While no state offers a “simple” path to a real estate license, several states are widely regarded as having less stringent requirements, shorter prelicensing education, and higher pass rates, making them among the easiest in the U.S. to obtain a license.
Top States Considered the Easiest:
1. Virginia
- Prelicensing education: 60 hours
- Exam: 120 questions (80 national, 40 state); 70% pass mark
- No high school diploma required (only to be 18 years or older)
- Pass rate: Historically above 70%
- Processing time: Often under 2 weeks
2. Colorado
- Prelicensing education: 168 hours (more than average, but content is standardized and widely available online)
- Exam: 154 questions; 75% pass mark
- Advantage: No requirement to be a U.S. citizen or resident
- Strong support system: Many schools offer bundled exam prep and broker sponsorship
3. Mississippi
- Prelicensing education: 60 hours
- Exam: 130 questions; 70% pass mark
- Low fees: Application and exam fees total under $150
- Fast processing: Often 5–10 business days
4. Texas
- Prelicensing education: 180 hours (longer, but courses are affordable and flexible)
- Exam: 125 questions; 70% pass mark on both national and state sections
- High volume testing: Frequent exam availability and fast results
- Strong job market: Motivates many to persist through requirements
5. Florida
- Prelicensing education: 63 hours
- Exam: 100 questions; 75% pass mark
- Note: Requires fingerprinting and background check, but process is streamlined
Common “Ease” Factors:
- No college degree required (true in all 50 states)
- Online prelicensing courses widely accepted
- No requirement to have a sponsoring broker before taking the exam (in most states)
Important Considerations:
“Easiest” does not mean “instant.” All states require background checks, exam fees, and post-licensing steps. Additionally, while Virginia and Mississippi have minimal hour requirements, reciprocity is limitedmeaning a license from an “easy” state may not transfer easily to a more restrictive one.
Certilyst supports real estate candidates in all states with exam-specific practice questions, state law summaries, and timed simulations aligned with official content outlines. Start your journey at Certilyst Real Estate License Prep .
For official licensing requirements, visit the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials: www.arello.org .