What Are the Requirements to Get a Real Estate License?

If you’re preparing to become a realtor, you’ve probably wondered: what are the requirements to get a real estate licence? There are a lot of important details to consider, including the cost of a license and the time and money it takes to complete the requirements. However, the process may seem intimidating, especially if you’ve never been in this field before. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to get the real estate license you need.
First, you must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. To be licensed as a real estate agent, you must pass a background check and submit fingerprints to the Department of State. You’ll also need to complete at least seven hours of post-licensing education each year. To maintain your license, you’ll need to complete continuing education courses every two years, and you’ll also need to pass a state-required background check.
You’ll need to take a real estate licensing exam to become a real estate agent. You’ll need to pass a national real estate licensing exam consisting of 80 multiple-choice questions. You’ll have 105 minutes to answer these questions, while a state-specific exam will require a total of thirty to sixty hours. The state’s real estate commission website is a good place to start.
As a real estate agent, you must be at least 18 years old, have completed high school or an equivalent certificate, and pass a state-approved salesperson exam. Additionally, you must complete at least 55 hours of pre-licensing education. A broker license requires you to complete 21 hours of continuing education every two years. You will have to renew your license every two years, but there’s no grace period.
Once you’ve completed your education, you’ll need to pay for a background check and take the real estate licensing examination. A real estate license costs $1,000 to $1,600, and most applicants will spend about $1,600 on the process. The fees include your prelicensing course, exam prep materials, and application fee. Some states also require you to get MLS membership. This may cost an additional $50 to $100.
For a real estate license in Texas, you’ll need at least 180 hours of education. Then, you can apply for an initial license or an active license. When you apply for a real estate license, you’ll need to submit your fingerprints and pass a state-issued exam. You’ll typically have one year to complete your course and pass the real estate license exam. You may also need a degree, so make sure you are a graduate of a college or university.
For agents who want to work in another state, reciprocity agreements allow them to skip some of the licensing requirements. For those who have a bachelor’s degree in real estate, you can skip the test requirement if you’re interested in practicing in another state. But if you’re interested in practicing in another state, make sure you check out the reciprocity agreements before you apply. Then, you’ll have a real estate license in your email!