High School

There are no standard educational requirements for the real estate field. However, high school courses in English, business, computer science, math, and a foreign language such as Spanish would help to prepare you for communicating with clients and handling sales.

Postsecondary Training

An increasing percentage of real estate agents and brokers have some college education. As property transactions have become more complex, many employers favor applicants with more education. Some colleges and universities offer associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in real estate, but mostly they offer certificates. Courses in psychology, economics, sociology, statistics, accounting, marketing, finance, business administration, and law are helpful. Learning a foreign language can also be useful in working with clients from other countries. Real estate associations at the national and state level also provide training. Some agents and brokers are required to participate in training programs provided by their employers. 

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) offers certificates, associates, bachelor’s and master’s degrees through its NAR Academy at Columbia College. Contact the NAR for more information.  

Certification

Many colleges and universities offer certificates in real estate. Contact schools in your area to learn more about available programs. 

Other Education or Training

The National Association of Realtors and the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors offer a wealth of continuing education opportunities for real estate agents and brokers. Contact these organizations for more information. 

Certification or Licensing

The National Association of Realtors, Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council, Realtors Land Institute, Institute of Real Estate Management, Council of Residential Specialists, and the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors offer voluntary certification to real estate professionals. Contact these organizations for more information.

Every state (and the District of Columbia) requires that real estate agents and brokers be licensed. For the general license, most states require agents to have between 30 and 90 hours of classroom training, and pass a written examination on real estate fundamentals and relevant state laws. Prospective brokers must pass a more extensive examination and complete between 60 and 90 hours of classroom training. Additionally, many states require brokers to have one to three years' experience selling property or a formal degree in real estate.

State licenses are usually renewed annually without examination, but many states require agents to fulfill continuing education requirements in real estate. Agents who move to another state must qualify under the licensing laws of that state. To supplement minimum state requirements, many agents take courses in real estate principles, laws, financing, appraisal, and property development and management.

Other Requirements

In most states, real estate agents and brokers must be at least 18 years old.

No experience is needed to become a real estate agent, but sales experience is a definite plus. Brokers typically need one to three years of experience as a licensed sales agent to be eligible for licensing.

Successful brokers and agents must be willing to study the changing trends of the industry to keep their skills updated. Residential real estate agents must keep up with the latest trends in mortgage financing, construction, and community development. They must have a thorough knowledge of the housing market in their assigned communities so they can identify which neighborhoods will best fit their clients' needs and budgets, and they must be familiar with local zoning and tax laws. Agents and brokers must also be good negotiators to act as go-betweens between buyers and sellers.

In most cases, educational experience is less important than the right personality. Brokers want agents who possess a pleasant personality, exude honesty, and maintain a neat appearance. Agents must work with many different types of people and inspire their trust and confidence. They need to express themselves well and show enthusiasm to motivate customers. They should also be well organized and detail oriented, and have a good memory for names, faces, and business details.