Career roadmap
How to Become a Real Estate Agent
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as a real estate agent, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become a real estate agent: (1) check your state’s requirements, (2) complete pre-licensing education, (3) pass the state exam, (4) join a brokerage, (5) build your business. Most people need about 1–6 months (licensing). BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become a real estate agent
Check your state’s requirements
Find the required pre-licensing hours, age and background check rules.
Complete pre-licensing education
Take approved courses online or in person.
Pass the state exam
Exams cover national and state real estate law and practice.
Join a brokerage
Choose a broker that offers training, mentorship and leads.
Build your business
Develop a sphere of influence, marketing and a specialty niche.
Education and training requirements
A high school diploma is typical. Every state requires pre-licensing coursework (the number of hours varies widely), a licensing exam and association with a supervising broker. Continuing education is required to renew.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | None |
| On-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Typical training time | 1–6 months (licensing) |
Certifications and licenses
- State real estate salesperson license: Required in every state; issued after pre-licensing education and exam.
- Broker license: Allows you to work independently and supervise agents; requires experience and additional education.
- REALTOR® membership: Membership in the National Association of REALTORS®, which carries a code of ethics.
- Designations (ABR, SRS, CRS, GRI): Advanced training credentials in buyer representation, seller representation and more.
Skills to build now
Start with market analysis and pricing, contracts and negotiation, and mls and marketing tools, and practice relationship building and negotiation. Learning the real estate agent vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Licensed Agent: Help buyers and sellers under a broker.
- Team Lead or Specialist: Lead a team or specialize in luxury, commercial or investment property.
- Associate Broker: Earn a broker license and mentor agents.
- Managing Broker or Brokerage Owner: Run your own brokerage.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Real Estate Agent training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
How long does it take to get a real estate license?
It depends on the state’s required pre-licensing hours, often a few weeks to a few months, plus passing the exam.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent?
Most people need about 1–6 months (licensing) of training. A high school diploma is typical. Every state requires pre-licensing coursework (the number of hours varies widely), a licensing exam and association with a supervising broker. Continuing education is required to renew.
Do you need a degree to be a real estate agent?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
What certifications are available for real estate agents?
Common credentials include State real estate salesperson license, Broker license, REALTOR® membership, and Designations (ABR, SRS, CRS, GRI). All states require real estate agents to be licensed and to work under a licensed broker. Pre-licensing hours, exams and continuing education requirements vary by state.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 41-9022 (Real estate sales agents).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Real estate sales agents (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.