How to Get Your Real Estate License in Louisiana (2026)
Compare LREC-approved Louisiana real estate schools. Find the best price, get your 90-hour pre-license course done, and pass the Pearson VUE exam.
Course Cost
$200 – $500
Time to License
4 – 12 weeks
Avg Salary
$65,000 – $90,000
Required Hours
90 hours
Top 3 Louisiana Real Estate Schools at a Glance
1. WebTaught
Best value in Louisiana. Built by licensed Louisiana agents, includes AI Study Assistant (REX), LREC & ARELLO certified, and annual access to all courses including post-license and CE.
$59.99
Annual membership
2. ProEducate
Budget-friendly online self-paced course from a Metairie, LA-based school. LREC & ARELLO certified with flexible 30, 60, or 90-day access options.
from $149
30-day access
3. Donaldson Educational Services
Best local school with campuses in Metairie, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Northshore/Mandeville, and Shreveport/Bossier. Online and in-person options available. LREC Certified #0024 & #8140.
from $195
Online 30-day access
Best Real Estate Schools in Louisiana
All 9 schools are Louisiana LREC-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
WebTaught
Best ValueStarting at
$59.99
- Built by licensed Louisiana agents
- AI Assistant (REX) included
- LREC & ARELLO Certified
- Mobile-friendly, modern interface
- Post-license & CE also included
Available Packages (1)
Individual Annual Membership
- 90-Hour Louisiana Pre-License Course
- Unlimited Course Access (all courses)
- AI Study Assistant (REX)
- Unlimited Retakes
- Post-License & CE Courses Included
- LREC & ARELLO Certified
ProEducate
Starting at
$149
- LREC & ARELLO Certified
- Fully online, go at your own pace
- Log in/out anytime — picks up where you left off
- Metairie, LA based school
Available Packages (3)
90-Hour Course — 30 Days Access
- 90-Hour Louisiana Pre-License Course
- Online Self-Study Access (30 days)
- LREC & ARELLO Certified Content
- Certificate Upon Completion
Donaldson Educational Services
Best Local SchoolStarting at
$195
- Classroom campuses: Metairie, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Northshore/Mandeville, Shreveport/Bossier
- Day & evening classroom sessions
- LREC Certified #0024 & #8140
- Online or in-person — your choice
Available Packages (4)
Online — 30 Days Access
- 90-Hour Louisiana Pre-License Course
- Internet Self-Study (30-day subscription)
- Log in/out anytime, any device
- Certificate Upon Completion
Burk Baker School of Real Estate & Appraising
Starting at
$195
- Statewide classroom locations: Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Mandeville, Metairie, West Monroe
- 2-week intensive day format or evening sessions
- Online course with flexible access periods
- LREC-approved since 1978
Available Packages (4)
Online — 30 Days Access
- 90-Hour Louisiana Pre-License Course
- Online Self-Study (30-day access)
- Log in/out anytime
- Certificate Upon Completion
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Starting at
$279
- Live Online Learning Hub
- Kaplan Commitment (18-month support)
- Inman Select 6-month subscription
- Instructor-led sessions
Available Packages (3)
Louisiana Real Estate Principles (90-Credit Hours)
- 90-Hour Louisiana Pre-License Course
- Online Study Materials
- Self-Paced Learning
The CE Shop
Starting at
$295
- LEAP 2.0 interactive platform
- 5-day free trial
- High pass rates
- Scenario-based learning
Available Packages (4)
Courses Only
- 90-Hour Louisiana Pre-License Course
- Business eBooks
- Career Resources
- Digital Flashcards
- Study Schedule
Colibri Real Estate
Starting at
$299
- AI Tutor (Rubi)
- Narrated audio option
- Pass or Don't Pay guarantee available
- Award-winning student dashboard
Available Packages (4)
The Basics
- 90-Hour Pre-License Course
- Instructor Support
- Study Guides
- AI Tutor (Rubi)
- Narrated Audio
- Flashcards
Bob Brooks School of Real Estate & Insurance
Starting at
$299
- Video instruction with experienced instructor
- Not time-logged — go at your own pace
- Ready. Set. Pass! exam simulations included
- Baton Rouge-based LREC-approved school (License #0059)
Available Packages (1)
Louisiana Salesperson Pre-Licensing (90-day access)
- 90-Hour Louisiana Pre-License Course
- Reading Materials + Video Presentations
- Chapter Quizzes
- 100-Question Final Exam
- Ready. Set. Pass! State & National Exam Simulations
- Certificate Upon Completion
Adams Real Estate Institute
Starting at
$745
- In-person only — Shreveport area
- Evening classes: 5:30–9:30 PM (Mon/Wed/Thu)
- LREC Certified License #0036
- Free repeat if you fail within 1 month of completion
- Serving Louisiana since 1976
Available Packages (1)
Basic Real Estate Course (90 Hours In-Person)
- 90-Hour Louisiana Pre-License Course (RE-101/201/202)
- All Course Materials
- In-Person Instruction in Shreveport
- Free Course Repeat if Exam Not Passed Within 1 Month
- Certificate Upon Completion
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in Louisiana?
Average Annual Income
$65,000 – $90,000
ZipRecruiter Aug 2025 / Indeed Nov 2025
Top Earners
$120,000+
New Orleans luxury & Baton Rouge high-volume agents
Commission Structure
Louisiana real estate agents typically earn 2.5%–3% commission per transaction. On Louisiana's median home price of ~$211,000, that's approximately $5,275–$6,330 per sale. New agents on a 70/30 broker split keep roughly $3,690–$4,430 per deal. Closing 8–10 transactions your first year is a common benchmark, putting first-year earnings at $29,500–$44,300.
Top-Earning Louisiana Markets
Is a Louisiana Real Estate License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + Low Entry Cost: Louisiana's course costs start under $60 with WebTaught, and total licensing costs are among the most affordable in the country.
- + Diverse Markets: From New Orleans luxury and Northshore suburbs to growing Baton Rouge and Lafayette corridors, Louisiana offers varied opportunities.
- + Affordable Home Prices: Lower median prices (~$211K) mean more first-time buyers entering the market and steady transaction volume.
- + Reciprocity with 9 States: Louisiana has reciprocal agreements with Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania.
👎 Cons
- - Commission-Only Income: No salary — you don't get paid until you close a deal. Budget for 3–6 months of living expenses before your first commission.
- - 90-Day Exam Eligibility Window: After LREC authorizes you, you must take and pass the Pearson VUE exam within 90 days or reapply.
- - Challenging State Exam: Only ~55% of first-time candidates pass. The Louisiana civil law component catches many off guard.
- - Two-Part Application: Louisiana's two-step LREC application process (Part A + Part B) adds complexity and two separate $45 fees.
How to Get a Real Estate License in Louisiana
Complete 90 Hours of Pre-License Education
Enroll in an LREC-approved 90-hour pre-licensing course (Real Estate 101). The curriculum covers real estate principles, Louisiana law and civil code, property ownership, market analysis, agency, and contracts. At least 30 of the 90 hours must cover Louisiana Real Estate License Law, LREC rules, agency law, and civil law. Online and in-person options are available; most students complete the course in 2–6 weeks depending on pace.
Submit License Application Part A and Complete Fingerprinting
After finishing your course, submit the Initial Real Estate Salesperson License Application – Part A to the LREC along with your course certificate of completion and a $45 application fee (mail or in-person at 9071 Interline Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70809). Simultaneously, schedule your IdentoGO fingerprinting appointment at uenroll.identogo.com using service code 27N4TH and pay the $60.75 fee. Once LREC receives your background check clearance, they will authorize you to schedule your Pearson VUE exam.
Schedule and Pass the Pearson VUE State Exam
Register at home.pearsonvue.com/la/realestate or call (877) 619-2096 and pay the $78 combination exam fee. The exam has 135 multiple-choice questions — 80 national and 55 Louisiana-specific — with a 4-hour time limit. You must score 70% on each section independently. Exam centers are in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, and Shreveport. Important: exam eligibility is valid for only 90 days. Approximately 55% of first-time candidates pass.
Find a Sponsoring Broker
All active Louisiana real estate salesperson licenses require sponsorship by a licensed Louisiana broker. Your broker supervises your transactions, signs off on your deals, and provides mentorship while you build your career. You may request an "inactive" license first and find a broker later, or affiliate immediately to become active. You must also secure Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance before your active license can be issued.
Submit License Application Part B and Receive Your License
After passing the exam, complete the Initial Real Estate License Application – Part B (Supervision Affidavit), which must be signed by your sponsoring broker. Submit Part B to the LREC with a $45 license finalization fee and proof of E&O insurance. The LREC will then issue your active Louisiana real estate salesperson license. Processing typically takes 1–2 weeks.
Activate Your License and Build Your Business
With your active license in hand, you are authorized to represent buyers and sellers across Louisiana. Your license must be renewed annually with 12 hours of LREC-approved continuing education (including 4 mandatory hours). Louisiana's diverse markets — from the luxury New Orleans and Northshore areas to the growing Baton Rouge and Lafayette corridors — offer strong earning potential for dedicated agents.
Louisiana Real Estate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien
- High school diploma or GED required
- No college degree required
- Fingerprint-based background check (IdentoGO)
- Must obtain E&O insurance before active license
Education & Exam Requirements
- 90 hours of LREC-approved pre-license education (Real Estate 101)
- At least 30 hours must cover Louisiana law, LREC rules & civil code
- Pass Pearson VUE state exam: 135 questions (80 national + 55 state)
- 70% passing score required on each section independently
- Exam eligibility window: 90 days from LREC authorization
- Must affiliate with a licensed Louisiana sponsoring broker
Louisiana Real Estate License Cost
Here's the complete breakdown of what it costs to get your Louisiana real estate license in 2026:
| Pre-License Course (90 hours, Real Estate 101) | $200 – $500 | Use a CertLaunch discount code to save up to 20% |
| LREC Application Fee – Part A | $45 – $45 | Submitted with course certificate; mail or in-person to LREC Baton Rouge |
| IdentoGO Fingerprinting / Background Check | $60.75 – $60.75 | Required by Louisiana Act 553 of 2022; service code 27N4TH |
| Pearson VUE Exam Fee (combination) | $78 – $78 | National + state combined exam; retake $93; individual section $39 each |
| LREC License Finalization Fee – Part B | $45 – $45 | Submitted with Supervision Affidavit and E&O insurance proof |
| E&O Insurance (first year, prorated) | $35 – $100 | Required before active license issuance; varies by broker/policy |
| Estimated Total | $463 – $823 | Save up to 20% with CertLaunch on your course |
The Louisiana Real Estate Exam
Exam Details
- Format: Multiple-choice (national + Louisiana state portions)
- Questions: 135 total (80 national + 55 state)
- Passing score: 70% on each section independently (~56/80 national, ~39/55 state)
- Time limit: 240 minutes (4 hours) for combination exam
- Provider: Pearson VUE
- Fee: $78 first attempt; $93 retake; $39 per individual section
- Eligibility window: 90 days from LREC authorization
- First-attempt pass rate: ~55%
Exam Topics
- General principles of agency and fiduciary duties
- Contracts, purchase agreements, and lease agreements
- Property ownership, land use controls, and regulations
- Financing, mortgages, and real estate calculations
- Louisiana Real Estate License Law and LREC rules
- Louisiana Civil Law system and property transfer (LA-specific)
- Property disclosures, transfer of title, and closings
- Fair housing laws and anti-discrimination practices
💡 Exam Prep Tip
The Louisiana-specific state portion trips up many candidates — especially the Louisiana Civil Law system, which differs significantly from the common law used in most other states. Approximately 55% of first-time test-takers pass. Choose a school package that includes practice exams and state-specific simulations. Pearson VUE exam centers are located in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, and Shreveport — no online testing is available.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Louisiana Real Estate License?
3–4 weeks
Full-time
Study 8 hrs/day — complete 90-hr course in ~11 days
6–8 weeks
Part-time
Study 4 hrs/day — complete course in ~3.5 weeks
10–14 weeks
Casual pace
Study ~10 hrs/week — complete course in ~9 weeks
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Compare Real Estate Licensing in Other States
Considering a real estate career in another state? See how Louisiana compares to other top markets:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Louisiana?
Total costs typically range from $463 to $823. This includes the 90-hour pre-license course ($200–$500), LREC Part A application fee ($45), IdentoGO fingerprinting fee ($60.75), Pearson VUE exam fee ($78), and LREC Part B license finalization fee ($45). E&O insurance is also required before you can activate your license (typically $35–$100/year for a new agent). Using a CertLaunch discount code can save you up to 20% on your course.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Louisiana?
Most candidates complete the process in 4–12 weeks. The 90-hour pre-license course can be finished in as little as 2 weeks studying full-time, or 5–6 weeks part-time. After submitting your application and completing fingerprinting (typically 1–5 business days to clear), you can schedule your Pearson VUE exam within days. License processing takes an additional 1–2 weeks after passing.
What are the requirements to get a real estate license in Louisiana?
You must be at least 18 years old, be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien, hold a high school diploma or GED, complete 90 hours of LREC-approved pre-licensing education, pass a fingerprint-based background check, pass the Pearson VUE state exam with 70% on each section, and affiliate with a licensed Louisiana sponsoring broker. No college degree is required.
Is the Louisiana real estate exam hard?
The Louisiana real estate exam has a first-attempt pass rate of approximately 55%, making it moderately challenging. The exam consists of 135 multiple-choice questions — 80 national and 55 Louisiana-specific — and you must score 70% or better on each section independently. The state portion covering Louisiana civil law and license law trips up many test-takers. Strong exam prep, including practice tests, significantly improves your odds.
Can I take the Louisiana real estate course online?
Yes — the 90-hour pre-license course is available fully online from multiple LREC-approved schools. Online courses let you study at your own pace from anywhere in Louisiana (or out of state). However, the final Pearson VUE state exam must be taken in person at an approved testing center in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, or Shreveport — remote proctoring is not available.
How much do real estate agents make in Louisiana?
Louisiana real estate agents earn an average of $65,000–$90,000 per year. ZipRecruiter (Aug 2025) reports a state average of $73,363, while Indeed (Nov 2025) reports $93,221. Agents in the New Orleans luxury market, Northshore suburbs (Covington/Mandeville), and high-volume Baton Rouge corridors can earn $120,000–$200,000+. At Louisiana's median home price of ~$211,000, a 3% commission yields roughly $6,300 per transaction.
Do I need a college degree to get a real estate license in Louisiana?
No. Louisiana does not require a college degree for a real estate salesperson license. You need to be 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, complete 90 hours of LREC-approved pre-licensing education, pass the background check, and pass the Pearson VUE state exam. The only academic requirement beyond high school is the 90-hour pre-license course itself.
What is the best real estate school in Louisiana?
The best school depends on your learning style and budget. Popular LREC-approved options include WebTaught (best value at $59.99), ProEducate (budget-friendly online), Donaldson Educational Services (best local school with statewide campuses), The CE Shop, and Colibri Real Estate. All must meet LREC's 90-hour curriculum requirements including the mandatory 30-hour Louisiana law component. Compare schools on CertLaunch to find the best fit and available discount codes.
How do I choose between online and in-person real estate classes in Louisiana?
Online courses offer flexibility and lower cost — ideal if you work full-time or have a busy schedule. In-person classes, available in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport, Lafayette, Metairie, and other cities (Donaldson, Burk Baker, Adams Real Estate Institute), provide structured schedules and live instructor support. Both options fully satisfy Louisiana's 90-hour pre-license requirement. Keep in mind that regardless of how you complete the course, the Pearson VUE licensing exam must be taken in person at a designated test center.
Can I get a Louisiana real estate license with a criminal record?
Possibly. The LREC reviews each case individually — a conviction does not automatically disqualify you. If you have a felony conviction, you can request a pre-application review by filing a Felony Review Hearing Request form with the LREC (available at lrec.gov) before investing time and money in your education. The LREC considers the nature of the offense, time elapsed since conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation. Contact the LREC at (225) 925-1923 or visit lrec.gov for guidance.