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How to Get Your Real Estate License
The complete guide from a licensed real estate professional with 25+ years in the industry
I've been a licensed real estate professional since 2000. Over the past 25 years, I've worked as an agent, broker, team leader, and coach. I've personally guided hundreds of people through the licensing process -- from choosing their first pre-licensing course to walking out of the testing center with a passing score. This guide is everything I tell my own coaching clients about how to get licensed the right way.
Getting a real estate license is one of the most accessible paths to a professional career with uncapped income potential. Every state requires pre-licensing education, a state licensing exam, and a background check, but the specifics -- how many hours, what topics, which exam format -- vary widely. Some states like Florida require just 63 hours of coursework. Texas requires 180. Understanding your state's requirements is the first step, and that's exactly what we break down here.
The real estate industry is enormous: over 2 million active licensees nationwide, billions in annual transactions, and a constant need for new agents. Whether you're looking for a full-time career, a side income, or a pathway to investing, licensing is the door. The schools you choose and the study habits you build in pre-licensing will shape your first year in the business more than most people realize.
Requirements at a Glance
While every state sets its own rules, here are the general national requirements for obtaining a real estate license:
Age
18-19 years old (varies by state)
Pre-Licensing Education
40-180 hours of approved coursework
State Exam
National + state-specific portions
Background Check
Fingerprinting & criminal history review
Sponsoring Broker
Must affiliate with a licensed brokerage
Application Fee
$50-$300 depending on the state
Top Online Real Estate Schools
After evaluating dozens of providers, these are the three schools I recommend most often to my coaching clients. Each one offers accredited pre-licensing courses with solid exam prep, and all three are available in most states.
- The CE Shop -- Known for their LEAP interactive learning platform and strong pass-rate guarantees. Available in all 50 states plus D.C.
- Colibri Real Estate (formerly Real Estate Express) -- One of the largest online schools in the country. They offer multiple tiers with instructor support and exam prep bundles.
- AceableAgent -- A mobile-first platform that's popular with younger students. Strong in Texas, Florida, and a growing number of states.
We publish in-depth school reviews so you can compare features, pricing, and pass-rate data before enrolling.
Popular State Guides
Click into your state for specific requirements, approved schools, exam details, and our recommended study plan.
Florida
63 hours pre-licensing
One of the fastest states to get licensed
Texas
180 hours pre-licensing
Highest education requirement in the country
California
135 hours pre-licensing
Largest real estate market in the U.S.
New York
77 hours pre-licensing
Includes a 75-hour salesperson course
Pennsylvania
75 hours pre-licensing
Moderate requirements, strong market
Related Licensing Guides
Real estate is just one path in the property industry. Many of the professionals I've worked with over 25 years hold licenses in multiple disciplines. Explore the others:
More Resources
- How to Pass Your Licensing Exam -- Study strategies, practice exams, and time management tips from a coach who has helped hundreds pass.
- How to Earn After You're Licensed -- What to do in your first 90 days, how to choose a brokerage, and how to build a pipeline.
- School Reviews -- Detailed, honest reviews of every major pre-licensing school we've evaluated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a real estate license?
Most people complete the process in 2 to 6 months, depending on the state. States like Florida require only 63 hours of coursework, while Texas requires 180 hours. Online, self-paced courses let you move faster if you have the time.
How much does it cost to get a real estate license?
Total costs typically range from $500 to $1,500, including pre-licensing education ($200-$700), exam fees ($50-$100), background check ($30-$80), and your initial license application ($50-$300). Costs vary significantly by state.
Is the real estate exam hard?
The national pass rate hovers around 50-60% on the first attempt. The exam covers contracts, property law, finance, and agency relationships. With a quality prep course and consistent study habits, most people pass on their first or second try.
Can I get my real estate license entirely online?
In most states, yes. The pre-licensing coursework can be completed online through accredited schools like The CE Shop, Colibri Real Estate, and AceableAgent. The state exam itself is taken in person at a testing center in most states.
What is the national pass rate for the real estate exam?
First-time pass rates vary by state but generally fall between 50% and 70%. States with more rigorous education requirements tend to have higher pass rates. Proper preparation with practice exams significantly improves your odds.
Do I need a college degree to get a real estate license?
No. No state requires a college degree to become a licensed real estate agent. You typically need to be at least 18 or 19 years old, complete pre-licensing education, pass a background check, and pass the state licensing exam.