing commercial property for compensation, but specialization in commercial real estate occurs after licensure through education, mentorship, credentials and brokerage selection rather than additional state licensing. Long-term success in commercial real estate typically depends on post-licensure training, industry credentials such as CCIM, participation in professional associations and hands-on mentoring within a commercial-focused brokerage.
For many people, commercial real estate offers a career path with meaningful upside, community impact and long-term flexibility. Unlike many traditional nine-to-five jobs, commercial real estate rewards initiative, market knowledge and relationship-building with income potential that scales as your expertise and network grow. Successful agents often enjoy commission structures and deal sizes that make commercial real estate one of the more financially lucrative niches within the broader real estate industry.
Beyond income, commercial real estate professionals play a direct role in shaping local economies. By helping business owners secure the right office, retail, industrial or mixed-use space, you become a strategic partner in their growth. Each lease signed or property acquired supports jobs, neighborhood vitality and economic resilience, making the work especially appealing for individuals who want to build lasting value within their communities rather than simply close transactions.
Flexibility is another major draw. Commercial real estate offers a level of autonomy that is increasingly rare in modern careers. While the work requires discipline and responsiveness, many professionals have significant control over their schedules, client mix and long-term focus. This flexibility makes it possible to design a work-life balance that aligns with your personal goals.
Given these advantages, it’s no surprise that many people exploring a commercial real estate career in Colorado ask an important foundational question: Do you need a commercial real estate license in Colorado to get started?
Understanding the licensing requirements is a critical first step toward turning the appeal of commercial real estate into lucrative and rewarding career path.
The same pre-licensing education courses and real estate exam will qualify you to work on both commercial and residential deals. Once you get your real estate license, you can choose a real estate niche to specialize in. If you decide to focus on commercial real estate transactions, you may want to pursue additional training and join a commercial-focused brokerage to expand your knowledge and expertise in this field. While this additional training is an important step to set you up for a successful commercial real estate career, it’s not a licensing requirement.
If you are providing any of the following services for a client and receiving compensation for your services, you will need a Colorado real estate license:
Commercial real estate is a highly competitive niche, and transactions can often be much more complex than residential real estate transactions. Getting your license is the first step towards starting commercial real estate career, but in order to build a successful business, you’ll need to become an expert in the field and develop the proper professional network.
Most successful commercial real estate professionals engage in extensive post-licensure education, acquire the right credentials, join commercial-focused professional real estate associations and cultivate one or more mentors who can provide guidance as they learn to navigate this complex niche.
Implementing the following plan over the first two to three years of your career will help set you on a path towards a successful commercial real estate career.
All real estate agents in Colorado must complete ongoing continuing education requirements to maintain an active license. If you’re specializing in commercial real estate, these continuing education courses provide an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge of your chosen niche. When completing your initial post-licensure continuing education coursework, you should choose classes that will help you build analytical skills and your knowledge of commercial deal structures.
A strong post-licensure education plan should include:
Obtaining a CCIM designation is a lengthy process that requires rigorous coursework and verified deal experience, so it’s best to start the process shortly after getting your license. As you take CCIM courses, you’ll begin growing your knowledge and skills well before you’re able to list this credential by your name, so there will be benefits you can experience right away.
Memberships in professional associations can provide valuable learning and networking opportunities, and It’s important to join at least one national commercial real estate group that is aligned with your focus:
In addition, joining Colorado professional organizations can help you build a stronger network of commercial real estate professionals in your local area. Some options to consider include:
The best way to learn and grow as a commercial real estate agent is to do deals under more experienced brokers. Cultivating a mentor early in your career is a critical step to set you on the path towards success.
When choosing a brokerage, target ones that explicitly offer training, commission sharing or mentoring structures for new commercial agents. These brokerages will typically provide you with more opportunities to sit in on pitches, underwrite and co-list early in your career. This will help you learn the nuances of commercial real estate and establish a professional reputation much more quickly than if you join a brokerage that doesn’t offer mentoring services for new agents.
Attending events and participating on committees at the professional associations you join will also give you valuable opportunities to build relationships with other experienced commercial real estate professionals who can serve as mentors for you.
If you’re considering a career in commercial real estate, Colorado Real Estate School can set you up for success. Our online real estate courses contain all the critical information you need to pass your real estate exam, and they’ll provide you with the proper foundation to understand the complex commercial real estate concepts that will help you build a thriving business.
Our online real estate courses are all developed and taught by local, licensed real estate agents who understand the trends impacting the real estate market in Colorado. Our online format also allows you to work through the course materials at your own pace and create a study schedule that aligns with your work and family responsibilities.
We also provide you with our VideoConnect Success Learning System™ containing the largest library of video content available. These highly engaging video lessons make it easy to grasp the concepts and create an authentic classroom experience from the comfort of your own home.
Once you get your license and begin working as a commercial real estate agent, we’ll have you covered for all your continuing education requirements as well. Our comprehensive online continuing education courses include a variety of classes that will help you master the more advanced concepts that are critical for success in commercial real estate.
At Colorado Real Estate School, we’re truly committed to your success, and we back this up with our TruSupport Pass Guarantee™. If you don’t pass your Colorado real estate exam on the first try, we’ll provide you with extended access to all course materials while you study to retake the exam. In addition, we’ll pair you with one of our instructors who will analyze your test results to identify the concepts you struggled with. Based on this analysis, we’ll work with you to develop a customized study plan emphasizing the subjects that require the most attention in order to achieve a successful outcome when you retake the exam.
Contact us today to learn more about our online real estate courses.
