How long does it take to complete an online real estate pre-licensing course?

The DRE requires that a single correspondence or online course take no less than 2.5 weeks to complete, and no more than two courses may be finished in any five-week period. This means the minimum time to complete all three required 45-hour pre-licensing courses is 7.5 weeks. Most online students finish the full 135 hours of coursework in 2 to 3 months at a typical pace, though motivated students can complete it in closer to the 7.5-week minimum.

Sources: California Department of Real Estate (DRE) — Current Processing Times; CA DRE — Salesperson Requirements.

Georgia requires 75 hours of pre-licensing education, and the Georgia Real Estate Commission does not specify a minimum course-completion pace or mandatory live-instruction hours, so the timeline depends on the student's study schedule. Online course providers typically grant 6 to 12 months of access from the date of purchase, with the course terminating after 12 months at most.

Sources: Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 520-1-.04 (via Cornell Legal Information Institute).

The 77-hour online pre-licensing course is self-paced, so completion time depends on how many hours per week you dedicate to studying. The New York Department of State requires 77 hours of curriculum across 19 subject areas plus a 3-hour school-administered examination, for a total of 80 hours of course time. Students who study more hours per week finish sooner, while those balancing other commitments take longer.

Sources: NY DOS — Become a Real Estate Salesperson; NY DOS — Real Estate Salesperson Syllabus (2022).

North Carolina requires a minimum of 75 instructional hours for the Broker Prelicensing Course, which can be taken in-person, via synchronous distance learning (live online), or through self-paced online distance courses. The state does not impose a minimum or maximum completion time, so the pace depends on the provider and format chosen. Most people finish the coursework within a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on whether they study full-time or part-time.

Sources: NCREC — General Brochure (Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina, March 2024); NCREC — Licensing FAQ.

Washington requires 90 hours of pre-licensing education: a 60-hour Real Estate Fundamentals course and a 30-hour Real Estate Practices course. Self-paced online courses allow students to progress at their own pace, and most people finish the coursework within a few months. Education must be completed within 2 years before applying for the exam.

Sources: WA DOL — Managing Broker License; WA DOL — Get RE Broker License.