When I first considered becoming a real estate agent, one of the biggest questions I had was: how long is real estate school for? The answer isn’t as simple as a single number—it depends on where you live, how you study, and how motivated you are to finish.
If you’re thinking about getting your real estate license, this guide breaks down everything you need to know—from average timelines and state requirements to the steps after you complete your course.
Understanding How Real Estate School Works
Real estate school is the first official step toward earning your license. You’ll complete pre-licensing education, which covers property law, ethics, real estate principles, and contracts.
The goal isn’t just to pass an exam—it’s to prepare you for the realities of managing listings, clients, and legal paperwork in the real world. Every state has its own licensing authority that decides how many education hours you must complete before taking your exam.
While this might sound daunting, the good news is that most students finish faster than they expect—especially with online options available today.
How Long Is Real Estate School For on Average?
On average, real estate school takes four to six months to complete for most students. But depending on your state’s requirements and your study pace, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what typically affects your timeline:
| Factor | How It Impacts Duration | Estimated Timeframe |
| State Education Hours | Each state sets required pre-licensing hours (e.g., 63 in Florida, 135 in California). | 1–4 months |
| Course Format | Online courses are self-paced; classroom courses follow set schedules. | 2 weeks–6 months |
| Study Speed | Full-time students finish faster; part-time learners may take longer. | 1–6 months |
| Exam Scheduling | State exams are offered weekly or monthly, depending on location. | Add 2–6 weeks |
| Background Check & License Application | Administrative steps after the exam add extra time. | Add 2–4 weeks |
So while the educational portion might be as short as a month, the entire process (including exams and applications) often takes three to seven months from start to finish.
Step-by-Step: From Real Estate School to License in Hand
1. Enroll in a Pre-Licensing Course
Each state requires you to complete a pre-licensing education program from an approved provider. These range from 63 hours (Florida) to 180 hours (Texas). You can complete them online or in-person, depending on your learning style and schedule.
2. Pass the Course Final Exam
Before you can move on to the state exam, you’ll need to pass your course’s internal final. Most schools allow multiple attempts.
3. Schedule and Pass the State Licensing Exam
This test assesses your knowledge of both national and state-specific real estate laws and practices. Some states offer the test daily, while others have fixed monthly dates—this scheduling gap can add time.
4. Submit Your License Application
Once you pass, submit your application, fees, and background check to your state’s real estate commission. Processing times vary—some approvals take days, while others take several weeks.
5. Join a Brokerage and Start Practicing
Finally, you’ll activate your license under a sponsoring broker and officially begin your real estate career.
How State Requirements Influence the Length of Real Estate School
State laws play the biggest role in determining how long a real estate school is for aspiring agents. Some states only require 60–70 hours of coursework, while others require more than double.
Here’s a look at a few popular states for comparison:
| State | Required Hours | Average Completion Time | Notes |
| California | 135 hours | 3–5 months | Can be done online; flexible pacing available. |
| Texas | 180 hours | 4–6 months | Longest requirement; multiple course modules. |
| Florida | 63 hours | 2–3 months | Fastest route for full-time students. |
| New York | 77 hours | 2–4 months | Can combine with exam prep course for speed. |
| Illinois | 75 hours | 2–4 months | In-person classes often run evenings or weekends. |
If you’re eager to get licensed fast, choosing an online course in a low-hour state (like Florida or New York) can significantly reduce your total time.
Online vs. In-Person: Which Is Faster?
If you’re trying to minimize your timeline, online courses are generally the quickest route. They allow you to move at your own pace, review lessons anytime, and even study on weekends or evenings.
In-person classes, on the other hand, follow fixed schedules—often two or three sessions per week. This structure helps some students stay accountable but usually takes longer overall.
Pros of Online Learning
- Flexible scheduling—study anytime, anywhere
- Self-paced progress (finish in weeks if motivated)
- Often less expensive than classroom options
Pros of In-Person Learning
- Real-time instructor feedback
- Networking with other future agents
- Structured environment for steady progress
Ultimately, the best format depends on your learning style and lifestyle—but if speed is your priority, go online.
How to Finish Real Estate School Faster
Many students ask how to complete real estate school faster without cutting corners. Here are practical tips that work:
- Study full-time if possible. Dedicate a few hours daily instead of spreading lessons out for months.
- Set a clear schedule. Treat your course like a job—create deadlines and stick to them.
- Choose a self-paced online program. Platforms like Colibri Real Estate or Kaplan let you progress at your own speed.
- Prepare for the state exam early. Start reviewing exam materials before you finish your coursework.
- Book your exam and background check right away. Avoid unnecessary delays between steps.
With discipline, you could complete your course and licensing process in as little as six to eight weeks.
After School: What Happens Next?
Even after you’ve completed your education, your journey isn’t over. You’ll still need to:
- Pass the licensing exam
- Submit your application to your state board
- Find a sponsoring brokerage to activate your license
The exam and application steps often take an additional four to six weeks, depending on testing center availability and state processing times.
This is why most experts recommend budgeting at least three to six months total from enrollment to receiving your active license.
FAQs About How Long Real Estate School Takes
1. Can I complete real estate school in one month?
Yes, it’s possible in some states—especially with online, self-paced courses. If you dedicate full-time hours and live in a state with lower hour requirements (like Florida), you can finish in as little as 3–4 weeks.
2. What’s the longest real estate school timeline?
States like Texas and California have extensive education requirements (135–180 hours). For part-time learners, this process can take five to seven months from start to finish.
3. Is the course harder online or in person?
The material is the same, but online courses require self-discipline. In-person programs offer more structure, which some students prefer.
4. How much does real estate school cost?
Expect to pay between $300 and $900, depending on your state and provider. Online courses tend to be more affordable.
5. Do I need a college degree to attend?
No. You only need a high school diploma or equivalent to enroll in real estate school.
Wrapping Up: Your Real Estate Career Starts Here
So, how long is real estate school for? While it varies by state and study style, the average student completes the education portion in four to six months—and the entire licensing process within three to seven months total.
The key takeaway is that you control your pace. Choose an accredited program that fits your schedule, stay consistent, and you could be helping clients close their dream deals before the year is over.
Your real estate journey begins with one simple step—enroll, commit, and move steadily toward that license.
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