The difficulty depends on your state and how much time you can study
Getting a real estate license is not as hard as becoming a doctor or lawyer, but it is not automatic either. You will need to pass a written exam, complete some classroom hours, and meet your state's background requirements. Most people who study seriously pass on their first or second attempt. The whole process—from enrollment to holding a license—usually takes two to four months.
The real challenge is not the exam itself but finding time to prepare. The exam tests your knowledge of contracts, property law, ethics, and local real estate rules. These are learnable topics with clear right and wrong answers. You do not need a college degree or years of experience. What you do need is the willingness to spend 40 to 100 hours studying, depending on your state and how much you already know.
Key Takeaways
- Every state requires you to pass a written exam, but the number of questions, passing score, and study hours vary by state—there is no single national standard.
- Most states require 60 to 120 hours of classroom instruction before you can sit for the exam, and some allow online courses while others require in-person attendance.
- The exam pass rate is typically 50 to 70 percent on the first attempt, meaning many people pass but a significant number do not and must retake it.
- Background checks are standard, and most states will deny a license if you have felonies or fraud convictions, but minor offenses do not automatically disqualify you.
- After passing the exam, you must join a brokerage firm before you can legally work—you cannot hold a license independently.
What your state requires before you can test
Each state sets its own rules, so the first step is to check your state's real estate commission website. Most states require you to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and be a legal resident or citizen. Some states have no residency requirement at all; others require you to live in the state.
Nearly every state requires pre-licensing education—classroom hours you must complete before taking the exam. This ranges from 60 hours in some states to 180 hours in others. Some states let you take these courses entirely online, while others require at least some in-person instruction. The cost varies from $300 to $1,000 depending on the provider and format. You will also pay an exam fee, usually $50 to $150, plus a license process fee of $100 to $300.
A few states require you to work under a broker for a certain number of hours before you can test, but most do not. Check your specific state's requirements before you enroll in a course, because taking a course in the wrong format or from an unapproved provider means you will have to start over.
The written exam and what it covers
The exam is multiple choice and covers real estate law, contracts, property rights, financing, and ethics. The number of questions ranges from 80 to 200 depending on your state. You usually have two to four hours to complete it. The passing score is typically 70 to 75 percent, though some states set it lower.
The exam is not a trick test. It asks straightforward questions about things you will actually need to know on the job: what happens if a buyer backs out of a contract, how earnest money works, what a lien is, and what your duties are to your clients. If you study the material provided in your pre-licensing course and take practice exams, you will recognize most of the questions.
The hardest part for most people is the time pressure and test anxiety, not the content itself. You can retake the exam if you fail, usually after waiting a few days or weeks. Most states let you retake it as many times as you need, though you may have to pay the exam fee each time.
Why people fail and how to avoid it
The most common reason people fail is not studying enough. They enroll in the course, attend the classes, and assume that is enough. It is not. You need to study the material outside of class, take practice exams, and review the topics you get wrong. Plan to spend 40 to 100 hours studying on top of your classroom hours.
The second reason is not understanding the material deeply enough. Real estate law is not just memorization—you need to understand how contracts work, what rights a buyer has, and what your legal obligations are. If you memorize facts without understanding the reasoning behind them, you will struggle with scenario-based questions.
The third reason is rushing through the exam. Read each question carefully. Many wrong answers are close to right answers, and skimming will cost you points. If you do not know an answer, mark it and come back to it. Do not leave questions blank.
Background checks and disqualifying factors
Every state runs a background check before issuing a license. Most states will deny a license if you have a felony conviction, especially for fraud, theft, forgery, or crimes involving dishonesty. A single felony does not always mean automatic denial—some states look at how long ago it was and what you have done since. You can request a preliminary information from your state's real estate commission before you spend money on courses.
Misdemeanors are usually not disqualifying unless they involve dishonesty or drugs. Traffic violations and minor offenses do not appear on most background checks. Bankruptcy does not automatically disqualify you either, though some states ask about it on the process.
If you have a criminal record and are unsure whether it will disqualify you, contact your state's real estate commission directly. They can tell you whether your specific situation is a barrier. Do not assume you are ineligible without asking.
After you pass: joining a brokerage
Passing the exam does not mean you can start selling real estate when ready. You must join a brokerage firm—a company licensed to conduct real estate business. You cannot hold a real estate license independently. The brokerage sponsors your license and is responsible for your conduct.
Finding a brokerage is usually straightforward. You can search online, ask people in the industry, or contact local real estate offices. Most brokerages will interview you and may require you to sign an agreement about commissions and policies. Some brokerages require additional training or orientation before you start working.
Once you join a brokerage, your license is active and you can legally represent buyers or sellers. You will typically work on commission—you earn money only when you close a sale. Some brokerages charge desk fees or other charges, so read the agreement carefully.
How long the whole process takes
From the day you enroll in a pre-licensing course to the day you hold an active license usually takes two to four months. If your state requires 60 hours of classroom instruction and you take one class per week, that is about two months. Add two weeks for exam scheduling and results, and another week to find and join a brokerage. If you fail the exam and retake it, add another month.
Some people move faster. If you take an intensive course that meets every day for two weeks, you can finish the classroom requirement in a month. If you pass the exam on your first attempt and have a brokerage lined up, you could be licensed in six weeks. Others take longer if they study slowly, fail the exam, or take time to find the right brokerage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a college degree to get a real estate license?
No. Most states require only a high school diploma or GED, plus the pre-licensing course hours. A college degree is not required and does not reduce the study hours you need.
What if I fail the exam the first time?
You can retake it. Most states let you retake the exam as many times as you need, usually after waiting a few days or weeks. You will pay the exam fee again. Most people who fail the first time pass on the second or third attempt if they study the material they missed.
Can I take the pre-licensing course online?
It depends on your state. Some states allow fully online courses, while others require at least some in-person instruction. Check your state's real estate commission website to see what formats are approved in your area.
How much does it cost to get a real estate license?
The total cost is usually $500 to $1,500, including the pre-licensing course ($300 to $1,000), exam fee ($50 to $150), and license process fee ($100 to $300). Some states charge additional fees. Costs vary by state and course provider.
What happens if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the offense and your state. Felonies involving dishonesty or fraud often disqualify you, but minor offenses usually do not. Contact your state's real estate commission before you enroll in a course to find out whether your record will prevent you from getting licensed.