Getting my real estate agent license was a life-changing experience! The journey took dedication, completing courses, passing the exam, and finding a broker but the effort was worth it.
Earning a real estate agent license opens the door to a rewarding career in buying and selling properties. The process includes completing state-required education, passing the exam, and joining a licensed broker.
From requirements to exam tips, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to start your journey toward a successful real estate career!
What Is a Real Estate Agent License?
A real estate license is an official certification that allows an individual to legally represent buyers and sellers in real estate transactions. Without this license, you cannot operate as a real estate agent in the U.S.
To obtain a real estate license, you must complete pre-licensing education, pass an exam, and meet state-specific eligibility criteria.
Real Estate Agent License Requirements – Steps to Get Started!
1. Meet State Eligibility Requirements:
Before applying, ensure you meet your state’s requirements. While specifics may vary, common criteria include:
- Being at least 18 years old (some states require 19).
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Being a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
- Passing a background check (some states may require fingerprinting).
2. Complete Pre-Licensing Education:
Each state mandates a specific number of pre-licensing course hours from an approved provider. This coursework covers topics such as:
- Real estate principles
- Contracts and property law
- Ethics and professional responsibilities
- Financing and mortgage laws
- Property management
Courses are available in-person or through a real estate license online program.
3. Pass the Real Estate Exam:
The real estate licensing exam consists of two sections:
- National portion: Covers general real estate principles.
- State-specific portion: Focuses on laws and regulations in your state.
To pass, you typically need a 70% or higher score. If you fail, you can retake the exam, but retake policies vary by state.
4. Submit a License Application:
Once you pass the exam, submit your real estate license application to your state’s real estate commission. This may require:
- Application fees (ranging from $50-$500 depending on the state).
- Background check completion.
- Sponsorship by a licensed real estate broker (in most states).
5. Join a Real Estate Brokerage:
Most states require new agents to work under a licensed broker. A broker provides mentorship, training, and access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Choose a brokerage that aligns with your career goals and offers good commission splits.
6. Maintain and Renew Your License:
Real estate licenses require renewal every 1-4 years, depending on state regulations. Continuing education (CE) is often required to stay updated on industry changes.
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5 Best Real Estate Agent License Courses – Get Licensed Fast!
If you’re looking to become a licensed real estate agent, choosing the right online course is crucial. Here are some of the best online real estate license courses available in 2024, based on industry reputation, features, and student success.
1. Kaplan Real Estate Education:
Kaplan is a well-established institution offering real estate courses across 26 states. Their courses range from 60 to 75 hours, depending on state requirements. A major advantage is the availability of live instruction, allowing students to interact with industry experts in real time. Kaplan is ideal for those who prefer structured learning with direct instructor support.
2. Colibri Real Estate:
Colibri Real Estate provides fully online courses in all 50 states, making it a great option for beginners and experienced professionals alike. With over 500,000 successful students, their courses typically last between 60 to 75 hours and include expert instructor support. This platform is best for students looking for a comprehensive online education without prior business experience.
3. The CE Shop:
The CE Shop specializes in both pre-licensing and continuing education for real estate professionals. Their courses are regularly updated to reflect industry standards and are available for agents and brokers in all states. If you’re seeking ongoing education after obtaining your license, The CE Shop is a great choice.
4. RealEstateU:
RealEstateU offers affordable and self-paced pre-licensing courses designed for accessibility. Their courses can be accessed on multiple devices and are often priced under $100, making them one of the most budget-friendly options. They also provide a money-back guarantee, making it a great choice for students on a tight budget who need flexibility.
5. Aceable Agent:
Aceable Agent is known for its modern, interactive approach with engaging video content and multimedia learning tools. They offer both pre-licensure and post-licensure training, along with exam prep materials. Their courses are affordable, and they offer a pass guarantee, making it perfect for students who prefer engaging, digital learning experiences.
Real Estate Agent Salary – Average Pay, Commissions & Top Earners!
The salary of real estate agents in the U.S. varies based on experience, location, and hours worked.
Average Salary Range:
- The national average salary for real estate agents ranges from $49,987 to $123,283, with some estimates placing it between $84,793 and $99,179 annually.
- Entry-level agents earn around $90,357 per year, including base salary and commissions.
Salary by Experience:
| Experience Level | Average Salary ($) |
| Less than 1 year | 101,055 |
| 1-3 years | 92,667 |
| 4-10 years | 123,808 |
| 11-25 years | 181,712 |
| 26+ years | 148,639 |
Salary by Hours Worked:
| Hours Worked per Week | Average Salary ($) |
| <20 hours | 54,766 |
| 21-39 hours | 111,361 |
| 40-50 hours | 190,419 |
| 60+ hours | 185,961 |
Read More: How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make? Find Out Here!
Real Estate Agent License Online Test Preparation – Pass on Your First Try!
With technological advancements, many states allow aspiring agents to complete pre-licensing education and even take the licensing exam online. Online courses provide flexibility and can be a cost-effective option compared to in-person classes.
Here are some effective online test preparation options for obtaining a real estate agent license:
Colibri Real Estate:
- Overview: Offers comprehensive online exam prep courses tailored to specific state requirements.
- Features: Simulated practice exams and proprietary exam mastery methods. Money-back guarantee if you don’t pass on your first attempt.
- Recommendation: Complete at least three simulated practice exams with a passing grade of 80% or higher before taking the state exam.
PrepAgent:
- Overview: Provides real estate exam prep for all 50 states, including thousands of practice questions.
- Features: Access to live online group webinars and eBooks. Offers crash courses for last-minute study sessions. Focuses on both state-specific and national topics, including real estate math.
Tests.com:
- Overview: Offers a practice exam kit with expert-written materials covering actual exam topics.
- Features: Unlimited tests available on various devices. Instant scoring and feedback, along with printable materials. Money-back guarantee if you don’t pass the exam.
Pearson VUE:
- Overview: Provides practice tests specifically designed for Broker and Salesperson exams at $19.95 each.
- Features: Tests include general real estate topics and align with the actual exam outline. Self-administered online tests with flexible timing options.
Real Estate License Wizard:
- Overview: Features a free national real estate practice exam along with state-specific options.
- Features: Large pool of questions ensuring varied practice experiences. Detailed explanations provided for each question to enhance understanding.
Study.com:
- Overview: Offers multiple choice exams to test knowledge in real estate training.
- Features: Fun and engaging format for learning key concepts through quizzes.
Udemy:
- Overview: Provides a course containing over 300 practice questions, including real estate math problems.
- Features: Each question includes detailed solution explanations to aid comprehension.
These resources can significantly enhance your preparation for the real estate license exam, helping you build confidence and knowledge before test day.
Benefits of an Online Real Estate License Course.
- Study at your own pace.
- Lower tuition fees.
- Access to recorded lectures and digital materials.
- Option to take practice exams.
Ensure the online school is accredited and approved by your state’s real estate commission.
Real Estate Agent License Test – Fast-Track Your Success!
The Real Estate Agent License Test is an official exam required to become a licensed real estate agent in the U.S. Each state has its own version of the test, but the format and key topics are similar nationwide. The exam is designed to assess your knowledge of real estate laws, principles, and best practices.
Test Structure:
The real estate exam is usually divided into two sections:
- National Section: Covers general real estate principles, property ownership, financing, and federal regulations.
- State Section: Focuses on state-specific laws, contracts, licensing rules, and agency relationships.
Most states require a passing score of around 70% on both sections. The number of questions and time limits vary by state, but exams typically include 100-150 multiple-choice questions with a time limit of 2-4 hours.
Topics Covered:
- Real estate principles (ownership, titles, deeds)
- Contracts and agency relationships
- Real estate finance (loans, mortgages, interest rates)
- Property valuation and appraisals
- Fair housing laws and ethics
- State-specific laws and regulations
Read More: How To Become Real Estate Agent? Step-by-Step Guide!
Real Estate License Exam In USA – Pass on Your First Try (2025 Guide!)
Candidates must typically be at least 18 years old. Complete state-specific pre-licensing courses (commonly around 75-135 hours). Pass the state licensing exam.
Texas Real Estate License Exam:
The fastest way to become a real estate agent in Texas is to complete the 180-hour coursework through a self-paced online program, apply to TREC early with a $185 fee and schedule fingerprinting right away.
Use exam prep to pass on the first try and find a sponsoring broker in advance to start working immediately. By staying proactive and avoiding delays, you can get licensed in just a few months.
Criteria For Real Estate Agent License California Exam:
To get a California real estate license, you must be 18+, honest, and pass a background check. Complete 135 hours of courses, including fair housing and bias training. Apply to the DRE with fees, pass the state exam, and work under a licensed broker.
What are the most common mistakes people make when preparing for the real estate exam?
The most common mistakes people make when preparing for the real estate exam include not studying state-specific laws, relying only on memorization instead of understanding concepts, and skipping practice tests that simulate the real exam format. Many underestimate the difficulty of the exam and don’t allocate enough study time.
Others choose low-quality prep materials or fail to review key topics like contracts, finance, and fair housing laws. To avoid these mistakes, use trusted study guides, take practice exams, and focus on both national and state-specific content.
FAQs:
How Long Does It Take To Become A Real Estate Agent In New York?
In New York, it typically takes 3 to 6 months to become a real estate agent. You must complete a 77-hour pre-licensing course, pass the state exam, find a sponsoring broker, and apply for your license through the New York Department of State. The timeline depends on how quickly you complete the coursework and schedule the exam.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Real Estate Agent In Texas?
In Texas, becoming a real estate agent usually takes 4 to 6 months. You need to complete 180 hours of pre-licensing education, submit an application to TREC, pass a background check, take the real estate exam, and find a sponsoring broker to activate your license. Some people complete the process faster by taking online, self-paced courses.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Real Estate Agent In California?
In California, it typically takes 3 to 6 months to get a real estate license. You must complete 135 hours of pre-licensing education, pass the state exam, and apply to the California Department of Real Estate (DRE). The timeline may vary depending on how quickly you complete the coursework and schedule your exam.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Real Estate Agent In Nj?
In New Jersey, the process takes 2 to 4 months on average. You need to complete a 75-hour pre-licensing course, pass the state exam, undergo a background check, and apply for your license through the New Jersey Real Estate Commission (NJREC). The time frame depends on course completion and exam scheduling.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate License?
Total estimated cost: $500 – $2,000. The cost of obtaining a real estate license depends on the state and includes: $200 – $1,000 Pre-licensing course, $50 – $100 Exam fee, $100 – $400 Application fee, $50 – $100 Background check and $100 – $500 for Post-licensing courses (if required).
Conclusion:
Becoming a real estate agent is a great career choice with good income potential and flexibility. To get your Real Estate Agent License you need to complete state-required education, pass the exam, and work under a licensed broker.
Choosing the right online course and using practice tests can help you pass faster. Salaries depend on experience, location, and hours worked. Whether you are in Texas, California, New York, or New Jersey, understanding the costs and requirements will make the process easier. With the right preparation and commitment you can get licensed quickly and start your real estate career with confidence!
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