• ⏱️ Most real estate licenses can be earned in 60–90 days with self-paced online programs.
• 📍 Nevada’s 90-hour education requirement makes it one of the fastest states to get licensed.
• 💸 Failing the exam can delay licensing by 1–3 weeks due to retake scheduling.
• 🧠 National exam pass rate is approximately 50–60% for first-time takers.
• 🗂️ Background checks and incomplete paperwork are leading causes of application delays.

How Long to Get a Real Estate License?

Starting your real estate career is exciting, and timing is key. Knowing how long it takes to get a real estate license helps you plan well and begin your new job with confidence. Every state has its own process. But you can get licensed in just 60–90 days with careful planning, especially in places like Las Vegas. Here's how to do it.

How Long It Takes by State: A Quick Comparison

The biggest thing affecting how long it takes to get your real estate license is how many hours of pre-licensing education your state requires. These hours are very different across the country.

👉 Want to finish faster? Nevada has a manageable 90-hour requirement. Many students in Las Vegas finish their training in just 8–10 weeks with the right plan (Nevada Real Estate Division, 2023).

How long it takes can change based on:

• Full-time vs. part-time learning schedules
• Online vs. in-person courses
• Student motivation and study habits
• Each state’s licensing commission processing speed

Real Estate License Step-by-Step Process

Getting your real estate license means following a clear process. You control much of it based on how committed you are and how you plan. The usual process includes:

1. Complete Pre-Licensing Education
2. Prepare for and Pass the State Licensing Exam
3. Submit Background Check and Licensing Application
4. Find a Sponsoring Broker
5. Activate Your License and Begin Your Career

Let's look at how long each step can take. We'll also cover ways to stay on track.

Timeline Breakdown: How Long Each Step Takes

1. Pre-Licensing Education (2–8 weeks)

Every state requires a certain number of hours in approved real estate courses. This can be from 40 hours in Massachusetts to 180 hours in Texas. Most new agents who pick a self-paced course finish this part in 2 to 8 weeks. It depends on how many hours they study each week.

Nevada Example:

• 90 hours of required coursework
• 10–12 hours per week = completion in under 2 months

Ways to Learn:

• Online courses: Good for students who work or want flexibility.
• In-person classes: Good for learners who want structured group time.
• Live-streaming hybrid options: These mix structured classes with convenience.

Fast Tip: Pick an online program you can get to anytime. Set aside study times in your calendar. Being steady with your studies helps a lot.

2. Exam Prep and Scheduling (1–2 weeks)

After you finish your courses, the next step is to get ready for your real estate license exam. This exam has both national and state-specific parts.

What You Will Study:

• Real property law
• Ways to get money for homes
• Contracts
• How to price property
• Agency and real estate ethics
• Rules specific to your state

Most students add 10–15 study hours to review before they take practice exams. How much time you need depends on how confident you feel and if you've seen legal or analytical material before. Give yourself one to two weeks for this part.

Fast Tip: Think about scheduling your license exam before you finish your course. This helps you wait less once you can take it.

3. Application & Background Check (2–4 weeks)

After you pass the exam, your license process changes from studying to paperwork. Every state asks for:

• A formal license application
• Fingerprinting for background check (typically via a state-approved live scan vendor)
• Proof of completed education
• Exam pass results

This step can be done in just one week if all your papers are right and there are no issues in your background. But things can slow down if:

• Fingerprint processing takes longer
• Forms are incomplete or in error
• Additional verification or disclosures are needed

Fast Tip: Send in your application right after you pass your exam. Check your submission carefully for:

• All signature spots filled
• Correct dates
• Files uploaded in the right way (PDF or JPEG, as your state's website asks)

4. Broker Sponsorship (1–2 weeks)

All real estate agents must work with a licensed broker to legally do business. Broker sponsorship is not just a rule. It gives you an office, branding, resources, and often guidance.

But many students wait to find a broker until after they pass the exam.

Why This Is Important:

• No active license means you can't work in real estate.
• Broker papers are needed with most applications.
• Brokers often offer training that links to when you start.

Fast Tip: Start talking to possible brokerages early. Do this while you are still taking your course. Consider them based on:

• Training and guidance programs
• How commissions are split
• Their culture and how they support new agents

Some brokerages are good at helping new people start. This can make the time between getting your license and earning money shorter.

5. Activating Your License (Instant–3 Days)

After you pass your exam, send in your application, clear your background check, and get sponsored by a broker, the last step is to activate your license.

In many states, like Nevada, you activate your license through an online system. This gives you proof of your license right away once it's approved. In other states, it might take 1–3 days to process.

Fast Tip: Ask your broker to help you with this step. They usually know the system well and can help make things faster.

Spotlight: Real Estate License Timeline in Las Vegas, Nevada

Nevada is one of the easiest states for agents to get their real estate license quickly. This is why many people changing careers and new agents pick Las Vegas to start their new real estate path.

Why Las Vegas Is So Fast:

• Only 90 education hours (you can do these online at your own speed).
• An easy application system run by the Nevada Real Estate Division.
• A growing real estate market with many broker choices.
• Many brokerages offer training programs made for new license holders.

Sample Licensing Timeline for a Las Vegas Resident

💡 Total time: 8–10 weeks for focused individuals

📍 "Las Vegas is a fast market. People who get licensed quickly, and connect with the right brokers, are the ones who do best," says Steve Hawks, a top team leader in Nevada.

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in 2–3 Months: A Step-by-Step Game Plan

To get your real estate license in 60–90 days, follow this weekly plan:

✅ Week 1–7: Complete Your Course

• Enroll in a self-paced program
• Study 12–15 hours per week (4–5 sessions, 2–3 hours each)
• Track your progress using checklists or a course dashboard

✅ Week 4–7: Start Exam Prep

• As you get close to finishing your courses, add practice tests for the exam.
• Focus on topics you're not strong in.
• Use flashcards, study groups, or tutoring for hard topics.

✅ Week 6–7: Take & Pass the Exam

• Schedule your exam early.
• Take a day off to focus before the test.
• Celebrate passing and move right to the next step.

✅ Week 7–8: Submit Application & Background Check

• Get your papers ready and uploaded correctly.
• Use a fingerprint service that sends results to the state online.
• Keep checking your status online.

✅ Week 8–9: Finalize Broker Sponsorship

• Pick your brokerage based on support, not big promises.
• Send all broker-related forms to your licensing board.
• Start new hire or training calls if they offer them.

✅ Week 9–10: Activate Your License

• Use your license website to activate your real estate license.
• Download proof that you are licensed.
• Start setting up client visits or open houses!

What Can Delay the Real Estate License Timeline?

Even with good plans, some common problems can make your timeline longer than needed. Here’s what to watch out for:

❌ Failing the Licensing Exam

• Only 50–60% pass the first time (ARELLO, 2022).
• Retaking means new scheduling, travel (if in person), and studying again.
• You might have to wait days or weeks for another test date.

❌ Background Check Delays

• Criminal records might need more papers.
• Bad fingerprint quality could slow down processing.
• Missing identity info means your application gets turned down.

❌ Broker Selection Procrastination

• Many people wait to talk to brokers until their license arrives.
• Not all brokerages take new agents. They might need you to start training weeks early.

❌ Course Completion Stalls

• Online learning gives you freedom, but it also means you have to be responsible.
• Without a plan, students might take 3–6 months for a 90-hour course.

FAQs About Real Estate License Timelines

What if I fail the licensing exam?

You can take it again, but check for waiting times in your state. Focus on what you need to fix and schedule your next try as soon as you can.

Can I work while getting licensed?

Yes. Most courses are online and made for people who already have jobs. Studying steadily for 8–12 hours each week helps you finish in 8–10 weeks.

How much does it cost to get a real estate license?

Costs change by state but are usually $500–$1,200. This includes education, exam fees, fingerprinting, and the application.

Is it faster to get licensed in Nevada?

Yes. Nevada is one of the fastest states to get licensed. This is because of its online education options (90 hours), lower costs, and quick state systems.

Do I need a license to start networking with brokers?

No. You can start looking into brokers, going to events, and talking to brokerages right away. Many firms offer programs to help students get started.

Can I get licensed in one state and practice in another?

You'll need to check if states have agreements with each other. Some states accept licenses from other states to meet some of their licensing rules.

Traits of Successful Agents in the Licensing Phase

Getting your license is the first test of how disciplined you are, how you manage your time, and what you can do in business. Here’s what sets successful people apart early on:

• 🕐 Sticking to weekly study times = steady progress.
• 🤝 Talking to brokers while studying = better start.
• 📅 Using a calendar to stay on track = meeting all deadlines.
• 📊 Watching your scores on practice tests = knowing what to improve.
• 🙌 Getting early guidance = faster start after getting licensed.

🎯 "After selling more than 4,000 homes, I've seen that early ways of doing things, guidance, and being steady make the biggest difference for new agents," says Steve Hawks, a longtime Las Vegas real estate leader. "People who take the licensing process seriously usually take the business seriously too."

Your Timeline Depends on Your Hustle

The real estate world rewards people who take action. With flexible ways to learn, growing markets, and online tools, you can get your real estate license in under 90 days. From studying to applying, success depends on planning and being steady. Especially in states like Nevada, where getting licensed is simple, the way is clear for those who want to do it.

📌 Ready to take charge of your job future?
Start today with an approved course. Plan your 60-day path. And take the first step toward becoming a real estate agent—before the month ends.

Citations

• Association of Real Estate License Law Officials. (2022). Real estate license exam pass rates. 
• National Association of Realtors. (2023). Member profile highlights. 
• Nevada Real Estate Division. (2023). Salesperson license education requirements.
• Real Estate Express. (2023). Real estate licensing by state – course hours