How to Get a Realtor License

The real estate field is a career that offers many varied opportunities. You can work in residential real estate, selling houses. Or, you can work in the commercial field, selling building complexes, strip-malls or high-rise offices. You can also do a combination of both fields.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Understand the difference between a real-estate agent and a Realtor. Both must be licensed. But a Realtor is affiliated with the National Association of Realtors, whereas a real-estate agent is not. The course-work, training and exams are the same for both. The Realtor has gone a step further in gaining this service mark by joining the NAR and being sworn in at a recognition ceremony.

2. Take an accredited real estate course in order to get a Realtor license. Contact your local Real Estate Commission to obtain a list of real estate schools in your area. You can also go online and find real estate schools. Make sure the school you choose is accredited, though. Not all are and the Real Estate Commission requires accredited coursework.

3. Know that you can take the real estate course online. It requires 70 hours of coursework and you can work at your own pace. Some people do quite well working alone on the computer, while others find it easier to take the course in a live classroom. Most school classes offer both day and evening hours. It usually takes 6 to 8 weeks to complete the course attending classes.

4. Finish your coursework and go to the school site to take your final exam. You must achieve a minimum score of 75% in order to pass the school exam. You are allowed two attempts. If you fail the exam twice, you must repeat the entire course.

5. Register to state the State Real Estate Board Exam once you have passed your school exam. There will be a fee to pay for taking this exam. Most schools offer a "cram course" over a weekend in order to prepare for the State Board. It's highly recommended that you take advantage of any cram course available in order to get a Realtor license.

6. Get a good night's rest before the State Board Exam. You are allowed 4 hours to complete the exam. Again, you must achieve a score of at least 75% in order to pass. If you fail, you can take the exam again as many times as you like. However, you must pay the exam fee each time.

Tips & Warnings

• Unless you are a genius, prepare to study hard to get a Realtor license. The real estate course is not easy.
• Prepare to present a clean Criminal Background Check to the licensing center after you pass your State Board Exam. This can be obtained from your local sheriff's department.

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