How Long Is Real Estate School?
You might be able to become a real estate agent faster than other careers. This is because taking your pre-licensing education courses online is easier, faster, and more cost-effective than earning a traditional degree from a college or university.
So, how long is real estate school, and how long does it take to get a license? View our license timeline and discover the factors that affect how long it takes to become a real estate agent below.
Factors That Determine How Long Real Estate School Will Take
On average, it takes anywhere from 2-5 months to complete real estate school and earn a real estate license. However, there are a few factors that determine the length of time you will be taking classes and enrolled in real estate school. These include:
- How Many Credit Hours or Courses Your State Requires - Different states have varying requirements for course hours for licenses, with Florida requiring 63 credit hours while Texas requires 180 hours. It's important to consult your state's real estate commission to determine the hours needed for licensing.
- Whether You Take Classes from an Online Real Estate School or in a Classroom - Students can complete real estate classes online or in a traditional classroom setting. Live, in-person classes can potentially take longer. For more information on online vs. classroom real estate education, refer to our guide.
- How Much Time You Are Able to Spend Studying - Online real estate pre-license classes offer flexibility in accessing coursework at any time, day or night, on any device. With motivation and ample free time, courses can be completed in 2-3 weeks. However, full-time workers with other obligations may take longer to complete their education.
- Your State's License Exam Process - The real estate exam application process varies from state to state, with some requiring an automated system and others requiring a mail-in system. Hence, it's crucial to understand your state's requirements.
Which States Have the Longest and Shortest Pre-licensing Requirements?
With the state educational requirements for real estate licenses varying wildly, you may wonder which ones have the longest and shortest turnaround times. Texas requires 180 hours of prerequisite study, with a timeline of over six weeks depending on full- or part-time students. To obtain a real estate license, 40 hours of schooling in Massachusetts and Michigan is required.
Real Estate School Timeline
As mentioned before, the time to receive a license varies from state to state, but the steps to become a real estate agent are still as follows:
- Real Estate License Education
- Real Estate Exam
1. Real Estate License Education
Average Time: 2-4 Months
In a traditional classroom environment, students will complete their state credit-hour requirements in 4-6 months on average. In an online school, students will complete the same courses significantly quicker – around 2-3 months on average.
2. Real Estate Exam & Application Process
Average Time: 2-6 Weeks
The exam and licensing application process in a state can vary from a few days to multiple weeks, but if an automated system is in place, the process can be quicker. If you live in a state that has not yet adopted an automated system, you could have to mail in your application. It may take weeks for your state to release your exam results and mail your license to the broker of record.
Get Started on Your Real Estate Education Today
If you are ready to begin your career in real estate, do not wait to take the first step. Sign up today! VanEd offers online courses that fulfill your state-mandated needs and allow you to complete your training from the convenience of your own home. Enroll in one of our online real estate courses right away!
