Get a License
While specific requirements vary slightly from state to state, obtaining a real estate license follows a nearly identical, standardized framework across the U.S.
Get a License
While specific requirements vary slightly from state to state, obtaining a real estate license follows a nearly identical, standardized framework across the U.S.
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how the process works nationwide and who to contact;
Age: You must be at least 18 years old (some states require you to be 19).
Residency & Citizenship: Most states do not require you to be a resident of the state where you are applying, but you must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident with a valid Social Security Number.
Background Check: You must pass a criminal background check and submit fingerprint cards. Major convictions or felonies can affect your eligibility depending on the state and the nature of the offense.
Coursework: You will study core topics like real estate principles, practices, property law, contracts, agency relationships, and basic finance.
Credit Hours: Depending on the state, requirements range anywhere from 40 to 180+ hours. For example, California requires 135 hours, while some states require significantly less.
Format: The exam is typically multiple-choice and split into two sections: National (general real estate laws and principles) and State-Specific (laws unique to that state).
Passing Score: You usually need a score of 70% to 75% or higher to pass.
Application: Submit your passing exam score, proof of education completion, background check/fingerprints, and state application fees to the state’s Department of Real Estate (or equivalent licensing agency).
Broker Sponsorship: In almost every state, an active real estate salesperson or broker must be associated with (or "sponsored by") an established brokerage before the state will issue an active license.
Join the team: Once the state processes your application and links your license to your sponsoring brokerage (such as Premier Agent Network), you are officially licensed and ready to start representing buyers, sellers, or scaling your real estate career.