Can I Take the Real Estate Exam Without Classes?

If you’re looking to get a real estate license, this article will explain whether or not you need to enroll in a real estate school to take the classes required for the real estate exam. It will also cover alternative ways to meet the pre-licensing education requirement.

Are classes required to take the exam?

Yes, every state requires candidates to take real estate classes. This shows that they have completed the pre-licensing course requirements and are eligible to register for the exam. Each state has its unique pre-licensing requirements.

Pre-licensing courses usually have a minimum number of hours that must be completed, which varies from state to state. For instance, the required pre-licensing education totals 135 hours in California, while in Florida, it requires only 63 hours. 

Another requirement for the pre-licensing education is that it must be taken at a state-approved real estate school.   

Does license reciprocity help you skip pre-licensing classes?

License reciprocity is an agreement between two states that allows a licensed real estate agent from one state to practice real estate in another without fulfilling all the licensing requirements of the second state. Note that not all states have license reciprocity agreements. While some have no agreements with other states, some only allow reciprocity from limited states.

Some states have full reciprocity, meaning a licensed real estate agent from one state can bypass their pre-licensing education requirement and obtain a license. On the other hand, some states may only have partial reciprocity, meaning that the agent may still have to meet certain requirements, such as taking a portion of the licensing exam or completing additional education. 

Examples of states that have full reciprocity with other states include Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, and Missouri. 

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

Some states accept specific college courses related to real estate as an alternative to a formal pre-licensing program. In these states, the college courses are seen to provide candidates with the necessary knowledge and background they need to be agents. 

Therefore, candidates who take such courses are exempted from taking the pre-licensing classes. However, not all states accept this arrangement. Check with the state's real estate department to find out if your state exempts you for the right college classes. 

An example of a state that allows this is California, where candidates can use college credits towards the 45-hour pre-education course if the credits are from a real estate or law-related course. Other examples include Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, and Nebraska. 

How does a pre-licensing course work?

A real estate pre-licensing course is an educational program designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to prepare for your real estate career. The pre-licensing course content is set by the state’s real estate department.

These courses typically include content that covers the state's real estate laws and regulations. Additionally, they also cover some federal real estate topics, which include: 

• Real estate principles
• Laws and regulations
• Contracts
• Property ownership
• Financing
• Brokerage and law of agency
• Fair housing 
• Ethics
• Real estate calculations 

Once you complete the course and pass the final exam, your real estate school will award you a completion certificate. This certificate must be submitted in some states before registering for the real estate exam. 

Final thought on whether you need classes to take the exam

In conclusion, all aspiring real estate exam candidates must take classes to meet the pre-licensing education criteria. However, there might be exceptions, such as license reciprocity and college credits. Always check with the state's real estate department to find out the specific licensing requirements of your intended state.