So you want to become a real estate agent but are kinda worried about how hard the test might be? I can help you! I jumped into real estate because I had to. Our family needed the extra money.
The path to obtaining a real estate license may seem overwhelming initially, but with the right information and guidance, you’ll be well on your way to a successful career in no time.
I enrolled in an online real estate course, finished the course, and passed the test in less than eight weeks while working full-time and managing a household of 3 kiddos. I even had time to sleep and take a shower! It is possible!
I will keep reminding you the goal is to pass the test. Not to learn everything about real estate before you are licensed.
This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to navigate the licensing process, maximize your earning potential, and begin your real estate journey confidently, including answering the question: How long does it take to get a real estate license?
I also saved some juicy tips for last!
Article at a Glance
Gain a better understanding of your state’s real estate licensing requirements and the necessary steps to obtain them.
Most states offer online real estate school and in-person real estate courses.
Many people become licensed in just a few months.
Utilize exam-prep resources, practice exams, and study guides to pass the Real Estate Licensing Exam confidently.
You do not need to know everything to pass the exam!
With knowledge, experience & hard work, you have the potential to earn attractive incomes as a real estate agent!
Table of Contents
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I can earn commissions. If you decide to purchase through my links, it is at no cost to you.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License
The general hour requirements for pre-license education vary greatly, ranging from 40 to 300 hours, depending on the state. For example, Texas has the most extensive pre-licensing education requirement, with 180 hours of necessary pre-licensing coursework, while Massachusetts and Michigan require only 40 credit hours of pre-licensing courses each. I guess everything is bigger in Texas!
Most states require a minimum of 45 to 60 hours of pre-license education.
Search Your State’s Requirements
Factors Influencing the Time to Obtain a Real Estate License
The time it takes to obtain a real estate license will vary, with the potential timeline between 2-6 months. Factors such as state requirements, personal learning pace, and course format can all influence the timeline of obtaining your license.
Each state determines the minimum age and real estate education hours needed, passing score, and most states require at least a high school diploma or GED for eligibility.
Let’s explore these factors to understand how they impact obtaining your real estate license.
State-Specific Requirements
Each state has specific requirements and processes, such as required coursework and background checks, which can significantly impact the time it takes to get your real estate license.
Additionally, many states can prevent individuals with a criminal record from obtaining a license, which may affect their eligibility to take the real estate exam. Knowing your state’s requirements is crucial to ensure you are on the right track toward licensure before the exam date.
Personal Learning Pace
Your learning pace can significantly affect the time it takes to get your real estate license. Some individuals can complete courses and exams more quickly than others.
For example, completing a real estate course in a traditional classroom setting can take 4-6 weeks, while opting for an online course may allow you to finish faster but learn in your own time.
You can consume as much content as fast as possible in online classes. Understanding your learning pace and preferences can help you choose the right course.
Course Format: Online vs. In-Person
Most states have a pre-license course as well as traditional in-person class. Regarding course formats, the decision between online and in-person options can greatly impact the learning experience.
Exploring the advantages and disadvantages of each option can help learners make an informed choice that aligns with their preferences and goals.
Steps to Obtaining a Real Estate License
The steps to get your real estate license include the following:
Researching state pre-licensing requirements
Completing pre-license education
Passing the real estate licensing exam
Finding a sponsoring broker.
That doesn’t sound too bad. By following these steps and taking advantage of the tips in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your real estate career goals.
Research State Requirements
The first step towards obtaining your real estate license is to research your state’s education requirements. The key information you seek can often be found on a website related to your state’s real estate regulatory office. Go ahead and Google it! Also, become familiar with the local real estate commission. They are a huge resource!
By familiarizing yourself with these pre-licensing requirements, you can ensure that you meet the criteria and take the appropriate steps toward licensure.
Understanding state-specific requirements, such as background checks or additional documentation, ensures the licensing application process runs smoothly.
Be sure to note any educational requirements for post-licensing course work that your state requires. Sometimes that detail gets lost during the process.
Complete Pre-License Education
Once you’ve researched your state’s real estate licensing and education requirements, the next step is to complete your pre-license education through an accredited real estate school. You have the option to do this online or in person. Choosing a course that aligns with your state’s requirements is important.
Completing your pre-license education prepares you for the final exam and equips you with valuable knowledge and skills for your real estate career.
Remember, you don’t have to stress learning every detail to take the final exam. A significant portion of real estate is learned through hands-on experience.
Pass the Real Estate Licensing Exam
Once you’ve completed your pre-license education, it’s time to take the real estate licensing exam. This exam typically consists of multiple-choice questions covering general principles and state-specific laws. It is divided into two sections:
The national portion focuses on general real estate principles and practices.
The state-specific part covers your state’s real estate laws post-licensing itself.
Don’t lose hope if you don’t succeed in one or both exam sections! It is not the end of the world, I promise!
Remember, you’ll have the chance to retake the state exam, and each state has its own rules regarding retakes. Keep pushing forward, and let this setback fuel your determination to achieve your goals!
Find a Sponsoring Broker
Once you’ve aced the real estate licensing exam, the next step toward becoming a licensed agent is finding a sponsoring real estate broker. 🏢
A sponsoring broker is a seasoned pro who offers guidance, support, and training to new agents, helping them navigate the process and industry to uphold legal and ethical standards.
Most states require fresh agents to work under another salesperson or a broker, making it crucial to find the right one for your success. To find a sponsoring broker, search online for local brokerages or contact your state’s real estate commission for a list of approved brokers.
Once you select a sponsoring broker, you can apply for your license. If you have gotten this far, check out these related articles.
Related articles
Real Estate Pre-License Education Overview
Real estate license education is a crucial component of pre-license education, an essential step in becoming a licensed real estate agent.
This education provides the foundational knowledge required to succeed in the industry. The number of required education hours varies by state, so it’s crucial to understand your state’s educational requirements first.
Topics Covered in Pre-License Courses
Pre-license courses, also known as pre-license courses, cover a wide range of exciting topics essential for a successful real estate career. These topics include:
Real property characteristics: Legal descriptions, property use, forms of ownership.
Real estate contracts and agency: Real estate contracts, agency relationships, and disclosures.
Licensing requirements: The state’s real estate commission and licensing requirements.
Mathematical skills: Basic mathematical skills involved in real estate calculations.
Grasp of other topics: Property ownership and land use, fair housing laws.
While most topics are very dry and unexciting, they are also very interesting. You will come across these topics during your time as a real estate agent. Please don’t freak out and think you need to remember them all. I lean on many professionals in the industry to navigate the intricacies of real estate.
Gaining a comprehensive understanding of these subjects will help you pass the licensing exam and provide you with the know-how to navigate the real estate market effectively.
Tips for Choosing a Pre-Licensing Course
When looking for a pre-licensing course in real estate, it’s important to do some research. Take the time to check out each program and review its curriculum to make sure it meets your state’s requirements.
You’ll also want to ask about the instructor’s qualifications – you want someone who knows their stuff! Oh, and remember to compare prices between different courses. You want to find a good educational program that won’t break the bank. Most courses I have seen cost a few hundred dollars.
Choosing the Right Real Estate Salesperson Course
When a real estate pre-licensing course, consider these factors:
Accreditation: Choose a course accredited by your state’s real estate commission for comprehensive exam preparation.
Quality of Instruction: Opt for experienced instructors who offer valuable insights.
Course Format: Select from online, in-person, or hybrid options based on your learning style and schedule.
Course Content: Ensure the syllabus covers essential topics like real estate law and property management.
Success Rate: Look for courses with high pass rates on licensing exams.
Resources and Support: Access practice exams, study guides, and one-on-one support.
Reviews and Ratings: Consider previous students’ feedback on course effectiveness and instructor quality.
Cost: Compare prices, considering what is included in the package.
Take time to research and make an informed decision.
Choosing the Right Course Format
When selecting a course format for your pre-license education, consider your personal learning preferences and schedule. Be honest with yourself on whether or not you will hold yourself accountable for doing the online work if that is your choice.
Online courses can be a great option for those looking to complete their pre-licensing education at their own pace and schedule. Online courses allow you to complete your education and obtain your license in a few weeks or months.
Online real estate schools also offer the convenience of learning from anywhere, making them attractive for those with inflexible schedules or limited access to in-person courses. I would listen to the course while driving to work, on breaks, and at lunch while I ate.
On the other hand, in-person classes offer a more structured learning experience. These courses typically take 4-8 weeks to complete and provide a more traditional learning environment.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your personal preference and learning style. Some do well online, and others need in-person classes. Ultimately, you must pass the test, so get it done however you need.
Exam-Prep Resources
You must utilize exam prep resources such as practice tests and study guides to aid in your chances of acing the real estate licensing exam on your first attempt.
The course you choose should have many exam-prep resources. There are so many learning styles, so catering to many styles is a sign of a good course.
These resources can help you become familiar with the exam format and the types of questions you’ll encounter, allowing you to approach and pass the real estate license exam itself with confidence and become a real estate agent.
Here are some awesome free exam prep resources!
Who doesn’t love FREE?
Check out these free practice tests and quiz resources
Juicy Tips to Pass the Real Estate License Exam
Here are some tips to help you prepare for the licensing exam:
💡 Study Time: Set aside dedicated study time. You may have to give up some free time to complete the coursework.
💡 Break it Down: Break down the material into digestible pieces. It is not about how fast you can get through the course.
💡 Google it: Don’t be afraid to Google things you don’t understand. Some concepts are very gray and must be explained differently to make sense. There is a TON of content to explain some of these harder pieces of information.
💡 YouTube it: YouTube can be your friend to help you learn some of the harder concepts.
💡 Practice Tests: Take as many practice exams as you can get your hands on. They improve your understanding of the subject matter.
💡 Custom Study Guide: Create a study guide from the questions you did not get correct during any of your pre-licensing course coursework. These questions can be areas that need more attention or extra practice. I recorded all of the questions I did not get correct and had a comprehensive study guide. I could hone in on what I needed to focus on.
💡 Study Buddy: Find a study buddy and do some study work together.
💡 Free Resources: Check out resources on your local library’s website. Many libraries have access to career practice exams. This is true of the real estate exam. There may also be some books you can utilize with study information. I utilized both the practice test and the study books.
More Free Resources
Frequency Asked Questions
What is the salary for a realtor?
While stats indicate around 50K a year, many real estate agents make 6 figures a year.
Is a traditional college degree needed in real estate?
No, a college degree is not required to become a real estate agent. While many agents may have a bachelor’s degree or higher, it is unnecessary.
Do real estate agents go through a background check?
Yes, real estate agents do go through a background check as part of the application process to apply for their licenses.
Can a person with tattoos get a real estate license?
Absolutely! Real estate agents can definitely have tattoos. They’re experts at finding homes with ink-redible style! 😉🏠
Is the real estate course the same for each state?
No, each state will have its own real estate education requirements, which could vary depending on state guidelines. It is not a one-size-fits-all. For example, the California real estate license process differs greatly from the Texas license requirements.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, obtaining a real estate license is an exciting journey that opens up numerous personal and professional growth opportunities. The time it will take to get your license is an investment in your future. It could be a few weeks or a few months. The key is to set your eyes on the end goal and progress toward it each day until you finish!
Real estate has opened numerous doors in my life. I would have only had this opportunity from being a part of the real estate industry.
By understanding the factors influencing the time to obtain a real estate license application, completing the necessary pre-license education, and following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your real estate career goals.
So, why wait? Start the journey toward becoming a successful real estate agent today!
Click to get started ➡️ Find a real estate course in your state.
