How to Become a Real Estate Agent in 2026: A 7-Step State-by-State Roadmap

Want to know how to become a real estate agent? You can earn your real estate license and start a lucrative real estate career in the real estate industry within 2–6 months, regardless of your background or location. Understanding what it takes to become a real estate professional and practice real estate is the first step toward a rewarding career. The licensing process varies by the state you live in, but follows similar principles nationwide.

Over 1.5 million active real estate agents operate across the U.S. under proven licensing pathways that remain consistent across all 50 states, and the process is far more straightforward than most people assume. Whether you want to get your real estate salesperson license or eventually become a licensed broker handling complex real estate transactions, this guide covers all the steps to become a successful agent.

This guide walks you through all 7 steps required to get licensed, reveals state-specific variations that matter, and shares insider tips for accelerating your first-year success. Whether your goal is to become a licensed real estate agent or eventually become a REALTOR® member, According to the National Association of REALTORS®, following a structured roadmap can reduce your licensing timeline by 30–50%.

Why the Timeline Matters: What Happens If You Skip This Roadmap

Aspiring agents waste $500–$2,000 on real estate courses misaligned with their state’s requirements, miss critical exam prep, and take 8–12 months instead of 2–6 months to get licensed, as noted by Redfin’s Agent Resources Guide. Becoming a licensed agent requires following specific state requirements carefully.

Home buyers and sellers hire agents without understanding their licensing journey, leaving them vulnerable to inexperienced practitioners who lack proper foundation training.

Real estate investors onboard team members without proper vetting, leading to compliance violations, missed commission opportunities, and reputational risk.

Each month without a license is a month of zero commissions; each month with an unprepared agent on your team is a month of lost deals.

The 7-Step Framework: Why It Works

The real estate licensing system protects consumers and maintains professional standards.

Each step, from prerequisite courses through broker affiliation, is designed to verify your legitimacy, ensure legal knowledge, test competency, and create accountability.

This isn’t arbitrary bureaucracy; it’s a safety net separating qualified professionals from fly-by-night operators. As explained in the Indeed Career Development Guide, understanding this framework is essential for long-term success.

When you understand the why behind each step, you also understand what to look for when evaluating an agent’s credentials or onboarding a team member.

Key principle: The faster you move through these steps, the faster you start earning, but rushing through education leaves gaps that cost you clients, commissions, and credibility in year one.

Step 1: Verify You Meet Basic License Requirements (1–2 Weeks)

Before investing in coursework, confirm your eligibility with your state real estate commission. Check state-specific license requirements to qualify for enrollment.

What you need:

• Minimum age: 18–19 years old (varies by state)
• High school diploma or GED
• U.S. citizenship or legal residency (required in most states)
• Valid government-issued ID for background check

Real-world example: Maria, 22, holds a GED and is a permanent resident. She verified her eligibility with New York’s Department of State (as outlined in the New York Real Estate Agent Guide) and learned she had no barriers to licensing. She moved forward with confidence, saving six weeks that other applicants wasted on ineligible coursework.

State-specific note: Some states like New York, California, and Florida have additional requirements, such as maintaining a physical office address or taking pre-licensing courses before applying. California real estate candidates must also register with the California Department of Real Estate (DRE), while other states have their own regulatory bodies. Check your state’s real estate commission website and local real estate board before booking your first course.

Step 2: Complete Required Real Estate Education (3–6 Weeks)

Every state has specific real estate education requirements, typically 60–180 hours of classroom instruction covering real estate law, property law, contracts, code of ethics, and market practices. To complete the required real estate qualifying education, you’ll need to finish all coursework and pass course exams. These real estate courses prepare you for the real estate exam and provide foundational knowledge for licensed real estate professionals. According to Workers World Today’s comprehensive guide, completing this education with focus and intention accelerates your timeline significantly.

Approved course providers: NAR (National Association of REALTORS®), state-specific real estate schools, and online platforms like Kaplan or The CE Shop.

Cost: $300–$800 depending on your state and provider.

Pro tip: Enroll in intensive, in-person courses if available. Online self-paced courses take longer because students procrastinate; classroom deadlines keep you moving.

Step 3: Pass the State Real Estate License Exam (1–2 Weeks Prep)

After completing pre-licensing education, you’re eligible to take your real estate license exam, often called the salesperson examination in many states. To pass the real estate exam successfully, you’ll face a 100–200 question test covering federal fair housing law, state-specific regulations, and real estate practices. This exam determines whether you can get your real estate license and begin working as a licensed real estate agent. You must pass the state exam before you can apply for a real estate salesperson licensing. Once you pass the real estate exam, your license will be issued by your state’s regulatory authority.

Pass rate: 50–70% on first attempt (varies by state). Many candidates take and pass the exam on the first try with proper preparation.

Exam cost: $50–$300 depending on your state.

Typical timeline: Register for exam → receive study materials → submit your application → take exam within 1–3 weeks.

Step 4: Join a Brokerage (1–2 Weeks)

Your real estate license alone doesn’t let you conduct transactions. Understanding the difference between a real estate agent and broker is crucial, you must work under a sponsoring real estate broker who holds a broker license and is authorized to supervise agents and salesperson-level licensees.

Most brokers provide:

• Office space and transaction support
• Commission splits (typically 50–80% for new agents)
• Training and mentorship
• MLS access
• Insurance and legal support

Step 5: Complete Broker-Specific Training (1–2 Weeks)

After affiliating with a brokerage, most require broker-specific training on their systems, compliance procedures, and company policies, typically 20–40 hours.

Step 6: Get Your License Officially Activated (1 Week)

After passing your exam and joining a brokerage, your broker submits your official license application to your state’s real estate commission. Processing typically takes 3–7 business days.

Once approved, your license is active, and you can legally represent buyers and sellers.

Step 7: Start Your First Marketing Push (Ongoing)

With your license in hand, your brokerage supports your launch with CRM tools, marketing templates, and lead-generation resources. But your success depends on immediate action.

First 30 days focus:

• Reach out to 100+ past contacts (classmates, former colleagues, neighbors)
• List your availability on MLS and brokerage websites
• Create social media profiles showcasing your new status
• Shadow 2–3 experienced agents on client meetings

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State-Specific Variations: What Changes by Location

While all 50 states follow the same general framework, timelines and specific requirements vary significantly.

Fast-track states (2–4 months total):

• Texas: 270 hours pre-licensing, straightforward exam to become a licensed real estate professional
• Florida: 63 hours education requirements, high-volume licensing environment
• Arizona: 90 hours, efficient approval process

Standard states (3–5 months):

• California real estate licensing: 135 hours education requirements, competitive exam, longer broker approval through the California Department of Real Estate. The process is one of the most rigorous programs nationally. Your license will be issued after broker approval.
• New York: 75 hours real estate education, strict broker vetting to become a licensed real estate agent
• Illinois: 75 hours, moderate timeline to take your real estate salesperson examination and pass the real estate licensing exam

Slower states (4–6 months):

• Massachusetts: 120 hours, limited course providers
• Vermont: 30 hours but very limited brokerage availability
• Hawaii: 120 hours, geographic isolation delays processing

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Common Mistakes That Cost Aspiring Agents Time and Money

1. Taking courses before verifying eligibility – Wastes $500+ on ineligible coursework
2. Choosing cheap online courses over intensive classroom training – Results in lower exam pass rates and 2–3 month delays
3. Waiting to join a brokerage until after exam results – Delays your first client conversations by weeks
4. Neglecting broker-specific training – Creates compliance issues and missed commission opportunities
5. Not building a pipeline during pre-licensing – Leads to zero income for 3–6 months after getting licensed

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Your Action Plan: Starting This Week

Week 1: Verify your eligibility with your state’s real estate commission (1–2 hours).

Week 2: Enroll in pre-licensing education and schedule your exam date (2 hours).

Week 3: Begin intensive coursework and identify 3–5 brokerages aligned with your goals (5–10 hours/week).

Week 4: Complete pre-licensing education, pass your exam, and submit your broker application (ongoing).

Month 2: Complete broker training and officially activate your license (intensive 1–2 weeks).

Month 3+: Launch your marketing push and start building your first-year client base (ongoing).

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Final Thoughts: Why This Roadmap Works

The 7-step framework isn’t designed to create barriers, it’s designed to create legitimate, protected transactions that benefit everyone: consumers get qualified real estate professionals, agents get legal authority and support, and brokers build profitable teams.

Following this roadmap, you can become a licensed real estate agent and start making your first commission within 2–6 months. Skipping steps or rushing through education costs you time, money, and credibility in your first year.

The agents who succeed aren’t those who cut corners, they’re the ones who move with intention, understanding the why behind each requirement, and building genuine expertise from day one.

Start this week. Your first deal is waiting.