How Long Does It Take to Complete Real Estate School? A Comprehensive Guide to Real Estate Course Duration and Pathways

By Jessica WrightLast Updated June 27, 2025

Understanding Real Estate Course Lengths

Real estate education requirements vary significantly across states, but most programs are designed to balance foundational knowledge with practical skills. Generally, the time it takes to complete real estate school depends on the state you reside in, the type of license you pursue (salesperson or broker), the program format (in-person or online), and your personal schedule.

State-Specific Real Estate Course Requirements

California: To qualify for the real estate broker exam, you must complete college-level courses, each a minimum of 45 hours. These must be completed prior to scheduling your exam, and you can take them through accredited colleges or approved private real estate schools. Courses include subjects such as Real Estate Practice, Legal Aspects, Finance, and Economics. Total required coursework may vary depending on your previous education [1] .

Minnesota: Aspiring salespeople must finish three pre-license courses (Course I, II, III), each consisting of 30 hours, for a total of 90 hours. You must complete Course I before sitting for the exam and all three before applying for your license. Approved course providers can be found through the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Fees and schedules may vary by provider [2] .

Iowa: Broker candidates must complete 60 hours of pre-license education within 24 months before taking the exam. This coursework covers contract law, trust accounts, market analysis, law and agency, finance, federal and state law, and office administration. You also need 24 months of active experience as a salesperson before you can apply for a broker license [3] .

Maryland: For continuing education, newly licensed agents must complete specific courses like Contracts (3 hours), Principles of Brokerage Relationships (3 hours), Principles of Real Estate Practice (3 hours), Property Management (3 hours), Professionalism (1.5 hours), and Real Estate Financing (1.5 hours), totaling 15 hours for initial renewal. For those licensed before October 2023, requirements differ, with legal updates, ethics, fair housing, and electives making up the curriculum [4] .

South Dakota: Brokers and associates renewing their license must complete 24 hours of continuing education over two years, with half in required subject areas. Residential rental agents need 12 hours in two years. These requirements reflect ongoing professional development rather than initial licensing [5] .

Typical Duration for Completing Real Estate School

Most pre-license real estate courses are structured to allow completion within several weeks to a few months, depending on your study pace. For example, a 60-hour course could be completed in about 6-8 weeks part-time or as quickly as 2-4 weeks if attended full-time. Online programs often offer self-paced options, which can accelerate or extend completion time based on your availability.

Case Example: In Minnesota, if you take one 30-hour course per week, you could finish the 90-hour requirement in three weeks. However, most students spread out coursework over 6-12 weeks to fit work and personal schedules [2] .

Some states require additional time for exam preparation, background checks, and application processing, which can add a few weeks to the timeline. For broker candidates, prerequisite experience (often two years as a licensed salesperson) will extend the overall path to higher licensing.

Steps to Start and Complete Your Real Estate Course

To begin your real estate education:

Research your state’s licensing board or real estate commission for specific education requirements. This is crucial, as requirements differ by jurisdiction. For example, California’s Department of Real Estate and Minnesota’s Department of Commerce provide up-to-date guides and approved provider lists [1] [2] .
Choose a real estate school approved by your state. Most state licensing boards publish a list of approved providers. You can search for these through official portals or request guidance from your state’s real estate commission.
Register for required pre-license courses. Course fees, schedules, and delivery methods (in-person or online) vary between schools. Contact your chosen provider for registration details and class calendars.
Complete all required coursework, ensuring you meet the minimum hour requirement for each class. Save transcripts or certificates of completion for your application.
Prepare for and schedule your state licensing exam. Most states require you to submit proof of course completion before you can register for the exam.
After passing the exam, submit your application, pay the required fees, and complete any additional steps such as fingerprinting or background checks.

Tip: If you are unsure about approved providers or course formats, search for “state real estate licensing board approved schools” in your browser, specifying your state for the most accurate results.

Alternative Pathways and Flexibility

Many real estate schools offer flexible course formats, including evening, weekend, and online options to accommodate working adults. Accelerated programs may allow you to finish in a few weeks, while part-time programs spread coursework over several months. Online, self-paced courses are increasingly popular, letting students progress at their own speed.

In some states, professionals such as attorneys may be exempt from some education requirements. For example, California State Bar members do not need to take the college-level courses but must still meet experience requirements [1] .

Continuing education is also required for license renewal in most states. These courses, ranging from 12-30 hours every renewal cycle, ensure agents stay current on laws, ethics, and industry practices [4] [5] .

Accessing Real Estate Education and Resources

If you are ready to begin, the best way is to:

Visit your state’s real estate commission or licensing board website. For example, California’s Department of Real Estate , Minnesota’s Department of Commerce , and Maryland’s Real Estate Commission all provide guides, approved provider lists, and application forms.
Contact approved providers directly to inquire about schedules, pricing, and enrollment. Provider contact information is typically listed on the state commission’s website.
Search for “state real estate license course” plus your state for up-to-date options and reviews.

If you are seeking financial aid, scholarships may be available through professional associations or specific schools. Use official channels and avoid third-party sites unless verified by your state commission.

Challenges and Solutions

Common Challenges: Balancing coursework with work/family, navigating state requirements, and finding approved providers.

Solutions: Choose online or evening classes for flexibility, utilize state commission resources for reliable information, and plan your schedule to complete coursework efficiently. Check renewal and continuing education requirements early to avoid lapses in licensing.

Key Takeaways

– Real estate course lengths vary: most require 60-90 hours for pre-license, with some broker programs requiring more. Completion time ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on your pace and program format.

– Approved providers and up-to-date requirements are listed on your state’s real estate commission or licensing board website.

– Comprehensive guidance and step-by-step instructions are available through official channels, with flexible scheduling options to suit different needs.

– Continuing education is required for renewal, ensuring ongoing professional development.