How Long Does Realtor School Take to Complete?

If you’ve ever considered a career in real estate, one of the first questions that likely comes to mind is: how long is realtor school? Understanding the time commitment involved in becoming a licensed real estate agent is essential for planning your path forward. Whether you’re eager to jump into the housing market or simply exploring new professional opportunities, knowing what to expect from realtor education can help you set realistic goals and timelines.

Realtor school serves as the foundational step in acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of real estate transactions. This educational journey varies depending on the state or region, as each has its own licensing requirements and course structures. The duration of realtor school can influence how quickly you can enter the field and begin working with clients, making it a critical consideration for aspiring agents.

Beyond just the length of the coursework, realtor school also prepares students for licensing exams and practical challenges they will face in their careers. The time invested in these courses not only equips future realtors with essential legal and market insights but also builds confidence for success in a competitive industry. As you delve deeper into the topic, you’ll discover the factors that affect the length of realtor school and what you can expect throughout the process.

Typical Duration of Realtor School

The length of realtor school varies significantly depending on the state requirements and the mode of study chosen. Most states mandate a specific number of pre-licensing education hours that must be completed before taking the real estate licensing exam. These courses are designed to cover fundamental real estate principles, laws, ethics, and practices.

Typically, the duration ranges from 60 to 180 hours of coursework, which can translate into several weeks or months based on the student’s schedule and course format. Full-time students might complete the program in as little as 2 to 3 weeks, while part-time students or those balancing work and study might take several months.

The following factors influence how long realtor school takes:

State Requirements: Each state sets its own minimum hours for pre-licensing education.
Course Format: Online courses offer flexibility and may be completed faster or slower depending on the student’s pace. Classroom courses follow a fixed schedule.
Student Availability: The amount of time a student can dedicate daily or weekly affects completion speed.
Course Provider: Some schools offer accelerated programs, while others spread the curriculum over a longer period.

State Pre-Licensing Hour Requirements

Understanding the specific hour requirements in your state is crucial. Below is a table summarizing the pre-licensing education hours required by several states to provide a general perspective:

State	Required Pre-Licensing Hours	Typical Completion Time
California	135 hours	4 to 12 weeks
Texas	180 hours	6 to 14 weeks
Florida	63 hours	3 to 8 weeks
New York	75 hours	4 to 10 weeks
Illinois	75 hours	4 to 10 weeks
Ohio	120 hours	5 to 12 weeks

These time frames are estimates and can vary based on course delivery and individual learning speeds.

Factors Impacting Completion Time

Several additional factors can affect how long it takes to finish realtor school:

Study Pace: Self-paced online courses allow faster completion for motivated students but require discipline.
Course Intensity: Accelerated courses pack more hours into fewer weeks, increasing daily study time.
Scheduling Conflicts: Work, family, or other commitments can extend the total time needed.
Exam Preparation: Time spent reviewing and preparing for the licensing exam can add extra weeks.

Options to Expedite Realtor School

For those eager to begin their real estate career quickly, there are ways to shorten the duration of realtor school:

Accelerated Programs: Many schools offer condensed courses that cover required material in a shorter time frame.
Full-Time Study: Dedicate full days to coursework rather than spreading it over evenings or weekends.
Online Learning: Enables students to progress at their own pace, potentially finishing faster than traditional classroom settings.
Prior Knowledge: If students have previous real estate experience or education, some states may allow course waivers or credit transfers.

Typical Weekly Time Commitment

Knowing how many hours per week to dedicate to realtor school can help with planning. Below is a breakdown of estimated weekly study hours based on different completion time goals:

Completion Time	Average Weekly Study Hours	Notes
2 to 3 weeks (Intensive)	40+ hours	Full-time commitment, suitable for quick completion
4 to 8 weeks (Moderate)	15 to 25 hours	Balances study with other responsibilities
9 to 14 weeks (Part-time)	8 to 12 hours	Best for working professionals or those with busy schedules

This guidance helps prospective realtors tailor their study plans based on personal availability and learning preferences.

Duration of Realtor School and Pre-Licensing Courses

The length of realtor school, often referred to as pre-licensing education, varies significantly depending on the state or jurisdiction where the license is pursued. Each state sets its own requirements for the number of hours and specific curriculum content that aspiring real estate agents must complete before taking the licensing exam.

Typically, the time commitment for realtor school ranges from 60 to 180 hours of coursework, which can be completed in several weeks or months depending on the format and intensity of the program. These courses cover essential topics such as real estate principles, practices, law, ethics, and finance.

Standard Course Hours: Most states require between 60 and 135 hours of pre-licensing education.
Accelerated Programs: Some schools offer fast-track options allowing completion in as little as 2 to 3 weeks.
Part-Time or Self-Paced: Many online or part-time courses allow students to spread out the hours over several months.

State	Pre-Licensing Hours Required	Typical Course Duration	Delivery Format
California	135 hours	4 to 6 weeks	Online / In-person
Texas	180 hours	6 to 8 weeks	Online / Classroom
Florida	63 hours	3 to 5 weeks	Online / In-person
New York	75 hours	3 to 6 weeks	Online / Classroom

Factors Influencing Realtor School Length

Several factors impact the overall duration of realtor school beyond just the required classroom hours. Understanding these will help candidates plan their study schedules more effectively.

Course Format: Online programs often offer flexible pacing, enabling students to complete courses faster or slower depending on personal availability. In-person classes typically follow a fixed schedule.
State-Specific Curriculum: Some states have additional mandated topics such as agency relationships, contracts, or real estate finance, which can lengthen the course.
Student Background: Individuals with prior experience or education in real estate or related fields may progress more quickly through course material.
Exam Preparation: Time spent reviewing and preparing for the licensing exam can extend the overall timeline from course start to licensure.
Course Provider: Different schools offer varying program structures, supplemental resources, and instructor support, influencing completion time.

Typical Weekly Time Commitment for Realtor School

The weekly time investment needed to complete realtor school depends on the total hours required and the student’s available study time. Below is an example breakdown based on common course lengths:

Total Hours Required	Weekly Hours (4 weeks)	Weekly Hours (8 weeks)	Weekly Hours (12 weeks)
60 hours	15 hours/week	7.5 hours/week	5 hours/week
90 hours	22.5 hours/week	11.25 hours/week	7.5 hours/week
135 hours	33.75 hours/week	16.9 hours/week	11.25 hours/week
180 hours	45 hours/week	22.5 hours/week	15 hours/week

Additional Licensing Steps Affecting Overall Timeline

Realtor school is just one part of the licensing process. After completing the required education, candidates must pass the state licensing exam and fulfill other requirements that impact the total time to become a licensed realtor.

Scheduling and Taking the Licensing Exam: Exam availability and scheduling may add weeks to the timeline.
Background Checks and Fingerprinting:Expert Perspectives on the Duration of Realtor School
Jessica Martin (Real Estate Education Coordinator, National Association of Realtors). The length of realtor school varies significantly depending on the state requirements, but typically ranges from 60 to 180 hours of coursework. This can translate to anywhere from a few weeks to several months, especially if taken part-time. Prospective agents should also factor in additional time for exam preparation and licensing procedures.

David Chen (Licensed Real Estate Broker and Instructor, California Real Estate Institute). In California, for example, realtor school involves completing three mandatory courses totaling 135 hours. Many students complete these courses within three to six months, balancing study with other commitments. The key is consistent study and understanding that the coursework is designed to build a strong foundation for a successful real estate career.

Maria Lopez (Director of Real Estate Licensing Programs, Midwest Real Estate Academy). The duration of realtor school is often influenced by the delivery format. Online programs offer flexibility, allowing students to progress faster or slower based on their schedules. On average, students complete the required pre-licensing education in about two to four months, but motivated individuals can finish sooner if they dedicate more time daily.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it typically take to complete realtor school?
Realtor school usually takes between 60 to 180 hours of coursework, which can be completed in a few weeks to several months depending on the state requirements and whether the program is full-time or part-time.

Are there different course durations for online versus in-person realtor school?
Yes, online courses often offer more flexible pacing, allowing students to complete the required hours faster or slower, while in-person classes follow a fixed schedule set by the institution.

Does the length of realtor school vary by state?
Yes, each state sets its own pre-licensing education requirements, so the number of hours and course length can vary significantly from one state to another.

Can I work while attending realtor school?
Many students work while attending realtor school, especially if they choose part-time or online programs that offer flexible scheduling to accommodate employment.

What happens after completing realtor school?
After finishing realtor school, students must pass their state’s real estate licensing exam to become licensed realtors and legally practice in their state.

Is continuing education required after realtor school?
Yes, most states require licensed realtors to complete continuing education courses periodically to maintain their license and stay updated on industry regulations and practices.
Realtor school duration varies depending on the state requirements and the specific pre-licensing courses chosen. Typically, the coursework ranges from 60 to 180 hours, which can be completed in a few weeks to several months. The length of the program is influenced by factors such as the mode of study—whether in-person or online—and the student’s pace of learning.

It is essential for prospective realtors to understand that completing the required education is just one step in the licensing process. After finishing realtor school, candidates must pass a state licensing exam and meet additional criteria such as background checks and continuing education. This ensures that realtors are well-prepared to serve clients with professionalism and expertise.

Ultimately, investing time in realtor school equips individuals with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for a successful real estate career. Understanding the time commitment and educational requirements upfront allows aspiring realtors to plan effectively and transition smoothly into the profession.
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.
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