Go to USA. gov to find the official website for your state. Oftentimes, state real estate regulatory bodies are under the division of commerce, insurance, or business regulation. Feel free to visit your state’s regulatory body offices in person. You might learn more talking to someone than if you try to figure things out on the internet. [1] X Trustworthy Source USA. GOV Official website for the United States federal government Go to source

Real estate education courses can be completed in person or online, depending on the school that offers them. Courses generally take between 30 and 90 hours, depending on your state requirements. Courses are generally concluded with a course exam. This is different than the state real estate exam. The course exam is created to make sure you’ve done the work on the course and understand what you have learned.

Credit scores Risk management Foreclosures, short sales, real estate owned properties (REO) and real estate auctions Real estate ethics

Keep in mind that each state exam is different. Take practice exams only for the state in which you will be licensed.

Most states require either a 70% or 75% score to pass the exam. Exams are held in testing centers and generally take several hours. Many states allow you to retake the exam several times. You might be required to arrive up to 30 minutes before the exam begins. Make sure to bring photo ID. Your test results will, in many states, be automatically sent to the regulatory authority.

Make sure you have the appropriate forms. Contact the regulatory authority to make sure they’ve received the results of your test and your education completion. You’ll probably have to pay a license fee at this stage. The amount of time it takes the state to process your application will vary. Some states like Florida process applications almost instantly, while other states like Tennessee might take two weeks or longer.

You must be at least 18 years old. You must be a high school graduate. You must have a Social Security number. You must satisfactorily pass the state licensing examination in the state you want to work. (There is no such thing as a National real estate license. ) Generally, most states require you to take a real estate education course that familiarizes you with common practices and state laws that govern the real estate market. [3] X Research source

A real estate education course. This could range from $200 to $500 per course. Some states require multiple courses. A real estate exam fee. Real estate exam fees range from $30 to $120 depending on the state. Fingerprinting and a background screening. Fingerprinting and screening can cost between $30 and $60. State licensing fees. These fees can range from $10 to over $100. Errors and omissions insurance. This can range from $125 a year to much higher depending on coverage. Association or board dues. These fees can be anywhere from $300 a year to $1,000 or more. Some states, like Texas, require good standing on any student loans guaranteed by the state before you can obtain your license. MLS and electronic key charges. These fees can range from $25 a month to $100. [4] X Research source

Real estate sales agents can’t practice real estate on their own and must be supervised by a broker. In many places, a broker won’t accept you on unless you’ve joined the board or association to which they belong. This is often a requirement of many boards and associations. The broker is charged with supervising and overseeing all of their agent’s activities. [5] X Research source

Education courses that help you keep your license and expand your certification. A way to meet and build connections with other real estate sales agents. Access to the multiple listing system for the region. The multiple listing system is a system in which real estate sales agents post their listings with specifics and is often accessible only by other real estate sales agents. Access to electronic key systems that allow entry to homes. This is extremely important if you want to show a home to a customer/client. [6] X Research source

Realtors are bound by a specific code of conduct and ethics enforced by the NAR. Realtors have access to tools like the multiple listing system (MLS) and more than distinguish them from real estate sales agents. The term “Realtor” is a branded term that the NAR has worked hard to associate with honesty and integrity. [7] X Research source

Sign the independent contractor agreement with your broker. Shop around for a broker. Some firms and brokers charge their agents fees “desk fees” (a monthly fee to use their office and supplies). Some firms and brokers allow generous commission splits (for instance, you take 90% of the commission you earn, and they take 10%). In addition, the culture and interest level of brokers vary. Find a firm and broker you are comfortable working with. Maintain a good relationship with your broker, as he or she will be invaluable to your success. You’re not a real estate sales agent until you’ve signed on with a broker. You’re not a Realtor until you’ve signed on with a broker and your local association or board. [8] X Research source [9] X Research source

Complete education hours required by your state. These range from nine to 14 hours every year or two, though agents renewing for the first time may be required to complete up to 45 hours of courses. Complete education hours required by your local board or association. These range from none to 12 or more. Attend conferences and conventions. At conferences and conventions you’ll hear experienced Realtors talk and you’ll have the chance to attend workshops and courses that will benefit you immensely. [11] X Research source