How to Become a Real Estate Agent
Your complete roadmap to getting your real estate license. Learn the requirements, costs, timeline, and steps to launch your real estate career.
2-6 months
Timeline
$500-$1500
Total Cost
40-180 hrs
Education Required
6 Steps
To Get Licensed
- 1Meet basic requirements - 18+ years old, high school diploma, clean background
- 2Complete pre-license education - 40-180 hours depending on your state
- 3Pass the licensing exam - National + state portions, 70-75% to pass
- 4Apply for your license - Submit application, background check, fees
- 5Find a sponsoring broker - New agents must work under a broker
- 6Activate and start working - Join associations, get insurance, start selling!
Timeline: The entire process takes 2-6 months and costs $500-$1,500. The exam is the biggest hurdle - proper preparation is key to passing on your first attempt.
6 Steps to Become a Real Estate Agent
Follow this roadmap to get your real estate license
- Be at least 18-19 years old (varies by state)
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be a legal US resident
- Pass a background check (no felonies in most states)
- Have a valid Social Security number
Pro Tip: Some states like California require you to be 18, while others like Nebraska require 19. Check your specific state requirements.
- Course hours range from 40-180 hours depending on state
- Choose online or in-person classes
- Topics include contracts, property law, ethics, and finance
- Must pass course exams to receive completion certificate
- Courses typically cost $200-$600
Pro Tip: Online courses offer flexibility, but in-person classes provide networking opportunities. Choose based on your learning style.
- Schedule your exam through your state's testing provider
- Exam has national and state-specific portions
- Most states require 70-75% to pass
- Use practice questions to prepare (2,000+ recommended)
- Exam fee is typically $50-$100
Pro Tip: Students who complete 2,000+ practice questions have a 94% first-attempt pass rate. Don't skip this step!
- Submit application to your state real estate commission
- Provide proof of education and exam completion
- Complete background check and fingerprinting
- Pay license application fee ($50-$250)
- Wait for license approval (1-4 weeks)
Pro Tip: Have all your documents ready before applying to avoid delays. Missing paperwork is the #1 cause of application delays.
- New agents cannot work independently - broker sponsorship is required
- Research local brokerages (Keller Williams, RE/MAX, Coldwell Banker, etc.)
- Compare commission splits (typically 50/50 to 70/30)
- Consider training programs, mentorship, and support offered
- Interview multiple brokerages before deciding
Pro Tip: For new agents, prioritize training and mentorship over commission split. A good mentor is worth more than a higher split.
- Submit broker affiliation paperwork to the state
- Join local and national REALTOR associations (optional but recommended)
- Get Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance
- Set up your business essentials (cards, email, CRM)
- Begin prospecting and building your client base
Pro Tip: Joining NAR (National Association of REALTORS) gives you MLS access and the REALTOR® designation, which builds credibility.
Cost Breakdown
What you'll spend to get your real estate license
| Expense | Range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-license education | $200 - $600 | $350 |
| Exam prep course | $19 - $200 | $50 |
| State exam fee | $50 - $100 | $75 |
| License application | $50 - $250 | $150 |
| Background check | $30 - $100 | $50 |
| REALTOR association dues | $150 - $500/year | $300 |
| E&O insurance | $200 - $500/year | $300 |
| Total (first year) | $500 - $1,500+ | ~$1,275 |
Save money tip: Use EstatePass for exam prep at just $19/month instead of expensive prep courses. Our 94% pass rate means you're less likely to pay for retakes.
Requirements by State
Education hours and exam fees vary significantly by state
| State | Education Hours | Min Age | Exam Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 135 hours | 18 | $60 | View Guide |
| Texas | 180 hours | 18 | $54 | View Guide |
| Florida | 63 hours | 18 | $36 | View Guide |
| New York | 77 hours | 18 | $15 | View Guide |
| Georgia | 75 hours | 18 | $121 | View Guide |
| Arizona | 90 hours | 18 | $75 | View Guide |
| Illinois | 90 hours | 18 | $58 | View Guide |
| Pennsylvania | 75 hours | 18 | $49 | View Guide |
Real Estate Agent Career Outlook
What to expect as a real estate agent
$56,620
Median salary
per year (BLS 2023)
$130,000+
Top 10% earn
per year
3%
Job growth
projected 2022-2032
1.5M+
Active agents
in the US
Pros
- Unlimited income potential
- Flexible schedule and work-life balance
- Be your own boss
- Help people achieve homeownership dreams
- Low barrier to entry
Challenges
- Income is commission-based (no guaranteed salary)
- First year can be financially challenging
- Requires self-motivation and discipline
- Evening and weekend work common
- Competitive industry
Ready to Start Your Real Estate Career?
Pass your licensing exam on the first try with EstatePass. 50,000+ practice questions and a 94% pass rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about becoming a real estate agent
The timeline varies by state but typically takes 2-6 months. This includes 2-12 weeks for pre-license education, 2-4 weeks to prepare for and pass the exam, and 2-4 weeks for license processing. States with fewer required education hours (like Florida with 63 hours) can be completed faster than states like Texas (180 hours).
The total cost ranges from $500 to $1,500 depending on your state. This includes pre-license education ($200-$600), exam prep ($19-$200), exam fee ($50-$100), license application ($50-$250), and background check ($30-$100). Optional but recommended costs include REALTOR association dues ($150-$500/year) and E&O insurance ($200-$500/year).
No, a college degree is not required to become a real estate agent. You only need a high school diploma or GED. However, having a degree in business, marketing, or finance can be helpful for your career. The required education is the state-mandated pre-license course, which covers real estate fundamentals.
It depends on the nature and timing of the offense. Most states conduct background checks and may deny licenses for certain felonies, especially those involving fraud, theft, or crimes of moral turpitude. Minor offenses or older convictions may not disqualify you. Check with your state's real estate commission for specific guidelines.
All REALTORS are real estate agents, but not all agents are REALTORS. A real estate agent is anyone licensed to help buy or sell property. A REALTOR® is a licensed agent who is also a member of the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) and follows their Code of Ethics. REALTORS typically have access to more resources and the MLS.
Real estate agent income varies widely based on experience, location, and effort. The median salary is about $56,620 per year (BLS 2023), but top performers earn $130,000+. New agents typically earn less in their first year ($30,000-$50,000) as they build their client base. Income is commission-based, usually 2.5-3% of the sale price, split with your broker.
Yes, many agents start part-time while keeping their current job. However, real estate often requires flexibility to meet clients on evenings and weekends. Part-time agents may take longer to build momentum and earn less initially. Some brokerages specifically support part-time agents with flexible arrangements.
Most new agents say the hardest parts are: 1) Passing the licensing exam (50-60% fail rate on first attempt), 2) Building a client base from scratch, and 3) The income uncertainty of commission-based pay. Proper exam preparation and choosing a brokerage with good training can help overcome these challenges.
Related Resources
Real Estate Agent Salary by State
Start Your Real Estate Career Today
The first step is passing your licensing exam. Join 100,000+ successful agents who prepared with EstatePass. Get access to 50,000+ practice questions.
No credit card required • Cancel anytime