Real estate education is an essential step towards obtaining a real estate license. The time it takes to complete the necessary requirements may vary depending on several factors. In this article, we will explore these factors and provide insights into the timelines for getting a real estate license in different states.
How You Complete Your Pre-License Course - Online Vs. In-Person
One important decision to make when pursuing a real estate license is whether to take the pre-license course online or in-person. Both options have their advantages, but the choice you make will impact the time it takes to fulfill the educational requirements.
In-person classes offered by real estate schools or local commissions are typically conducted over a semester. On the other hand, online courses, like those provided by Aceable, allow you to learn at your own pace and can be completed in a matter of weeks.
The State You Live In Makes A Difference
Each state has its own set of guidelines and regulations for issuing real estate licenses. This means that the process and timeframe for obtaining a salesperson or real estate broker license can vary significantly from one state to another.
One of the major differences between states is the required real estate pre-license courses. These courses are crucial for meeting the education requirements set by the state. The number of credit hours required and the content of the courses can differ from state to state.
For example, let's take a look at California and Florida. In Florida, aspiring real estate agents are required to complete 63 hours of training before taking the licensing exam. In California, however, the requirement is more than double that amount, with 135 hours of college-level courses.
This difference in educational requirements directly affects the time it takes to obtain a real estate license. In California, students must spend a minimum of 2 ½ weeks on each of the three required courses. This means that the fastest you can complete the coursework is around 7 ½ weeks.
On the other hand, in Florida, you can submit your Exam Application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation before completing your coursework. Assuming there are no errors in your application, you can finish your coursework within the three months it takes for the application to be approved.
Real Estate License Timing Comparison
To provide a clearer picture, let's compare the timelines for obtaining a real estate license in California and Florida.
In California, after completing the required courses, you must submit your Exam Application to the California Department of Real Estate. It typically takes the department 6-8 weeks to process applications. Once approved, you can schedule your exam, which usually takes place about a week later. Upon completion of the exam, you receive your results immediately. In total, it takes about 14.5 weeks to obtain a real estate license in California.
In Florida, you can submit your Exam Application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation before finishing your coursework. The department must approve or deny the application within 90 days. Assuming there are no errors in your application, you can complete your coursework within the three months it takes for the application to be approved. Following that, you can take the real estate exam, either online or in-person, and receive your license in as little as 12 weeks.
What states have the longest and shortest pre-licensing requirements?
While California and Florida provide examples of varying timelines, other states also differ in their pre-licensing requirements. Texas, for instance, requires the most hours of pre-licensing education - a total of 180 hours. This can take 6+ weeks or more, depending on whether you are studying full-time or part-time.
In contrast, Massachusetts and Michigan have the smallest education requirement, with only 40 hours needed to obtain a real estate license.
Understanding the specific requirements of the state you live in is crucial for planning and managing your timeline to becoming a licensed real estate agent.
Remember, the time it takes to get a real estate license can vary significantly depending on factors such as the state's requirements and the method of education. By being aware of these variables, you can better prepare yourself for the journey ahead.