Steps to Get Your License and Become a Real Estate Agent

Infographic: How to Get a Real Estate License Online

To become a successful real estate agent, you must complete state-required pre-licensing education, pass the state and national portions of the real estate licensing exam, and find a broker to help you launch your successful real estate career.

Each step to getting your license could vary from state-to-state, so it's important to check your state's license requirements.

Follow these 3 easy steps to learn how to get a real estate license online.

Purchase a Course
Get Licensed Now!

Prepare for the
Real Estate Exam

Complete the Pre-License Courses

Each state's real estate commission requires pre-license education in order for prospective agents to get a real estate license.

Once you understand your state's education requirements (amount of credit hours needed), you will need to complete your pre-license coursework. Some helpful tips to remember:
- You may choose to take your courses online or in a classroom, however, you must enroll with an approved real estate school.
  
  Still deciding whether you should take your courses online or in person? View our Guide to help you choose between getting a real estate license online or in a classroom
- If you have a degree in real estate, have your real estate license in another state, or are a licensed attorney, your education requirements may vary. Please be sure to contact your state's real estate commission to understand what your education requirements are.
- Once you have completed your course(s), you will need to obtain your real estate transcripts or completion certificates from the approved school you enrolled with. Your certificate or transcripts can be printed from home in most states, but make sure to verify with your state's real estate commission.
File Your Application & Pay Any Required Fees

To get a real estate license, you must fill out your state's required application and pay any applicable fees. Most states have forms and fee information on their website. VanEd will provide you with information or resources to help you understand what your state requires. When you reach the application phase of the process, make sure to consider the following concerning your application:
- Understand your state's filing date deadline
- If your state requires you to have obtain Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance before submitting an application
- If your state requires fingerprinting and a background check before submitting an application
- If your state requires you to have a sponsoring or managing broker in place before applying.
Pass the Real Estate Exam

Once you have completed your education requirements, you will need to tak and pass the real estate license exam.

The majority of states use a testing provider for their real estate license exam so that the provider can administr and grade each test. It's important to understan who your state uses as a provider and contact them for any additional information or resources to help you prepare for the exam. VanEd provides you with all the information required to schedule your test with your state's provider.

Real Estate Exam Providers

PSI
Pearson Vue
AMP (Applied Measurement Professionals)
Pro Metric
Become a Real Estate Agent and Find a Brokerage

You are now on your way to a successful real estate career!

After completing the courses and passing the exam, you will need to find a broker to work under to start your successful career.

Don't be afraid to ask our instructors about the industry or what to expect in your career. After you are licensed, come back, and we can help fulfill your continuing education requirements to renew your license.