Real estate looks attractive from the outside: flexible hours, no hard income cap, and the chance to build your own client base instead of clocking in for someone else. But it’s also a licensed profession with rules, exams, and real money on the line for your future clients.
If you’re serious about it, you need a clear picture of what it actually takes to become a real estate agent in the U.S.—from pre-licensing education to picking the right brokerage, plus the time and cost involved.
Is Becoming a Real Estate Agent Right for You?
Before you register for a course, look at the day-to-day job, not just the highlight reel.
Agents spend a lot of time prospecting for clients, following up, showing homes, writing offers, and guiding deals through inspections, financing, and closing. There’s also plenty of paperwork and contract details you have to get right—no one remembers the perfect Instagram post if you miss a contingency date.
People who tend to do well are self-motivated, comfortable talking to new people, and willing to hear “no” without folding. You don’t need to be a born salesperson, but you do need to be okay with income tied to results instead of hours. Organization and follow-through matter as much as charisma.
If you like the idea of running your own small business, can handle uneven income at first, and enjoy both people and problem-solving, real estate can be a good fit. If you prefer predictable paychecks and strict structure, think carefully before diving in.
Step 1 – Understand Your State’s Real Estate License Requirements
Real estate licenses are issued at the state level, so step one is learning your state’s rules. The broad strokes are similar across the U.S., but the details matter.
Most states require you to:
- Be at least 18 or 19 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Be a legal U.S. resident
- Meet character and background standards (including disclosing certain criminal history)
Your state’s real estate commission or department publishes the official list of requirements, approved schools, and current fees. That site is your source of truth. Before you pay for a course, verify:
- Required pre-licensing education hours
- Approved education providers
- Exam registration process and fees
- License application steps, including fingerprints and background checks
If you do have a criminal record, don’t assume the answer is automatically “no.” Many states review applications case by case and may ask for extra documentation or a written explanation.
Step 2 – Complete Your Real Estate Pre-Licensing Education
Pre-licensing education is where you learn the fundamentals you’ll be tested on later and use in real deals.
A typical pre-licensing course covers:
- Real estate law and contracts
- Agency relationships and fiduciary duties
- Property ownership, transfer, and financing basics
- Fair housing and ethics
- State-specific rules and regulations
The required hours vary widely. Some states sit in the 40–60 hour range, while others expect 100+ hours of coursework. A motivated student treating it like a part-time job can finish relatively quickly; someone studying evenings after work may take a couple of months.
You’ll usually be able to choose from:
- Self-paced online courses
- Scheduled live online classes
- In-person classes through local schools or associations
It helps to choose a school that actually supports you — not just one with a low price tag. Check how past students felt about the exam prep, whether instructors are reachable, and how quickly you can get help when you’re confused. Treat the class like something you’re investing in: ask what you need to ask, jot down what doesn’t stick right away, and keep track of the topics you know you’ll need to review before the test.
Step 3 – Prepare For and Pass the Real Estate Licensing Exam
Once you finish your pre-licensing hours, you’ll be eligible to sit for your state’s real estate licensing exam. This is where your coursework turns into a license—or a retake.
Most states use a two-part exam format:
- A national portion covering general real estate principles
- A state-specific portion covering local laws and practices
The test is usually administered by a third-party testing company. You’ll register for a date, pay an exam fee, and show up with approved identification. Results often appear the same day.
The exam is very passable if you treat it like a serious test instead of a casual quiz. Smart prep looks like:
- Reviewing your course materials instead of random blog summaries
- Doing multiple practice exams under timed conditions
- Flagging weak topics (math, finance, or state law are common pain points) and drilling those
- Studying consistently for shorter blocks rather than cramming once a week
If you miss the mark on your first try, most states let you take the exam again. Just keep in mind that every retake comes with another fee and a bit of waiting around, so it’s worth putting in solid study time before you show up to the testing center.
Step 4 – Choose a Sponsoring Broker and Apply for Your License
Passing the exam doesn’t mean you can start taking clients right away. New agents have to link their license to a sponsoring broker before they can legally work.
A brokerage becomes your base of operations. Some offer structured training and mentors who actually make time for new agents; others take a lighter-touch approach. When you sit down with different offices, focus on how they bring new agents up to speed and what the work culture feels like. Ask about their training, whether there’s a mentor you can follow for a bit, and how their commission and fee setup works.
Once you’ve chosen a brokerage, you’ll submit the paperwork to activate your license—typically your exam results, proof of completed education, fingerprints or a background check if required, and the state licensing fee. After the state processes everything and ties your license to the brokerage, you’re officially able to work with clients.
Step 5 – Launch Your Real Estate Career: The First 90 Days
Getting the license is the starting line, not the finish. The first 90 days as an agent are when you lay the foundation for everything that comes later.
In those early months, you’ll likely:
- Join your local REALTOR® association and MLS, if your market uses one
- Complete any mandatory post-licensing courses your state requires
- Set up the basics: professional email, phone setup, simple CRM or contact tracker, and a calendar discipline
This is also when you start filling your pipeline. Instead of waiting for leads, you might shadow experienced agents, host open houses, reach out to your personal network, and study your local inventory until you can talk about price ranges and neighborhoods without notes. Some people start part-time while keeping another job; that can work, but you’ll still need clear blocks of time for showings and follow-up so buyers and sellers don’t feel like an afterthought.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Real Estate Agent?
For most people, becoming a real estate agent is a 3–6 month process from first class to active license.
Your timeline depends on:
- How many pre-licensing hours your state requires
- How quickly you work through the course
- How soon you can schedule the exam—and whether you pass on the first attempt
- How fast your background check and license application are processed
- How quickly you choose a brokerage and complete affiliation paperwork
If your state’s education requirement is on the lower side and you treat the course like a full-time project, you might finish faster. If you’re juggling a full-time job and family, expect the process to stretch longer—and that’s okay.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate License?
You’ll incur several categories of cost on the way to your license and early career:
- Pre-licensing course tuition – Basic self-paced online options are usually cheaper; live or classroom formats often cost more.
- Exam fee – Paid to the testing provider each time you sit for the exam.
- License application and fingerprints/background check – State fees plus any separate fingerprinting charges.
- Early career expenses – Local association and MLS dues, lockbox and key fees, business cards, basic signs, and simple marketing.
When you add it up, plan on hundreds to a few thousand dollars from start to first year in the business, depending on your state, course choice, and how aggressively you invest in tools and marketing. Fee schedules change, so always confirm current amounts with your state commission and any association or school you’re considering.
Quick FAQs About Becoming a Real Estate Agent
Is becoming a real estate agent hard?
The coursework is usually manageable if you stay organized, but the exam demands focused study. For many people, the harder part is building a steady stream of clients once you’re licensed, not passing the test itself.
Can you be a real estate agent part-time?
Yes, some agents start part-time, especially in the beginning. The challenge is that clients expect quick responses and flexible schedules, so you’ll need clear time blocks and a supportive broker to make part-time work.
Do you need a college degree to become a real estate agent?
In most U.S. states, you don’t need a college degree. A high school diploma or equivalent plus state-approved pre-licensing education is enough to qualify.
Is becoming a real estate agent worth it in 2025 and beyond?
It can be, if you treat it as a real business and give yourself time to ramp up. People who prospect consistently, keep learning, and build strong client relationships tend to see the upside; people who expect quick, guaranteed income often get frustrated and leave.
Can a criminal record stop you from getting a real estate license?
Rules vary by state, and a past conviction doesn’t always mean you’re out of the running. Commissions usually look at the details — what happened, how long ago it was, and what your life looks like now. If you’re unsure, it’s worth a quick call or email to your state’s licensing office before you sign up for classes.
