Once you’ve become interested in becoming a real estate agent, you’re likely to have many questions, such as “How long does it take to get a real estate license?“
Knowing how long you will need to spend on getting your license is important for making your long-term goals. After all, you cannot start doing business as a real estate agent until you have this license.
Take some time to learn more about the real estate licensing process. With the right information, you’ll be able to prepare yourself for your future as a successful real estate agent.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Real Estate License?
The first thing that many potential agents wonder about is how long it will take them to sell houses. Some rules restrict people from being agents in a real estate transaction unless they have the appropriate licensing, so you have to get a real estate license first.
This license shows that you have the necessary knowledge to advise your client as they work through buying and selling a house. Additionally, the licensing gives you the permissions necessary to file real estate paperwork, tour houses, and do several other necessary things to the business. But how long does it take to get a real estate license?
The Average Time on How Long Does It Take To Get Your Real Estate License
It can take anywhere from just a few weeks up to a full year or more. There is no timed path related to how long it will take for you to become a licensed agent. Three main things will determine how long it will take for you to be licensed:
- What your state requirements are
- Where you decide to take classes
- How long the application and testing process takes
Each of these factors affects the length of time you can expect to wait to be licensed. There is no one-size-fits-all time, but most agents usually get their licenses between three and six months.
What You Need To Do To Get a License
Meet State Requirements
As mentioned above, the timeline of when you can get your license will be heavily influenced by what state you are getting licensed in. States have different rules in procedures at many points of the licensing process.
- Education Requirements
States have varying education requirements to be able to sit for the real estate licensing exam. Some states require an extensive amount of coursework that covers more areas of the law than other states. Other states even require a college degree, but this is not very common.
Additionally, some states require the coursework to be done at specific institutions, but other states have more liberal policies.
- Pre-Licensing Coursework Credits and Hours
In addition to determining what types of education must be done before taking the exam, states also determine time investment requirements. Most states have a prerequisite number of hours spent on coursework before an exam can be taken.
This prevents people from taking the exam without knowing anything about real estate, getting lucky, and not being fully educated on the system. In the end, most states require that you pass a specific number of credit hours before you can sit for the real estate exam.
Apply and Take Your Test
It is important to remember that you still have to apply for your real estate license and take your test after doing your coursework. Most people only think about the timeframe in terms of how many hours of classes they need to take.
In reality, it also takes time for your application to process and for your real estate exam to be scheduled. This process can take anywhere from just a few days up to several weeks, depending on the time of year and location.
Thankfully, many states have upgraded to automated systems, which means that you receive results and a temporary license immediately upon taking the exam. If you fail the test the first time around, you should note the following:
- States may require a certain waiting period before retaking the test.
- States may limit how many times you can take the exam.
- The exam may only be offered on specific dates.
Where To Study for Your Real Estate License
Most states allow prospective agents to take their real estate coursework at a variety of institutions. From local colleges to real estate-specific programs, there are many options to choose from. One of the biggest decisions that you will need to make is whether you want to take your classes online or if you want to take them in person.
How Long Does Real Estate School Take?
When attending classes in person, most prospective agents will be put into a four- to six-month program. This will depend on the state’s requirements and how many hours of coursework are offered a week.
There are also some accelerated programs to shorten how long does real estate school take, covering the same amount of material in one or two months. Regardless, in-person learning gives you additional opportunities to ask questions and get regular feedback on your real estate learning.
How Long Does It Take To Obtain A Real Estate License Online?
Real estate coursework that is run online tends to be more fast-paced than in-person classes. The average amount of time for online real estate classes ranges from just four weeks to three months.
Since you are in control of your online education’s pacing in most cases, you can determine how long does it take to get your real estate license or the speed of your licensing process. Many people like having this type of control over their education and choose an online program for that reason.
On The Road To Real Estate
The process of becoming a real estate agent typically takes between three and six months, depending on what route you take. Whether or not you were correct in your answer to “How long does it take to obtain a real estate license?“, don’t let it dishearten you.
The real estate licensing process is an invaluable tool that will help you to be a successful agent. Without the real estate coursework and reassurances that the licensing process brings, you might not know everything that you need to know to succeed.
Soon, you’ll be officially on the road to being a real estate agent!