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How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License? (Spoiler: Not as Long as You Think)

  • Writer: Nikita Baig
    Nikita Baig
  • May 14
  • 4 min read

The journey to getting a real estate license is quite quicker than it is anticipated…


BUT it all depends on your state’s requirements and your willingness.


So, how long does it take to get a real estate license in real-time?


Truth is…


You could be licensed in as little as 2 to 6 months.


Although, some state mandate as few as 40 hours a pre-licensing education


Making the process more “ACCESSIBLE”.


But, first thing’s first…


What’s the fastest route to speed things up for you?


  • Some states require 40 hours of pre-licensing education


  • Online classes offer space for you to study at your own pace.



So, depending on your state, schedule and course format,


You could be licensed and ready to help clients in just a few months.


Here’s how:


Your Real Estate Licensing Journey: From Sign-Up to Sold


Getting your license might feel “too much” at first.


But with the right guideline, 


It’s totally “DOABLE”.


So, here’s how:


THE BREAKDOWN: You need to know!



  • Meet Your State’s Requirements


Each state has specific prerequisites, including age, education and background checks. 


For instance, Florida requires 63 hours of pre-license education, while California mandates 135 hours. 


  • Pick the Right School (and Format)


Choose between online and in-person courses. 


Online classes offer flexibility and are often more affordable…


 Allowing you to study at your convenience.


  • Complete the Pre-Licensing Course


Some students complete their coursework within a week, especially with accelerated programs. 


However, pacing yourself to ensure comprehension is important.


  • Pass the Course Exam


After completing your coursework, 


You'll need to pass a course exam…


With diligent study and preparation, this step is manageable.


  • Take and Pass the State Exam


Schedule and pass your state’s licensing exam. 


Early scheduling can help you stay on track and avoid delays.


  • Apply for and Receive Your License


Submit your application, pay the necessary fees and await approval. 


Once approved, you’ll officially be a licensed real estate agent.


Time, Money & Energy: What You’ll Really Spend


Here’s the timeline YOU NEED…     


To become a real estate agent.                             


Time, Money & Energy: What You’ll Really Spend

Although it varies,


  • Time: 


Typically 2–6 months, depending on your schedule and state’s requirements.


  • Cost: 


Between $250–$800, covering courses, exams and application fees.



Online courses often do provide a more “cost-effective’’ option…


Compared to usual traditional classroom settings.


Additionally, hiring a Real Estate VA can help managA LOT.


It’s a worthy investment, ALL THINGS CONSIDERED!


What Slows People Down? (And How to Avoid It)


Technically…


You do get licensed in a few weeks.


But it doesn’t happen all the time.


Here’s why: 


“MAJOR” down-the-radar obstacles:


  • Delaying study sessions or application processes.


  • Failing to schedule exams or submit applications on time.


  • Poor preparation leading to unsuccessful attempts.



But it’s fine, You can still FIX this…


To stay ‘on track”, you need to:


  • Set a Study Schedule: Make up specific times for studying each week.


  • Practice Exams: Make full use of mock tests to gauge your readiness.


  • Study Groups: Collaborate with peers for shared learning experiences.


Also, leveraging Real Estate Marketing Platforms can also,


Help keep your focus on the bigger picture, the “LONG TERM” goals…


How to Finish Faster Without Rushing It


You can speed things up for sure.


And that too, without compromising the “QUALITY”.


But…how?



To get done faster…


You need to,


  • Choose accelerated or weekend courses.


  • Use study hacks like flashcards, online quizzes, study timers.


  • Get a VA to organize and manage your calendar, paperwork and reminders.


This is usually how everyone else in the real estate realm does it…


And you can too, right from here!


What Happens After You’re Licensed? (You’re Not Done Yet)


You did get your license, but what now?


What’s next?


What you can do next is…



  • Join a brokerage (required in most states before you can work with clients)


  • Activate your license through your state’s real estate board.


  • Start marketing yourself.


One tip though…


Is to choose a brokerage that offers mentorship, training or access to leads.


What If I’m Working Full-Time? Can I Still Get Licensed?


Absolutely, you can…ALL THE WAY!


There’s many agents pursuing their real estate license…


All while maintaining full-time employment.


How?



Here’s why it works:


  • Online classes let you study during evenings or weekends.


  • Part-time learning is common and totally acceptable.


  • A VA at hand, helps manage time better, keeping all the essential tasks on track.


All of it boils down to planning correctly and being CONSISTENT…


Wrap-Up: Your License Journey in One Sentence


You’ve come so far…means you’re still looking for “YOUR CALLING” out there.


So, to fully sum it up about “how long does it take to get a real estate license”,


It’s way quicker than most people realize.


It all depends on where you’re from…


And how much effort are you willing to give into this?


It’s about the “DEDICATION” and “DEVOTION”


And how “CONSISTENT” you are!


“If you commit to few hours a week, you could be helping clients buy homes in just few months”


If you feel like you’re ready to speed up your path to becoming an agent…


Here’s where you start!


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