The real estate industry is growing year by year as more people see the benefits of high financial earnings and financial and personal freedom. However, while getting started is relatively easy, it’s impossible to just call yourself a real estate agent and begin selling houses. You have to get the necessary education. How you can get your real estate license will vary significantly by state.
To help you as you begin your career, here is an overview of what you need to become a real estate agent. We’ll also drop links to each state’s Real Estate Commission so you can find out more for yourself. If you’re seeking a real estate license, read this article through!
Common State Requirements for Earning a Real Estate License
While states differ in some areas, all states will have some basic requirements for those seeking their real estate license. A few of the commonalities all states require include:
- Some level of real estate education credits.
- Completing ongoing continuing education after your license is first earned.
- Taking credits online.
- Reaching a legal age.
- Being a legal state resident.
- Passing a real estate exam.
- Hanging your license with a broker before starting your practice.
No matter where you live, you’ll need to accomplish the above in order to earn and use your real estate license.
Differing State Requirements for Earning a Real Estate License
There are some basic requirements that will differ by state. These are things you’ll need to watch carefully and do some research on before you get licensed in your state. Here are some variables to watch for:
- The amount of credit hours you need to get a license.
- The requirements for a background check.
- How long it takes to sit for the licensing exam.
- How long your license is good before you must renew it.
- The cost to sit for the licensing exam.
Specific State Requirements in All 50 States
Below, we’ll provide a quick highlight of each state’s requirements. We’ll include a link to their real estate commission so you can check out the requirements for yourself.
NOTE: We do not claim that this is all you need to become licensed in these states. These are the basic requirements, but you should do research yourself to determine if you need to meet further requirements.
Alabama
In Alabama, you need 60 hours of credit and must take a background check. Further information can be found at the Alabama Real Estate Commission.
Alaska
In Alaska, you need at least 30 hours of credit and must get your license within 6 months after passing your exam. Further information can be found at the Alaska Real Estate Commission.
Arizona
In Arizona, you must be at least 18 years of age and must complete 90 hours of real estate credit. Further information can be found at the Arizona Real Estate Commission.
Arkansas
In Arkansas, you must be at least 18 years of age and must complete 60 hours of real estate credit. Further information can be found at the Arkansas Real Estate Commission.
California
In California, you must be at least 18 and complete a total of three college-level courses to apply for a real estate license. Further information can be found at the California Real Estate Commission.
Colorado
In Colorado, you’ll need 168 hours of real estate education to become a broker and must pass a background check. Further information can be found at the Colorado Real Estate Commission.
Connecticut
In Connecticut, you need 60 hours of education and approval from the PSI to take a test before you can sign up for an examination. Further information can be found at the Connecticut Real Estate Commission.
Delaware
In Delaware, you must pass the state’s 99-hour licensing course in order to apply. Further information can be found at the Delaware Real Estate Commission.
Florida
In Florida, you must have earned at least 63 hours of real estate education and should be 18 years of age. Further information can be found at the Florida Real Estate Commission.
Georgia
In Georgia, you must be 18 years old, complete at least 25 hours of prelicensing education, and pass a background check. Further information can be found at the Georgia Real Estate commission.
Hawaii
In Hawaii, you must be 18 years old, a high school graduate, and a graduate of Hawaii’s licensing course. Further information can be found at the Hawaii Real Estate Commission.
Idaho
In Idaho, you must complete the required two modules of real estate training, be 18 years of age, and pass a background check. Further information can be found at the Idaho Real Estate Commission.
Illinois
In Illinois, you must complete 15 hours of pre-licensing education, be 18 years old, and “be of good moral character.” Further information can be found at the Illinois Real Estate Commission.
Indiana
In Indiana, complete 90 hours of education, be a high school graduate of at least 18 years, and apply within one year of passing the exam. Further information can be found at the Indiana Real Estate Commission.
Iowa
In Iowa, you must complete 60 hours of licensing education, be 18 years old, and go through a background check. Further information can be found at the Iowa Real Estate Commission.
Kansas
In Kansas, you must complete 60 hours of training and be 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. Then, obtain the signature of a local broker declaring your trustworthiness and qualification. Further information can be found at the Kansas Real Estate Commission.
Kentucky
In Kentucky, you must be 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. Then, complete an FBI background check and finish at least 6 hours of college credits or 96 hours of real estate licensing education. Further information can be found at the Kentucky Real Estate Commission.
Louisiana
In Louisiana, you must reach 18, graduate high school or hold a GED, complete 90 hours of education, get sponsorship from a broker, and show proof of e&o insurance. Further information can be found at the Louisiana Real Estate Commission.
Maine
In Maine, you must complete a qualifying course with a final grade of at least 75%, be 18 years old, complete a criminal records check, and apply within one year of passing the exam. Further information can be found at the Maine Real Estate Commission.
Maryland
In Maryland, you must be of good character, complete 60 hours of licensing training, and obtain work with a designated broker. Further information can be found at the Maryland Real Estate Commission.
Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, you must complete 40 hours of pre-licensing real estate education and pass the exam. Further information can be found at the Massachusetts Real Estate Commission.
Michigan
In Michigan, you must complete 40 hours of prelicensing education, be of good moral character, pass your exam, and obtain sponsorship from a real estate broker. Further information can be found at the Michigan Real Estate Commission.
Minnesota
In Minnesota, you must complete at least 30 hours of approved education, be 18 years old, and apply for a license within one year of passing the exam. You must pass with a grade of 75% or higher. Further information can be found at the Minnesota Real Estate Commission.
Mississippi
In Mississippi, you must complete the required educational courses, submit an application with three references and a background check, and obtain e&o insurance. Further information can be found at the Mississippi Real Estate Commission.
Missouri
In Missouri, you must complete at least 40 hours of pre-licensing real estate education and pass a fingerprint background check. Further information can be found at the Missouri Real Estate Commission.
Montana
In Montana, you must have 70 hours of real estate sales training, be 18 years old, and complete at least two full years of high school. Further information can be found at the Montana Real Estate Commission.
Nebraska
In Nebraska, you must reach 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED and complete at least 60 hours of real estate education. Then, pass the licensing exam and go through a fingerprint background check. Further information can be found at the Nebraska Real Estate Commission.
Nevada
In Nevada, you must go through a fingerprint background check, and complete 120 hours of pre-licensing education. Further information can be found at the Nevada Real Estate Commission.
New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, you must be 18 years old with good character, go through a criminal background check, and pass the exam after at least 40 hours of education. Further information can be found at the New Hampshire Real Estate Commission.
New Jersey
In New Jersey, you must be 18 years old, hold a high school diploma, and be a person of good character. Further information can be found at the New Jersey Real Estate Commission.
New Mexico
In New Mexico, you must complete 90 hours of real estate education, pass the exam with a minimum score of 75%, and apply for a license within six months of passing the exam. Further information can be found at the New Mexico Real Estate Commission.
New York
In New York, you must be 18 years old and hold a New York ID card. You should also get sponsorship from a broker and complete at least 75 hours of education. Further information can be found at the New York Real Estate Commission.
North Carolina
In North Carolina, you must be 18 years old, complete 75 hours of pre-licensing education, have a social security number, and be of good character. Further information can be found at the North Carolina Real Estate Commission.
North Dakota
In North Dakota, you must complete 90 hours of real estate licensing education, be 18, and be a person of a good reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Further information can be found at the North Dakota Real Estate Commission.
Ohio
In Ohio, you must be 18 years old or older, of good reputation, and sponsored by a broker. Finally, you must complete 120 hours of education. Further information can be found at the Ohio Real Estate Commission.
Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, you must have completed 90 hours of pre-licensing real estate education and go through a background check. Further information can be found at the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission.
Oregon
In Oregon, you must reach 18 years old, obtain a high school diploma or GED, and complete 150 hours of education. Further information can be found at the Oregon Real Estate Commission
Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, you must be at least 18 and hold at least 75 hours of real estate licensing education. You must also pass a two-part exam. Further information can be found at the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission.
Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, you must complete 45 hours of pre-licensing real estate education, hold e&o insurance, and provide a criminal history report. Further information can be found at the Rhode Island Real Estate Commission.
South Carolina
In South Carolina, you must be 18, complete high school or the equivalent, and earn at least 60 hours of real estate education. Further information can be found at the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.
South Dakota
In South Dakota, you must complete 116 hours of real estate education and be a person of good character at least 18 years of age. Further information can be found at the South Dakota Real Estate Commission.
Tennessee
In Tennessee, you must be 18 years old, go through a fingerprint check, and complete 30 hours of real estate education. Further information can be found at the Tennessee Real Estate Commission.
Texas
In Texas, you must be 18 years old and meet the state standards of honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity. Then, complete 180 hours of pre-licensing education. Further information can be found at the Texas Real Estate Commission.
Utah
In Utah, you must be a person of good character, honesty, and trustworthiness with a high school degree or its equivalent. Then, you need at least 120 hours of pre-licensing education. Further information can be found at the Utah Real Estate Commission.
Vermont
In Vermont, you must reach18 years old, complete 40 hours of licensing education, and get sponsorship/employment from a local broker. Further information can be found at the Vermont Real Estate Commission.
Virginia
In Virginia, you must have a high school diploma and complete a minimum of 60 hours of real estate education courses. Further information can be found at the Virginia Real Estate Commission.
Washington
In Washington, you must be 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or its equivalent, and complete 40 hours of real estate education courses. Further information can be found at the Washington Real Estate Commission.
West Virginia
In West Virginia, you must be 18, have the signatures of a broker and two property owners on your application, pass a background check, and complete 90 hours of education. Further information can be found at the West Virginia Real Estate Commission.
Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, you must complete 72 hours of approved training within four years of applying for your license. You also must prove competency in English and in real estate on the exam. Further information can be found at the Wisconsin Real Estate Commission.
Wyoming
In Wyoming, you must complete a fingerprint background check, complete three required salesperson and law courses, and complete the national and state exams. Further information can be found at the Wyoming Real Estate Commission.
There you have it! Go and check out the commission in your state to see just how you can get a real estate license. And if you have any questions about a good brokerage to work with, you can always reach out to me and I can help you get started!