Can You Get Your Real Estate License Online?

Becoming a real estate agent is an attractive career option. Your earning potential is limitless, and, in most states, the prelicensing education requirements and application can be completed from the comfort of your home, when it works best for your busy schedule. Many real estate agents are able to obtain their licenses by studying and preparing at home during spare moments between their current jobs and family responsibilities. For motivated self-starters, a career in real estate can be a perfect fit. 

Can I Get My Real Estate License Online?

Yes, accredited online real estate education programs can satisfy prelicensing real estate education requirements in most states. One exception to this is North Carolina, which requires prospective brokers to attend in-person live classes. Always check your state’s requirements to make sure you are on the right track to licensure.

Not all online education is accredited (meaning you won’t get credit from your state for completing it). Before enrolling in a real estate prelicensing course, check that the number of credits received for completing the course is clearly stated. For example, if your state requires 135 prelicensing education hours, you’ll want to make sure the course you choose verifies you’ll receive 135-credit hours. You should also verify with your state’s department of real estate to ensure the school is an approved education provider.

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How to Complete Your Real Estate License Education Requirements Online

Ready to start earning your real estate license from home? Take a look at the steps below for instructions on how to begin earning your license online.

1. Learn your state’s real estate licensing requirements.

Every state has different requirements for earning real estate licensure, including prelicensing education, the application process, and the exam itself. Choose your state from this list to find the specific requirements you will need to fulfill. Check to see if you can fulfill your prelicensing education requirements through an online school or if you need to attend in-person classes.

2. Choose an accredited online real estate school.

If you determine you can fulfill your education requirements online, it’s time to start researching accredited online real estate schools. While researching, look for a real estate school that provides a variety of delivery formats, flexible schedules, and a wide selection of courses to choose from.

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3. Choose the study option that works for your schedule and goals.

A variety of online course formats are available for you to choose from, making it possible for you to pick the one that best suits the needs of your schedule and goals. Two of the most popular options are on-demand courses and live online courses.

OnDemand courses allow you to study on your schedule and offer more flexibility than live online courses. They consist of the same content as live online courses, but since the lectures are pre-recorded, you can watch at your leisure. OnDemand courses feature prerecorded videos from expert instructors and access to an interactive online study group where you’ll have the opportunity to discuss exam topics with other examinees and instructors.

For examinees who need more accountability and structure, live online courses might be a better fit. You will attend live courses virtually from home and receive guidance from an expert instructor. Both OnDemand and live online course options include the credit hours needed to satisfy your state’s requirements. Once you complete the required credits, you’re ready to apply and register to take your exam. 

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Earning your real estate license online is entirely possible. As you can see, many states offer the option of taking accredited online courses to satisfy prelicensing education requirements. The flexibility of online courses lets busy professionals maintain their current schedules while fitting in the requirements around their work, family, and other responsibilities. Ready to start your prelicensing education and begin working towards real estate licensure? Choose your state from this list and begin preparing today.