9 hours elective I am not able to confirm the requirement for a sponsoring broker, so presumably you may be licensed prior to employment, but I infer from what I do find that you must be employed by a broker to practice real estate once you have obtained a license. Incidentally, all states have license requirements for real estate, but they vary widely from state to state. I would urge you to get all the education you can, and do not rely on the minimal education required by the state.
Real estate is a complex and high risk business, and is getting more so.
It is also challenging and rewarding, however.