How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License in New York?
In this article, you’ll learn licensing to-dos and the time frame for each step in the New York real estate licensing process.
You’ll also better understand the factors that can shorten or lengthen the timeline and ultimately determine your answer to the question: How long does it take to get a real estate license in NY?
Let’s go right to the details below.
Estimated Timeline to Get a Real Estate License in New York
| Time frame | Step |
| 2 weeks full-time | Complete qualifying education. |
| About 2 weeks | Prep for the exam. |
| At least 2 weeks | Register and take the real estate exam. |
| About 2 weeks | Line up a sponsoring broker. |
| 2 weeks minimum | Apply and wait for your license. |
Complete Qualifying Education: 2 Weeks Full-Time
The fastest time to finish the required 77 hours of pre-licensing coursework is within two weeks. And that’s doable through live classes or studying online.
Some schools on the NY Department of State’s approved provider list offer an accelerated in-person course schedule that runs all day on weekdays for a couple of weeks.
If one of these schools is nearby, you have that option. Otherwise, you can take the course online and complete it in that same time frame by studying full-time.
You won’t finish as quickly if other responsibilities make you a part-time student. In that case, you could attend night school in a live or virtual classroom for 4-7 weeks.
There’s also a handful of live and livestreamed options for those who can only go to class a couple of evenings a week or on weekends. These take 11-12 weeks to complete.
For part-time online studies, you get to decide on a completion date. Providers typically offer six or 12 months of access time. So, you can set a pace that’s comfortable for you.
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?
Prep for the Exam: About 2 Weeks
You no doubt want to pass the New York real estate exam on your first try. That means you need to know the material well and can apply that knowledge. Getting in some extra study time can help ensure both.
The burning question you may have is: How long should you study for the real estate exam?
A guideline based on the volume of pre-licensing coursework is to dedicate at least a week or two to this effort.
That time frame will allow you to take a prep course that can help you study more efficiently.
These courses are organized by topic. You can use real-time dashboards and simulated exams to determine when you’re ready for the test or whether you need to study more.
What can you do to study faster and smarter? Here are a few expert tips:
- Make sure the course content is based on the New York qualifying education syllabus.
- Opt for a course with unlimited dynamic practice tests to help you master the material.
- Incorporate your class notes into your review. They can be one of your best study tools.
Refer to my other article where I share more helpful pointers on how to study for the real estate exam.
Register and Take the Exam: At Least 2 Weeks
Unlike many other states that contract testing vendors to manage their licensing exam, the Department of State administers the salesperson exam for New York.
Therefore, you must set up an account through their online portal to make an exam reservation.
You can create an account and schedule the exam in the same sitting. Or, you can register ahead of time. Then all you have to do is log in when it’s time to request a test slot.
After that, you’ll spend about a couple of weeks waiting for exam day. Seats for the NY exam tend to get booked fast, and applicants typically have to schedule at least that far out.
You may also have to wait longer based on test slot availability at the most convenient location. Either way, you can use that time for exam prep and shorten your overall time frame.
As for exam day, you may only need to block off half of it. You have 90 minutes to take the test. How much travel time you’ll need depends on your proximity to the test site.
Survey of Experts
How difficult was it for you to study and pass the New York 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.
Use the course materials you’ve already paid for to review and study.
I would recommend planning to complete the classes in close proximity until completed.
In fact, as I look at other areas to be licensed in, I am factoring in where the opportunities are for me to be in a classroom in person for most, if not all, of the required classroom hours.
When I did the pre-licensing courses for Florida, I cleared a week of my schedule to be in a classroom and it was a fantastic decision to do it that way.
I learned a great deal from the instructor as well as from classmates (whom I am still in contact with!).
The key for most students is to study the chapter, and then immediately, work on the practice questions and refer to the study guide.
Topics that are difficult should be revisited several times as you continue through the course.
After finishing the course, study the real estate practice exam with questions and answers. It’s a more dynamic way to learn and it was very helpful.
Taking the additional sample tests is helpful as is studying with peers.
Take notes during the class and cram sessions.
Line Up a Sponsoring Broker: About 2 Weeks
NY law requires a sponsoring broker to accept your application before the state can process it. Usually, it’s two weeks before you get exam results. So, you can find a broker while you wait.
Your choice is a big decision that can impact your immediate success and how well you do in the future. It follows that you need to make a well-informed pick.
That requires spending time performing due diligence:
- Gain insights from our article on choosing the right broker to work for as a new agent.
- Use what you learn to research potential brokerages to be affiliated with
- Reference our directory of top-rated real estate brokerages in New York to jumpstart your list.
- Draft a list of questions and use it for interviewing the top contenders.
You could conceivably spend up to a week identifying companies. An online search can be helpful, as well as getting recommendations from those you know in the business.
Use the remaining week (or more time, if needed) for interviewing brokers on your shortlist. Allot time for in-person visits to get a feel for the culture and the facilities.
Apply and Wait For Your License: 2 Weeks Minimum
You can apply for your New York real estate license as soon as you’ve passed the exam. If you’re not immediately ready, you’ve got up to two years to file for your license.
When you do apply, expect a minimum wait of two weeks. Understand, though, that it may be longer.
One factor that impacts processing time is how quickly your broker approves your application. To speed things up, alert them when you apply.
Also, processing could be delayed if you don’t submit all required documents or apply online and send the supporting paperwork by mail.
A holdup may also occur if questions arise about criminal and professional disciplinary history.
To know how this may affect your application, refer to our article on getting a New York real estate license with violations on your record.
The Department of State will mail your license to the brokerage once they approve your application. You’re then an active New York real estate agent.
Your license is valid for two years. You’ll get a notice of three months before it expires and need to renew prior to that date.
How long do you have to renew your real estate license if it expires? Two years. After that, you must retake the exam and re-apply.
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?
It is worth noting that at the time I got my salesperson’s license, the required hours were 45 hours (it has since gone up to either 75 or 77 in NYS), and additionally, when I did the pre-licensing for my broker’s license, there were 45 hours (this recently was also increased to, I believe, 77, in addition to the transaction/experience requirements).
I think it’s important that when you are planning to do your coursework, it is likely easier to do better on the test on the first try if you have taken your classes in close proximity (it is worth noting that when I took my pre-licensing education, online was NOT an option).
I had a small child and had a sitter twice a week, so those were the days I attended the class.
There were no online classes then. I would have been able to finish quicker NOW due to the online classes given.
I had scheduling conflicts and couldn’t attend the classes as frequently as I wanted to. If you have a tight schedule, like I did, I recommend taking the classes online.
Where to Study for a Real Estate License Exam?
As New York’s list of approved qualifying education providers includes traditional and online schools, where you study will depend on which one you pick.
The brick-and-mortar schools teach the pre-licensing course in a live classroom, through a virtual classroom, or both. There are also various educational settings, including:
- Training institutes
- Community colleges
- New York real estate schools
- Realtor associations
- Colleges and universities
You have some leeway in choosing your study space when attending class virtually. However, most schools have participation rules that include guidelines for your physical space.
Online real estate schools allow you to do your classwork wherever you like.
If you can’t decide which learning method to go for, review our article comparing real estate classes online vs classroom courses.
But even with the freedom to do so, it’s beneficial to plan where you study. Education experts suggest looking for the following when choosing a study spot:
- Somewhere you can sit and focus for extended periods
- A consistently available and minimally distracting space
- A comfortable place your brain connects with studying
You get the same flexibility for an exam prep course. These are most commonly offered online. So, you can use a library carrel, join others in a co-study space, or find a quiet spot at home.
With the information in this article, you can easily estimate how long it is to get a real estate license in New York and begin your new career.
If you need help estimating the licensing budget that you should allot, refer to our guide on the cost of a real estate license in NY.
You can then get your business off to a promising start by absorbing as much knowledge as you can about the industry. These resources offer a wealth of information:
- The benefits of being a real estate agent
- The next step after passing the real estate exam
- How to join a real estate team
Once you’re actively working as a salesperson in the state, your first order of business should be to get discovered, grow your reach, and increase your visibility.
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.