Sales & Customer Service
Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents help people buy, sell, and rent homes and property.
What They Do
Represent buyers, sellers, and renters in property transactions. Licensing is state-specific and mandatory; most agents are independent contractors.
Why someone might consider this career
Licensing takes months rather than years, schedules are flexible, and successful agents can build independent businesses — but income is commission-based and not guaranteed.
Work Environment
The Basics
Training time
3–6 months including licensing
Training cost
Information pending verification
Education commonly associated with entry
Information pending verification
Certification / licensing
Required: a state real estate license — prelicensing education hours plus a state exam; requirements vary by state. A broker license requires additional experience. Most agents are independent contractors paid on commission.
Physical demand
Moderate
People interaction
High
Remote potential
Low
Self-employment potential
High
Typical Training Path
- 1Verify your state's prelicensing education requirement
- 2Complete prelicensing education
- 3Pass the state licensing exam and join a brokerage
- 4Build your client pipeline
- 5Complete continuing education on your state's schedule
A common route — actual requirements vary by program, employer, and state.
Certification & licensing note: Required: a state real estate license — prelicensing education hours plus a state exam; requirements vary by state. A broker license requires additional experience. Most agents are independent contractors paid on commission.
A course certificate, a professional certification, and a state license are three different things — completing training alone never makes you licensed or certified.
Licensing & requirements in your state
Requirements for this career vary by jurisdiction. We never assume your location — pick your state to check.
Select your state to see requirements.
Planning to work for yourself in this field? Build your business toolkit in Business & Software →
Related Careers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is real estate income guaranteed?
No. Real estate agents are typically independent contractors working on commission — income depends on transactions. Verify current market conditions in your area before committing.
Are licensing requirements the same in every state?
Every state requires a license, but education hours, exams, and reciprocity differ. Check your state real estate commission before enrolling in prelicensing education.
Last verified: September 26, 2026
Explore TrainingLucky Finds may earn compensation when you visit or purchase from certain partners through links on our site. This helps support the site at no additional cost to you.
Career requirements, licensing rules, education requirements, costs, and employment conditions can change. Verify official requirements with the appropriate licensing agency, credentialing body, employer, or educational institution. Lucky Finds does not guarantee admission, certification, licensure, employment, salary, or career outcomes.