Requirements to Become a Real Estate Agent

To become a real estate agent, the person must be licensed through the state's real estate department where she will be doing business. If the individual has a criminal background, this may prevent him from obtaining a real estate license. A real estate agent is typically called a real estate sales licensee. After the agent gains experience, he can work towards obtaining a broker's license.

School

Attend a state approved real estate school and pass the course. Generally, the requirement is 90 hours of class hours, but this can vary by state.

Federal Test

Visit a testing center approved by the state's real estate department and and pass the federal real estate exam. This is the same test for all states in the United States.

State Test

Visit a testing center approved by the state's real estate department. There you will need to take and pass the state real estate exam. This test is different for each state.

Background

Applicants must get fingerprinted by an agency approved by the state, and pass a background check.

Application

Complete an application with the state's real estate department, and pay the applicable fee.