Can You Get a Real Estate License with a GED?

Yes, you absolutely can get a real estate license with a GED! All 50 states accept a GED certificate as equivalent to a high school diploma for real estate licensing purposes. Your GED won’t hold you back from pursuing a successful real estate career. 

However, to fully understand your path forward, it’s important to know exactly what a GED represents and how the application process works.

What is a GED?

GED stands for General Educational Development (originally called “Tests of General Educational Development”). It’s a series of four academic subject tests – language arts, math, social studies, and science – that certify you have high school-level academic knowledge.

When you pass all four GED tests (with a score of 145 or higher on each), you receive a certificate that’s legally equivalent to a high school diploma. This means it opens the same doors for employment, military service, and higher education – including real estate careers.

So, Can You Get a Real Estate License with a GED?

The answer is absolutely yes! Your GED certificate opens the same doors as a traditional high school diploma when it comes to pursuing a career in real estate. In fact, many successful real estate agents started their journey with a GED, proving that alternative educational paths can lead to prosperous careers in this dynamic industry.

Understand That Your GED Is Fully Recognized

The first thing you need to know is that you can become a real estate agent with a GED in all 50 states. Real estate licensing boards across the country recognize GED certificates as equivalent to high school diplomas. This means you won’t face any additional barriers or discrimination in the licensing process simply because you have a GED instead of a traditional diploma.

Your GED demonstrates several qualities that make excellent real estate agents:

• Self-motivation and determination.
• Ability to work independently.
• Commitment to achieving goals.
• Problem-solving skills.

Research Your State’s Specific Requirements

While getting a real estate license with a GED is possible everywhere, each state has its own specific requirements. Here’s what you need to research:

Education Requirements:

• Minimum age (usually 18-21).
• High school completion (GED qualifies).
• Pre-licensing education hours (varies from 40-180 hours).
• Approved real estate school attendance.

Additional Requirements:

• Background check and fingerprinting.
• State licensing exam.
• Application fees.
• Continuing education for license renewal.

How to Apply for Your Real Estate License Using Your GED

Here’s exactly what you need to know about submitting your GED for real estate licensing:

Documentation You’ll Need to Submit

When applying for your real estate license, you’ll typically need to provide:

• A copy of your high school diploma or equivalency certificate (your GED counts as an equivalency certificate)
• Copy vs. Original: Most states accept a certified copy of your GED certificate rather than requiring the original document. This protects your original certificate from being lost in the mail.

How to Get Your GED Certificate Copy

If you don’t have a copy of your GED certificate readily available, or if you need additional certified copies for your real estate license application, the process is straightforward. Most licensing boards require official documentation, so it’s important to get your copies through the proper channels to avoid any delays in your application.

• You can order a copy of your transcript directly from the official GED testing service website.
• Contact your state’s GED testing center for official copies.
• Some states may require the copy to be certified or notarized.

Keep in mind that processing times can vary by state, so it’s wise to request your GED documentation well in advance of your real estate license application deadline.

Real Success Stories: GED to Real Estate Success

Many top-performing agents started with GEDs. They often bring unique perspectives and stronger motivation to succeed. Your non-traditional educational path can actually be a selling point, showing clients that you understand overcoming challenges and achieving goals.

FAQs: Addressing Common Concerns

Many future agents with a GED share the same concerns before applying. Let’s clear up the most frequent ones so you know exactly where you stand

Will clients judge me for having a GED?

Clients care about your knowledge, professionalism, and ability to help them achieve their goals. Most will never even know about your educational background unless you choose to share it.

Can I compete with college graduates?

Absolutely! Real estate success depends on people skills, market knowledge, work ethic, and sales ability – not on where you got your diploma.

Will I earn less because I have a GED?

Real estate agents earn commissions based on their sales performance, not their educational credentials. Many GED holders out-earn college graduates in this field.

The Bottom Line

Can you get a real estate license with a GED? Not only can you, but you should feel confident about your prospects in this field. Your GED represents determination, self-discipline, and the ability to achieve goals despite challenges – exactly the qualities that make successful real estate agents.

Thousands of agents have walked this path before you, and many have built incredibly successful careers. Your educational background is just one part of your story – your drive, personality, and commitment to serving clients will ultimately determine your success.

Ready to start your journey? Research your state’s requirements, choose an education program, and take that first step. The real estate industry is waiting for motivated professionals like you, and your GED certificate is your ticket to get started.