How Long is Real Estate School?

It typically takes between 2 to 6 months to complete real estate school and get your real estate license, depending on your state’s education requirements, how quickly you finish your pre-licensing courses, and the time it takes to pass the licensing exam and background check. Some states have the shortest pre-licensing requirements—as little as 40–60 credit hours—while others may require more than 150 hours of real estate education. If you take online classes or go at your own pace, you can often finish faster, sometimes in less than a month, especially if you dedicate full-time study hours and schedule your exam prep and application process efficiently.

On average:

• Full-time students can complete their real estate courses in 2 to 4 weeks.

• Part-time students balancing jobs or family may take 2 to 6 months.

• States with the most hours needed (like Texas or California) naturally extend the timeline.

Your learning preferences—whether in person or online—and your dedication level play a huge role in determining how quickly you can get your real estate license and start your new career.

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The Real Estate School Curriculum and Education Requirements

Before you can take the real estate exam, every state requires that you complete specific pre-licensing education requirements through an approved provider. These real estate courses prepare you for both the national portions and state-specific sections of the licensing exam.

Common topics covered in real estate pre-licensing courses include:

• Real estate principles and practices

• Property ownership and land use regulations

• Contracts and financing

• Ethics and agency laws

• Real estate math and calculations

• Fair housing and compliance laws

Most states require students to pass course completion exams before moving forward with the license application. Afterward, you’ll receive a certificate verifying that you’ve met all education requirements to apply for your real estate license.

If you’re aiming for the shortest pre-licensing requirements, states like Florida, Alabama, and Missouri allow you to finish your coursework faster—sometimes in as little as 60 hours—while others, such as California, may require 135 hours or more.

Once your coursework is complete, you can proceed to the application process and schedule your licensing exam.

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Choosing Between Online and In-Person Classes

One of the first decisions you’ll make is whether to take real estate classes in person or through online courses. Both formats meet state licensing process standards, but each has advantages depending on your learning preferences and schedule.

In-Person Classes

Traditional in-person classes provide face-to-face interaction with instructors and peers. They’re ideal for people who prefer structure, immediate feedback, and group discussions. You’ll attend sessions at a real estate school or community college several times a week. However, they can take longer to complete due to fixed class schedules.

Online Courses and Live-Stream Options

Online classes offer flexibility for busy real estate professionals or those starting a new career while working full-time. Most are self-paced, meaning you can study evenings, weekends, or during downtime. Many schools now use video conferencing platforms to simulate in-person lessons, offering a live stream option for real-time participation.

Online learning can help you fast track your progress. If you’re dedicated, you might finish pre-licensing in just a few weeks—especially if your state has fewer hours of pre-licensing required.

Regardless of the format, make sure your real estate education comes from an approved provider listed by your state’s real estate commission.

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Steps in the Licensing Process and Timeline

After completing your pre-licensing course, you’ll move through the licensing process, which includes several steps that determine how long it takes to officially become a licensed real estate agent.

1. Complete Your Pre-Licensing Education

Meet the education requirements by finishing your real estate courses and passing the course completion exam.

2. Submit Your Application

Once you’ve completed real estate school, submit your license application to your state’s real estate commission. The application process may include proof of education, identity verification, and a background check.

3. Schedule and Pass the Licensing Exam

After your application approval, schedule your real estate exam. The test covers national portions (general real estate principles) and a state-specific section. Use practice exams and exam prep resources to increase your chances of passing on the first attempt.

4. Find a Sponsoring Broker

Before your state will issue your real estate license, you must affiliate with a sponsoring broker or real estate brokerage. This step ensures you have proper supervision while learning the practical side of real estate transactions.

5. Get Your License and Start Practicing

Once all requirements are complete, you’ll receive your real estate license, officially allowing you to work as a real estate salesperson or real estate agent.

On average, the license timeline—from starting real estate school to receiving your license—takes about 3 to 6 months, though some complete it in less than a month with intensive fast-track programs.

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Exam Preparation and Practice Tests

Passing the real estate exam is one of the most important milestones in the licensing journey. Even if you’ve finished real estate school, success depends on thorough exam preparation and consistent review. Most real estate courses include access to practice tests and exam prep materials designed to simulate the real thing.

The licensing exam typically includes two parts:

• National Portion: Covers general real estate principles, finance, and law applicable nationwide.

• State Portion: Focuses on state-specific rules, licensing laws, and real estate practices.

Here’s how to prepare effectively:

1. Review your coursework regularly – Revisit your pre-licensing education notes and flashcards.

2. Take multiple practice exams – These familiarize you with question formats, timing, and scoring expectations.

3. Focus on weaker areas – Identify sections like contracts, ethics, or property management that need more study.

4. Use reputable exam prep platforms – Many approved providers offer online exam prep with live or recorded sessions.

5. Establish realistic goals – Set a study schedule you can follow at your own pace to avoid burnout.

Most aspiring agents pass on their first attempt if they dedicate at least 2–3 weeks to focused exam preparation after completing real estate school. The better you prepare, the more confident you’ll feel walking into the exam center.

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Completing the Application Process and Background Check

After you’ve completed the pre-licensing education and passed your licensing exam, you’ll move on to the application process. This stage involves submitting key documents, paying fees, and undergoing a background check before the state officially grants your real estate license.

1. Submitting Your Application

Each state’s real estate commission outlines a specific checklist. You’ll typically provide:

• Proof of course completion from an approved provider

• A passing score from your real estate exam

• Fingerprints and identification documents for verification

• Details of your sponsoring broker

2. Undergoing a Background Check

Most states require a background check to confirm your eligibility to work as a real estate agent. This step ensures transparency, verifies your record, and upholds the professional standards expected in the real estate industry.

3. Application Approval Timeline

Once submitted, approval can take a few weeks, depending on the state’s real estate commission workload and any delays in the verification process.

When your license application is approved, your real estate license is issued, allowing you to officially start your new career as a licensed real estate agent.

If you're planning to move to Western New York, or if you’re already a local resident, understanding the real estate licensing process is just one part of getting started in your market. For more helpful tips on buying and selling homes in the Western New York real estate market, be sure to check out Carol Klein WNY Homes, where we cover what new buyers and future sellers should know before making a move.

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Post-Licensing Education and Continuing Development

Completing real estate school isn’t the end of your learning journey. Once licensed, you’ll need to complete post-licensing education within a specific period—often within your first one to two years as an agent. These courses expand on real-world applications and help new agents stay compliant with state laws.

Typical post-licensing education topics include:

• Real estate ethics and professional conduct

• Negotiation and closing techniques

• Legal updates and contract changes

• Marketing strategies for real estate agents

• Advanced property laws and disclosure requirements

Some states combine post-licensing with continuing education requirements, ensuring ongoing professional development. These classes can be taken in person or through online courses, often on a self-paced basis for busy agents.

Completing these requirements early helps you stay on the right foot in your real estate career and demonstrates your commitment to professionalism.

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Expected Starting Salary and Career Outlook

While the real estate industry has a low barrier to entry, earnings depend on effort, location, and market demand. The expected starting salary for a new real estate agent varies, but most agents earn between $40,000 and $60,000 in their first year, depending on sales volume, commission structure, and mentorship opportunities.

Factors that influence your earnings include:

• Location: Agents in high-demand markets or luxury areas earn more.

• Brokerage support: Joining a firm that offers strong training can accelerate growth.

• Effort and hours worked: Successful agents often treat their work like a full-time business.

• Network: The larger your sphere of influence, the faster you can close deals.

Experienced real estate brokers or licensed agents who stay consistent with marketing, client retention, and post-licensing education can quickly increase their income potential. Some even transition into real estate brokerage ownership or specialize in commercial properties, investment advising, or property management.

Over time, a real estate career offers both flexibility and financial freedom. Whether you’re entering straight out of high school or changing careers later in life, it’s an attractive career that rewards persistence and professionalism.