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How to Get a Real Estate License: Step-By-Step Guide

Thinking about a career in real estate? Whether you’re drawn to flexible hours, unlimited earning potential, or the satisfaction of helping people find a home, getting your real estate license is the first big step.

The exact rules vary by state, but the process follows the same basic pattern almost everywhere. This guide walks you through each step so you know what to expect before you invest your time and money.

Quick Overview: Real Estate License Process

While details differ by state, most new agents will:

Meet basic eligibility requirements (age, education, background).
Complete state-approved pre-licensing education.
Submit an application to the state real estate commission or licensing board.
Pass a licensing exam (national + state sections).
Complete fingerprinting and a background check.
Choose a sponsoring broker and activate your license.
Complete any post-licensing or first-year continuing education required by your state.

The rest of this guide breaks those steps down and highlights what typically changes from state to state.

Step 1: Confirm You Meet Basic Eligibility

Before you sign up for a course, make sure you meet your state’s minimum requirements. Common rules include:

Age: Usually at least 18 years old (some states require 19).
Education: Most states require at least a high school diploma or GED.
Legal status: You’ll typically need a Social Security number or proof of legal presence.
Background: Many states review criminal history and financial issues (like certain felonies, fraud, or unpaid judgments).

Tip: A past issue doesn’t always mean “no.” If you have a criminal or disciplinary history, most state real estate commissions publish guidance on what must be disclosed and how they review cases.

Step 2: Understand Your State’s Requirements

Even though this is a general guide, your state real estate commission or licensing board is the “source of truth” for:

Exact pre-licensing education hours
Approved schools or course providers
Application forms and fees
Exam format and passing score
Deadlines and renewal rules

Look for an official .gov or state commission site. Avoid relying only on course provider marketing pages—they’re helpful, but the state website is what really counts.

When you research, write down:

Required number of hours of pre-licensing education
Mandatory topics (e.g., contracts, agency, state law)
Exam provider (PSI, Pearson VUE, etc.)
Application fee, exam fee, and license activation fee
Any post-licensing or first-year CE requirements

This list will guide your timeline and budget.

Step 3: Choose a State-Approved Pre-Licensing Course

You can’t skip this step—almost every state requires you to finish state-approved real estate education before you can sit for the exam.

Typical options:

✅ Online self-paced courses
✅ Live online (virtual classroom)
✅ In-person classes at real estate schools or community colleges

Common total hour requirements:

Many states: 60–90 hours
Some states: 120+ hours (especially if they combine salesperson + state-specific law)

When comparing courses, look for:

State approval (the provider should clearly list your state + approval number).
Pass guarantee or exam prep tools.
Practice questions that mirror the actual exam.
Student reviews that mention support, clarity, and up-to-date materials.

Tip: If your goal is to get licensed quickly, check how soon you can realistically finish the hours (some states limit how many hours you can complete per day).

Step 4: Finish Your Coursework & Get Your Completion Certificate

Once you pick a course:

Set a realistic schedule. For example, 10 hours per week for 6–8 weeks.
Take notes on key concepts like agency relationships, contracts, fair housing, and state-specific rules.
Complete any quizzes or final course exam required by the provider.

At the end, you’ll receive a course completion certificate or transcript. You’ll usually need to:

Upload it with your license application, or
Show it to the exam provider when scheduling your test.

Keep a digital and printed copy—it’s your proof that you met the education requirement.

Step 5: Apply for the Real Estate License Exam

Most states use a third-party testing company to administer the exam. The process usually looks like this:

Create an account with the exam provider or your state’s licensing portal.
Submit your application (online or by mail)—sometimes

How to Get a Real Estate License (Step-by-Step Guide)