- How many hours of pre-licensing education do I need?
- It depends on your profession and state. Real estate pre-licensing ranges from 40 hours (Michigan) to 168 hours (Texas). Mortgage Loan Originators must complete 20 hours of SAFE-approved pre-licensing nationally, plus any state-specific hours. Real estate appraiser trainees typically need 75 hours of qualifying education. Select your profession and state above for exact requirements.
- Can I complete pre-licensing courses online?
- Most states allow fully online, self-paced pre-licensing for real estate, mortgage, and appraisal. A small number of states require a proctored final exam or a live component. The tool above flags any format restrictions specific to your state.
- How long does pre-licensing education take?
- Most students finish online pre-licensing in 4–12 weeks depending on the required hours and their pace. Some states (e.g., California real estate) enforce a minimum number of calendar days per course, so you cannot legally finish faster than that minimum regardless of effort.
- Do pre-licensing courses expire?
- Yes — many states require you to pass the licensing exam within 1–3 years of completing pre-licensing education, or the coursework must be retaken. Check the full state guide linked from your results for the exact policy.