What is Needed to Become a Real Estate Broker?

You must gain experience as a real estate agent before becoming a broker.

Real estate brokers help people buy and sell houses. Brokers can operate their own business and work independently, while agents must work under brokers. Along with the freedom, brokers gain extra liability.

Experience

Brokers must generally work first as real estate agents. The number of years required varies by state, but generally ranges from one to three years. Some states allow prospective brokers with bachelor's degrees in real estate to earn the designation without experience.

Education

Broker candidates must take anywhere from 60 to 90 hours of classroom education beyond the education required of real estate agents. The number of classroom hours depends on state requirements. Brokers must also hold high school diplomas.

Test

Broker candidates must pass a test that has questions about state and national real estate laws. The test prospective brokers must pass typically involves more detailed questions than the one required of real estate agent candidates.

References

• United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics: Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents