Key Takeaways
To become a licensed real estate agent in Louisiana, you must meet requirements like being 18 years old with a high school diploma, completing 90 hours of pre-licensing education, passing an exam, undergoing a background check, submitting an application, obtaining insurance, and fulfilling post-education requirements of 45 hours within 180 days.
The US housing market is worth $33.6 trillion, making it a booming business to get into. The process of obtaining your Louisiana real estate license might seem a bit overwhelming. Still, a solid guide and preparation can make becoming a licensed real estate broker or agent a lot simpler.
Once you understand the Louisiana real estate license requirements, exam costs, and Louisiana real estate education options, you’ll be ready to enter the Louisiana real estate market and earn over $86,975 a year (average salary.)
Louisiana Real Estate License Requirements
Every state has prerequisites for real estate agents. Some require a sponsoring broker, while others ask for a clean record with no criminal background history.
Three important things for aspiring real estate agents to know before preparing to sit for the Louisiana real estate exam are that you’ll be required to provide proof of the following:
- You must be at least 18 years of age to become a licensed real estate agent in Louisiana.
- You must have a high school diploma or received your GED.
- Be a citizen of the United States or a lawfully admitted alien.
Louisiana real estate license requirements also include going through a background check process. Criminal background history checks are common practice in many states. For a Louisiana real estate license, the criminal background check costs $49, and the results go straight to the Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC.)
How Much Does it Cost for a Real Estate License in Louisiana?
While costs may vary depending if you need to re-take exams and the education you choose, you can expect the total fees for your application and background check to cost just under $400. Add to that about $200 to $500 or more in pre-licensing education for a total cost ranging from around $600-900. Although this might seem like a big investment, when you compare that to the potential salary you can make as a real estate agent in Louisiana, it’s well worth it.
Studying for the Louisiana Real Estate License Exam
If you fit these pre-licensing education criteria, you’re good to take your first step toward obtaining your Louisiana real estate license! If you have a post-high school education, you can submit your transcript to the LREC along with a written request for credit approval.
How Much Does it Cost for a Real Estate License in Louisiana?
While costs may vary depending if you need to re-take exams and the Louisiana Real Estate License education you choose, you can expect the total fees for your application and background check to cost just under $400.
Add to that about $200 to $500 or more in pre-licensing education for a total cost that can tick up to just under 1k. Although this might seem like a big investment, when you compare that to the potential salary you can make as a real estate agent in Louisiana, it’s well worth it.
Your Louisiana Real Estate Studies
In the state of Louisiana, you aren’t required to complete any education past high school or GED to take the licensing exam. However, you’re required to complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education from a real estate school approved by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission. What this means is that your first step starts with finding the right school that specializes in real estate licenses.
These courses will prove that you have the professional knowledge required by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC) to sit for the LA real estate license exam. Some of the information covered in the 90-hour courses include Real Estate Law, Brokerage, and Sales— all of which are included in the Louisiana Real Estate Exam.
When shopping around for a Louisiana real estate examination course, look for one that includes:
- Ebooks, videos, and Q&As
- Downloadable course guides
- Interactive flashcards
- Practice questions and assessment tests
- A course final exam
- A student support team
For more information on how to study for your real estate license, check out this list of the best online real estate schools to help you meet your career goals.
There are tons of courses out there, but the ones on this list will ensure you know everything the Louisiana Real Estate Commission requires and pass your licensing exam without needing a “repeat.”
After Your Schooling
Following the completion of your 90-hour real estate course, there are a couple of items needed to finish up the process. The first thing you’ll need to get is the actual proof of completion of the course; this should be issued to you soon after completion.
The second step is submitting one of the forms found here. There are two options: the Real Estate Salesperson License and the Salesperson and Associate Broker form. You’ll also need to pay the salesperson license application part fee.
It’s important that you don’t pay any Errors and Omissions Insurance fees at this point. Although an errors and omissions insurance policy is required, this will be completed later in the process.
Scheduling Your LA Real Estate License Exam
You’re nearly there!
While the LREC does not specify a timeline for scheduling your exam, it is important to plan appropriately; the commission will not accept any education courses older than 5 years.
Once your application has been viewed and processed by the LREC, you will receive an email with directions on how to schedule your exam and pay the examination fee. This can be scheduled online or by phone with PSI exams.
Also, don’t forget to carry your personal identification with you to the exam center!
Taking the Louisiana Real Estate License Exam
Once your exam is scheduled and you’re ready to take on the 135 questions that stand between you and your real estate license, you will attend an in-person computer campus for the exam.
This test is broken up into two separate portions: part one is focused on national knowledge, and part two is on state-specific information. You need to score a passing grade in both portions.
To pass this exam, you must correctly answer a minimum of 56 questions from the national portion and 40 from the state portion, averaging at around 75% correct. If you don’t pass the test on the first go, don’t worry; you can make another attempt at the cost of an additional examination fee of $85. Three hours are given to complete this exam.
Louisiana Real Estate Post Licensing
After education and the successful completion of your exam, you might be asking: what’s next?
If you’re not planning on diving right into the real estate workforce immediately — possibly because you don’t have a supervising broker yet — you can choose to issue your license in inactive status.
If you’re ready to go, there are still a couple of items that need to be cleaned up and completed.
First, you’ll need a background check. The reason you want to wait so long in the process to get this completed is that background checks expire after 120 days; hence, you want to make sure you’ve passed that real estate exam before you complete the background check. It might feel like you’re doing things out of order, but it may end up saving you expenses in the long run.
Next, you’ll want to complete and turn in the Real Estate License Application – Part B, as well as obtain Errors and Omissions Insurance Coverage. E&O coverage is sometimes provided by your supervising broker. Still, this insurance can also be purchased through the LREC group policy by remitting payment in an amount based on charts present in the Part B form.
If you decide to obtain insurance through a source other than either of these two, you’ll have to fill out the Independent Errors and Omissions Insurance form.
Finally, you will need to follow up with the LREC’s requirement for post-education requirements. According to the commission, “All initial licensees are required to complete 45 post-license education hours within 180 days after the initial license date.”
A list of LREC-approved education providers can be found here.
After these items are completed, there are no more steps— you will officially be a real estate agent in the Pelican State!
Final Thoughts
Becoming a licensed real estate agent in Louisiana requires fulfilling certain requirements and following a step-by-step process. First, you need to meet the basic prerequisites, including being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma or GED, and being a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien. Additionally, you will need to undergo a criminal background check.
Next, you must complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved real estate school. These courses cover essential topics such as real estate law, brokerage, and sales, providing you with the necessary knowledge to pass the Louisiana Real Estate Exam.
After completing the education requirements, you need to obtain proof of completion and submit the appropriate license application form along with the required fees. It’s important to note that errors and omissions insurance will be required but can be obtained later in the process.
Once your application is processed, you will receive instructions for scheduling the Louisiana Real Estate License Exam. This exam consists of two parts, testing your knowledge of both national and state-specific information. To pass, you must achieve a minimum score on each portion.
After successfully passing the exam, you will need to complete a background check, submit the Real Estate License Application – Part B, and obtain errors and omissions insurance coverage. Additionally, you must fulfill the post-education requirements of completing 45 hours of post-license education within 180 days of receiving your initial license.
By following these steps and meeting the necessary requirements, you can become a licensed real estate agent in Louisiana. This opens up opportunities to enter the thriving real estate market in the state and pursue a rewarding career as a real estate professional.
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions Louisiana real estate license process.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Louisiana?
The time it takes to obtain a real estate license in Louisiana can vary. Still, typically it involves completing the required 90 hours of pre-licensing education, passing the licensing exam, and fulfilling post-education requirements, which can take several months in total.
What are the requirements for real estate license in Louisiana?
The requirements for a real estate license in Louisiana include being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma or GED, passing a criminal background check, completing 90 hours of pre-licensing education, passing the licensing exam, obtaining errors and omissions insurance, and fulfilling post-education requirements of 45 hours within 180 days of receiving the initial license.
Can I take the Louisiana real estate exam online?
No, the Louisiana real estate exam is not available to be taken online. It is an in-person exam that is administered at designated testing centers.
For more information on how to study for your real estate license, check out this list of the best online real estate schools to help you meet your career goals.
These courses will prove that you have the professional knowledge required by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC) to sit for the LA real estate license exam. Some of the information covered in the 90-hour courses include Real Estate Law, Brokerage, and Sales— all of which are included in the Louisiana Real Estate Exam.