This article originally appeared on edumanias.com

To help people buy and sell property in Florida, you need to get a license as the first step to conducting this business. You must have a U.S social security number, be a high school graduate or have its equivalent’s diploma and be 18 years old and above.

To get a real estate license, you do not have to be a resident of Florida.

Florida is a populous state, making it a thriving market for real estate, so you’ll want to acquire a real estate license in Florida as quickly as possible. Here are some ways you can get your license quickly.

1.     ENROLL IN AN ONLINE REAL ESTATE COURSE

With many schools offering online classes, enroll in a pre-licensing course that will take 3 hours. The course will include details on real estate laws, foundations of real estate business, practice, and principles; you will also be prepared for the pre-licensing exam. An online course is convenient and flexible as it allows you to study from home, the office, or any place of your choice.

2.     PRACTICE TIME-BLOCKING TO FIT INTO YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE

Due to other commitments like work and family, create a study plan by practicing time-blocking. Time-blocking ensures that you plan and allocate time for every activity you must carry out; through discipline, follow your schedule and complete every task. Have a block for study time every day so you can complete the pre-licensing course in the shortest time possible.

3.     PRACTICE, SCHEDULE, AND PASS THE COURSE EXAM

At the end of the pre-licensing course, there is an exam with 100 questions, and you need to score at least 70%. Use flashcards or quick tests regularly to boost your chances of passing the exam the first time, as practicing allows you to focus on problematic areas while testing your knowledge. If you fail to succeed the first time, you wait 30 days to resit the examination as directed by the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), which delays getting your license.

4.     TAKE YOUR FINGERPRINTS EARLY AND PROMPTLY SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Two weeks to the end of your pre-licensing course, take your fingerprints, and the Florida Department of Business and Regulation (DPBR) will conduct a background check to ensure you can work as a real estate professional. The background check often covers 12 months.

For fast approval of your real estate license in Florida, submit your application the same day you complete your pre-licensing course; your information will match your background check, and your application processing will begin. Submitting your application earlier allows you to deal with issues that may arise and delay your license. After about 10 days, you will get an email notification and candidate ID number, and you can proceed to schedule your state exam.

5.     PRACTICE AND SCHEDULE YOUR STATE EXAM

To get a real estate license in Florida, you need to sit for the Florida  Real Estate Exam, which takes about 3.5 hours and has 100 multiple questions. You will need to score at least 75% and achieve this by practicing with many practice exams to help you gain confidence and pass the state exam the first time. Avoid postponing the state exam or failing so you can get your license quickly.

CONCLUSION

Fast-tracking your real estate license in Florida is essential in kick-starting your career in real estate. After getting your license, you can join a local realtor association and become a Florida Realtors State Association member and the National Association of Realtors.