Updated for 2026

Pre-License Education Hours by State

Q: How many hours of education do you need for a real estate license?

Pre-license education requirements vary widely by state, ranging from as few as 40 hours to as many as 180 hours. The national average is approximately 75-90 hours for a salesperson license.

Compare continuing education requirements, renewal cycles, and online availability for real estate licenses across all 50 states.

43 hrsavg CE hours

All 50states

10,000+students

Education Requirements Overview

Fewest CE Hours

14 hrs

Florida

National Average

43 hrs

Per renewal cycle

Most CE Hours

45 hrs

Wyoming

50-State Education Comparison

Click any column header to sort. Hours shown are continuing education (CE) requirements per renewal cycle.

				Online?	Exam Provider
Alabama	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	Pearson VUE
Alaska	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	Pearson VUE
Arizona	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	Pearson VUE
Arkansas	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	Pearson VUE
California	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Yes	PSI
Colorado	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	PSI
Connecticut	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	PSI
Delaware	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	Pearson VUE
Florida	14 hrs	14 hrs	2 years	Yes	PSI
Georgia	36 hrs	36 hrs	4 years	Varies	PSI
Hawaii	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	PSI
Idaho	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	Pearson VUE
Illinois	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	PSI
Indiana	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	Pearson VUE
Iowa	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	PSI
Kansas	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	Pearson VUE
Kentucky	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	PSI
Louisiana	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	Pearson VUE
Maine	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	Pearson VUE
Maryland	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	PSI
Massachusetts	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	PSI
Michigan	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	PSI
Minnesota	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	PSI
Mississippi	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	PSI
Missouri	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	PSI
Montana	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	Pearson VUE
Nebraska	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	Pearson VUE
Nevada	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	Pearson VUE
New Hampshire	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	PSI
New Jersey	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	PSI
New Mexico	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	PSI
New York	22.5 hrs	22 hrs	2 years	Varies	State
North Carolina	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	Pearson VUE
North Dakota	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	PSI
Ohio	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	PSI
Oklahoma	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	Pearson VUE
Oregon	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	PSI
Pennsylvania	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	Pearson VUE
Rhode Island	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	Pearson VUE
South Carolina	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	PSI
South Dakota	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	PSI
Tennessee	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	PSI
Texas	18 hrs	18 hrs	2 years	Varies	Pearson VUE
Utah	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	Pearson VUE
Vermont	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	PSI
Virginia	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	PSI
Washington	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	PSI
West Virginia	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	Pearson VUE
Wisconsin	18 hrs	45 hrs	2 years	Varies	Pearson VUE
Wyoming	45 hrs	45 hrs	4 years	Varies	Pearson VUE

CE hours reflect continuing education requirements for license renewal. Pre-license education hours (required before first exam) vary separately. Data reflects 2026 requirements.

Understanding Real Estate Education Requirements

Every state requires both pre-license education before you can take the exam and continuing education to maintain your license. Understanding these requirements is essential for planning your real estate career timeline and budget.

Pre-License Education

Before you can sit for the real estate exam, you must complete state-approved pre-license education. This typically ranges from 40 to 180 hours, covering real estate principles, practice, contracts, financing, and state law. Most states allow online completion through approved providers, making it convenient to study at your own pace.

Continuing Education (CE)

Once licensed, you must complete continuing education to renew your license. CE requirements range from 14 to 45 hours per renewal cycle (typically 2-4 years). Topics include ethics updates, fair housing refreshers, legal changes, and elective subjects. Failing to complete CE on time can result in license suspension.

Tips for Completing Your Education

Choose an Accredited Provider

Only courses from state-approved providers count toward your requirements. Verify accreditation before enrolling.

Consider Online vs. Classroom

Online courses offer flexibility and are often cheaper, while classroom courses provide structured schedules and in-person interaction.

Don't Rush Through

Pre-license education is your foundation. Students who engage thoroughly with the material have significantly higher exam pass rates.

Plan for CE Early

Start your continuing education well before your renewal deadline. Many agents wait until the last minute and end up scrambling.

Track Your Hours

Keep certificates of completion for all courses. Some states require proof during audits, even years after completion.

Broker vs. Salesperson Education

Broker licenses require significantly more education than salesperson licenses. In addition to higher CE hour requirements, aspiring brokers must complete additional coursework covering brokerage management, advanced real estate law, and business operations. Most states also require several years of experience as a licensed salesperson before qualifying for broker education.

14 hrs

Lowest CE (Florida)

43 hrs

Average CE hours

45 hrs

Highest CE (Wyoming)

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours of education do you need for a real estate license?

Continuing education requirements vary by state, ranging from 14 hours in Florida to 45 hours in Wyoming. The national average is approximately 43 hours per renewal cycle for a salesperson license.

Can you complete real estate pre-license education online?

Most states allow online pre-license education through approved providers. However, some states require a portion of the coursework to be completed in a classroom setting. Check your state's specific requirements in the table above.

How long does it take to complete real estate pre-license education?

Completion time depends on the number of hours required and your study pace. Most students complete pre-license education in 2-12 weeks. Self-paced online courses offer the most flexibility.

What is continuing education (CE) for real estate?

Continuing education is required to renew your real estate license. CE hours ensure agents stay current with industry changes, new laws, and best practices. Requirements range from 14 to 45 hours per renewal cycle.

What topics are covered in real estate pre-license education?

Pre-license courses cover real estate principles, practice, contracts, property law, financing, agency relationships, fair housing, ethics, and state-specific regulations. Some states require specific course titles.

Explore More

License Cost

Estimate the total cost of getting licensed in your state

CE Tracker

Track your continuing education requirements and deadlines

Exam Guide PDF

Free study guides and exam details for all 50 states

License Reciprocity

Check if your license transfers to another state

Ready to Start Your Real Estate Career?

After completing your education, prepare for the exam with EstatePass. 31,000+ practice questions and AI-powered study tools for all 50 states.

Start Free Practice Exam Download the App