There is also an educational requirement for a real estate license, which consists of a college-level course in real estate principles plus two additional courses approved by the Department of Real Estate. Applicants who have completed only the real estate principles coursework may qualify for a provisional license through the examination process, but must complete the other two courses within 18 months of license issuance. To prepare for the sales agent license examination, candidates may take real estate courses in community colleges and private real estate schools. There are now Board approved correspondence courses, some featuring video taped training sessions. These programs are especially helpful to new agents who must complete course requirements while working hours that may conflict with traditional classroom training.
Many brokers now express a preference for agents whose background includes some college.
Many employers have classroom and continuing in-house training for both beginning and experienced agents. Many of them join the National Association of Realtors as associate members. Agents may also advance to the positions of sales, training, operations, and office manager. Some Real Estate Agents advance to real estate appraiser positions by taking the required course work offered at many community colleges and universities. Often positions will be available when candidates obtain their license.