How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License in Missouri?
In this article, we walk you through the estimated timeline of getting a real estate license in Missouri.
There are many steps that contribute to the overall time it will take to become a licensed agent in the state.
We tackle how long each step should take you to complete, so you fully understand the commitment needed to get licensed.
Before we begin, let’s look at the table showing the steps in the process and the time frame for each step.
Estimated Timeline to Get a Real Estate License in Missouri
| Time frame | Step |
| 1 week | Collect licensing information. |
| 2 weeks – 4 months | Complete pre-licensing education. |
| 2 days | Get fingerprinted. |
| 1 day | Schedule the real estate exam. |
| 1 day | Take the exam. |
| 1 – 2+ weeks | Submit license application for review. |
| 1 – 4 weeks | Complete continuing education courses. |
Collect Licensing Information: 1 Week
Since there are many steps to getting your real estate license in Missouri, it’s important to start by educating yourself on the entire process.
A great resource is the Real Estate Commission page within the Missouri Division of Professional Registration.
Here, you’ll find the list of general requirements you need to meet to even begin the process, along with forms and helpful FAQs.
As you review all the details and important information, make sure to focus on the best way to organize all the elements you must complete.
For example, you can’t schedule your exam until you complete all the pre-licensing education, and you can’t submit an application until you pass the exam.
Knowing these things in advance will help make the entire licensing journey flow more easily.
Complete Pre-Licensing Coursework: 2 Weeks - 4 Months
How long should you study for the real estate exam? Pre-licensing coursework for your real estate license in Missouri is actually broken into two parts.
The first part is a 48-hour course. The second is a 24-hour course.
The 48-hour course requirement is the same for both a salesperson and a broker license, but only those becoming a salesperson need to take the additional course.
This difference will impact your overall time for completing pre-licensing coursework. The other big influencer is class format.
In many instances, online classes are offered with a self-paced option, meaning you can move through the coursework as quickly as you want.
If you’re able to devote an entire 40 hours per week to the class, you could be done in as little as two weeks.
If you prefer being in class, for more regulated instruction, the process will take longer.
If you’re unsure what format is right for you, it’s best to weigh the pros and cons of taking real estate classes online vs. classroom courses.
Once you decide, you should take your courses in an approved institution.
To get credit for completing your pre-licensing coursework, you must achieve a minimum score of 75 percent on the final exam.
The 48-hour course must be completed before you’re able to take the exam, but if you need to complete the 24-hour Missouri Real Estate Practice Course, you’re able to wait.
You have until you submit your application to finish that course, so you could technically do it after you’ve passed the real estate exam itself.
Survey of Experts
Did you take your pre-licensing real estate course online or in person?
Do you think taking a real estate pre-licensing course online can save students time compared to in-person courses?
Get Fingerprinted: 2 Days
In the time between when you finish your coursework and you take your exam, you should consider getting fingerprints.
A background check is required as part of the Missouri real estate licensing process and must be completed before you submit your application.
To register for fingerprints, visit the Missouri Automated Criminal History System site and provide the real estate license four-digit registration number, 0004.
You’ll then receive a list of locations near you that work through IdentoGo to take fingerprints. You can go to any of the locations, and don’t need an appointment.
While the actual fingerprinting process only takes about 10 minutes, each location operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so you may have to wait on site to complete this step.
Our article, Can You Get a Missouri Real Estate License with Violations?, provides all the details you need to know when getting a background check in the state.
Schedule the Real Estate License Exam: 1 Day
The real estate license exam in Missouri is proctored by PSI Exams. The easiest way to schedule your exam is to create an online account and use that.
You’re also able to schedule your exam over the phone by calling 888-818-5829.
At the time, you’ll also have to pay your exam fee, which is $62 regardless of the type of license you’re testing for. For all the other expenses associated with licensing, read our article – How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate License in Missouri?
Based on availability and your desired exam date, you could have your test scheduled within the same week, so make sure you’re ready.
Take the Exam: 1 Day
On exam day, make sure you arrive at your testing location at least 15 minutes early to check in. Anyone arriving 15 minutes past their test time won’t be allowed to take the exam.
You’ll have a total of four hours to complete the salesperson exam, and four-and-a-half to complete the broker exam.
Both exams are broken into two sections — one focused on national questions and one on state-specific questions.
For the salesperson exam, you’ll have 100 questions in the national section, and 40 questions in the state section.
To pass, you need to answer at least 70 questions correct in the national section, and 30 correct in the state section.
The broker exam is slightly different. The national portion only has 10 simulation questions, each with three parts. The state section consists of 75 multiple-choice questions.
To pass the broker exam, you need to answer 57 items correct in the state section.
For the national section, you must reach a minimum passing level within the Information Gathering and Decision Making sections of each question.
If you fail one or both sections of the real estate licensing exam, you’re able to retake, but must pay the $62 fee each time no matter how many sections you’re taking again.
You can retest as many times as you need within six months of completing your pre-licensing education.
Survey of Experts
How difficult was it for you to study and pass the Missouri real estate license exam?
How many attempts did it take you to pass your real estate license exam?
Expert Insight
Tips to help future agents pass the real estate exam.
Focus on what you learn in the class from the materials that are provided.
Do not try to interject your own knowledge into the lesson, i.e., many things are true in residential real estate but not applicable in commercial, as they are two different industries.
The person whose knowledge base is all commercial may have problems trying to understand their commercial knowledge within the context of a residential-focused class.
Invest in learning vocabulary definitions early.
The sooner you understand every word in every question, the sooner you’ll be able to fully understand the concepts that questions will throw at you.
Become a sponge of soaking in information from the day you enroll in real estate school to the day you pass your test. Study, study, study!
Write down notes like you have never written before. Take every pretest, practice exam, quiz.
This is more about effort than anything else. It will help set the basis of your career if you start in a very disciplined way.
Study! But really, the test is nothing compared to actually getting out there and putting it all into practice.
Submit License Application for Review: 1-2+ Weeks
When you pass your real estate license exam, while still at the testing center, you’ll receive your license application.
As long as you’ve completed all your pre-licensing coursework, and submitted fingerprints, you can complete the application and submit it.
You have six months from the time you finish your pre-licensing education to submit the application.The fee is $90 total.
You’ll be notified once your application is approved and a copy of our license will be mailed out.
You will need your license to be activated once received. For this purpose, you have to be sponsored by a licensed broker.
Browse our directory of top real estate brokerage firms in Missouri to pick one. Don’t make your decision unless you’ve reviewed our guide on how to choose the right real estate broker to work for.
Complete Continuing Education Courses: 1-4 Weeks
Once you have your real estate license in Missouri, it’s good for two years. You’ll have to renew it then at a cost of $40 for a salesperson license or $50 for a broker, plus minimal fees.
With that two-year period, Missouri real estate agents are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education. All courses must be approved by the Missouri Real Estate Commission.
Three of your 12 hours must be taken for core credit, while the rest can be in either core or elective courses. All courses must be from an approved school.
Survey of Experts
How long did it take you to get your real estate license? From the time you signed up for school till your license was issued.
Expert Insight
Knowing what you know now, what would you do differently to get your license faster?
Nothing. The one word of advice I would give would be to go directly for your broker’s license. Do not stop at your salesperson’s license.
You have more opportunities as a broker throughout your career if you do. That is what I did at the advice of my mentor as a broker and I am glad I did.
And if you know anything about real estate, residential or commercial, temporarily forget it. Only focus on what you learn in the classes.
Do not interject the real-life RRE or CRE experiences you have. By doing so, you will make it more difficult for yourself.
I would have not tried to memorize questions. That gives you the illusion you actually know what the correct answer is. Don’t do that!
Spend time learning the true meaning behind everything you’re reading. At first this will take forever, but eventually you’ll breeze through any question they throw at you.
Where to Study for a Real Estate License Exam?
One of the biggest time variables in getting a Missouri real estate license is preparing for the exam itself.
Your preparation starts from the moment you choose the institution where you will study for the real estate exam.
It’s important to pick an education provider approved by the Missouri Real Estate Commission. You can choose one from our directory of accredited Missouri real estate agent schools.
When you feel confident in your knowledge, and prepared for the stress of taking a test, it’s time to schedule your exam.
The best way to prepare starts with taking good notes in your pre-licensing courses. This helps you collect relevant information you can use to make flashcards and study outlines.
Your instructor may also recommend additional resources to review outside of class. The PSI Bulletin also provides such information, along with a detailed outline of test topics.
You can also refer to our guide on the best way to pass the Missouri real estate exam.
Combining all these materials together can provide you with a well-rounded set of information you can use to study on your own or with a group of your peers.
Whatever your study preference is, the more time you make to review, the better prepared you will be to pass the real estate license exam the very first time.
Once you pass the exam and get an active license, you can start working as a professional real estate agent in the state. Be prepared for the challenges of this career by reading the following resources:
- I Just Got My Real Estate License, Now What?
- What Are the Pros and Cons of Being a Real Estate Agent as a Career?
- Ultimate Guide to Joining a Real Estate Team
To help you build and grow your real estate career quickly, we at Real Estate Bees created a directory for real estate professionals.
It’s designed to help you get more exposure for your business, including receiving leads. Create a free profile by signing up here.
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About the Author
Kristina Morales is a REALTOR® with over 20 years of professional experience. She actively practices real estate in Ohio but also has practiced real estate in California and Texas. Conducting her real estate business in three states has allowed her to gain unique experiences that make her a well-rounded realtor. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and her MBA with a concentration in Banking and Finance. Prior to real estate, Kristina had an extensive corporate career in banking and treasury. She ended her finance career as an Assistant Treasurer at a publicly traded oil & gas company in Houston, TX.