Agent vs Broker License Comparison
Avg. Fees
$277
Agent
vs
$323
Broker
Pre-License Hours
81 hrs
Agent
vs
120 hrs
Broker
Avg. Timeline
7–13 weeks
Agent
vs
8–16 weeks
Broker
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Agent | Broker |
|---|---|---|
| License Type | Real Estate Agent | Real Estate Broker |
| Avg. Pre-License Hours | 81 hrs (30–180) ✓ | 120 hrs (30–900) |
| Avg. Total Fees | $277 ($80–$729) ✓ | $323 ($115–$1,329) |
| Avg. Timeline | 7–13 weeks ✓ | 8–16 weeks |
| Exam | State RE Exam (PSI / Pearson VUE) | State Broker Exam (PSI / Pearson VUE) |
| Renewal Cycle | 2 years | 2 years |
| Avg. CE Hours | 20 hrs ✓ | 21 hrs |
| National System | None (state-by-state) | None (state-by-state) |
Key Differences
→
Cost
Agent licensing is $46 cheaper on average across all states ($277 vs $323).
Winner: Agent
→
Education
Agent requires 81 avg pre-license hours vs 120 for Broker — 39 fewer hours of coursework.
Winner: Agent
→
Speed
Agent has a faster average processing time of 7–13 weeks.
Winner: Agent
Category Winners
Lower Cost
Agent $277
vs Broker ($323)
Fewer Hours
Agent 81 hrs
vs Broker (120 hrs)
Faster Processing
Agent 7–13 wks
vs Broker (8–16 wks)