A Georgia broker must be licensed for at least how long before qualifying for a broker's license?

This question tests knowledge of Georgia's licensing requirements for real estate professionals, specifically the experience needed to advance from salesperson to broker. Understanding these requirements is crucial because the broker license represents a higher level of responsibility and qualification. The core concept is the mandatory experience period that demonstrates competence before one can supervise agents. To arrive at the correct answer, one must recognize that Georgia requires 3 years of active licensure as a salesperson within the previous 5 years. This timeframe ensures brokers have sufficient practical experience before assuming supervisory roles. The question is challenging because many states have different requirements, and students might confuse Georgia's rules with those of other states. This connects to broader knowledge of real estate licensing structures, where experience requirements vary by state but generally serve to ensure qualified professionals oversee real estate transactions.