How Can I Get a Real Estate License in Louisiana?

If you’ve ever dreamed of launching a rewarding career in real estate, obtaining your real estate license in Louisiana is the essential first step. Whether you’re drawn by the prospect of helping people find their perfect home, or you’re eager to dive into the dynamic world of property investment and sales, becoming a licensed agent opens the door to countless opportunities. Navigating the licensing process may seem daunting at first, but with the right guidance and preparation, you can confidently take the steps needed to enter this thriving industry.

In Louisiana, the path to earning a real estate license involves a combination of education, examination, and meeting specific state requirements designed to ensure that agents are knowledgeable and professional. Understanding these prerequisites and the overall process will set you up for success and help you avoid common pitfalls. From pre-licensing courses to passing the state exam, each phase plays a crucial role in equipping you with the skills and credentials necessary to represent clients effectively.

As you explore how to get your real estate license in Louisiana, it’s important to consider not only the procedural aspects but also the career potential that lies ahead. This journey is more than just a certification—it’s your gateway to a flexible, exciting profession that can grow with your ambitions. The following sections will guide you through the essential steps,

Educational Requirements and Pre-Licensing Courses

Before applying for a real estate license in Louisiana, candidates must complete the mandatory pre-licensing education. This requirement ensures that aspiring agents possess fundamental knowledge of real estate principles, state laws, and ethical practices.

The Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC) mandates that applicants complete 90 hours of approved pre-licensing coursework. These courses are divided into specific subject areas designed to provide comprehensive training:

Real Estate Principles and Practices: Covers the foundational concepts of real estate, including property types, ownership rights, and basic transactions.
Louisiana Real Estate Law: Focuses on state-specific statutes, rules, and regulations governing real estate transactions and licensing.
Real Estate Finance: Introduces various financing methods, mortgage types, and lending processes.
Ethics and Professional Conduct: Emphasizes the ethical responsibilities and professional standards expected of licensed agents.

Courses can be taken through approved real estate schools, community colleges, or online platforms recognized by the LREC. It is essential to verify that the chosen program meets the commission’s curriculum standards.

Applying for the Real Estate Exam

Once the educational requirements are fulfilled, candidates must submit their application to the Louisiana Real Estate Commission to schedule the licensing exam. The application process includes:

Completing the official application form provided by the LREC.
Submitting proof of successful completion of the 90-hour pre-licensing course.
Providing a copy of a valid government-issued ID.
Paying the required application fee.

The exam application can be submitted online through the LREC website or by mail. Upon approval, candidates will receive instructions on how to schedule their exam date and location.

Details About the Louisiana Real Estate Licensing Exam

The Louisiana real estate licensing exam is designed to test both national and state-specific knowledge. It is administered by a third-party testing service under the supervision of the LREC.

Exam Component	Number of Questions	Time Allowed	Passing Score
National Portion	80 questions	2 hours and 30 minutes	70%
State Portion (Louisiana Laws)	40 questions	1 hour	75%

The exam is primarily multiple-choice and covers topics such as contracts, property ownership, agency relationships, and Louisiana-specific real estate laws. Candidates should prepare thoroughly by reviewing course materials, practice tests, and state statutes.

Post-Exam Procedures and License Activation

After successfully passing both portions of the exam, candidates must complete additional steps to activate their real estate license:

Submit a Sponsorship Form: New licensees are required to affiliate with a licensed Louisiana real estate broker. The sponsoring broker must submit the sponsorship paperwork to the LREC.
Background Check: The LREC conducts a background check, including fingerprinting, to verify the applicant’s suitability to hold a license.
Pay Licensing Fees: License issuance fees must be paid before the license is activated and the candidate can legally practice real estate.

Once these steps are completed and approved, the license will be issued, allowing the new agent to engage in real estate activities under their sponsoring broker.

Maintaining Your Louisiana Real Estate License

To keep a real estate license active in Louisiana, licensees must comply with continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines established by the LREC.

Continuing Education: Licensees must complete 12 hours of approved continuing education annually, including a 3-hour mandatory course on Louisiana real estate law.
License Renewal: The license must be renewed every year by submitting a renewal application and paying the renewal fee.
Record Keeping: Agents should retain copies of all education certificates and renewal confirmations for at least four years in case of audit.

Failure to meet continuing education or renewal deadlines may result in license suspension or revocation, requiring additional steps to reinstate the license.

By adhering to these educational and regulatory requirements, licensed real estate professionals in Louisiana maintain their credibility and ability to operate within the industry.

Educational Requirements for Obtaining a Louisiana Real Estate License

To qualify for a real estate license in Louisiana, candidates must complete specific educational prerequisites designed to ensure a foundational understanding of real estate principles and practices. These requirements are mandated by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC) and include the following:

Pre-Licensing Education: Candidates must complete 90 hours of approved pre-licensing education. This coursework covers topics such as real estate law, principles and practices, contracts, and ethics.
Course Providers: The courses must be taken through LREC-approved education providers, which can include community colleges, private real estate schools, and online platforms that meet state standards.
Course Content Breakdown:
- 45 hours of Real Estate Principles and Practices
- 45 hours of Real Estate Law and Related Subjects
Completion Certificate: Upon finishing the 90-hour course, candidates receive a completion certificate, which is required to register for the state licensing exam.

Application Process for the Louisiana Real Estate License Exam

After fulfilling the education requirements, prospective real estate agents must follow a detailed application process to sit for the Louisiana real estate licensing exam. This process involves several critical steps:

Step	Description	Notes
1. Submit Application	Complete and submit the official Louisiana Real Estate Salesperson License Application form to the LREC.	Application fees apply; check current fee schedule on LREC website.
2. Provide Supporting Documents	Include proof of completion of the 90-hour pre-licensing course and a copy of a government-issued ID.	Documents must be current and legible.
3. Background Check	Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check as required by LREC.	Use approved fingerprinting vendors; results may take several weeks.
4. Application Review	LREC reviews the application and documentation to determine eligibility to sit for the exam.	Applicants will be notified of approval or any deficiencies.
5. Exam Scheduling	Upon approval, candidates receive instructions to schedule the state licensing exam through the designated testing vendor.	Exam dates and locations vary; early scheduling recommended.

Preparing for and Passing the Louisiana Real Estate Licensing Exam

The Louisiana real estate licensing exam assesses candidates’ knowledge of state-specific real estate laws, practices, and ethical standards. To successfully pass the exam, candidates should take the following steps:

Understand Exam Format: The exam consists of approximately 110 multiple-choice questions, covering both national and state-specific content. Candidates typically have around 3.5 hours to complete the test.
Study Materials: Utilize the course textbooks, practice exams, and any state exam prep guides offered by the LREC or education providers.
Focus Areas:
- Louisiana real estate license law and regulations
- Contract law and real estate transactions
- Property ownership and land use controls
- Ethical responsibilities and agency relationships
- Real estate finance and appraisal principles
Practice Exams: Regularly complete practice tests to familiarize yourself with question formats and time constraints.
Exam Day Tips: Arrive early, bring required identification, and carefully read each question before answering.

Post-Exam Licensing and Continuing Education Requirements

Upon passing the licensing exam, candidates must complete additional steps to activate their real estate license and maintain it in good standing:

License Activation: Submit the licensing fee and the sponsoring broker’s information to the LREC to have the license issued.
Sponsorship Requirement: New licensees must be affiliated with a licensed Louisiana real estate broker to practice legally.
Initial Continuing Education: Complete a 12-hour post-licensing education course within the first year of licensure. This course is designed to deepen practical knowledge and skills.
Ongoing Continuing Education: Every three years, licensees must complete 12 hours of continuing education, including mandatory hours in ethics and legal updates, to renew their license.
License Renewal: Submit renewal applications and fees before the license expiration date, typically every three years.

Expert Insights on How To Get a Real Estate License in Louisiana

Jessica Martin (Licensed Real Estate Broker & Trainer, Louisiana Real Estate Academy). Obtaining a real estate license in Louisiana requires completing the mandatory 90-hour pre-licensing education, which thoroughly covers state-specific laws and practices. Prospective agents must then pass the Louisiana real estate exam and submit their application along with a background check. Staying diligent with continuing education is essential to maintain the license and stay current with regulatory changes.

David Chen (Real Estate Attorney, Chen & Associates Law Firm). It is crucial for candidates to understand Louisiana’s unique civil law system when preparing for the real estate license exam. The state’s distinct legal framework influences property transactions, so comprehensive study of Louisiana statutes and regulations is necessary. Additionally, ensuring all paperwork is correctly completed and submitted to the Louisiana Real Estate Commission can prevent delays in licensure.

Maria Lopez (Director of Licensing, Louisiana Real Estate Commission). From an administrative perspective, applicants should prioritize completing the required education through approved providers and scheduling their exam promptly. We recommend reviewing the candidate handbook and utilizing official practice tests to improve exam readiness. After passing, timely submission of fingerprinting and application fees expedites the licensing process, allowing new agents to begin their careers without unnecessary wait times.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the basic requirements to apply for a real estate license in Louisiana?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. They must also complete the required pre-licensing education.

How many hours of pre-licensing education are required in Louisiana?
Louisiana requires 90 hours of approved pre-licensing education, which includes courses on real estate principles, law, and practices.

What is the process for scheduling and passing the Louisiana real estate licensing exam?
After completing the pre-licensing courses, candidates must apply to take the state licensing exam through the Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC) and pass both the national and state portions.

Are there any background checks or fingerprinting requirements for obtaining a real estate license in Louisiana?
Yes, applicants must undergo a criminal background check and submit fingerprints as part of the licensing process.

How long is a Louisiana real estate license valid, and what are the renewal requirements?
A Louisiana real estate license is valid for two years. Licensees must complete continuing education requirements and submit a renewal application before the expiration date to maintain active status.

Can I start working as a real estate agent immediately after passing the licensing exam in Louisiana?
No, after passing the exam, you must activate your license by affiliating with a licensed Louisiana real estate broker before legally practicing as a real estate agent.
Obtaining a real estate license in Louisiana involves a clear, structured process designed to ensure that candidates are well-prepared for the demands of the profession. Prospective agents must complete the required pre-licensing education, which includes 90 hours of coursework covering essential real estate principles and practices. Following education, candidates must successfully pass the Louisiana real estate licensing exam, demonstrating their knowledge and readiness to operate within the state’s regulatory framework.

After passing the exam, applicants must submit a license application along with the necessary fees and undergo a background check. It is also mandatory to affiliate with a licensed Louisiana real estate broker to activate the license and begin practicing. Maintaining the license requires adherence to continuing education requirements, which help agents stay current with industry changes and legal updates.

Key takeaways for those pursuing a real estate license in Louisiana include the importance of thorough preparation for the licensing exam, understanding the state-specific regulations, and committing to ongoing professional development. By following these steps diligently, aspiring real estate professionals can position themselves for a successful and compliant career in Louisiana’s dynamic real estate market.

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.