How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License?
One of the first questions aspiring real estate agents ask is: "How long will this take?" The short answer is 2-6 months for most people, but the timeline varies significantly by state and your personal schedule.
Quick Answer by State
| State | Pre-License Hours | Typical Timeline |
| ------- | ------------------- | ------------------ |
| Texas | 180 hours | 3-5 months |
| California | 135 hours | 3-4 months |
| Florida | 63 hours | 1-2 months |
| New York | 77 hours | 2-3 months |
| Georgia | 75 hours | 2-3 months |
| Arizona | 90 hours | 2-3 months |
| Ohio | 120 hours | 2-4 months |
| Illinois | 90 hours | 2-3 months |
| North Carolina | 75 hours | 2-3 months |
| Colorado | 168 hours | 3-4 months |
Timeline Breakdown
Phase 1: Pre-License Education (2-12 weeks)
The first step is completing your state's required pre-license education.
Online Self-Paced (Fastest Option):- Complete in as little as 2-4 weeks
- Study on your own schedule
- Requires self-discipline
- Typically 4-12 weeks
- Set class schedule
- More structured learning
| Study Pace | Time to Complete |
| ------------ | ------------------ |
| Full-time (40 hrs/week) | 4.5 weeks |
| Part-time (20 hrs/week) | 9 weeks |
| Evenings (10 hrs/week) | 18 weeks |
Phase 2: Exam Application (1-2 weeks)
After completing education:
- Submit application to state licensing board
- Pay application fees
- Receive authorization to test
- Schedule exam appointment
Phase 3: Taking the Exam (1 day)
The exam itself takes 2-4 hours:
- National portion: 80-100 questions
- State portion: 30-50 questions
- Results often immediate or within 24 hours
Phase 4: License Application (1-4 weeks)
After passing:
- Submit license application
- Complete background check
- Find a sponsoring broker
- Receive your license
| State | Typical Processing |
| ------- | ------------------- |
| Florida | 1-2 weeks |
| Texas | 1-2 weeks |
| California | 2-4 weeks |
| New York | 2-4 weeks |
| Georgia | 1-2 weeks |
Factors That Affect Your Timeline
1. Your Available Study Time
| Availability | Impact |
| -------------- | -------- |
| Full-time student | Fastest path |
| Working professional | 2-3x longer |
| Parent with kids | Flexible schedule helps |
2. Online vs In-Person Education
| Format | Pros | Cons |
| -------- | ------ | ------ |
| Online | Flexible, faster | Requires discipline |
| In-Person | Structured, networking | Fixed schedule |
| Hybrid | Best of both | Limited availability |
3. State Requirements
States with more required hours take longer:
- Shortest: Florida (63 hours), Georgia (75 hours)
- Longest: Texas (180 hours), Colorado (168 hours)
4. Exam Preparation
Don't rush to the exam unprepared:
- Average first-time pass rate: 50-60%
- Failed exams add weeks to your timeline
- Proper preparation saves time overall
5. Background Check Processing
Most states require fingerprinting and background checks:
- Typically 1-3 weeks
- Criminal history may require additional review
- Start this early if possible
State-by-State Detailed Timeline
Texas (180 hours)
| Step | Duration |
| ------ | ---------- |
| Pre-license education | 6-12 weeks |
| TREC application | 1-2 weeks |
| Exam scheduling | 1 week |
| Pass exam | 1 day |
| License activation | 1-2 weeks |
| Total | 10-18 weeks |
California (135 hours)
| Step | Duration |
| ------ | ---------- |
| Complete 3 courses | 4-8 weeks |
| DRE exam application | 2-4 weeks |
| Pass exam | 1 day |
| License application | 2-4 weeks |
| Total | 8-16 weeks |
Florida (63 hours)
| Step | Duration |
| ------ | ---------- |
| Pre-license course | 2-4 weeks |
| DBPR application | 1-2 weeks |
| Pass exam | 1 day |
| License issuance | 1-2 weeks |
| Total | 4-9 weeks |
How to Get Licensed FAST
Want to minimize your timeline? Follow these tips:
1. Choose Online Education
- Self-paced = faster completion
- Some courses allow completion in 2-3 weeks
- Study during commutes, lunch breaks, evenings
2. Start Background Check Early
- Some states allow this before education is complete
- Don't let this become a bottleneck
3. Prepare for the Exam While Studying
- Don't wait until education is complete
- Use practice questions throughout
- Take mock exams before scheduling real exam
4. Schedule Exam Immediately
- Book as soon as you're eligible
- Don't delay—knowledge fades
- Popular time slots fill quickly
5. Have a Broker Ready
- Network during your education
- Interview brokers before passing
- Speeds up final license activation
Real Estate School: How Long?
Many people ask: "How long is real estate school?"
The answer depends on your state and format:
| Format | Typical Duration |
| -------- | ------------------ |
| Accelerated in-person | 1-2 weeks (full days) |
| Traditional in-person | 4-12 weeks (evenings/weekends) |
| Online self-paced | 2-12 weeks (depending on effort) |
| Community college | 1 semester (16 weeks) |
Is It Worth Rushing?
Pros of Fast Completion
- Start earning commissions sooner
- Maintain momentum and motivation
- Lower education costs (shorter subscription periods)
Cons of Rushing
- Higher risk of failing exam
- Less time to network
- May feel unprepared for real-world practice
After Getting Your License
Getting licensed is just the beginning. Plan for:
First 30 Days
- Complete broker training
- Set up your business systems
- Start prospecting for clients
First 90 Days
- Attend closings with experienced agents
- Build your sphere of influence
- Get your first listing or buyer
First Year
- Goal: 4-6 transactions
- Build referral network
- Consider additional certifications
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get my license in 2 weeks?A: Possibly in states with low hour requirements (like Florida) if you study full-time, but this is aggressive.
Q: What's the fastest state to get licensed?A: Florida, with only 63 required hours, has one of the shortest timelines.
Q: How long does it take to get a real estate license if I've already failed the exam?A: Add 1-4 weeks for retake scheduling and preparation. Most states allow retakes within 24-48 hours, but you'll want study time.
Q: Can I start working before my license arrives?A: No. You must have an active license before performing any licensed activities.
Start Your Journey Today
The sooner you start, the sooner you'll be licensed. Here's your action plan:
- Today: Research your state's requirements
- This Week: Enroll in pre-license education
- During Education: Practice with exam questions
- After Education: Schedule and pass your exam
- After Exam: Complete application and find a broker
Ready to begin? Start with our state-specific exam prep:
Choose your state →Or jump right into practice questions:
Start practicing →