Final answer:
An applicant who has passed the real estate exam cannot begin practicing real estate without first securing a sponsoring broker. This partnership is essential for the activation of a real estate license and to legally engage in real estate transactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
If an applicant has passed the real estate exam but has not yet found a sponsoring broker, they cannot begin practicing real estate. In most jurisdictions, having a sponsoring broker is a mandatory step for getting a real estate license activated. You can pass the exam, but typically, without a sponsoring broker, you cannot engage in activities that require a real estate license, such as representing buyers or sellers in property transactions.
It is essential for the applicant to understand that the passing of the exam is just one part of the licensure process. The next step would be to find a sponsoring broker who will guide them through their initial phase in the real estate industry, overseeing their work, and providing mentorship as required by law.