How many hours of pre-license education are required for a real estate license?

Pre-license education requirements range from 40 hours (some states) to 168 hours (California). Most states require between 60-90 hours. States with fewer required hours include Colorado (168 hrs), Missouri (72 hrs), Florida (63 hrs), and Alabama (60 hrs).

What state has the highest real estate agent income?

Real estate agent incomes are typically highest in states with high home prices: New York, California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Washington DC. However, income depends heavily on local market activity, not just home prices.

Can I get a real estate license in another state?

Yes, through reciprocity agreements. Many states have reciprocal licensing with other states, meaning you can get licensed in a second state without completing the full education requirements again. Check each state's licensing authority for current reciprocity agreements.

2026 Comparison

Best States to Get a Real Estate License in 2026

Q: Which state has the easiest real estate exam?

States with higher first-time pass rates include Hawaii (~62%), Connecticut (~61%), Georgia (~60%), Alaska (~60%), and Maine (~61%). These states also tend to have fewer pre-license hours required. However, 'easiest' depends on your background — every state tests both national principles and state-specific law.

We compared all 50 states by pass rates, pre-license hours required, exam fees, and overall difficulty — so you can make the smartest choice.

States Compared

~57%

Avg Pass Rate

40–168

Hours Required Range

$15–$175

Exam Fee Range

Easiest States to Get Licensed (Overall)

Ranked by a composite score weighing pass rate, pre-license hours, and exam fee.

#	State	Pass Rate	Hours Required	Exam Fee	Start Prep
1	New Hampshire	63%	40 hrs	$95	Practice →
2	Maine	63%	55 hrs	$100	Practice →
3	Hawaii	62%	60 hrs	$61	Practice →
4	Rhode Island	61%	45 hrs	$65	Practice →
5	Montana	62%	70 hrs	$85	Practice →
6	Vermont	60%	40 hrs	$75	Practice →
7	Connecticut	61%	60 hrs	$85	Practice →
8	Alaska	60%	40 hrs	$100	Practice →
9	Nebraska	60%	60 hrs	$75	Practice →
10	Minnesota	61%	90 hrs	$65	Practice →

Highest First-Time Pass Rates

States where the most candidates pass on their first attempt.

Maine

55 hrs required · $100 fee

63%

New Hampshire

40 hrs required · $95 fee

63%

Hawaii

60 hrs required · $61 fee

62%

Montana

70 hrs required · $85 fee

62%

Connecticut

60 hrs required · $85 fee

61%

Minnesota

90 hrs required · $65 fee

61%

Rhode Island

45 hrs required · $65 fee

61%

Alaska

40 hrs required · $100 fee

60%

Georgia

75 hrs required · $121 fee

60%

#10

Iowa

96 hrs required · $95 fee

60%

Fewest Pre-License Hours Required

States where you can complete education requirements faster.

Alaska

Pass rate: 60% · Fee: $100

40 hrs

Massachusetts

Pass rate: 55% · Fee: $54

40 hrs

Michigan

Pass rate: 57% · Fee: $88

40 hrs

New Hampshire

Pass rate: 63% · Fee: $95

40 hrs

Vermont

Pass rate: 60% · Fee: $75

40 hrs

North Dakota

Pass rate: 54% · Fee: $80

45 hrs

Rhode Island

Pass rate: 61% · Fee: $65

45 hrs

Wyoming

Pass rate: 55% · Fee: $300

54 hrs

Maine

Pass rate: 63% · Fee: $100

55 hrs

#10

Alabama

Pass rate: 57% · Fee: $85

60 hrs

Lowest Exam Fees

States with the lowest cost to sit for the exam.

New York

Pass rate: 50% · 77 hrs required

$15

Florida

Pass rate: 52% · 63 hrs required

$36

Tennessee

Pass rate: 56% · 90 hrs required

$39

Colorado

Pass rate: 52% · 168 hrs required

$44

Maryland

Pass rate: 54% · 60 hrs required

$44

New Jersey

Pass rate: 53% · 75 hrs required

$45

Illinois

Pass rate: 56% · 75 hrs required

$46

Pennsylvania

Pass rate: 55% · 75 hrs required

$49

Indiana

Pass rate: 58% · 90 hrs required

$53

#10

Massachusetts

Pass rate: 55% · 40 hrs required

$54

All 50 States — Full Comparison

Click any state to see exam requirements and start practicing free.

State	Questions	Pass Score	Pass Rate	Hours	Fee
Alabama	140	70%	57%	60	$85	Practice
Alaska	150	70%	60%	40	$100	Practice
Arizona	180	75%	55%	90	$75	Practice
Arkansas	130	70%	58%	60	$75	Practice
California	150	70%	54%	135	$60	Practice
Colorado	154	75%	52%	168	$44	Practice
Connecticut	140	70%	61%	60	$85	Practice
Delaware	120	70%	59%	99	$85	Practice
Florida	100	75%	52%	63	$36	Practice
Georgia	152	72%	60%	75	$121	Practice
Hawaii	140	70%	62%	60	$61	Practice
Idaho	140	70%	59%	90	$88	Practice
Illinois	140	75%	56%	75	$46	Practice
Indiana	140	75%	58%	90	$53	Practice
Iowa	130	70%	60%	96	$95	Practice
Kansas	140	70%	59%	60	$82	Practice
Kentucky	130	75%	57%	96	$100	Practice
Louisiana	135	70%	55%	90	$85	Practice
Maine	130	75%	63%	55	$100	Practice
Maryland	110	70%	54%	60	$44	Practice
Massachusetts	120	70%	55%	40	$54	Practice
Michigan	115	70%	57%	40	$88	Practice
Minnesota	130	75%	61%	90	$65	Practice
Mississippi	130	70%	56%	60	$75	Practice
Missouri	140	70%	58%	72	$62	Practice
Montana	133	70%	62%	70	$85	Practice
Nebraska	130	70%	60%	60	$75	Practice
Nevada	120	75%	52%	120	$100	Practice
New Hampshire	130	70%	63%	40	$95	Practice
New Jersey	110	70%	53%	75	$45	Practice
New Mexico	120	75%	58%	90	$95	Practice
New York	75	70%	50%	77	$15	Practice
North Carolina	120	75%	57%	75	$64	Practice
North Dakota	130	70%	54%	45	$80	Practice
Ohio	120	70%	59%	120	$60	Practice
Oklahoma	130	70%	60%	90	$75	Practice
Oregon	130	75%	53%	150	$75	Practice
Pennsylvania	110	75%	55%	75	$49	Practice
Rhode Island	120	70%	61%	45	$65	Practice
South Carolina	120	70%	56%	90	$63	Practice
South Dakota	130	70%	55%	116	$85	Practice
Tennessee	120	70%	56%	90	$39	Practice
Texas	150	70%	57%	180	$54	Practice
Utah	130	70%	55%	120	$71	Practice
Vermont	120	70%	60%	40	$75	Practice
Virginia	120	75%	58%	60	$60	Practice
Washington	130	70%	50%	90	$138	Practice
West Virginia	130	70%	52%	90	$75	Practice
Wisconsin	140	75%	57%	72	$60	Practice
Wyoming	130	70%	55%	54	$300	Practice

Frequently Asked Questions

Which state has the easiest real estate exam?

States with the highest first-time pass rates include Hawaii (~62%), Connecticut (~61%), Maine (~61%), Georgia (~60%), and Alaska (~60%). These states also tend to require fewer pre-license hours.

Can I get licensed in a state I don't live in?

Yes — many states have reciprocity agreements that allow out-of-state licensees to get licensed without completing the full education requirements. Check your target state's licensing authority for current reciprocity states.

How long does it take to get a real estate license?

Most people complete the process in 3-6 months: 1-3 months for pre-license education, 2-4 weeks to study for and pass the exam, then a few weeks for the license application to process. States with fewer required hours (under 75) can move faster.

What is the average salary for a real estate agent?

Real estate agent income varies widely by market, experience, and work volume. The national median is around $50,000-$60,000, but top producers in high-cost markets like New York, California, and Hawaii can earn significantly more.

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