Want to become a real estate agent? Wondering how to become a licensed agent? It only takes five simple steps to get a real estate license. You'll get a step-by-step guide to getting your real estate license as well as state-specific information in this article.
There are five simple steps to obtaining a real estate license:
Determine your state’s education requirement
To find out how many hours of prelicensing education your state requires, select your state from the drop-down list below and click on it.
In real estate licensing courses, students learn everything from business fundamentals to fair housing laws, and even states with the most relaxed requirements still require a lot of learning.
Complete a pre relicensing course
To become licensed, you must complete the prelicensing education class hours required by your state. You can either do this in a traditional classroom or remotely through an online program. Typically, online courses are less expensive and more convenient, allowing you to work at your own pace.
You can find online providers that offer prelicensing classes in almost every state as well as packages that include exam prep and a Pass or Don't Pay guarantee. You can speak with one of their enrollment advisors for more information about getting started with prelicensing education.
Prepare for your state exam
The state exam can be taken after you have completed your real estate pre-licensing course. Taking standardized tests can be difficult, especially if you haven't been in school for a while.
If you feel confident about your knowledge, practice applying it a couple of times before you sit for the actual test
Pass your state’s real estate exam
It's time to take your licensing exam once you have completed your state's license requirements and prepared with practice tests and flashcards.
Most states now administer a computer-based exam, which can be taken online or in person, depending on the state. Your state's licensing and regulatory affairs website will provide information about your state's exam, including the closest examination sites.
Do not worry if you are nervous about the test itself. It can be challenging to take standardized tests, even if you know the material inside out. Learn some more tricks to acing your real estate exam by taking the free practice test
Register your real estate license with your state
To become a full-fledged real estate professional, you must register your status with your home state after passing your state's licensing exam. Your state's real estate licensing board will require you to submit a registration form and fee by mail or electronically.
In some states, you need to be signed up with a brokerage before you can receive a license to practice real estate. It's necessary to have a brokerage in place before you can move forward with this step if you live in a state like this. That's the last step! The steps to becoming a real estate agent are now clear to you.