If you want to become a real estate broker or a real estate salesperson, you will first need to obtain the appropriate license. This raises an important question: How long does it take to get a real estate license? The answer depends on a number of different factors. Though, generally, it takes less time than most people think. Here, our real estate exam prep team breaks down the key factors that impact how long it takes to get a real estate license.

Yes, You Can Get a Real Estate License in One Summer

It is possible to obtain a real estate license over the summer. While the amount of time it takes will depend, at least in part, on your individual circumstances, it most often takes between three months and six months to get a real estate license. If you are ready to put the time and effort in, you can put yourself on the path to getting a real estate license by Labor Day.

The Timeline Will Depend on Your Schedule — And Your State

The real estate agent licensing requirements are set on a state-by-state basis. Although they are broadly similar all across the country, it is important to have an understanding of the standards in your jurisdiction. Specifically, you need to know how many pre-licensure classes must be taken before you will be eligible to sit for the real estate exam.

For example, the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) notes that applicants are required to take at least three real estate courses and 135 credit hours in total before they can take the exam. On the other hand, the New York Division of Licensing Services states that applicants who are seeking to become a real estate salesperson must take at least 75 credit hours of approved courses and applicants seeking to become a real estate broker must take at least 120 credit hours of approved courses.


California and New York are just two of the most prominent examples. Every state has its own pre-licensure standards. In some jurisdictions, including in Texas, applicants are required to take more than 200 hours worth of credits before they can take the exam. On the other end of the spectrum, some states, including Kansas, only require a real estate salesperson to take 30 classroom hours.

Consider Your Ability To Take Classes

Remember, applicants are required to complete their classroom hours before they can sit for the official real estate exam. Whether it is realistic for you to get a real estate license this summer depends, in part, on if you have the time and energy needed to take and pass all of the required classes. Your personal schedule matters. It should be noted that if you have already taken real estate classes in college, you may have already satisfied some of the classroom requirements. Be sure to check before signing up for any more courses.

You Must Pass A Real Estate Examination

All states require applicants to pass an official examination to obtain a real estate license. To get a real estate license over the summer, you will need to pass your state’s exam. Should you fail the exam, it means that you may have to wait several months, or longer, to get another opportunity at the test. If you want to obtain a real estate license over this summer, it is crucial that you are properly prepared to take the exam.

A real estate exam is a challenging test. For the most part, these exams do not focus on intuitive concepts. In other words, the average person will not simply be able to sit down and pass their state’s real estate licensure exam. Passing the exam requires a careful review of the relevant prep materials. You need to study — and the best and most efficient way to study for the real estate exam is to use real practice tests and professionally organized study guides.

Get Access To The Best Real Estate Prep Materials Now

Are you ready to start the process to get a real estate license now? We are here to help. Real estate licensure exams are hard. In most states, approximately half of all test-takers fail. While this is a sobering statistic, you can pass the exam. More than 95 percent of our students pass. You do not need to spend an entire year studying. You can pass this summer. With our carefully curated real estate practice exams and test prep materials, you will pass on your first try. We offer a full money back guarantee. Don’t delay — get your free trial now.

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