How to Get a Real Estate Agent License

Real estate agents hold professional trade licenses.

More than 153,700 people worked as real estate agents in 2010, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the agency estimates an increase of 16 percent in the number of agents by 2018. Employment as a real estate agent requires a license to work in all states. While each state determines the qualification and certification process to earning a real estate license, all states requires a base standard of education, testing and official license application. Realtors must also work under the supervision of a licensed real estate brokers in all states.

Instructions

1. Enroll in an accredited real estate study program recognized by the state department of real estate or office regulating professional licenses and pass content-area exams for the required courses. Each state requires completion of set education courses and satisfactory completion of a real estate exam before issuing a state real estate license. The exact courses differ by state, but the general topics covered by instruction include real estate contracts, disclosures, financing, state real estate laws and business principles. Community colleges, universities and private real estate schools all offer these courses both online and in brick-and-mortar locations around the state. Course fees range in price with the type of training and the length of the classes. Some programs include the cost of the state exam incorporated at the end of the final course.

2. Complete the state licensing application forms. Obtain a copy of the state licensing application from the state agency regulating professional licenses or from the department of real estate. Some states, including California, allow applicants to download the forms from the agency's website. Complete the form and attach a copy of real estate school certification indicating course work and a passing test score on the mandatory final comprehensive exam.

3. Have fingerprints taken and make a copy of your state-issued identification card or driver's license. States use these items to confirm your identity and also as a reference point to check your criminal justice record. Records must be clear from any convictions. States exclude license applicants with convictions for certain crimes, including real estate fraud or banking irregularities. Criminal checks involve activities in all states, not simply the state investigating for licensing.

4. File completed applications, testing certifications and a fingerprint card with a certified check to pay state licensing fees. Send paperwork and required documents to the address listed on the licensing application. Some states accept applications at other county or local offices. Consult the official application for specific locations. If mailing the application, send the forms via registered mail to ensure sale arrival.

5. Locate a broker to work as your broker of record, and file your license with the broker to work with the real estate agency. Licensed real estate agents operate under the supervision of a broker of record. This broker guides and approves the actions of the real estate agents in the office. All states mandate agents work under a broker.

References

• "Become a Real Estate Agent"; Pamela Gray and Jennifer James; 2007
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition; Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents
• BLS: Real Estate Agent
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2010; Real Estate Sales Agents

Resources

• CA.GOV: Examinees/New License Applicants
• TREC: How to Become a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
• IN.gov: License Applications; Salesperson
• Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation: Licensing Requirements
• Arizona Department of Real Estate: Obtaining a License