What To Do After Passing Real Estate Exam?

Passing the real estate exam feels like crossing a finish line and stepping right onto another track. You study for weeks, maybe months. You memorize laws, principles, math formulas, and best practices. Then you finally see the magic word on your result page: Pass, and suddenly, what to do after passing real estate exam becomes the next big question on your mind.

But then what? Many new agents say this moment is both exciting and confusing because no one really talks about the steps that come after the exam. If you are wondering what happens after you pass the real estate exam, this guide walks you through everything in a simple, conversational way so nothing feels overwhelming.

And to keep things real, this is exactly what thousands of new agents do every year across the country. Real estate is a career built on clarity, confidence, and small wins that stack up.

So let’s break down what happens next.

What Does Passing the Exam Actually Mean?

Passing the exam does not automatically make you a licensed agent. Instead, it confirms that the state recognizes you as someone who understands foundational real estate knowledge. Think of it as having permission to move forward in the licensing process.

Two important reminders:

• The exam tests knowledge, not skill. The real learning begins when you start working with clients.

• You still need to complete your application, background check, and brokerage selection before you become legally allowed to help buyers and sellers.

Most students complete this journey step by step with guidance from training platforms like RealEstateU, where the prep work is already structured for you. But once you pass, the next steps are more hands-on and practical.

Step 1: Submit Your Real Estate License Application

Each state has its own licensing body, usually through the Department of State or the Real Estate Commission. After passing the exam, you will complete an application that confirms your information and verifies your eligibility.

Most applications require:

• Your official exam results

• Proof that you completed your real estate pre-licensing course

• A background check or fingerprinting

• Application fees

• Brokerage information

​According to the National Association of REALTORS, more than 4,090,000 existing homes were sold in 2023, showing just how active and opportunity filled the real estate market is for anyone who has just passed the licensing exam and is stepping into the industry.

Step 2: Choose a Sponsoring Brokerage

You cannot practice real estate independently as a brand-new agent. The law requires you to work under a licensed broker who supervises your work and ensures you follow state regulations.

When choosing a brokerage, look for:

• Training programs for new agents

• Mentorship opportunities

• Commission splits

• Fees

• Market reputation

Brokerage Comparison Table

Many new agents say this is the most important decision they make early in their career. A good brokerage can shape your confidence and income in the first year.

Step 3: Complete Your Background Check and Fingerprinting

Every state requires a background screening before you receive your license. This step helps protect consumers and ensures that those entering the real estate industry meet ethical and legal standards.

The process usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on your state.

Step 4: Get Your Real Estate License Number Issued

Once your application is approved, the state will officially issue your license number. This is a huge milestone because it means you can legally:

• Represent buyers

• Represent sellers

• Host open houses

• Submit offers

• Access the MLS indirectly through your brokerage

​According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, real estate brokers and sales agents earned a median annual wage of $58,960 in 2024, with employment in the field projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, which means new agents entering the industry after passing their exam are stepping into a stable career path with steady demand.

Step 5: Join Your Local MLS and Real Estate Board

To fully operate as an agent, you need access to the Multiple Listing Service, commonly known as the MLS. This system gives you:

• Property listings

• Market data

• Comparable sales

• Tools for writing offers

• Networking opportunities

Your brokerage will help you sign up.

Some agents also join the National Association of Realtors to become Realtors, which gives access to:

• Ethics training

• Realtor branding

• Professional discounts

• Networking events

Step 6: Set Up Your Business Systems

​Once you're licensed, you’re no longer just a student. You are now running a small business, and knowing what to do after passing real estate exam helps you set up the systems that determine how successful you’ll be.

Here’s what most new agents set up in their first month:

• Email signature and branding

• Business cards

• CRM for managing leads

• Social media accounts

• Simple website or agent homepage

• Professional headshots

Many new agents use platforms like RealEstateU for real estate exam study tips earlier in the process, but once you are licensed, your focus shifts to building lead generation skills and client relationships.

Step 7: Start Shadowing and Training With Your Brokerage

Most brokerages offer workshops or training for new agents. This is where you learn how to:

• Conduct buyer consultations

• Explain contracts

• Price homes accurately

• Show houses

• Negotiate deals

• Close transactions

Some brokerages require new agents to complete a 75-hour course guide during training so they understand compliance and ethical requirements.

Step 8: Start Prospecting for Your First Clients

Once your license is active, the real work begins. You now need to start building relationships, generating leads, and preparing for your first transaction.

Common ways new agents find clients include:

• Telling friends and family you are now licensed

• Posting on social media

• Joining community events

• Creating educational content

• Working with rental leads

• Attending open houses

• Asking for referrals

If part of your goal is to become a real estate agent who consistently earns clients, this phase is where you start forming habits that shape your long-term career.

What Happens in Your First 6 Months as a New Agent?

The first six months are usually a mix of learning, excitement, and figuring things out. Many agents say they were surprised by how much real estate depends on communication and confidence.

Six-Month Timeline Table

Real estate is a growth-driven career. Your income increases with experience and effort. Consistency wins.

Turning Your Exam Success Into Real Momentum

​Passing your exam is a huge achievement, but it’s not the final destination. It is the moment you enter the real world of real estate where you begin building a career, serving clients, and growing your income. Understanding what to do after passing real estate exam helps you move confidently into the next steps, which include applying for your license, choosing a brokerage, joining the MLS, and setting up your business foundation.

If you are still preparing or continuing your journey, using tools like RealEstateU can make the learning and licensing process smoother and easier to manage. Whether you want to refine your skills or revisit the fundamentals from your real estate pre-licensing course, your success builds step by step.

Real estate is a career full of opportunity, but your next chapter starts the moment you pass your exam. Now you know exactly what happens next.

​If you need practice tests by state, here are a few helpful options:

• California

• Texas

• New York

• Florida

• North Carolina

FAQs: Most Searched Questions After Passing the Exam

Below are the top questions people ask after searching what happens after you pass the real estate exam, including one extra FAQ.

What is the hardest part of the real estate exam?

Many students say the hardest part is the wording of the questions because exam questions can be tricky and designed to test how well you understand concepts, not how well you memorize facts. Math questions also challenge some people, especially if they have not practiced them regularly. Using structured learning resources can help you build confidence before test day.

Do you know your score immediately after the real estate exam?

In most states, yes, you receive your result as soon as you finish the exam. You usually get a printed or digital score report that tells you whether you passed or need to retake the exam. Some states only show pass or fail without a numerical score. Knowing quickly helps you move on to the next step faster, whether that’s celebrating or preparing for a retake.

What is the lowest position in real estate?

The entry-level role for most people is the position of newly licensed real estate sales agent. This role focuses on learning the industry, understanding contracts, practicing lead generation, and gaining experience with clients. There is no rank below entry-level agent because everyone begins their career at this stage before advancing to senior roles or brokerage ownership.

How long does it take to get your license after passing the real estate exam?

In most states the process takes between two to six weeks depending on how quickly you submit your application, finish fingerprinting, and choose a brokerage. Some states are faster and issue licenses within a few days if everything is complete. Your state licensing board will notify you once your status changes to active and you receive your license number.