How Long Does It Take To Get a Real Estate License?

Many people are drawn to a career as a real estate agent, and for good reason. The promise of a flexible schedule, the potential of building wealth, and the satisfaction of helping others find their perfect home or sell their current home are just some of the perks.

Getting your real estate license to become an agent is far less expensive and time-consuming than getting a college degree in any other field or industry. It’s also a far more convenient process, as you can pursue pre-license education either online or in-person in a traditional classroom setting. So, just how long does it take to get a real estate license? We’ll break it down for you.

General real estate license requirements

The process, qualifications, cost, and timeline for becoming a real estate agent can vary state by state. However, there are some general requirements to know before starting the process to become a real estate agent:

1. Be old enough per your state laws. Most states require you to be at least 18.
2. Satisfy any residency requirements.
3. Complete any coursework required by your state.
4. Take and pass your state’s real estate licensing exam.
5. Once you’ve passed the real estate licensing exam, you’ll need to undergo a fingerprint background check. This is required in most states.

How long does it take to get your real estate license?

Once you begin an approved program, starting a course to passing the exam is about 4 to 6 months in a traditional classroom setting. If you opt for an online course, you can become licensed in an even shorter period of time, depending on your schedule.

Factors that determine how long it takes to get your real estate license

1) Education requirements

Most states expect candidates to have earned a GED or high school diploma, but this is not an iron-clad rule. In some states, you may just need to meet the age requirement.

2) Online vs. in-person classes

The style of classes you decide to take can determine how long it takes for you to get your real estate license. For example, if you decide to take online courses, you can complete your pre-licensing program in just a few months. If you plan to study in-person, you’ll be bound to the program’s schedule and it could take longer.

In-person schooling typically takes four to six months, and programs are often more expensive than online options. Some local brokerages offer live classes and may even offer a work share program in exchange for reimbursed or discounted fees.

An online program might be a better choice if you plan to work toward your license while maintaining a full-time job and have family commitments. You could quickly complete the coursework in as little as two to three weeks. Check out the top schools in your state for real estate licensing and their expected requirements.

3) Real estate education requirements

Because each state has different education requirements, how long it takes to get a real estate license can vary greatly. Most states require a minimum number of hours of pre-licensing instruction time. You can do this in the classroom or through an approved online course. Depending on the state, the requirement can be as few as 40 hours of instruction or up to 300 hours. Check with your local real estate commission for specific information about local requirements and approved programs, and view popular real estate schools in each state here.

Real estate license exam and application process

Once you have completed your coursework, work with your local real estate board to find an approved testing center to take the course final exam. You'll be required to pass both sections of the course final exam - the national portion, covering real estate principles and practices, and the state portion, covering your state’s real estate law. The tests are in multiple-choice format and each section is scored separately. Your state determines the number of questions and time allotted for the exam. What is considered a passing grade is also determined by your state.

It can take between two and six weeks to complete all exams and submit your application for a real estate license.

Not every state has adopted an online application process. If you need to submit your application by mail, the process could take up to a month.

Is a career in real estate right for you?

Before you commit to any programs, you’ll want to determine if you have what it takes to make a real estate career a lucrative opportunity over the long term.

To earn a living as a real estate agent, you’ll need a strong work ethic and negotiation skills. Working at a traditional brokerage, you might wear many hats – salesperson, transaction coordinator, marketing director, office manager, receptionist. Some brokerages, like Redfin, provide tools to support agents with these tasks. With a real estate career as an agent at Redfin, you’ll have a support team to help with paperwork and calls, opportunities to advance your career, streamlined technology so you can provide the best service to your clients, and introductions to 100+ serious customers per year.

Once you’re certain that real estate is the right career path, find out about your state’s requirements. It’s possible you could become a licensed real estate agent in as little as two to six months. Becoming a real estate agent is a great way to take charge of your career, income, and lifestyle. Many real estate agents earn a good living on their terms while preserving valuable time with their communities and family.