How Long Does It Take to Complete a Real Estate Course?

If you’re considering a career in real estate or looking to expand your professional skills, one of the first questions you might ask is, “How long is a real estate course?” Understanding the time commitment involved can help you plan your journey more effectively and set realistic expectations. Whether you’re eager to jump into the market or simply exploring your options, knowing the typical duration of these courses is a crucial starting point.

Real estate courses vary widely depending on the state requirements, the type of license you’re pursuing, and the format of the program itself. Some courses are designed to be completed quickly, offering accelerated paths for motivated learners, while others provide a more comprehensive, paced approach. This variability means that the length of a real estate course can differ significantly from one individual to another.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the factors that influence course duration, the typical timeframes you can expect, and how to choose the right program based on your personal schedule and career goals. By gaining a clear understanding of these elements, you’ll be better equipped to embark on your real estate education with confidence and clarity.

Typical Duration of Real Estate Pre-Licensing Courses

The length of a real estate course varies significantly depending on the state requirements and the educational provider. Most states mandate a specific number of classroom or online hours that must be completed before a candidate is eligible to sit for the real estate licensing exam. These pre-licensing courses are designed to cover essential topics such as property law, real estate principles, contracts, finance, and ethics.

On average, real estate pre-licensing courses range from 60 to 180 hours. For example:

Some states require as few as 60 hours of coursework.
Others, particularly those with more stringent licensing criteria, may require up to 180 hours.
Courses can be completed in a few weeks if taken full-time, or several months if done part-time.

The mode of delivery also influences the overall duration. Online courses often allow students to progress at their own pace, potentially reducing the time needed to complete the program, whereas in-person classes follow a fixed schedule.

Factors Affecting Course Length

Several variables impact how long a real estate course will take to complete:

State Licensing Requirements: Each state sets its own minimum hours, which can differ widely.
Course Format: Online self-paced courses offer flexibility, while traditional classroom settings have set times.
Student Availability: Those balancing work or family commitments may take longer to finish.
Course Content Depth: Some courses include additional modules, such as exam prep or continuing education credits.
Provider Differences: Accredited real estate schools may have different pacing and curriculum organization.

Understanding these factors helps prospective real estate professionals plan their studies effectively and choose a program that fits their schedule.

Comparison of Real Estate Course Lengths by State

The table below illustrates typical required course hours for pre-licensing in various states, highlighting the diversity in requirements:

State	Pre-Licensing Hours Required	Course Format Options
California	135 hours	Online, In-person
Texas	180 hours	Online, In-person
Florida	63 hours	Online, In-person
New York	75 hours	Online, In-person
Illinois	75 hours	Online, In-person

This variation underscores the importance of checking specific state regulations before enrolling in a course.

Typical Structure and Time Commitment

Real estate courses are commonly divided into multiple modules or classes, each focusing on distinct subject areas. Students often need to complete quizzes and assignments to demonstrate comprehension.

A typical course might include:

Real Estate Principles and Practices
Property Ownership and Land Use Controls
Real Estate Finance
Contracts and Agency Law
Real Estate Math
Ethical and Professional Standards

Time commitment can vary, but a general guideline is:

Part-time study: 8–12 hours per week, typically completed in 2 to 4 months.
Full-time study: 20–30 hours per week, often finished in 3 to 6 weeks.

Many providers also offer evening and weekend classes to accommodate working professionals.

Continuing Education and Additional Training

After completing the initial pre-licensing course and passing the licensing exam, real estate agents must often fulfill continuing education (CE) requirements to maintain their license. These CE courses are shorter but recurring, typically requiring:

12 to 30 hours of education every 1 to 2 years depending on the state.
Specific topics such as legal updates, ethics, and specialized real estate practices.

While CE courses are not part of the initial licensing course length, they represent an ongoing time commitment in a real estate professional’s career.

Summary of Key Points on Course Duration

Course length varies by state, typically between 60 and 180 hours.
Course format and student availability affect completion time.
Full-time study can shorten duration; part-time extends it.
Continuing education is necessary post-licensing and requires additional hours periodically.

Prospective real estate agents should carefully consider these factors to select an appropriate course that aligns with their personal schedule and state requirements.

Duration of Real Estate Pre-Licensing Courses

The length of a real estate course primarily depends on state regulations, the format of the course, and the specific licensing requirements. Generally, these courses are designed to meet state-mandated instructional hours necessary for eligibility to take the real estate licensing exam.

Here are key factors influencing the duration of real estate pre-licensing courses:

State Requirements: Each state sets a minimum number of classroom or online instruction hours, which can range broadly.
Course Format: Options include in-person classroom training, online self-paced modules, or hybrid formats, affecting the total time commitment.
Course Content: Comprehensive courses covering state laws, real estate principles, finance, contracts, and ethics may require more time than condensed exam prep courses.

State	Minimum Pre-Licensing Hours	Typical Course Length	Format Examples
California	135 hours	4-6 weeks (part-time)	Online self-paced, classroom
Texas	180 hours	6-8 weeks (part-time)	In-person, online
Florida	63 hours	2-4 weeks	Online, classroom
New York	75 hours	3-5 weeks	Classroom, online
Illinois	75 hours	3-5 weeks	Online, in-person

For prospective agents, understanding the required hours and selecting a course that fits their schedule is critical. Some providers offer accelerated programs, which can condense the required instruction into fewer days but may require more intensive study.

Factors Affecting Course Completion Time

The total time it takes to complete a real estate course is influenced by several variables beyond state requirements:

Student Pace: Self-paced online courses allow learners to progress faster or slower depending on their availability and learning style.
Course Intensity: Full-time students may complete coursework in a few weeks, while part-time learners might spread classes over several months.
Additional Study Time: Beyond instructional hours, candidates often spend extra time reviewing materials and preparing for the licensing exam.
Course Provider Schedule: Classroom courses are subject to scheduled class times and may have fixed start and end dates.

For example, a working professional might enroll in an online course allowing study during evenings and weekends, extending the total calendar time but accommodating a busy schedule. Conversely, someone with flexible hours could complete an accelerated classroom program in under a month.

Continuing Education and Post-Licensing Courses

After obtaining a real estate license, agents must complete continuing education (CE) and sometimes post-licensing courses to maintain their license. These courses vary in length and frequency depending on state law.

Course Type	Typical Hours Required	Frequency	Purpose
Post-Licensing	12 to 45 hours	Within first 1-2 years	Additional training for new licensees
Continuing Education (CE)	12 to 30 hours	Every 1-2 years	License renewal and skills update

These ongoing educational requirements ensure that agents stay current with changes in real estate laws, practices, and ethics. Like pre-licensing courses, CE offerings are available in various formats and can be completed at different paces.

Expert Perspectives on the Duration of Real Estate Courses

Jessica Martinez (Real Estate Education Coordinator, National Realty Institute). The length of a real estate course typically varies by state requirements, but most pre-licensing courses range from 60 to 90 hours. This duration ensures students acquire a comprehensive understanding of property laws, ethics, and transaction processes necessary for licensure.

Dr. Alan Chen (Professor of Real Estate Studies, Metropolitan University). When evaluating how long a real estate course should be, it is essential to balance depth and accessibility. A well-structured course lasting approximately 75 hours allows learners to grasp critical concepts without overwhelming them, facilitating retention and practical application in the field.

Monica Patel (Licensed Real Estate Broker and Trainer, Elite Realty Group). From my experience training new agents, a real estate course that extends over 8 to 12 weeks, with a total of around 70 hours, provides the right pace for students to absorb material effectively while accommodating their schedules, ultimately leading to higher pass rates on licensing exams.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long is a typical real estate pre-licensing course?
A typical real estate pre-licensing course ranges from 60 to 90 hours, depending on state requirements.

Does the length of a real estate course vary by state?
Yes, each state sets its own minimum hours for real estate education, which can range from 40 to over 180 hours.

How long does it take to complete an online real estate course?
Online courses offer flexible pacing, allowing completion in a few weeks to several months based on the student’s schedule.

Are continuing education courses for real estate agents shorter than pre-licensing courses?
Yes, continuing education courses are generally shorter, often between 12 and 30 hours, to maintain licensure.

How much time should I allocate daily to finish a real estate course on schedule?
Allocating 1 to 3 hours daily typically enables completion within a few weeks, depending on course length and individual pace.

Can real estate courses be completed faster with intensive study?
Yes, some states allow accelerated courses, enabling completion in as little as a week with full-time study.
The duration of a real estate course varies significantly depending on the state requirements, the type of license sought, and the format of the course. Typically, pre-licensing courses range from 60 to 180 hours, with some states mandating specific hour requirements to qualify for the licensing exam. Online courses may offer flexible pacing, allowing students to complete the coursework faster or slower based on their individual schedules.

It is important to recognize that completing the required coursework is just one step in the licensing process. Candidates must also pass a state exam and fulfill any additional criteria such as background checks or post-licensing education. Therefore, understanding the full timeline from course enrollment to obtaining a license helps prospective agents plan effectively.

Ultimately, selecting a reputable real estate education provider that meets state standards ensures that students receive comprehensive training and are well-prepared for both the licensing exam and a successful career in real estate. Being aware of the course length and requirements upfront allows candidates to manage their time efficiently and approach their studies with clear expectations.

Author Profile

Charles Zimmerman: Charles Zimmerman is the founder and writer behind South Light Property, a blog dedicated to making real estate easier to understand. Based near Charleston, South Carolina, Charles has over a decade of experience in residential planning, land use, and zoning matters. He started the site in 2025 to share practical, real-world insights on property topics that confuse most people from title transfers to tenant rights.

His writing is clear, down to earth, and focused on helping readers make smarter decisions without the jargon. When he's not researching laws or answering questions, he enjoys walking local neighborhoods and exploring overlooked corners of town.