Any person who engages in real estate transactions as an agent for another must first obtain a real estate license in the state in which they will work. For the general purpose of protecting consumers, each state has its own rules, regulations, and examination for obtaining a real estate license. Show
Key Takeaways
1:51 All About Real Estate Agents and What They DoTypes of Real Estate LicensesMost states offer two types of real estate licenses: sales (or salesperson) and a broker. In general, real estate salespeople and provisional brokers (or associate brokers in some states) work for and under the umbrella of a designated broker. Some states, such as North Carolina, have a "broker only" licensing system, meaning that there is only one basic type of license (broker) but with various "status levels." Many real estate salesperson licensees decide to complete the necessary coursework and exams to become brokers ultimately, as this often provides more flexibility and career opportunities. If you are considering getting your real estate license, you must review the requirements for your state since there is no such thing as a "national" real estate license. Here, we explain how to find information on your state's requirements, the different types of real estate classes that are available, and how to prepare for the real estate exam. State RequirementsWhether you live in California, Florida, New York, Texas, etc., to become licensed, you will have to meet your state's unique requirements. You can find this information by visiting the website of your state's real estate regulatory office. To find the site, you can perform an Internet search for "(your state) real estate regulatory office." You can also find links to each state's regulatory agency on the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (Arello) website. Each state has specific requirements for:
Some states have reciprocal licensing agreements with other states, meaning you can get your license in one state and use it in another without taking that state's license examination. Nevada, for example, has reciprocity with Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia. As with regular licensing requirements, each state has its process for obtaining licensure by reciprocity. Qualification requirements can be found on each state's real estate regulatory agency's website. Real Estate ClassesEvery state requires you to take some real estate pre-licensing course and demonstrate that you have completed a course with a minimum number of hours before you can schedule to take the real estate license exam. Each class is accompanied by textbooks, workbooks, or online material to assist your studies. It is important to take a course that fulfills your state's education requirements, considering that there is no "national" real estate course or license. In most states, there are several ways that you can fulfill the education requirements, including:
You may save money using one type of class program over another; however, it is important to choose the method that will work best for your learning style and schedule. For example, if you are an independent learner, an online class may work well. If you learn better from a live instructor and if you like to be able to ask questions, a brick-and-mortar or community college setting may be more appropriate. Choose your course carefully since the quality of the instructors and materials may directly affect how well prepared you are to take the exam. In addition to the required pre-licensing classes, there are various real estate exam prep products available to help prepare you to pass the exam. These may be made available to you wherever you decide to take your pre-licensing class, or you can check online (search for "[your state] real estate exam prep"). Many exam preps offer both practice exams and tips for taking the test, both of which can be helpful. Again, since there is no national license, be sure to invest in an exam prep product developed specifically for your state. 1:51 Click Play to Learn All About What Real Estate Agents DoLicense ExaminationsReal estate exams are typically conducted on a computer and consist of two parts: a national portion covering real estate principles and practices and a state-specific section that tests your knowledge of your state's real estate law. Each section is scored separately, and you must receive a passing grade (determined by each state) on both sections to pass the exam. If you fail one part of the exam, you typically need only retake that section. The exams are multiple-choice format; each state determines the number of questions and the time allotted for the exam. Most, but not all, states use outside testing providers to administer their real estate license exams, with testing offered on weekdays and Saturdays to accommodate different schedules. Once you have completed your pre-licensing course, you should receive instructions on scheduling, registering, and paying for your exam. You can find out more information by visiting the testing provider's website. A few of the primary providers are:
Whether it is administered by the state or through an outside party, your state's testing center will have its regulations regarding the testing process, including specific rules for the types of calculators that can be used and how you identify will be confirmed at the test. It is essential to review the requirements thoroughly, so there are no surprises on test day. Once your application is approved, the state will mail your real estate license certificate (and probably a pocket card) to the address shown on the application form, and your name will be searchable under the "Licensees" section of its Web site. Keep in mind that it is unlawful to engage in real estate business before the state's real estate agency issues your license (i.e., don't start working until you have the license in your hand). If you fail one or both sections of the exam, you will have the opportunity to retake the exam. Each state has its own rules regarding the number of times you may retake an exam, how long you must wait in between exams, and the deadline for completing any retakes. If you do pass, you must submit a complete application on the appropriate forms, along with any required documents and fees, to your state's real estate agency. Real Estate License ApplicationAfter finishing and passing your exam, you will have half a year to file for your real estate license. When you apply for your license, you will need to fill out the application with your test results, an application fee, and you may be asked to show your grades from your coursework. In addition, you may be asked to approve a background check before you can get your license. Your home state's real estate commission office is where you will submit your application. Make sure to check your state's requirements for real estate agents. In some states, you may have to join a real estate brokerage company before you can apply and receive your license. Realtor License vs. Real Estate Agent LicenseThere is no such thing as a realtor license. The term "realtor" is a trademarked name for a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). If you refer to yourself as a "realtor," it could mean you have both a real estate license and a member of NAR. But if someone says they have a realtor license, it is likely a shorthand that they have a real estate license. However, there are designations or certificates that real estate agents can earn in addition to their licenses. For example, you can earn a designation as a senior real estate specialist, a certified international property specialist, and earn a certification as a short-sale and foreclosure specialist. How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License?If you want to become a real estate agent, it will take you approximately 75 hours of real estate coursework, plus taking the exam, to become an agent. Some real estate agents report it taking two to five months or more to earn their license. Is a Real Estate License Expensive?Getting your real estate license can cost upwards of $1,000, depending on the state. In addition, to paying for your coursework and test, you will owe fees for your license. What States Have the Hardest Real Estate Exams?According to UpNest, in 2021, Colorado and Texas are the states where it is the hardest to get a real estate license. The number of hours of required coursework may make it more difficult in some states than others to earn your license, plus the pass rate on the exam may vary. Most of the actual exams contain similar information. The Bottom LineGetting a real estate license is a commitment of time and money, but it can help secure a rewarding job—with the opportunity for growth—within the real estate industry. As a real estate salesperson or provisional broker, you will have to work for and under the umbrella of a licensed broker. For increased flexibility and career opportunities, you may eventually decide to pursue a broker or broker-in-charge license. In addition to a real estate license, you may also wish to consider the various real estate designations and certifications, including those specific to mortgages, appraisals, residential property, commercial property, and property management, to further enhance your career and marketability as a real estate professional. What States has the hardest real estate exam?Colorado is the most difficult state, and agents must go through 160 hours of training, two exams, a background check, and fingerprinting. Many other states require less than 100 hours of training, while most states have a 40-hour requirement.
Which state real estate exam is the easiest?According to our analysis, Massachusetts is the best state for Real Estate examinations in the US. There, most candidates have it relatively simple. This is true since the state only needs 40 hours of pre-licensing training. Before sitting for the test, you must first complete a state-approved real estate school.
How hard is the Florida real estate state exam?Whether you're taking your Florida real estate course online or offline, paying attention and memorizing all the info is crucial. Only 48% of first-time exam takers pass the test, according to Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The exam is challenging and consists of 100 questions.
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What is the hardest state real estate exam?
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