This course may be the first step in what will turn into a career-long quest for real estate knowledge. While real estate licensing requirements are discussed in detail in Lesson 18, a brief overview of the steps necessary to acquire an entry-level education in real estate is offered here. New real estate salespersons are required to successfully complete the equivalent of sixty clock hours of a real estate fundamentals class prior to taking the real estate salesperson exam. This class can be taken at community colleges, universities, private schools specializing in real estate, or at broker-sponsored schools at real estate companies. Several alternative methods of acquiring the mandatory sixty clock hours outside of a classroom setting are currently approved, including this distance learning course.
Brokers have more pre-licensing requirements than salespersons for obvious reasons.
First of all, they may be called upon to manage branch offices or manage their own offices. They must supervise associate brokers, salespersons, office staff, property managers, and others effectively and profitably. Real estate salespersons who want to become brokers must have successfully completed 120 clock hours of approved real estate education courses, as well as other prerequisites discussed in Lesson 18 within five years prior to taking the broker's exam. In addition to prelicensing requirements, continuing education is an important aspect of a successful real estate career. While certain mandatory requirements exist for maintaining a real estate license, many professionals seek out additional educational opportunities to stay apace with this rapidly changing industry.