The decision to become a real estate agent is an important step in anyone’s career journey. People enter the field of real estate from different professions and careers and at different stages of their lives. Everyone has different reasons why they think real estate is the right career choice. But one question comes up over and over again from people who want to enter the real estate industry, “How do I become a real estate agent?”

The simple answer is, “It depends. “It mainly depends on where a person wants to practice real estate. Becoming a real estate broker requires a state license. Each state regulates its own real estate licensing process, and each state’s rules or regulations differ slightly. However, there are some basic requirements that are always consistent.

General requirements to qualify as a real estate salesperson.
To be eligible to become a licensed real estate salesperson or agent, you must:

Be at least 18 or 19 years of age (depending on the state)
Have legal U.S. residency
Complete your required Prelicense education (find your state’s requirements)
Pass your state real estate license exam
These items represent the high-level checklist of what it takes to become a licensed real estate agent, but there are many decisions you must make along the way that will determine whether or not your journey is successful.

Is real estate right for you?
The first step in the process is making sure real estate is right for you. As a real estate salesperson, every day is spent working for you. This means managing your own office, completing paperwork, prospecting leads, building relationships, managing contacts, and dealing with buyers and sellers. Contact local real estate agents and brokers and ask them questions about their day-to-day work. Ask questions about real estate as a long-term career. Starting a full-time career as a real estate agent can’t be treated like a hobby. It requires a full commitment. Make sure real estate is the right path for you.

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How to become a real estate agent
While specifics vary by state, there are five steps each individual must take to earn their license and become a real estate agent.

Step 1: Understand your state’s real estate licensing requirements.
Each state’s real estate licensing requirements are different. Your state’s real estate commission website lists the official pre-licensing requirements. Kaplan Real Estate Education offers a few pages that narrow this knowledge gap. The Steps to Licensing page is designed to show in simple steps what it takes to become licensed in each state. In addition, Kaplan offers a page dedicated to each state’s real estate licensing and continuing education requirements. See the link below for your state’s pages.

Step 2: Enroll in a real estate pre-licensing course.
There are several ways you can fulfill your real estate pre-licensing requirements, from live classrooms at local real estate schools, Some real estate companies, universities and technical schools offer real estate licensing programs, home study and online real estate education. This is an important decision in your journey. Make sure you enroll in a school that has a good reputation, offers quality content and instructors, and focuses on positive student outcomes. Your real estate licensing education will be difficult and comprehensive, but it will also be the springboard to a successful career as a real estate professional.

Step 3: Apply to take the real estate salesperson exam.
Timing is important in this step. Make sure you follow the application process with your state so you can sit for your real estate agent exam soon after you finish your real estate licensing classes. This process will be state specific and will involve a fee. Check with your state’s real estate regulatory agency for complete details. In some states, you will need to submit fingerprints and pass a background check. This can take weeks to process. In many states, the application process must be completed before you can register or schedule your exam appointment. Don’t let the paperwork become a roadblock to getting started in your new real estate career.

Step 4: Pass the real estate salesperson exam.
Passing the real estate exam takes more than finishing the educational requirements-it takes preparation. Not everyone passes the exam the first time. Preparing for the state exam requires additional study time. Kaplan strongly recommends signing up for an exam prep class. Since the ultimate goal is to help you pass the exam, most Kaplan pre-licensing packages include the comprehensive exam preparation course. Taking practice exams, measuring your strengths and weaknesses, and working through a comprehensive topical review will sharpen your knowledge and prepare you for exam day.

Show up to the exam site with a positive attitude, answer the questions with the vast knowledge bank you’ve accumulated in your studies, and walk out with a passing grade on your state real estate exam!

Step 5: Find a real estate agent
Your passing grade on your state real estate licensing exam doesn’t quite mean you have a license. A real estate salesperson (agent) is authorized to act on behalf of a broker and may not act independently as a real estate broker. Consider finding a real estate agent at the beginning of your licensing process. Once you have met your pre-licensing requirements and passed your exam, you and your broker will need to complete final paperwork with the state. Once the form is accepted, your license will be issued and you can practice real estate under the broker’s auspices. Keep in mind that there are a number of things to consider when looking for the right real estate brokerage.

Good luck on your path to licensing as well as your subsequent successful career as a real estate agent! Every day can be unique and different for a real estate agent, and it can be a very rewarding and exciting career!