Starting a real estate agent career can be exciting and less expensive. Getting a real estate
license is relatively more accessible than a traditional college degree. You’ll be able to
pursue your career as a real estate agent soon after passing your licensing exam. But have
you ever imagined how long does it take to get your real estate license? A simple answer is
4-6 months on average. But what are the essential factors that affect the process of a real
estate license? Read on to discover everything you need to know about how long it takes to
get a real estate license.
What Are The General Requirements For
Getting A Real Estate License?
Although the requirements for obtaining a real estate license vary from state to state, we’ll
review some of the more important and typical ones. These requirements include:
1. Age Limit:
Most states require an applicant to be at least 18 years old, while a few states have set the
age limit to 19 or 21.
2. Residency:
Another essential requirement for getting a real estate license is to be a US resident,
satisfying all residency requirements.
3. Education:
It’s essential to complete your state-required education. Most US states require applicants to
have a high school diploma or equivalent to meet the eligibility criteria for getting a real
estate license.
4. Criminal Record:
A criminal record is observed thoroughly, and you may be ineligible if you’ve been convicted
of a felony or any other crime.
5. Real Estate Licensing Exam:
You’ll need to appear for the real estate licensing exam and clear it to get your license.
How Long It Takes To Get Your Real Estate
License?
We’ve already mentioned in the beginning, on average, it takes 4-6 months to get your real
estate license, but the time required to get a real estate license is based on certain factors,
including:
Different States Have Different Policies:
Every state has set up different policies for getting a real estate license and becoming an
agent. In most states, completing your education program and passing the real estate exam
is essential for becoming a real estate agent.
You must register in an accredited real estate school to complete an education program. The
real estate school will help you provide all the information needed to pass the exam. You’ll
appear for the licensing exam once your real estate education is completed. Depending on
the state, different amounts of time are needed to obtain a real estate license. Sometimes,
you may get your real estate license soon after your studies.
Educational Requirement For Real Estate License:
Initially, you’ll be required to enroll in a pre-license course at a real estate school. During this
process, you will study several subjects, such as property law, contracts, and financing.
As a student, you’ll have to work hard to cover the essentials and practice for the licensing
exam by consistently taking sample tests. However, If you’re well prepared for the test, you’ll
likely pass it on your first attempt.
Online Vs Traditional Schooling System:
It depends on whether you want to take online or face-to-face classes. These educational
strategies provide the same education for the real estate licensing exam. Still, it depends on
your choice that might work best for you.
Online classes are flexible and easy to take, but you’ll have to stay self-motivated if you’re
willing to opt for online schools. On the other hand, physical classes can be a good option for
those who want extra guidance from their instructors. Online real estate classes can take as
little as three weeks and as much as a few months. Physical real estate classes usually take
six weeks and a little longer.
Real Estate License Exam:
After finishing your real estate schooling, You must appear for the licensing exam. The Real
Estate Licensing Exam is another essential factor to consider for how long it takes to get
your license because it will depend on how many tries it takes to pass your real estate
licensing exam. In addition, if you need to retake the exam, you’ll have to wait a few days or
even a week.
Generally, you’ll have two and a half hours to complete your exam. If you don’t pass it, most
states will provide an opportunity to retake the exam until you pass it. The eligibility
requirements differ in different states, but at least 60% is required to pass the exam in most
states.
Real Estate License Application Process:
You’ve completed your real estate schooling and passed the licensing exam well. The next
step you’ll need to take is checking your state’s commission to see whether E & O ( Errors
and Omissions) insurance is essential for you before applying for a real estate license. E & O
insurance is crucial for many people as it protects real estate agents from lawsuits and
losses caused by real estate affairs.
After deciding whether you need to secure E & O insurance, you’ll apply for the license, but
again, it all depends upon the state you’re living in. This process varies by state, and in most
of the states, you’ll be required to submit documents like your exam result, license
application, and application fee to the state’s licensing board.
There are certain states where the exam results are announced immediately after taking the
test, and you’ll be given a temporary license to start your career as a real estate agent. On
the other hand, most of the states need you to wait for the exam result, send your
application, and wait until your license is sent to the broker.
We’ve discussed some important factors that decide how long it takes to get your real estate
license. So it depends on the state you’re living in and its policies regarding real estate
license, time duration of your real estate schooling, and your licensing exam. All these
factors collectively decide how long it will take to become a real estate agent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Easiest State To Get A Real Estate License In?
The Easiest States to get a real estate license are North Carolina and other states like
Massachusetts, Alaska, and Mississippi. If you meet the basic requirements, like 18 years of
age and passing the licensing course, you can easily qualify for a real estate license and
start your career as a real estate agent in these states.
Can You Be A Real Estate Agent In More Than One State?
Yes, it is possible, but each state has a requirement that must be fulfilled. First, you’ll need to
check if the additional state has a reciprocal agreement with your state. Let’s take the
example of Colorada; this state provides partial real estate reciprocity for all the other states.
It means if you’ve already got your license in any other state, you can still become licensed
in Colorado, but you’ll need to pass only Colorado’s portion of the real estate exam.
What States Have The Hardest Real Estate Exam?
Colorado and Texas are two states of America that have the most challenging exams for
getting a real estate license. Applicants from these two states must study hard and undergo
the examination process to get their real estate licenses.
