How to Get a New York City Real Estate License in 2025: Your Complete Guide

 

Introduction

Imagine steering clients through iconic Manhattan lofts or Brooklyn brownstones, negotiating million‑dollar deals, or building a real estate brand that stands out in the Big Apple hustle. If that vision fires you up, earning your New York State real estate license is your launching pad. In a market where median home prices hit about $419,000 by late 2024, and Gen Z is breaking into the industry earlier than ever, launching your real estate career in NYC right now makes strategic sense InvestopediaBusiness Insider.

Let’s guide you through every step—from course to commission—so you can go from curious to licensed and confident.

real estate license nyc

Step 1 – Meet the Basic Eligibility

Before diving into classes and tests, you must:

Step 2 – Finish the 77‑Hour Pre‑Licensing Course

You’ll need to complete 77 classroom or online hours through a NYS‑approved provider covering:

Prices vary from $239 to $909; online schools like VanEd, CE Shop, Colibri or local options like NYREI or Fordham offer self‑paced or live classes Fordham University+3VanEd+3HousingWire+3. Fordham’s Real Estate Institute, for instance, requires 77 hours with typically six months to finish kapre.com+11Fordham University+11Investopedia+11.

Step 3 – Pass the New York Salesperson Exam

Once education is done you’ll schedule your exam through eAccessNY. Exams must be taken in person. They include about 75 multiple‑choice questions in 90 minutes; you need a minimum score of 70% to pass Steadily+5HousingWire+5US Realty Training+5. Application/exam fees are typically around $80 total HousingWireInvestopedia.

Step 4 – Secure a Sponsoring Broker

You can’t operate independently as a salesperson. You need to be associated with a New York licensed broker who will sponsor and guide you through your early deals Department of State+13Department of State+13kapre.com+13. Choose carefully. Look for brokerages that match your personality, offer mentorship, support for business-building, access to multiple listings, and fair splits.

Step 5 – Submit License Application via eAccessNY

Submit proof of education, exam passing score, your sponsoring broker’s information, and pay the license fee via your eAccessNY account. Once approved, you’ll be officially licensed for a two‑year term Investopedia+6Department of State+6US Realty Training+6.

Step 6 – Continuing Education & Renewal

Every two years you must complete 22.5 hours of continuing education to renew your license. Topics include Fair Housing/anti‑discrimination, Implicit Bias, Law of Agency, and other mandated subjects NYREI+3Investopedia+3Steadily+3. Renewal is managed online, and it’s smart to finish CE before your expiration to avoid lapses.

Step 7 – What About Becoming a Broker?

If you're thinking bigger—running your own brokerage or supervising agents—here’s the path:

Earning your broker license can unlock significantly higher income potential—average annual pay in NYC can exceed $300,000 US Realty TrainingSteadily.

Why Now Is a Prime Time to Get Licensed

Real estate in NY is booming—despite shifting commission rules, agents raked in $48 billion in revenue in Q3 2024. And Gen Z’s share of licensed agents quadrupled in 2024, pushing industry median age down from 60 to 55 Business Insider.

That means the market is hungry for fresh faces, new ideas, hustle energy, and diverse voices. With rising property values and high demand, if you can bring authenticity, knowledge, and grit, there’s room for growth.

Actionable Tips & Sticky Insights

  • Choose a provider that gives live support and exam prep tools, not just pre‑recorded lectures

  • Schedule your exam within weeks of class completion while concepts are fresh

  • Attend open houses and broker-sponsored trainings even before licensing—network early

  • Keep neat records of your transactions if aiming for broker license later (points matter)

  • Specialize early: consider niches like luxury NYC condos, commercial flip, or rentals

  • Leverage social media and neighborhood blogs to build credibility as a new agent

  • Join your local board of REALTORS® for access to MLS, events, and code‑of‑ethics training

Sample Case: Gen Z NYC Agent Beats Age Bias

Take the story of Marios Milonas, who launched his license journey at 19 in Queens. His “baby‑face” sometimes triggered doubt from clients, but as confidence grew and the market warmed post‑pandemic, he surpassed the six‑figure mark and earned over $300,000 in 2024 alone HousingWireUS Realty TrainingBusiness Insider. Use that energy. If he can flip age into hustle advantage, you can too.

real estate license nyc

Conclusion

Getting your NYC real estate license in 2025 isn’t just about paperwork and classes. It’s a launchpad for financial opportunity, personal growth, and influence in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. Start by checking your eligibility, complete your 77‑hour course, nail the exam, sign with a strong sponsoring broker, and keep learning.

When others hesitate, move forward. When others settle, specialize. When others stay comfortable, network boldly in person and online. Hold space for empathy, honesty, hustle, and creativity—and you’ll carve your path.


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