Why We Do This
Getting a real estate salesperson license isn’t just a credential — it’s a gateway to opportunity. For students looking to break into real estate, especially those without connections or capital, licensure is the first proof of commitment, hustle, and industry fluency. But it’s not free — and that cost shuts out far too many.
The Reality
Becoming licensed requires a multi-step process:
Prelicensure Education
Before you can even sit for the exam, most states require between 40 and 180 hours of certified coursework. These online classes, often taken outside of a student’s full-time college schedule, typically cost $250–$400. For many students, this is their first major investment in a career path — without knowing if they’ll get a return.
Exam Registration & Fees
After completing the coursework, students must register to take a state-specific licensing exam, often at a third-party testing center. Between registration fees and mandatory prep materials, this stage adds another $60–$100.
Fingerprinting & Background Check
To ensure legal compliance and public trust, nearly all states require fingerprinting and a background check. While this is standard in the industry, it tacks on another $40–$75, and in some areas, requires in-person visits to limited locations.
State Application Fees
Once everything else is complete, students submit their application to their state’s real estate board — typically with a final fee of $50–$150. Only then are they approved to be licensed and begin working under a broker.
What We're Building
The REI Impact Fund helps sponsor and subsidize this process for students who are serious about real estate but financially constrained. Through strategic partnerships and donor support, we provide:
Direct Financial Assistance
For all licensing costs
Guidance & Breakdowns
Of state-specific requirements
Mentorship
To help students turn their license into action
OUR GOAL
Make licensure the norm — not the exception — for young real estate professionals.
We envision a world where every driven student can access the tools to get licensed, earn income, and start building a career while still in college.