How Long Does it Take to Get a Real Estate License?

If you are interested in beginning a career as a real estate agent, you probably have many questions. Before starting their real estate career, many wonder a common question is “How long does it take to get a real estate license?”

Obtaining your real estate license is a process, but it doesn’t always take a long time to obtain a license. Getting your real estate license should take only a few weeks if you put in the necessary work. 

Requirements to Become a Real Estate Agent

You need a few requirements to become a real estate agent.

• You must be at least 18 years of age

• Most states require a GED, high school diploma, or college-level education

• You must complete a background check

• An active and licensed real estate broker may need to sponsor you based on your state’s requirements

• You need to pass your state’s Real Estate Exam

• You must complete your state’s required amount of hours of approved real estate education

• Submit the required fee and licensing application to your state’s real estate commission

• Be a legal resident of the United States
  
  

How Long Does it Take to Get a Real Estate License?

In order to get your real estate license, it can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on how quickly you work and if you pass your exam. 

The time you put into getting your real estate exam is worth it, as the salary is rewarding and the career is full of excitement and challenge. Here is a breakdown of the process to obtain your real estate license.

1. Complete Your State’s Required Hours of the Approved Pre-Licensing Course

The pre-license course usually takes about two weeks to complete. The pre-licensing course includes 40 to 150 plus hours of formal education for the licensing exam. This can take weeks to months to complete, depending on how quickly you are working on getting your license.

2. Schedule and Pass the State Exam

Depending on availability, scheduling and passing the state exam should take you about two weeks. Depending on your state, there will be assigned testing centers where you can take the exam. 

Your local real estate commission will reach out to you with details when you apply to take the test. Depending on your location, the earliest exam date will vary. While you are waiting to schedule your exam date, you can obtain your criminal record check online.

3. Submit License Application Online

To submit your license application online, you may need your employing broker to help you because they may need to complete a portion of the application. You will need to submit the application online.

If your application is submitted correctly and has all the required documentation, it should take two weeks. 

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate License?

The cost to get a real estate license varies by state. Pre-licensing classes and training usually cost at least $100 or more. The real estate exam and licensing fees will cost around $325 or more, and real estate broker fees can be as little as $25 to over $500 per month. 

Final Thoughts

So, how long does it take to get a real estate license? If everything runs smoothly, you can get your real estate license in as little as six weeks. However, it usually takes longer than six weeks, depending on how quickly you can schedule your exam.