The education requirements to become a real estate agent vary by state. Some states require a high school diploma or equivalent, while others require some college experience or a bachelor's degree. In addition, all states require agents to complete pre-licensing courses and pass a licensing exam.
Pre-licensing Courses
Pre-licensing courses cover a variety of topics, including real estate law, contracts, financing, appraisal, and ethics. The number of hours required for pre-licensing courses varies from state to state. Some states require as few as 30 hours of coursework, while others require over 90 hours.
Licensing Exam
After completing pre-licensing courses, agents must pass a licensing exam in order to practice real estate. The licensing exam covers the same topics as the pre-licensing courses. Each state has its own licensing exam, but most exams are based on a national standardized exam.
Continuing Education
Once licensed, agents are required to complete continuing education courses in order to maintain their license. Continuing education courses cover a variety of topics, including new laws, regulations, and market trends. The number of hours required for continuing education varies from state to state. Some states require as few as 8 hours of continuing education per year, while others require over 30 hours.
Additional Education
In addition to these educational requirements, some real estate agents choose to pursue additional education or training. This can include completing a bachelor's degree in real estate or taking specialized courses in specific areas of real estate, such as commercial real estate or property management.
Choosing a Real Estate School
When choosing a real estate school, there are a few things to consider. Make sure the school is accredited by an approved accrediting organization. You should also consider the program's reputation and the number of hours required for pre-licensing courses. Additionally, you should be able to find detailed information published about licensing exam pass rates from the institution itself (which you can cross-reference with third-party data). Finally, make sure the school offers convenient class times and locations.