How to Get a Real Estate License: Step-by-Step
Getting a real estate license involves five steps: meeting basic eligibility requirements, completing a state-required pre-licensing course, passing the state licensing exam, submitting your application and background check, and activating your license under a sponsoring broker.
The full process typically takes 2–6 months and costs $500–$2,000 depending on your state. Here is exactly what each step involves.
The 5 Steps to a Real Estate License
Step 1: Meet Basic Eligibility
Most states require: minimum age of 18 (19 in some states), a high school diploma or GED, and legal US residency or citizenship. Some states require no prior criminal convictions for specific offense types.
Step 2: Complete Pre-Licensing Education
Take the required number of pre-licensing hours at a state-approved school. Hours range from 40 hours (some states) to 180 hours (Texas). Covers contracts, agency, finance, property law, and fair housing.
Step 3: Pass the State Licensing Exam
Two-part exam: a national portion (80–100 questions on general real estate principles) and a state-specific portion (30–74 questions on your state's laws). Passing score: 70–75% depending on state.
Step 4: Apply and Pass a Background Check
Submit your license application with your exam score report, education certificate, application fee ($50–$200), and background check authorization. Processing takes 2–6 weeks.
Step 5: Activate Under a Sponsoring Broker
New salesperson licenses must be activated under a licensed supervising broker. You cannot practice independently. File your license activation with the state commission before making any real estate transactions.
Pre-Licensing Hours and Exam Fees by State
California
135 pre-licensing hours (3 courses × 45 hrs each). Exam fee: $60. License application fee: $245. Total cost range: $500–$1,000. Testing provider: PSI.
Texas
180 pre-licensing hours (6 courses × 30 hrs each). Exam fee: $54. License fee: $185. Total cost range: $700–$1,200. Testing provider: Pearson VUE.
Florida
63 pre-licensing hours. Must pass the school's end-of-course exam first. Exam fee: $36.75 per section. License fee: $89. Total cost range: $400–$800. Testing provider: Pearson VUE.
New York
77 pre-licensing hours. Exam fee: $15 (state fee; PSI charges separately). License fee: $65. Total cost range: $350–$700. Testing provider: PSI.
Georgia
75 pre-licensing hours. Exam fee: $121. License fee: $170. Total cost range: $450–$900. Testing provider: PSI.
North Carolina
75 pre-licensing hours. License exam fee: $164. License fee: $100. Total cost range: $500–$900. Testing provider: PSI.
Illinois
75 pre-licensing hours. Exam fee: $55. License fee: $125. Total cost range: $400–$750. Testing provider: PSI.
Ohio
120 pre-licensing hours. Exam fee: $58. License fee: $75. Total cost range: $450–$900. Testing provider: PSI.
Colorado
168 pre-licensing hours (one of the longest requirements). Exam fee: $44.95. License fee: $200. Total cost range: $700–$1,300. Testing provider: PSI.
Arizona
90 pre-licensing hours. Exam fee: $75. License fee: $60. Total cost range: $400–$800. Testing provider: Pearson VUE.
Michigan
40 pre-licensing hours. Exam fee: $79. License fee: $88. Total cost range: $350–$700. Testing provider: PSI.
Pennsylvania
75 pre-licensing hours. Exam fee: $49. License fee: $107. Total cost range: $350–$700. Testing provider: PSI.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License?
The typical timeline is 2–6 months from starting your pre-licensing course to having an active license. States with longer pre-licensing requirements (Texas: 180 hours, Colorado: 168 hours) take 4–6 months. States with shorter requirements (Michigan: 40 hours, Florida: 63 hours) can take as little as 6–10 weeks.
The biggest variable is how fast you complete your pre-licensing course. Online self-paced courses let motivated candidates finish in 3–4 weeks. Part-time evening and weekend schedules typically take 6–10 weeks. The exam scheduling wait time (usually 1–2 weeks after pre-licensing) and application processing time (2–6 weeks) add additional time after the course ends.
If you are working full-time, plan for 3–4 months for the complete process. If you are studying full-time with 20+ hours per week available, you may complete some states' requirements in 6–8 weeks.
Passing the Licensing Exam: What to Expect
The real estate licensing exam is harder than most candidates expect. The national first-time pass rate is approximately 50–60%, meaning nearly half of first-time candidates do not pass. The exam tests how you apply concepts to real-world scenarios — not just whether you recognize vocabulary from your pre-licensing course.
The most effective preparation is targeted practice with exam-style questions, not re-reading your pre-licensing textbook. After completing your pre-licensing course, take a diagnostic practice exam to identify your weakest topic areas, then spend the majority of your remaining study time on those specific topics.
Most candidates need 2–4 weeks of dedicated exam prep after completing their pre-licensing course. The exam has two independently scored portions — you must pass both the national and state-specific sections to receive credit. A high score on one does not compensate for a failing score on the other.
Background Check: What You Need to Know
Every state requires a criminal background check as part of the license application. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify you — states look at the nature of the offense, how recent it is, and whether it relates to honesty, financial misconduct, or trust violations.
Always fully disclose criminal history on your application. States treat failure to disclose more seriously than the underlying offense itself. If you have prior convictions, many states allow you to apply for a 'moral character' determination before investing in your pre-licensing education — this saves time and money if there is a disqualifying issue.
State Licensing Requirements
Select your state for exact pre-licensing hour requirements, exam fees, and the official licensing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license?
Total costs range from $350 to $1,300 depending on the state. The main costs are: pre-licensing course ($200–$700), exam fee ($36–$164), license application fee ($60–$245), and background check fee ($50–$100). Texas and Colorado are the most expensive due to longer pre-licensing hour requirements.
Can I get a real estate license online?
Yes — the pre-licensing education can be completed online in most states. The licensing exam itself must be taken in person at a testing center (Pearson VUE or PSI). Online courses are generally cheaper and more flexible than classroom options and are equally valid for licensing purposes.
How hard is the real estate licensing exam?
Harder than most candidates expect. The national first-time pass rate is approximately 50–60%. The exam tests application of concepts (scenario-based questions), not just memorization of definitions. Candidates who do targeted exam prep with practice questions significantly outperform those who only re-read their pre-licensing materials.
Do I need a college degree to get a real estate license?
No. Most states only require a high school diploma or GED. A few states have no educational requirement beyond completing the state-approved pre-licensing course. College education is not required in any US state to obtain a real estate salesperson license.
Can I get a real estate license if I have a felony?
It depends on the state and the offense. Many states evaluate felony convictions case by case, considering the nature of the crime, how much time has passed, and evidence of rehabilitation. Crimes involving dishonesty, financial fraud, or breach of trust are the most likely to result in denial. Contact your state's real estate commission directly — most allow you to request a moral character pre-determination before investing in education.
Ready to Start Exam Prep?
Once you have completed your pre-licensing course, take the free diagnostic to identify your weakest topics before building your exam study plan.