License Cost Breakdown
Launch your career with live Zoom pre-licensing classes taught by a licensed broker. 75 hours of state-approved education, built around a working schedule.
state-approved education
of classroom experience
Google rating, 20+ reviews
Zoom, taught by a broker
Understanding the cost of getting your real estate license is key when planning your career move. We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees here at Elite Real Estate Academy. Our 75-hour pre-licensing bundle is $500, and we break down every other cost on this page so you know exactly what to budget before you start.
“No Hidden Fees. No Confusing Tiers. Just Honest Pricing and Quality Education.”
The total cost of earning a real estate license typically ranges from $500 to $1,500 when you factor in education, the exam, background check, and application fees. The biggest variable is the pre-licensing school you choose. Below is every expense you can expect, with no surprises.
Real Estate License Cost
Complete Cost Breakdown
Here is every fee involved in earning your real estate license, from enrollment to license in hand.
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Pre-licensing Education Cost
The Biggest Variable in Your Budget
Your pre-licensing education is the single largest expense in the licensing process, and it is also the cost you have the most control over. Prices across the industry range from $99 at budget self-paced platforms to over $800 at premium schools with live instruction and career support.
- Budget self-paced courses ($99 to $300). Pre-recorded video content you watch alone. No instructor interaction. Flexible but high dropout rates and lower exam pass rates. The low price often comes with tradeoffs in quality and support.
- Mid-range online courses ($300 to $500). May include some live components, exam prep materials, or instructor access via email. Better support than budget options but still largely self-directed.
- Live instructor-led courses ($400 to $800+). Real-time instruction with a qualified teacher. Scheduled classes that provide structure, accountability, and the ability to ask questions on the spot. Higher pass rates and stronger exam preparation.
At Elite Real Estate Academy, the 75-hour pre-licensing bundle is $500. This includes Real Estate Fundamentals (30 hours) and Real Estate Practice (45 hours), both taught live on Zoom by a licensed broker. You can also enrol in each course individually for $275 per course.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. 75-hour pre-licensing bundle for $500. Individual courses at $275.
Exam prep refresher for $225. Free practice questions at $0. Live Zoom instruction from a licensed broker.
State-approved. 5.0★ Google rated.
Elite Real Estate Academy Pricing
What You Pay, What You Get
We believe in honest, straightforward pricing. No tiered packages.
No fake discount codes. No upsells at checkout. Here is exactly what each option costs.
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State Licensing Exam Cost
What You Pay to Take the Test
The state licensing exam fee varies by state but typically ranges from $30 to $100 per attempt. This fee is paid directly to the testing company (Pearson VUE or PSI) when you schedule your exam.
- Per-attempt fee. You pay the exam fee each time you take the test. If you fail and retake, you pay again.
- Retake costs add up. At $30 to $100 per attempt, two or three retakes can cost $100 to $300 on top of your original fee. This is why choosing a quality school matters. Passing the first time saves real money.
- No refunds. Exam fees are non-refundable, even if you cancel or fail to appear.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. 75-hour pre-licensing bundle for $500. Individual courses at $275.
Exam prep refresher for $225. Free practice questions at $0. Live Zoom instruction from a licensed broker.
State-approved. 5.0★ Google rated.
Background Check Cost
Fingerprinting and Processing Fees
Most states require a criminal background check and fingerprinting as part of the licensing process. This is a one-time cost during your initial application.
- Cost: $40 to $100 depending on your state and vendor.
- Vendor: Typically processed through IdentoGO or a similar state-approved provider.
- Processing time: 2 to 4 weeks. Submit early so results are ready when you need them.
- Re-scan: If your fingerprints are rejected for poor quality, most vendors will re-scan at no additional charge within the first year.
License Application Cost
State Commission Filing Fees
Once you pass the exam and clear your background check, you submit your license application to the state real estate commission along with the required filing fee.
- Application fee: $50 to $200 depending on the state.
- Non-refundable: Application fees are not returned even if your application is denied.
- Online submission: Most states now accept online applications through their licensing portal.
- Processing time: 2 to 4 weeks after submission.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. 75-hour pre-licensing bundle for $500. Individual courses at $275.
Exam prep refresher for $225. Free practice questions at $0. Live Zoom instruction from a licensed broker.
State-approved. 5.0★ Google rated.
Costs Most People Forget About
Budget for These Before You Start
Beyond the core licensing costs, there are additional expenses that many new agents do not plan for until they are already committed. Knowing these upfront prevents unpleasant surprises.
- $30 to $60 for the required course textbook. A used copy works fine. Check our books and materials page for the specific title.
- Exam retake fees. $30 to $100 per additional attempt if you do not pass the first time.
- Study materials (optional). Flashcards, practice tests, and study apps range from $0 to $100. We offer free practice questions on our website.
- Continuing education. After licensing, you pay for CE courses every 2 to 4 years to renew your license. Typically $50 to $200 per renewal cycle. Visit our continuing education page for details.
First-year Costs After Getting Licensed
What It Actually Costs to Start Working
Getting your license is one set of costs. Starting your career is another. Here are the expenses new agents typically face in their first year of practice.
- Realtor association and MLS fees. Most brokerages require you to join the local Realtor association and MLS (Multiple Listing Service). Annual fees range from $300 to $800.
- Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. Protects you from legal claims. Many brokerages require it. Annual cost: $200 to $600.
- Brokerage desk fees. Some brokerages charge a monthly fee for office space, technology, and support. This ranges from $0 to $500 per month depending on the brokerage model.
- Marketing and lead generation. Business cards, website, advertising, signs, and client outreach. Budget $500 to $2,000 in your first year.
- Technology tools. CRM software, email marketing, video tools, and social media management. Budget $200 to $600 per year.
Total first-year operating costs after licensing typically range from $1,500 to $4,000 depending on your brokerage, market, and business model. These costs are investments in your business, not sunk costs. A single home sale commission can cover all of them and more.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. 75-hour pre-licensing bundle for $500. Individual courses at $275.
Exam prep refresher for $225. Free practice questions at $0. Live Zoom instruction from a licensed broker.
State-approved. 5.0★ Google rated.
Why The Cheapest School Is Not Always The Best Deal
The True Cost of Cutting Corners
A $99 self-paced course looks like a bargain on paper. But here is what many students discover after choosing the cheapest option available.
- Higher failure rates. Self-paced students fail the exam more often than students from structured, instructor-led programs. Each retake costs $30 to $100.
- Lost time. Failing the exam delays your career by weeks or months. That is time you could have been earning commissions.
- No support. When a topic does not make sense, you have no instructor to ask. You rewind a video and hope it clicks. Many students give up entirely.
- Hidden upsells. Many budget platforms advertise a low base price but charge extra for exam prep, instructor access, transcript delivery, or expedited processing. The final total is often higher than advertised.
The math is simple. A $99 course + two exam retakes ($100) + paid exam prep ($150) + a delayed start = $349+ and months of lost income. A $500 bundle at Elite Real Estate Academy, where you pass the first time = $500 and a faster path to earning commissions. The quality school pays for itself.
How Our Pricing Compares
Elite Real Estate Academy vs. Other Schools
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Why Students Trust Elite Real Estate Academy
Every class is taught in real time by a licensed broker. No pre-recorded videos.
Trent L. Pettus holds broker licenses in three states with nearly a decade of classroom experience.
Mon/Tue/Thu, 5:30 to 8:30 PM. Built for working professionals.
Approval #RE001089. Your education hours are fully accepted for licensing.
$500 for the 75-hour bundle. No hidden fees, no confusing tiers.
Students consistently praise the instruction, the format, and how prepared they felt for the exam.
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Hear from our students
Frequently Asked Questions
License Costs Breakdown
Total costs typically range from $500 to $1,500, covering education, exam fees, background checks, and applications. At Elite Real Estate Academy, the 75-hour education bundle is $500.
Pre-licensing education is the largest expense, ranging from $99 to $800+ depending on the school and format. The school you choose also has the biggest impact on whether you pass the exam the first time.
Exam fees range from $30 to $100 per attempt, depending on your state. This is paid directly to the testing company when you schedule your exam.
At Elite Real Estate Academy, there are none. Some other schools charge extra for transcript delivery, instructor access, or expedited processing. Always ask what is included before enrolling anywhere.
$40 to $100 for fingerprinting and criminal background check through an approved vendor. This is a one-time cost.
Yes. Students who learn from a live instructor pass at higher rates than self-paced students. Passing the first time saves you $100 to $300 in retake fees and weeks of lost earning time.
Contact us at 215-986-0022 or support@elite-realestateacademy.com to discuss payment options.
Both required courses: Real Estate Fundamentals (30 hours) and Real Estate Practice (45 hours); live Zoom instruction; evening schedule; direct instructor access; and official school transcript. No additional fees.
Our 18-hour weekend exam prep refresher is $225. We also offer free practice questions on our website at no cost.
First-year costs include Realtor association fees ($300 to $800), E&O insurance ($200 to $600), and marketing ($500 to $2,000). Total first-year operating costs are typically $1,500 to $4,000.
Real estate agent income is commission-based and uncapped. Average earnings range from $45,000 to $65,000 per year. Top performers earn well into six figures. A single home sale commission can easily exceed $5,000 to $10,000.
In the live instruction category, $500 for 75 hours is highly competitive. Most in-person and live Zoom schools charge $500 to $1,000+ for the same hours. Budget options at $99 to $200 are self-paced only, with no instructor.
Elite Real Estate Academy offers the best value in live real estate education.
$500 for 75 hours of broker-led Zoom instruction. Call 215-986-0022 or enrol online today.
