Understanding the Duration and Process of Real Estate Courses: What to Expect

By Victoria NguyenLast Updated July 30, 2025

Introduction: Setting Expectations for Real Estate Course Duration

For those aspiring to become real estate agents or brokers, understanding how long a real estate course takes is crucial for planning your career path. The timeline to complete real estate education varies depending on your location, chosen program format, and your pace. This article provides a comprehensive look at average course lengths, state-specific requirements, and practical steps to begin your journey.

How Long Is the Typical Real Estate Course?

The duration of real estate courses can range from a few weeks to several months. Pre-licensing education is generally required before you can sit for a real estate license exam. The number of required hours is set by state regulatory agencies, and completion times depend on whether you pursue courses online or in person.

For example, completing a real estate pre-licensing course online may take as little as 8 weeks , while traditional classroom courses often span 4-6 months . Flexibility in scheduling, course format, and your own availability can shorten or lengthen this timeframe. You do not need a bachelor’s degree; in most states, a high school diploma or equivalent is sufficient to begin [1] .

State-by-State Real Estate Course Requirements

Because real estate licensing is regulated at the state level, requirements differ significantly. Below are examples from several states:

Texas

Texas requires 180 hours of pre-licensing education for sales agents, divided into six qualifying real estate courses. Once licensed, agents must complete an additional 98 hours of Sales Agent Apprentice Education (SAE) and other continuing education for renewal. Broker applicants must complete 270 hours of qualifying education, plus 630 elective hours in related courses or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college [2] .

Minnesota

In Minnesota, aspiring salespersons must complete three 30-hour education courses (Course I, II, and III) for a total of 90 hours . Course I must be completed before taking the licensing examination, and Courses II and III are required before applying for the license. You must confirm that your course provider is approved by the Minnesota Department of Commerce [3] .

South Dakota

South Dakota mandates 24 hours of continuing education every two years for brokers, broker associates, and property managers. Specialized agents such as residential rental agents and home inspectors have different hour requirements and subject areas. All courses must be approved by the South Dakota Real Estate Commission [4] .

Iowa

To obtain a broker license in Iowa, candidates must have 24 months of active salesperson experience and complete 60 hours of broker pre-license education within the two years preceding the exam. The curriculum covers contract law, appraising, finance, ethics, technology, and more. Both state and national licensing exams are required, and criminal history checks are standard [5] .

Online vs. In-Person Real Estate Courses

Choosing between online and in-person courses can impact completion time. Online programs often allow for self-paced learning, which means motivated students may finish faster-sometimes in as little as two months. Classroom-based courses follow a fixed schedule and may take longer, especially if classes are offered only on weekends or evenings.

Many states accept both online and in-person education as long as the provider is approved. If you need flexibility, verify that your state’s licensing board allows online coursework before enrolling.

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Real Estate Course

Check State Requirements: Begin by researching your state’s official real estate commission or licensing board. Requirements for education hours, course content, and approved providers are published on these sites. If links are unavailable, search for your state’s real estate commission using official government channels.
Select an Approved Course Provider: Confirm that your chosen school is accredited and recognized by your state authority. Most state commission websites list approved providers and courses. For Minnesota, use the “Approved Provider/Course Inquiry” tool as described in their official licensing guide [3] .
Register and Complete Coursework: Enroll in the required courses. Track your progress and ensure you complete all mandatory hours. Online platforms typically allow you to monitor your completion rate.
Prepare for the Licensing Exam: After finishing your coursework, study for the state exam. Many providers offer exam prep materials and practice tests tailored to state requirements.
Apply for Licensure: Once you pass the exam, submit your application to your state’s real estate commission. This process may involve background checks, proof of education, and fee payments.
Meet Any Apprenticeship or Continuing Education Requirements: Some states require additional education or supervised experience after initial licensure, such as Texas’s Sales Agent Apprentice Education program [2] .

Factors Influencing Completion Time

The time required to complete a real estate course is influenced by:

State-mandated education hours
Course format (online vs. classroom)
Scheduling options (full-time, part-time, evenings, weekends)
Your personal availability and pace
Additional apprenticeship or post-licensing education

Some students complete their courses rapidly through intensive study, while others pace themselves over months to fit education around work or family commitments.

Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: Balancing coursework with other responsibilities can be difficult. Solution: Choose flexible online programs and create a study schedule that fits your lifestyle. Communicate with your course provider for support and resources.

Challenge: Navigating state-specific requirements and finding approved providers. Solution: Always start with your state’s official real estate commission website or government portal. If unsure, contact them directly by phone or email for guidance.

Alternative Pathways and Additional Considerations

Some states offer credit for college degrees, related professional experience, or reciprocity for agents licensed in other states. Investigate whether you qualify for reduced education hours or expedited pathways by reviewing state policies on official websites.

Continuing education is required for license renewal in most states, so plan for ongoing learning throughout your career. Specialized fields like property management, auctioneering, or home inspection may have separate requirements.

How to Access Real Estate Courses and Licensing Resources

To access real estate courses and begin your licensing process, you can:

Search for your state’s real estate commission or licensing board through official government channels.
Review approved course providers and curricula on state websites.
Contact providers directly for enrollment guidance, costs, and schedules.
If you require additional information, call or email the commission for step-by-step assistance.

Key Takeaways

The length of a real estate course depends on state requirements, course format, and personal pace. Most students can expect to spend from several weeks to several months completing mandatory education before licensing. Always verify requirements and approved providers with your state’s official real estate commission to ensure compliance and accelerate your journey into real estate.