November 01, 2025

How Hard is it to Get a Real Estate License?

It typically takes between 2 to 6 months to get a real estate license, depending on your state’s pre-licensing education requirements, your study pace, and how quickly you complete the licensing exam and background check. Most aspiring real estate agents finish their pre-licensing course in a few weeks, pass the real estate exam after some test prep, and can start working with a brokerage soon after. The process isn’t overly hard—but it does require discipline, consistency, and a solid grasp of real estate principles, law, and finance.

Understanding How Hard It Is to Get a Real Estate License

Getting a real estate license isn’t about luck—it’s about preparation and persistence. While the licensing process varies by state, the difficulty largely depends on your ability to study and retain information from your pre-licensing education.

To become a real estate agent, you’ll need to complete your state’s required number of pre-licensing education hours through an approved real estate school, covering essential topics like real estate law, property management, real estate finance, and real estate principles. These courses are designed to prepare you for the licensing exam, which tests both the national portion and state-specific laws governing real estate transactions.

Many aspiring agents find the process challenging mainly because of time commitment and information retention—not because the material is inherently difficult. If you can dedicate a few hours per day to real estate courses, review test prep materials, and keep a positive mindset, passing the exam and earning your real estate license is absolutely achievable.

The Licensing Process: Step-by-Step Overview

The licensing process for real estate agents generally follows a predictable path, no matter where you’re located. Here’s what most states require:

Meet eligibility requirements – You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma, and possess legal U.S. residency.
Complete your pre-licensing education – Take a state-approved pre-licensing course (ranging from 60 to 180 hours) through an online school or in-person classes.
Pass the licensing exam – You’ll take both the national portion and your state exam, which test your understanding of real estate law, ethics, and real estate transaction processes.
Submit your application and background check – Most states require a background check and fingerprinting before issuing your estate license.
Find a managing broker or real estate brokerage – Before you can represent clients, you’ll need to affiliate with a licensed real estate broker who will sponsor your license.
Activate your license – Once approved, you’ll officially become a licensed real estate agent and can start representing buyers, sellers, and property owners.

While it can seem like a lot, many new agents finish all these steps in just a few months. Some even manage it in as little as six weeks if they study full-time and complete their pre-licensing coursework on their own schedule.

The Role of Pre-Licensing Education and Courses

Your pre-licensing education is the foundation of your real estate career. These courses teach the critical knowledge every real estate salesperson needs to succeed, from understanding commercial properties and residential properties to mastering contract law, real estate finance, and agency relationships.

Most pre-licensing courses are available as online courses or in-person classes, allowing you to learn at your own pace. Online schools are especially popular among aspiring agents with full-time jobs or family commitments, offering flexibility to study around their schedule.

Typical course modules include:

Real estate principles and practices
Real estate law and contracts
Property management and landlord-tenant relations
Real estate finance and taxation
Real estate transaction processes and disclosure laws

After completing your pre-licensing education requirements, you’ll receive a certificate of completion, which you must submit when applying to take your state licensing exam.

Preparing for and Passing the Licensing Exam

The real estate exam is often the most intimidating step for new agents, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. It’s your chance to demonstrate everything you’ve learned in your real estate classes and pre-licensing coursework.

The test usually consists of two sections:

National portion – Covers general real estate principles, property ownership, real estate finance, and ethics.
State portion – Focuses on real estate law, contracts, and state-specific regulations.

To improve your chances of passing, use test prep materials from your real estate school, attend training programs, and review practice questions daily. Many real estate agents pass on their first try, especially those who dedicate consistent study time and focus on weaker areas.

Some states require a minimum passing score (usually around 70%), and if you don’t pass the first time, you can typically retake the licensing exam after a short waiting period. The key is to stay consistent—many successful agents view exam preparation as the first test of their commitment to a successful real estate career.

Finding a Managing Broker and Joining a Real Estate Brokerage

Once you pass your licensing exam, the next step is affiliating with a real estate brokerage. Every new real estate agent must work under a licensed managing broker before they can start representing clients. This requirement ensures that aspiring agents receive proper mentorship and oversight during the early stages of their real estate career.

A managing broker not only provides guidance on daily operations but also teaches new agents how to handle real estate transactions, manage listings, and build professional relationships. Choosing the right brokerage can make a significant difference in how quickly you grow. Some brokerages focus on residential properties, while others specialize in commercial real estate or property management.

When selecting where to hang your license, consider factors such as:

Training programs for new real estate agents
Commission structure and fees
Support from industry professionals
Opportunities for lead generation and mentorship
Alignment with your long-term goals, like opening your own brokerage or becoming a team leader

Many successful agents begin their careers in large, established firms that offer structured training programs before branching off to open their own offices or specialize in commercial properties.

Post-Licensing and Continuing Education

Getting your real estate license is just the beginning. Most states require license renewal after your first few years, which includes completing a certain number of continuing education hours. For new agents, this is often referred to as first license renewal or post-licensing education.

Post-licensing courses are designed to help you apply what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios, focusing on topics such as:

Ethical representation and fiduciary duties
Understanding local real estate law changes
Property management practices
Marketing and lead generation
Building client relationships and working with past clients

After your first renewal period, ongoing license renewal requirements ensure you remain current with changes in real estate law and industry trends. Most online schools and approved real estate schools offer these continuing education classes in-person or through online courses at your own pace.

Seasoned licensed agents also use these opportunities to pursue higher credentials, such as earning their broker’s license, which allows them to start their own brokerage and hire other agents.

Specializations: Residential, Commercial, and Property Management

As your real estate career develops, you may choose to specialize in specific sectors of the real estate industry. Most real estate agents begin in residential real estate, representing buyers and sellers of homes and rental properties. However, other paths—like commercial real estate or property management—offer unique opportunities and income potential.

Residential Properties

Residential real estate involves working with families and individuals to buy or sell homes. Agents help future clients navigate the real estate transaction process, prepare homes for listing, and handle negotiations. Listing agents and buyer’s agents play key roles here, guiding clients from property tours to closing.

Commercial Real Estate

Agents who transition into commercial real estate handle commercial properties such as office buildings, retail spaces, and industrial sites. This area requires a deeper understanding of real estate finance, leasing, and investment strategies. Many real estate investors work closely with these agents to analyze return potential and market trends.

Property Management

If you enjoy operations and relationships over sales, property management may be ideal. Property managers handle the day-to-day management of rental properties, ensuring tenants pay on time, coordinating maintenance, and maximizing profits for property owners. A solid grasp of real estate law and landlord-tenant rights is essential here.

No matter which path you choose, specialization helps agents learn the nuances of their market, attract niche clients, and build a successful real estate career.

Building a Successful Real Estate Career

Becoming a successful real estate agent requires more than just passing exams—it’s about mastering the business side of the real estate industry. Once licensed, agents must continuously generate leads, manage relationships with past clients, and stay connected with other agents and industry professionals.

Here are some key habits that separate successful agents from new agents still finding their footing:

Consistent networking: Attend events, join your National Association of REALTORS®, and collaborate with peers.
Effective marketing: Leverage social media, referrals from family members, and online courses on digital marketing to reach future clients.
If you're planning to move to Western New York, or if you're already a local resident, understanding how real estate works in your area is just one part of planning your next step. For more helpful tips on the Western New York real estate market, be sure to check out our latest blog on local homes and market insights, where we cover what buyers and sellers should know before making a move
Time management: Set your own schedule, balance showings, and dedicate time for client follow-ups.
Positive mindset: Success in selling real estate often depends on staying motivated, even during slower markets.
Continuous learning: Stay updated on new real estate laws, technology, and market shifts.

Many agents find that the most rewarding career moments come from helping families achieve their dreams of homeownership. Others expand their expertise to become real estate investors, team leaders, or even open their own brokerage.

Whether your goal is flexibility, financial freedom, or leadership, real estate offers the potential for a successful career—as long as you’re willing to put in the work and continuously grow.