Classes to Become a Real Estate Agent: Essential Courses for Licensing
Are you curious about the required courses to pursue a career as a real estate agent? The specific classes you need can vary depending on the state you plan to work in. It may require some research to determine the exact courses required, but based on our experience, here are the most common courses taken by agents. If you want to conduct your own research on real estate license requirements for your state, we can assist you with that as well.
The courses necessary to become a real estate agent can be categorized into four main areas:
1. Pre-licensing classes
2. Exam preparation classes
3. Post-licensing classes
4. Continuing Education classes
1. Pre-licensing courses to take before you become an agent
You’ll want to start your journey to becoming a real estate agent with classes from an accredited real estate licensing school — which is the first thing to focus on when trying to determine “what are the classes I need?” To become a real estate agent, you must take the pre-licensing course no matter what state you live in.
The course topics and hours will vary from state to state — but you can research your state’s requirements here by clicking “select your state” from the drop-down menu and then “continue.” You can also follow a link to your state’s requirements below to see a full drop-down menu of the education you’ll need.
- Alabama real estate license requirements — 60-hour pre-licensing course
- Arkansas real estate license requirements — 60-hour pre-licensing course
- California real estate license requirements — Required 45-hour courses in principles and practices in addition to electives in finance, appraisal, legal aspects, property management, economics and office administration
- Colorado real estate license requirements — 168 hours in pre-licensing courses
- Florida real estate license requirements — 63-hour pre-licensing course
- Georgia real estate license requirements — 75-hour pre-licensing course
- Illinois real estate license requirements — 90-hour pre-licensing course
- Indiana real esetate license requirements — 90-hour pre-licensing course
- Iowa real estate license requirements — 60-hour pre-licensing course
- Kansas real estate license requirements — 30-hour principles of real estate course and 30-hour Kansas practice course
- Kentucky real estate license requirements — 96-hour pre-licensing course
- Louisiana real estate license requirements — 90-hour pre-licensing course
- Michigan real estate license requirements — 40-hour pre-licensing course
- Minnesota real estate license requirements — 90-hour pre-licensing course
- Mississippi real estate license requirements — 60-hour pre-licensing course
- Missouri real estate license requirements — There are three different education routes requiring various courses
- Montana real estate license requirements — 60-hour pre-licensing course
- Nevada real estate license requirements — 90-hour pre-licensing course
- New York real estate license requirements — 75-hour pre-licensing course
- Oklahoma real estate license requirements — 90-hour pre-licensing course
- Pennsylvania real estate license requirements — 30-hour real estate fundamentals course and 30-hour real estate practice course
- Texas real estate license requirements — 180-hour pre-licensing course
- Virginia real estate license requirements — 60-hour pre-licenseing course
You can choose to take your course in class or online. After you complete the course make sure you get a certificate of completion or your official transcripts — whichever your school regularly provides. You’ll need these for your real estate license application.
2. Exam preparation courses
Before you head to the testing center to take your licensing exam, many people find it helpful to take an exam preparation class. While the pre-licensing courses satisfy your state’s requirements, an exam preparation course will help you study specific material that will be on your test.
When searching for the right exam preparation course, look for one that offers a money-back guarantee if you don’t pass your licensing exam.
3. Post-licensing courses
Some states require you to take additional classes within months of obtaining your license that will prepare you for your first license renewal. These courses typically help you understand new laws and regulations in real estate and assist with your business planning. When you check your state’s full real estate license requirements there should also be a note about post-licensing courses if they’re required where you live.
4. Continuing education courses
Each state has different rules about the amount of continuing education classes required for reach real estate agent, but it’s important to know that you’ll most likely have to factor in some continuing education each year. So when you’re wondering “what are the classes I need to become a real estate agent?” know that your education goes beyond just getting licensed. To continue in your real estate career you’ll constantly need to be upgrading your knowledge and skills.
