Can I Take the Real Estate Exam Without Classes?

By Ciprian Morariu Published: July 31, 2024

Can I Take the Real Estate Exam Without Classes

Are you interested in exploring a rewarding and exciting career path in real estate? 

Working in real estate is a journey filled with opportunities and challenges at different stages. 

If you are keen to pursue the path of becoming a real estate agent or broker, it is better to equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in real estate. 

Have you been wondering how to start your real estate career journey and what it takes to help clients buy, sell and lease real estate? 

If yes, then there are certain prerequisites to keep in mind before embarking on your professional pursuit. 

Firstly, you do not need a bachelor's degree to become a real estate agent in the U.S., although you certainly need to complete mandatory education to be eligible for a license. 

Secondly, you must obtain a state approved and issued salesperson or broker’s license to be legally able to partake in a real estate transaction. 

Though the licensing requirements vary depending on the state, almost every state requires applicants to earn a real estate license before practicing. 

Becoming a real estate agent also requires you to meet minimum eligibility requirements i.e. you must be at least 18 years of age or older and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent in education. 

Now that we have discussed the basic requirements, let’s dive deeper into the specifics. 

Are classes required to take the exam?

Yes, you must enroll in pre licensing classes to fulfill the educational qualifying requirements. 

Every state has their unique educational requirements based on which your pre licensing course hours will be based on. 

Generally, pre licensing education has a minimum number of course hours dedicated to specific courses that must be completed by all applicants. 

For example - in South Carolina, you are required to have 90 hours of prelicensing education whereas in California, you must complete 135 hours of state approved education. 

It is important to check with your state’s real estate authority to get the most updated and accurate information regarding prelicensing education. 

In case you are wondering - without taking classes, you will not be able to complete prelicensing education on your own. 

Most states require applicants to gain a basic knowledge of real estate principles, state and federal laws and key industry practices before applying for the state licensing exam. 

However, there are certain states like California where you can bypass the prelicensing education if you have a bachelor's degree in real estate or law. 

In such an event, you can directly apply for the real estate agent license exam. 

Does license reciprocity help you skip pre-licensing classes?

Many aspiring and upcoming real estate professionals often wonder about the concept of real estate reciprocity. 

Real estate license reciprocity works as a mutual agreement between states to facilitate the process of allowing licensees to practice outside their home state. 

Put simply, real estate reciprocity is the ability given to agents and brokers to practice in multiple states without having to go through the journey of obtaining multiple licenses. 

Reciprocity in real estate allows you to skip the prelicensing education requirements if you have acquired specific college education or courses related to the real estate industry. 

However, not all states work on this arrangement and there are state specific rules and regulations regarding license reciprocity which you must be aware of. 

Some states offer full reciprocity whereas some offer partial reciprocity so you must check with the state’s real estate authority to know whether you are exempted from taking pre licensing classes or not. 

For example - Colorado, Arizona, Minnesota, Washington and Georgia offer full license reciprocity with other states. 

Do I need pre-licensing if I took the right college courses?

In some states, there is an exemption provided in the case where an applicant has obtained a bachelors education in a related or relevant field. 

For example - in California, if you have a graduate degree in real estate or law, you will be exempted from taking the prelicensing education mandatory for applicants. 

Such states consider the specific college courses as acceptable for providing the minimum level of knowledge and understanding of the real estate industry. 

How does a pre-licensing course work?

Pre-licensing courses are educational programs formulated in accordance with the state and federal rules, regulations and guidelines for real estate professionals. 

The goal of these courses is to provide students the necessary education and knowledge to clear the state licensing exam. 

Understanding the fundamental topics, concepts and workings of the real estate industry to obtain your license.

Pre licensing courses provide students a structured, pre established curriculum for learning and education. 

Typically, a pre licensing education curriculum covers the foundational topics and courses such as: 

  • Principles of Real Estate
  • State Laws and Regulations
  • Contract Forms
  • Types of Property
  • Fair Housing and Ethics
  • Law of Agency

You are free to choose your preferred medium for learning based on your preference which means you can enroll in real estate courses online or join an in-person, classroom course. 

After you have completed your pre licensing education, you will become eligible to take the state real estate licensing exam.