How to Become a Real Estate Agent

Becoming a real estate professional is one of the most accessible ways to change your income, flexibility, and lifestyle. If you're wondering how to become a real estate agent or how to get into real estate, this guide breaks down the process in clear, simple steps.

As a state-approved real estate education provider, VanEd makes each step easier with online pre-license courses, exam prep, and instructor support, all designed to help you obtain your real estate license on your schedule.

Below, you'll learn exactly what it takes to start your career, meet real estate license requirements, and move toward long-term goals like earning your broker’s license.

How To Get Into Real Estate 

Before you can call yourself a REALTOR®, you first need to obtain your real estate license. The process is similar in most states, but the exact requirements and timelines can vary. Below, we’ll break down how to become a real estate agent into clear, manageable steps so you know exactly what to do from start to finish. 

1. Complete Pre-Licensing Education

The first step to obtain your real estate license is completing your state’s required pre-licensing education with a state-approved school. Each state sets its own minimum number of hours, but you can expect anywhere from a few dozen to over 150 hours of coursework covering real estate principles, contracts, finance, and law.

With VanEd, you can take your pre-license course 100% online, at your own pace, with built-in exam prep tools and instructor support.

Here’s a general idea of what pre-licensing requirements look like:

*Exact requirements and fees vary by state.

2. Pass the Real Estate Licensing Exam

Once you finish your coursework, the next step in how to become a real estate agent is passing your state’s licensing exam. 

Most exams are split into two parts:

1. A national portion that covers general real estate principles
2. A state-specific portion that tests your knowledge of local laws and regulations

You’ll schedule your exam with an approved testing provider, pay the exam fee, and take the test on a computer. To feel confident on test day, many students use focused practice questions and simulated exams. 

VanEd offers dedicated real estate exam prep to help you review key concepts, practice with realistic questions, and identify any weak spots before you sit for the exam.

Exam prep tips:

• Review your course notes regularly instead of cramming
• Take timed practice exams to build stamina
• Focus extra time on any topics you keep missing
  

3. Apply for Your Real Estate License

After you pass both portions of the exam, you’ll be eligible to apply for your real estate license with your state’s real estate commission or regulatory agency. The application process usually includes:

• Submitting a formal application (online or by mail)
• Providing proof of completed pre-licensing education
• Passing a background check and submitting fingerprints
• Paying a license application fee
  

Some states also require you to list your sponsoring brokerage on the application before your license is issued. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your real estate license and can legally represent buyers and sellers under your broker.

4. Join a Brokerage to Start Working

Even after you obtain your real estate license, you can’t work independently right away. New agents must “hang” their license with a real estate brokerage. This brokerage will supervise your work, provide guidance, and often offer tools like a CRM, marketing support, and office resources.

Choosing the right brokerage can make your first year much smoother. Look for:

• A sponsoring broker who is available to answer questions and review your contracts 
• Training and mentorship programs for new agents 
• A commission structure that aligns with your goals 
• A culture and market niche that fit how you want to work
  

Under the right broker, you’ll gain real-world experience, build your client base, and start turning your new license into a real income. 

Real Estate License Requirements 

Before you can start a career in real estate, you need to meet your state’s real estate license requirements. In most states, you must:

1. Be at least 18–21 years old (age minimum varies by state) 
2. Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) 
3. Complete state-approved pre-licensing education 
4. Pass a background check and submit fingerprints 
5. Pass the state real estate licensing exam
   

While the overall process is similar nationwide, the exact real estate agent requirements, like how many education hours you need, fees, and additional steps, are set by each state. Always check your state’s rules before you begin. 

Below is a general overview of state-by-state pre-licensing education hours and key requirements*: 

*Requirements are subject to change. Always verify details with your state real estate commission.

For a complete, state-specific breakdown of real estate license requirements, visit VanEd’s real estate pre-license course page and select your state.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Real Estate Agent?

One of the first questions future agents ask is, “How long does it take to become a real estate agent?” The truth is, it depends on your state requirements and how quickly you move through each step, but most people finish in about 2–6 months from the time they start their pre-licensing course. 

Here’s a general breakdown of the timeline:

• Pre-licensing education: With a self-paced online course, motivated students can finish in a few weeks. If you’re working or have a busy schedule, it may take a couple of months. 
• Exam prep and scheduling: Once you complete your hours, you’ll schedule your licensing exam and spend some time reviewing. 
• Application and license issuance: After you pass the exam, you’ll submit your application, complete your background check, and wait for your license to be approved.

You can use this as a rough guide: 

*Exact timelines vary by state processing times and your personal schedule. 

Full-time online study accelerates progress. Because VanEd’s pre-licensing courses are 100% online and self-paced, you’re in control of how quickly you move. You can log in anytime, work through the course on your own schedule, and finish faster than you would in a traditional classroom without sacrificing the quality you need to pass the exam on your first try. 

Do You Need College to Be a Real Estate Agent? 

The short answer is no, a college degree isn’t required in most states. What matters is meeting your state’s real estate license requirements, which usually include being 18 or older, having a high school diploma or GED, completing pre-licensing education, and passing the licensing exam. 

Your pre-licensing course is what really counts. This is where you learn the laws, contracts, and practical skills you’ll use every day as an agent. After you’re licensed, your success as a real estate agent depends more on your work ethic, people skills, and ongoing education than on a traditional college degree. 

How To Become a Real Estate Broker 

Once you’ve built experience as an agent, the next step up is often earning your broker’s license. In most states, how to become a real estate broker starts with holding an active real estate license for a set number of years (often 2–3), closing a minimum number of transactions, and staying in good standing with your state real estate commission. 

From there, you’ll need to complete additional broker-level education and pass a separate broker licensing exam that goes deeper into topics like supervising agents, trust accounts, risk management, and brokerage operations. Requirements vary by state, so it’s important to check what your state expects before you apply. 

If you’re starting to plan your path from agent to broker, you can explore broker licensing education options on VanEd’s state pages and see what courses are available in your market through their online real estate courses.

Get Your Real Estate License Online 

If you’re looking for a career with more flexibility, uncapped earning potential, and the chance to help people, real estate is a strong choice. 

At a high level, how to become a real estate agent looks like this: you complete your pre-licensing education, pass your state exam, and apply for your real estate license. From there, you can choose to join the National Association of REALTORS® and use the REALTOR® title, and later in your career, you may decide to advance further by becoming a real estate broker. 

The good news is that getting into real estate is more straightforward than most people think, especially with the right education partner. 

VanEd is state-approved, ARELLO/IDECC certified, and trusted by thousands of real estate professionals to help them start and grow their careers. Our online courses walk you through each step so you can move forward with confidence. 

Start your real estate journey now!