How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License?
Getting a real estate license is the stepping stone to starting a career as a real estate agent but many aspiring real estate agents often wonder how long does it take to get a real estate license.
First of all, you need to know that you can’t become a real estate agent overnight. However, it even doesn’t take that much longer than getting some other professional licenses.
The educational barrier to getting a real estate agent license is fairly low. You don’t even need a bachelor’s degree to become a licensed real estate agent. All you need to have is a high school diploma or some other equivalent educational credentials to get started as a real estate professional.
In today’s blog, we are going to find out how much time it takes to get a real estate license. Moreover, we will take a look at the requirements to obtain a real estate license.
So, without further ado, let’s get started:
General Requirements to Get a Real Estate License in the US
Every state in the US has its own requirements for getting a real estate license, but there are some requirements that are the same for every state. Here are some of the general requirements to get a real estate license in the US.
- You must be at least 18, or in some states 19 years old.
- You must be a legal resident of the US.
- You may need to have a high school diploma or GED (Some states, such as California, don’t require this).
- You must complete the pre-license education required by your state.
- You must pass your state real estate license exam.
- You may need to perform actions like fingerprint verification and background check clearance.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License?
As we mentioned earlier, the time it takes to get a real estate license varies in each state in the US. However, it usually takes around 4 to 6 months to get a real estate license in the US.
How long it takes to get a real estate license depends on various factors. Below, we have discussed them in detail:
Credit Hours Requirement by State for Pre-Licensing Course
The credit hours requirement for pre-licensing courses varies from state to state in the US. For instance, if you are in Georgia, you have to enroll in a 75-hour pre-license course, while in South Carolina, the duration of the unit I salesperson pre-licensing course is 60 hours. So, the higher the credit hour requirement, the longer it will take to complete the pre-licensing education, especially if you're taking the courses part-time or have other commitments.
Online vs In-Person Pre-Licensing Course
The mode of delivery for pre-licensing courses also greatly affects the time it takes to get a real estate license. In-person courses at a real estate school or state-approved institution typically follow a structured schedule, with classes held on specific days and times over several weeks or months. These courses may be less flexible but provide a more structured learning environment and opportunities for interaction with instructors and peers.
On the other hand, online pre-licensing courses offer more flexibility, enabling you to study at your own pace and on your own schedule. Most online pre-licensing courses are self-paced, enabling you to complete the coursework in a shorter timeframe if you're dedicated and can allocate sufficient time for studying. However, you should know that online courses may require more self-discipline and time management skills.
Scheduling and Passing the Licensing Exam
After completing the pre-licensing education, you'll need to schedule and pass the state's real estate licensing exam. The availability of exam dates can vary depending on the state and the testing centers' schedules.
Some states may offer more frequent exam dates, while others may have limited availability which leads to longer wait times. Moreover, the time required for preparation and the difficulty level of the exam can impact the overall timeline. If you perform multiple attempts to pass the exam, it can further extend the process.
Background Check and Application Processing
Some states in the US require a background check as part of the licensing process. The time taken for the background check can vary depending on the state's procedures and the number of applications being processed.
Some states may have more efficient systems in place, leading to quicker turnaround times, while others may experience delays due to backlogs or resource constraints. The processing of your application by the state's real estate licensing authority can also contribute to the overall timeline.
Additional Requirements
Some US states may also have additional requirements beyond the pre-licensing education and exam, such as completing continuing education courses, submitting fingerprints, or getting errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. These additional requirements can add extra steps and time to the licensing process. For instance, if you need to complete a certain number of continuing education hours before obtaining your license, it may take longer than usual to get a real estate license.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which state takes the longest to get a real estate license?
Texas takes the longest to get a real estate license. You must complete 180 hours of pre-license education before taking the exam, passing it, and getting your real estate license.
Which state takes the least time to get a real estate license?
Massachusetts and Michigan take the least time to get a real estate license. Both states require 40 hours of pre-license education to get a real estate license.
