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How do I get a real estate license?
To get a first real estate license, you usually take classes and pass an exam. The hours and the order differ by state, so pick yours below. A license from another state can change the steps. In California, so can State Bar membership. In Colorado, so can a US law license.
By State Cert GuideChecked against the sources listed below.
The steps, in order
Check your state's rule
The rule differs from state to state
Meet the course rule
Check the course against your state
Pass the exam
Get licensed
Four steps in order: check your state's rule, meet the course rule, pass the exam, get licensed. The course rule differs from state to state.
What the rule says
How do I get a real estate license in North Carolina?
You take the 75-hour Broker Prelicensing Course, then you apply. If the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) finds you qualified, it sends a Notice of Examination Eligibility. Then you schedule the exam and pay for it. After you pass, NCREC checks your character and issues the license.
Which course does North Carolina require?
You take the 75-hour Broker Prelicensing Course. NCREC lists it as the first step for an applicant.
How long does the North Carolina course count?
You must have finished the Broker Prelicensing course within 3 years before you apply.
Who needs a license in North Carolina?
A person or a business that acts as an agent for someone else in real estate deals, time share deals included. You must get the license from NCREC first.
Can I take the course online in North Carolina?
Yes. NCREC says the course comes in person, as live online classes over video, or as a self-paced online course. It keeps one schedule page for in-person and live online classes, and a separate list of providers with self-paced courses.
How do I pick a course provider in North Carolina?
NCREC posts the list of providers currently certified to offer the course. You register with the provider yourself.
Does North Carolina recommend a provider?
No. NCREC does not recommend providers. It does publish a License Exam Performance Report for each provider, so you can read the results before you pay.
What is the exam like in North Carolina?
It has two parts, National with 80 items and State with 60 items. You need a 75 on each, and each part is scored on its own.
How long do I have to take the North Carolina exam?
Once NCREC sends your notice that you may take the exam, you have 180 days.
Do I pass both North Carolina parts at once?
You must pass both within the same 180-day period. If you pass one part and apply to retest within that period, you retake only the part you did not pass. If you go past 180 days, you must apply again, with a new criminal record report, and take both parts again.
How do I get a real estate license in Virginia?
For a salesperson license, you complete 60 class or clock hours of a pre-license course the Real Estate Board has approved, and you pass the state and national parts of the exam.
What else does a Virginia salesperson applicant need?
At a minimum, a high school diploma or its equivalent. Every applicant for an initial salesperson license needs it.
Code of Virginia · § 54.1-2105 · checked Nov 13, 2026 (opens agency website)
Does distance learning count in Virginia?
Yes. Under state law, the 60 hours can be classroom, correspondence or other distance learning instruction. The law asks for a principles of real estate course with at least four semester hours of academic credit. An accredited college or university can offer it. So can a high school with adult distributive education courses, or another school that offers an equivalent course.
Code of Virginia · § 54.1-2105 · checked Nov 13, 2026 (opens agency website)
Can I take the course online in Virginia?
Yes. The Board's list of approved pre-license courses has salesperson courses in an online format. Check that your course is on that list before you pay.
How long does a Virginia exam score last?
Exam scores are valid for one year, and then they expire.
Can I use a license from another state in Virginia?
If you are licensed in another state and that license has not expired, you only need to pass the state part of the Virginia exam.
Do I skip the course in Virginia if I hold another state's license?
Not on the Board's how-to-apply page. It says to complete pre-license education even if you apply by reciprocity from another state.
Which course does Virginia ask if I hold another state's license?
State law asks for a principles of real estate course that is comparable in content, length and scope to the course it requires of other salesperson applicants. Ask the Board whether the course you already took counts before you pay for another.
Code of Virginia · § 54.1-2105 · checked Nov 13, 2026 (opens agency website)
How do I get a real estate license in Georgia?
For a salesperson license, you meet one of three course rules. The first is the 75-hour Salesperson Prelicense Course at a school the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC) has approved.
What are the other two routes in Georgia?
The second is at least 10 quarter hours or 6 semester hours of course work eligible for a major in real estate from a U.S. or Canadian accredited college or university, or of a course in real property, agency or contracts from a U.S. or Canadian accredited school of law. You send the transcript to PSI, not GREC. Continuing education, adult education, crash seminars and special short courses do not count. The third is proof of at least 75 hours of prelicense course work that another state's or a Canadian province's real estate agency has approved. You also need a letter from that agency.
How old do I have to be in Georgia?
You must be at least 18 years of age.
Do I need a diploma in Georgia?
You must be a high school graduate or hold a certificate of equivalency.
Do I need experience first in Georgia?
No. A salesperson license needs none.
How long after the Georgia exam do I have to apply?
You must apply for an active or inactive license within three months of the exam date. If you apply after three months but before twelve, the fee to activate your license doubles. If you wait past twelve months, you must retake the exam. You do not retake the Salespersons Prelicense course.
Georgia Real Estate Commission · Real Estate FAQ · checked Nov 13, 2026 (opens agency website)
Is there a course after I get the license in Georgia?
Yes. A salesperson must take a 25 hour Postlicense course in the first year of licensure, one GREC has approved. If you do not, the license lapses.
Can I use a license from another state in Georgia?
You may be eligible for a reciprocal license without taking an exam. You must have earned your license by passing an exam in that state, and it must be in good standing, not lapsed or expired.
Is Florida different in Georgia?
Yes. Licensed Florida residents must pass the state portion of the Georgia exam.
How do I get a real estate license in California?
You complete three college-level courses first. The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) says they are required to qualify for the salesperson exam.
Which three courses does California ask for?
Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one course from a list of other subjects on DRE's page.
Does the practice course have an extra rule in California?
Yes. Since January 1, 2024, a real estate practice course used to qualify for the exam must include components on implicit bias and fair housing. The fair housing component must include an interactive participatory part where you role play as both the consumer and the real estate professional.
How big is a college-level course in California?
Each course must be three semester-units or four quarter-units at the college level.
How long are the courses DRE approves?
Each course DRE approves is a minimum of 45 hours long.
Which private schools can I use in California?
Among California private vocational schools, only a school that made a formal request, filed an application and got formal approval from the Real Estate Commissioner can offer the courses.
Can I take the courses at a college in California?
Yes. Pre-license courses can also be taken at any accredited institution such as UC, CSU and the community colleges.
Do out-of-state courses count in California?
Courses from out-of-state private schools are not acceptable unless the California Real Estate Commissioner approved them first.
Can I take the courses online in California?
DRE's page talks about correspondence courses. UC Extension and several California private vocational schools offer them in the required subjects. Ask DRE whether an online course counts before you pay.
Is there a pace limit in California?
Yes, for correspondence courses. DRE says you may complete no more than two courses in any five-week period. You may not complete a single course in less than 2 1/2 weeks.
Does continuing education count in California?
No. Continuing education does not meet the college-level course rule for the exam.
Is anyone exempt from the courses in California?
Yes. Members of the California State Bar are exempt from the college-level course rule.
What score do I need on the California exam?
For the salesperson exam, you must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly.
California Department of Real Estate · Taking the Exam · checked Nov 13, 2026 (opens agency website)
Who checks that my courses count in California?
You do. DRE says the applicant must make sure the courses satisfy the prerequisites.
How do I check a private school in California?
Before you use a private provider, DRE says to check whether formal action or pending action has been taken against it.
How do I get a real estate license in Colorado?
If you have never held a license, a broker license takes 168 hours of education. If you have held a license before, in Colorado or another state, even an expired one, your path is different, so read the Colorado Division of Real Estate's page for it.
Can a degree replace the Colorado hours?
Yes. A degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in real estate can substitute for the hours. Original transcripts must be provided upon application, though unofficial ones may be submitted if you have not taken the broker's exam yet.
When do I take the Colorado exam?
Finish all of your required coursework first. If you complete the state or national part of the exam before you finish it, that part is nullified.
What do I need before my Colorado license goes active?
A current E&O insurance policy. The Division says it must be in place before you get an active license.
How do I get a real estate license in Connecticut?
Connecticut lists a pre-license 60-hour Real Estate Principles and Practices course. Read Connecticut's page for the rest of the steps.
When can I schedule the Connecticut exam?
Not until you are approved. You must be approved before you can register and schedule to take the exam. After the Department reviews and approves your file, you get instructions on how to register and schedule it.
How long do I have to activate a Connecticut license?
You pass both parts of the exam within the one year of eligibility. Then you have 2 years from the date of the part you passed last to activate the license. To activate it, a Connecticut licensed broker must supervise you, and you pay the $590.00 license fee.
How do I get a real estate license in Florida?
The Florida Real Estate Commission may require a course before you are licensed as a sales associate. The course for a first license may not run past 63 classroom hours of 50 minutes each, exam included. You take it at an accredited college, university or community college, at a career center, or at a registered real estate school. If you miss more than 8 classroom hours, the school can't issue notice that you finished.
Can I skip the Florida course?
Yes, if you hold a 4-year degree, or higher, in real estate from an accredited institution of higher education. The first-license course rule does not apply to you. The post-license rule does not either.
How long do I have to pass the Florida exam?
Your application expires 2 years after the date it is received if you do not pass the exam. Also, if you do not pass within 2 years after you finish the course, the course no longer counts for a license.
Florida Statutes (2025) · Section 475.181, Licensure · checked Nov 13, 2026 (opens agency website)
How do I get a real estate license in Massachusetts?
To apply for a salesperson license, you must be at least 18 years old and complete 40 hours of real estate coursework.
Can I skip the Massachusetts course?
Maybe, if you are licensed in another state and the Board has no reciprocity with it. You can apply for the exam with a letter of good standing, for review and a waiver of the Massachusetts education. The license must be current, or no waiver is issued. If the Board does have reciprocity with your state, it points you to its reciprocity policy. Read that policy before you apply.
Who can endorse me in Massachusetts?
You need 3 candidate endorsements. They can't come from people related to you, or from fellow classmates in the real estate course. They can come from people who do not live in Massachusetts.
How long do I have to pass the Massachusetts exam?
A salesperson must apply for and pass the exam within two years of finishing the required coursework. The Board says not to wait until your certificate is about to expire. Leave ample time within the 2-year period when you reserve an exam.
How do I get a real estate license in Maryland?
You will need to take the 60-hour pre-licensing course with an approved education provider. The next two answers cover the exam and the broker.
What score do I need on the Maryland exam?
You must pass each part of the exam with a grade of at least 70%.
Maryland Real Estate Commission · Taking the Exam · checked Nov 13, 2026 (opens agency website)
Do I need a broker in Maryland?
For a salesperson license, the law asks you to get a commitment from a licensed real estate broker. The commitment says you will become affiliated with that broker as a real estate salesperson.
How do I get a real estate license in New Jersey?
For a salesperson license, you complete a 75-hour prelicensure course at a licensed school and pass the license exam.
Do I need a broker in New Jersey?
Yes, to apply. After you finish the course and pass the exam, you must apply for a license through a sponsoring real estate broker.
How long do I have to apply in New Jersey?
Candidates have one year from the day they finish their pre-licensure coursework. In that year, they must take and pass the State exam and file a fully completed application with the Licensing Services Bureau, Real Estate.
How do I get a real estate license in Nevada?
For a salesperson license, Nevada asks for a total of 120 hours of pre-licensing coursework.
How long are Nevada exam results good?
You send your original state and national passing exam results when you apply. They must be dated within the last 12 months.
Do I take the general exam in Nevada if I'm licensed in another state?
Licensed out-of-state applicants who apply for an equivalent license are not required to take the general exam.
Who signs my Nevada form?
A broker, owner/developer, sales manager or office manager on active status registered with the Nevada Real Estate Division. They sign a form that says it is their present intent to employ you or associate with you.
How do I get a real estate license in Ohio?
Ohio requires four pre-licensure courses. You take them at an institute of higher education which awards degrees. After you finish them, you can apply for the exam.
Ohio Department of Commerce · Real Estate FAQ · checked Nov 13, 2026 (opens agency website)
How recent do the Ohio courses have to be?
If you have not held a real estate license in the four years before you apply, you must have finished the courses within the 10 years before you apply. They must come from a postsecondary school that awards at least a two-year (associate) degree.
Do I need a broker to take the Ohio exam?
For a salesperson license, yes. Ohio says you must have a sponsoring broker to apply for the exam. If you don't have one, it tells you to contact brokers you would like to work for in your area.
Ohio Department of Commerce · Real Estate FAQ · checked Nov 13, 2026 (opens agency website)
How do I get a real estate license in Oklahoma?
Choose the provisional sales associate license if you have not held an active real estate license in the past five years.
Which course does Oklahoma require?
You complete an approved 90-hour pre-license salesperson course.
How long do I have to pass the Oklahoma exam?
Once you apply, you have one year to pass the exam. If you have not passed in one year, you must apply again.
How do I get a real estate license in Oregon?
For a broker license, you complete 150 hours of required broker pre-license coursework.
Oregon Real Estate Agency · Broker Licensing · checked Nov 13, 2026 (opens agency website)
Do older courses count in Oregon?
Only courses you completed on or after January 1, 2013, meet licensing requirements.
Oregon Real Estate Agency · Broker Licensing · checked Nov 13, 2026 (opens agency website)
How long do exam scores last in Oregon?
License exam scores and background check clearances are each good for one year.
Oregon Real Estate Agency · Broker Licensing · checked Nov 13, 2026 (opens agency website)
How do I get a real estate license in Tennessee?
You complete 60 hours of real estate coursework in real estate principles and fundamentals before you take the exam.
Tennessee Real Estate Commission · Affiliate Broker · checked Nov 13, 2026 (opens agency website)
Who signs my Tennessee exam form?
Your principal broker. The exam form is obtained upon completion at the testing center, and your principal broker must sign it.
Tennessee Real Estate Commission · Affiliate Broker · checked Nov 13, 2026 (opens agency website)
Is there another course in Tennessee?
Yes. You complete the 30-hour Course for New Affiliates. You include a letter or certificate of completion when you apply.
Tennessee Real Estate Commission · Affiliate Broker · checked Nov 13, 2026 (opens agency website)
How do I get a real estate license in Texas?
For a sales agent license, you give the Texas Real Estate Commission proof that you finished at least 12 semester hours, or equivalent classroom hours, of qualifying real estate courses. The commission's rules say which courses qualify.
Can I skip the Texas courses?
Yes, if you apply for a sales agent license and were licensed in Texas as a broker or sales agent within the six months before you file. The commission must waive the course rule for you.
Does a Texas sales agent need a broker?
Yes. A sales agent may not engage or attempt to engage in real estate brokerage unless a licensed broker sponsors the agent and the agent acts for that broker. You may not act as a sales agent until you receive the license.
How long do I have to pass the Texas exam?
You must satisfy the exam requirement no later than one year after the date you file the license application.
How do I get a real estate license in Washington?
You complete 90 hours of approved real estate coursework. It includes a 60-hour course in Real Estate Fundamentals and a 30-hour course in Real Estate Practices.
How far apart can the Washington exams be?
You must pass both the state and national exams within 6 months of each other. If you don't, you have to retake both exams.
How long do I have to apply after the Washington exam?
You must apply for your license within 1 year of passing your final exam.
How do I get a real estate license in Wisconsin?
You meet the course rule with one of two options. One is a Board-approved 72-hour Salesperson pre-license program, within 4 years of when you apply. The other is 10 semester-hour credits in real estate or real estate-related law courses.
Which exam do I take in Wisconsin?
The department only requires the state exam. Scores are valid for 1 year.
What if I don't live in Wisconsin?
All nonresident applicants must complete Form 813A, the Irrevocable Consent for Nonresidents.
Check your state's page
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Where people go wrong
- Picking a school before you read your state's course rule is the first trap.
- A course from another state may not count. California does not accept out-of-state private school courses unless the Real Estate Commissioner approved them first.
- A license from another state may not skip the course in Virginia. Ask the Board whether your course counts before you pay for another.
- Waiting costs you. Virginia exam scores expire after one year. In Georgia, apply within three months of the exam. Between three and twelve months, the fee to activate your license doubles. After twelve you retake the exam.
- If you skip Georgia's Postlicense course, your license can end. It lapses if you do not finish it in your first year.
- Other states set time limits too. In Colorado, an exam part you pass before you finish all required coursework is nullified. In Washington, pass the state and national exams within 6 months of each other or retake both. In Texas, satisfy the exam requirement within one year after you file. In Florida, your application expires 2 years after it is received if you do not pass.
- An old course may not count. Oregon accepts only courses completed on or after January 1, 2013. In Ohio, if you held no real estate license in the four years before you apply, the courses must be within the 10 years before you apply, from a school that awards degrees.
- Some states want a broker first. Ohio: to apply for the exam. New Jersey: to apply for the license. Texas: a sales agent may not do brokerage unless a licensed broker sponsors the agent.
Questions
Can I take the real estate pre-licensing course online?
It depends on the state. New Jersey says the 75-hour courses come in live remote and in-person formats. Florida's law allows distance learning courses that end with a timed exam, but bars correspondence methods except in cases of hardship. Maryland's law lists instruction by computer, including over the Internet. Nevada's school list has a Distance Education type. North Carolina offers it live or self-paced online, and Virginia's approved list includes online salesperson courses. Elsewhere, ask the licensing agency.
Does a license from another state work in a new state?
It depends on the state. New Jersey has no reciprocity with any state. Oregon offers no class or exam waivers to out-of-state licensees, but it has reciprocal agreements with five jurisdictions. For any other state, read its own page.
What if my state is not on this page?
Look for it in the real estate license list. If yours isn't there, ask the agency that licenses real estate in your state which course it accepts.
Your next step
Before you pay for a course, read your state's rule on its page, linked on this page. Then check the course against the list your state posts. We haven't confirmed how long licensing takes in any state or what agents earn, or compared course providers.
Sources we read
- www.ncrec.gov › ApplyLicense · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.ncrec.gov › PreFAQ · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.dpor.virginia.gov › Pre License · read Nov 13, 2026
- law.lis.virginia.gov › Code of Virginia § 54.1-2105 · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.dpor.virginia.gov › Approved pre-license courses (PDF) · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.dpor.virginia.gov › How to apply for a license (PDF) · read Nov 13, 2026
- grec.state.ga.us › real estate · read Nov 13, 2026
- grec.state.ga.us › real estate · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.dre.ca.gov › RequirementsSales · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.dre.ca.gov › EducationCourses · read Nov 13, 2026
- secure.dre.ca.gov › cestatutory · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.dre.ca.gov › TakingExam · read Nov 13, 2026
- dre.colorado.gov › broker qualifying education · read Nov 13, 2026
- dre.colorado.gov › broker steps for initial licensure · read Nov 13, 2026
- dre.colorado.gov › broker license application requirements · read Nov 13, 2026
- portal.ct.gov › Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Real Estate Salesperson: Initial/Exam · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.flsenate.gov › Florida Statutes § 475.17 · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.flsenate.gov › Florida Statutes § 475.181 · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.dllr.state.md.us › Maryland Real Estate Commission, Licensing FAQs · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.dllr.state.md.us › Maryland Real Estate Commission, Taking the Exam · read Nov 13, 2026
- mgaleg.maryland.gov › Maryland Business Occupations and Professions § 17-303 · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.mass.gov › prepare for and schedule your real estate license exam · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.mass.gov › Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons, PSI Candidate Information Bulletin · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.red.nv.gov › Nevada Real Estate Division, Real Estate Salesperson: Initial License Requirements · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.red.nv.gov › Nevada Real Estate Division, Real Estate Licensing Requirements · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.red.nv.gov › Nevada Real Estate Division, Real Estate License Application (Form 549) · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.red.nv.gov › Nevada Real Estate Division, Approved Real Estate Pre-Licensing Courses · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.nj.gov › New Jersey Real Estate Commission, Requirements for Licensure · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.nj.gov › New Jersey Real Estate Commission, License Candidate Fingerprinting · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.nj.gov › New Jersey Real Estate Commission, Licensing and Education · read Nov 13, 2026
- com.ohio.gov › real estate faq · read Nov 13, 2026
- com.ohio.gov › requirements for an ohio real estate salespersons license · read Nov 13, 2026
- oklahoma.gov › Oklahoma Real Estate Commission, Learn How to Obtain a License · read Nov 13, 2026
- oklahoma.gov › Oklahoma Real Estate Commission, Application and Exam FAQs · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.oregon.gov › Oregon Real Estate Agency, Broker Licensing · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.oregon.gov › Oregon Real Estate Agency, Out-of-State Licensees · read Nov 13, 2026
- www.tn.gov › Tennessee Real Estate Commission, Affiliate Broker · read Nov 13, 2026
- tcss.legis.texas.gov › Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1101 · read Nov 13, 2026
- dol.wa.gov › Washington Department of Licensing, Get your license: Real estate brokers · read Nov 13, 2026
- dsps.wi.gov › Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, Real Estate Salesperson (RES): Licensure by Examination · read Nov 13, 2026
- dsps.wi.gov › Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, Real Estate Salesperson (RES) · read Nov 13, 2026
Who publishes this guide
State Cert Guide is an independent guide to what each state requires. If a fact on this page is wrong, tell us and we fix it.