All 50 States

How to Get a Real Estate License

State-by-state guides with pre-licensing education requirements, exam details, continuing education, reciprocity agreements, and step-by-step instructions for launching your real estate career.

40–180

Pre-License Hours (varies by state)

$200–$1,000

Typical Total Licensing Cost

2–6 months

Average Timeline to Get Licensed

Licensing Requirements by State

State	Pre-License Hours	Exam	CE Hours	Min Age
Alabama	60 hours	PSI	15 hours / every 2 years	19	Guide
Alaska	40 hours	PSI	20 hours / every 2 years	19	Guide
Arizona	90 hours	Pearson VUE	24 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
Arkansas	60 hours	Pearson VUE	6 hours / annually	18	Guide
California	135 hours	DRE	45 hours / every 4 years	18	Guide
Colorado	168 hours	PSI	24 hours / every 3 years	18	Guide
Connecticut	60 hours	PSI	12 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
Delaware	99 hours	PSI	21 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
Florida	63 hours	Pearson VUE	14 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
Georgia	75 hours	AMP/PSI	36 hours / every 4 years	18	Guide
Hawaii	60 hours	Pearson VUE	20 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
Idaho	90 hours	Pearson VUE	18 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
Illinois	90 hours	PSI	12 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
Indiana	90 hours	PSI	12 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
Iowa	60 hours	PSI	36 hours / every 3 years	18	Guide
Kansas	60 hours	Pearson VUE	12 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
Kentucky	96 hours	PSI	6 hours / annually	18	Guide
Louisiana	90 hours	PSI	12 hours / annually	18	Guide
Maine	55 hours	PSI	21 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
Maryland	60 hours	PSI	15 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
Massachusetts	40 hours	PSI	12 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
Michigan	40 hours	PSI	18 hours / every 3 years	18	Guide
Minnesota	90 hours	Pearson VUE	30 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
Mississippi	60 hours	PSI	16 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
Missouri	72 hours	PSI	12 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
Montana	60 hours	AMP	24 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
Nebraska	66 hours	PSI	18 hours / every 2 years	19	Guide
Nevada	120 hours	Pearson VUE	24 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
New Hampshire	40 hours	PSI	15 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
New Jersey	75 hours	PSI	12 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
New Mexico	90 hours	PSI	36 hours / every 3 years	18	Guide
New York	77 hours	Department of State	22.5 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
North Carolina	75 hours	AMP/PSI	8 hours / annually	18	Guide
North Dakota	45 hours	Pearson VUE	9 hours / annually	18	Guide
Ohio	120 hours	PSI	30 hours / every 3 years	18	Guide
Oklahoma	90 hours	Pearson VUE	21 hours / every 3 years	18	Guide
Oregon	150 hours	Pearson VUE	30 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
Pennsylvania	75 hours	PSI	14 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
Rhode Island	45 hours	PSI	24 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
South Carolina	90 hours	PSI	10 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
South Dakota	116 hours	Pearson VUE	24 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
Tennessee	60 hours	PSI	16 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
Texas	180 hours	Pearson VUE	18 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
Utah	120 hours	Pearson VUE	18 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
Vermont	40 hours	PSI	24 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
Virginia	60 hours	PSI	16 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
Washington	90 hours	PSI	30 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
West Virginia	90 hours	PSI	7 hours / annually	18	Guide
Wisconsin	72 hours	Pearson VUE	18 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide
Wyoming	54 hours	AMP	18 hours / every 2 years	18	Guide

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Real Estate License FAQ

How long does it take to get a real estate license?+

Timelines range from 2 to 6 months depending on the state. Texas requires 180 hours of pre-license education, while some states need only 40 hours. After coursework, you must pass the state exam — most states use PSI or Pearson VUE testing centers.

How much does a real estate license cost?+

Total costs typically fall between $200 and $1,000 including pre-license courses, exam fees, background check, and the initial license application. Online courses from providers like Kaplan and Colibri are often the cheapest option.

Can I use my license in another state?+

Some states offer reciprocity or portability agreements. For example, Colorado has cooperative agreements with 10+ states. However, most states require at least a state-specific law exam. Full license portability varies — check each state's real estate commission for current agreements.

What is the pass rate for real estate exams?+

National first-attempt pass rates average around 50-60%. States with longer pre-license requirements (like Texas at 180 hours) tend to have higher pass rates than states with shorter coursework. Taking a prep course can boost your odds significantly.

How to Get a Real Estate License

Licensing Requirements by State

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