License Requirements
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
We help students meet the most important real estate license requirement here at Elite Real Estate Academy: completing your pre-licensing education. Our 75 hours of state-approved coursework are taught live on Zoom by a licensed broker with nearly a decade of classroom experience.
“Know Every Requirement Before You Start. No Surprises, No Wasted Time.”
Before you enroll in any course or pay any fees, you should understand every licensing requirement from start to finish. This page gives you the complete picture so you can plan your timeline, budget, and schedule with confidence.
Broker License
What Is a Real Estate Broker License?
A broker license is a higher-level real estate credential that goes beyond what a salesperson license allows. While a salesperson must work under the supervision of a broker, a licensed broker has the authority to operate on their own terms.
Brokers serve as the legal backbone of every real estate office. They are responsible for the compliance, trust account management, and supervisory oversight of every agent working under their license.
License Requirements
What You Need at a Glance
The requirements for a real estate license follow a consistent structure across most states. While specific details like education hours and exam format vary, the core requirements are the same everywhere.
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We provide the pre-licensing education you need to meet the most important licensing requirement.
75 hours of live Zoom instruction from a licensed broker, evening schedule, state-approved curriculum (Approval #RE001089), and a 5.0★ Google rating from verified students.
Education Requirement
Do You Need a College Degree?
No. You do not need a college degree to get a real estate license. A high school diploma or GED is all that is required in the vast majority of states. Real estate is one of the few high-earning professions where your income is based on your effort and skill, not on the letters after your name.
A small number of states require some post-secondary coursework, but even in those cases, you do not need a full degree. The main educational requirement is the pre-licensing coursework, which is a separate requirement covered in the next section.
Pre-licensing Education Requirement
The Biggest Requirement Before the Exam
Pre-licensing education is the most time-intensive requirement in the licensing process. Every state requires you to complete a specific number of hours through a state-approved real estate school before you can register for the state licensing exam. The required hours range from 40 hours in some states to over 180 hours in others.
At Elite Real Estate Academy, the requirement is 75 hours, split into two courses:
- Real Estate Fundamentals (30 hours). Covers property ownership, contracts, agency law, fair housing, real estate financing, and property valuation. This is the legal and theoretical foundation.
- Real Estate Practice (45 hours). Covers listing presentations, buyer representation, negotiations, transaction management, closings, and professional ethics. This is where you learn the hands-on skills.
You can complete both courses through our 75-hour pre-licensing bundle ($500) or enroll in each course individually at $275 per course. All classes are taught live on Zoom on an evening weekday schedule (Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 5:30 to 8:30 PM). Visit our courses page for the full schedule.
We provide the pre-licensing education you need to meet the most important licensing requirement.
75 hours of live Zoom instruction from a licensed broker, evening schedule, state-approved curriculum (Approval #RE001089), and a 5.0★ Google rating from verified students.
Choosing Your Education Format
How You Complete Your Hours Matters
You have options for fulfilling the pre-licensing education requirement. The format you choose directly affects how well you learn and how prepared you feel on exam day.
- Self-paced online. Watch pre-recorded videos and complete quizzes on your own schedule. Flexible but isolating. No instructor interaction. High dropout rates.
- Live Zoom or livestream. Attend scheduled classes in real time with a live instructor. Ask questions, participate in discussions, and get immediate feedback. Combines classroom structure with at-home convenience.
- In-person classroom. Attend classes at a physical location. Face-to-face interaction with the instructor and classmates. Requires commuting.
Elite Real Estate Academy uses the live Zoom format. Our students tell us they chose this format because they wanted real instruction from a real person, the accountability of a fixed schedule, and the convenience of learning from home. Learn more on our why live instruction page.
State Licensing Exam Requirement
What the Exam Looks Like
After completing your pre-licensing education, you must pass a state licensing exam administered by a third-party testing company (most commonly Pearson VUE or PSI). The exam is your gateway to receiving your license.
- Format: Computer-based, multiple-choice, timed.
- Two sections: A national portion covering general real estate principles and a state-specific portion covering local laws and regulations.
- Passing score: 75% or higher in most states.
- Testing location: In-person at an approved testing centre.
- Retakes: Most states allow unlimited retakes after a 24 to 48-hour waiting period. The exam fee applies each time.
- National pass rate: 60 to 70% on the first attempt. Students from structured, instructor-led programs pass at higher rates.
Elite Real Estate Academy offers an 18-hour weekend exam prep refresher course ($225) and free practice questions on our website to help you prepare. Visit our exam prep page for details.
We provide the pre-licensing education you need to meet the most important licensing requirement.
75 hours of live Zoom instruction from a licensed broker, evening schedule, state-approved curriculum (Approval #RE001089), and a 5.0★ Google rating from verified students.
Background Check Requirement
Fingerprinting and Criminal History
Most states require a criminal background check and fingerprinting as part of the licensing process. This is processed through a state-approved vendor (such as IdentoGO or a similar service) and typically costs $40 to $100.
- Processing time: 2 to 4 weeks in most states. Submit early so results are ready when you need them.
- Criminal record: A record does not automatically disqualify you. Most state commissions evaluate each case individually based on the nature of the offence, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation.
- Recommendation: If you have concerns about your background, contact your state’s real estate commission directly before enrolling in coursework. Getting a definitive answer up front saves time and uncertainty.
Sponsoring Broker Requirement
You cannot practice without one
A sponsoring broker is a licensed real estate broker who supervises your work as a new agent. You cannot practise real estate with just a salesperson’s license. You must be affiliated with a brokerage before you can begin working with clients, writing offers, or earning commissions.
- What a sponsoring broker provides: Legal framework, office support, mentorship, technology tools, and often marketing resources and lead generation.
- When to start looking: Begin researching brokerages during your coursework so you can move quickly after passing the exam.
- Questions to ask: Commission split structure, training programmes for new agents, desk fees or monthly costs, office culture, and how much support they provide for lead generation.
- Choosing the right fit: The right brokerage can make or break your first year. Talk to multiple brokers before committing. Ask current agents at the office what their experience has been like.
Our director, Trent L. Pettus, holds broker licenses in three states and has deep connections in the real estate community. While Elite Real Estate Academy does not place students with specific brokers, Trent can offer guidance on what to look for and what questions to ask.
We provide the pre-licensing education you need to meet the most important licensing requirement.
75 hours of live Zoom instruction from a licensed broker, evening schedule, state-approved curriculum (Approval #RE001089), and a 5.0★ Google rating from verified students.
License Application Requirement
The Final Step
Once you have passed the state exam and completed your background check, the final step is submitting your license application to the state real estate commission along with the required fees.
- Application fee: Typically $50 to $200 depending on the state.
- Processing time: 2 to 4 weeks in most states.
- What you receive: Your official license number, which allows you to begin practising under your sponsoring broker.
- Online applications: Most states now allow you to submit your application and pay fees online through the commission’s licensing portal.
Continuing Education Requirement
After You Get Licensed
Your education does not stop once you receive your license. Most states require continuing education (CE) credits to renew your license every 2 to 4 years. The number of hours varies but typically ranges from 14 to 30 hours per renewal cycle.
CE courses cover updates to real estate law, ethics refreshers, fair housing changes, and new industry regulations. Missing your CE deadline can result in license suspension, which means you cannot legally practice until you catch up. Visit our continuing education page for more information.
We provide the pre-licensing education you need to meet the most important licensing requirement.
75 hours of live Zoom instruction from a licensed broker, evening schedule, state-approved curriculum (Approval #RE001089), and a 5.0★ Google rating from verified students.
Complete Requirements Checklist
Your Step-by-Step Checklist
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Why Students Trust Elite Real Estate Academy
Every class taught in real time by a licensed broker. No pre-recorded videos.
Trent L. Pettus holds broker licenses in three states. Learn from someone who has done what you aim to do.
Mon/Tue/Thu, 5:30 to 8:30 PM. Designed for working professionals.
Approval #RE001089. Your pre-licensing hours are fully accepted.
We prepare you for a career, not just a test. The broker path starts with a strong salesperson foundation.
Students praise the instruction, the format, and their exam readiness.
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Hear from our students
Frequently Asked Questions
License Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, complete your state’s required pre-licensing education hours, pass the state licensing exam, complete a background check, find a sponsoring broker, and submit a license application.
No. A high school diploma or GED is all you need. No college education is required in most states. Real estate is a profession where income is based on effort and skill, not academic credentials.
It depends on your state. Requirements range from 40 to 180 hours. At Elite Real Estate Academy, the requirement is 75 hours split between Real Estate Fundamentals (30 hours) and Real Estate Practice (45 hours).
Yes. Most states allow online education. At Elite Real Estate Academy, courses are live on Zoom, giving you real-time interaction with your instructor from the convenience of your home.
Computer-based, multiple-choice, with a national section and a state-specific section. Most states require a 75% passing score. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE or PSI at approved testing centres.
It depends on the offense. Most state commissions evaluate records individually. Minor offenses typically do not disqualify you. Contact your state’s real estate commission for a definitive answer before enrolling.
A licensed broker who supervises your work as a new agent. You cannot practice real estate without one. They provide your legal framework, office support, and professional mentorship.
8 to 12 weeks from enrollment to license in hand. Pre-licensing education takes 8 to 10 weeks at EREA, followed by the exam, background check, and application processing.
Between $500 and $1,500 when you include education, exam fees, background check, and application. At Elite Real Estate Academy, the 75-hour bundle is $500 with no hidden fees.
No. There is no upper age limit for getting a real estate license. Many successful agents start their careers in their 40s, 50s, and 60s.
Requirements vary by state. Some require US citizenship or permanent residency. Others allow anyone with legal authorization to work. Check with your state’s real estate commission.
You receive your license number from the state real estate commission and begin working under your sponsoring broker. You will also need to complete continuing education credits to renew your license every 2 to 4 years.
Ready To Start Meeting The Requirements?
The biggest requirement is your pre-licensing education, and that is exactly what Elite Real Estate Academy provides.
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