What Are the Requirements for Enrolling in a Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course in Delaware?
If you're considering a career in real estate, one of the first questions you may have is: What do I need to qualify for real estate school in Delaware?
The good news is that getting started in Delaware real estate is more accessible than many people expect. Unlike some professions that require years of education or extensive prerequisites, the requirements to enroll in a Delaware real estate pre-licensing course are relatively straightforward.
Here's what you need to know before taking your first step toward becoming a licensed real estate professional.
What are the requirements for enrolling in a real estate pre-licensing course in Delaware?
The Basic Requirement: You Must Be at Least 18 Years Old
To pursue a real estate salesperson license in Delaware, applicants must be at least 18 years of age. This is the primary requirement to begin the licensing process and enroll in a pre-licensing course.
For many students, this means real estate can be pursued:
Shortly after high school
During college
As a second career
While working full time
After returning to the workforce
There is no maximum age requirement, making real estate a career path available at many stages of life.
Do You Need a College Degree?
Delaware does not require applicants to have a college degree to pursue a real estate license. In fact, Delaware's licensing requirements do not specifically require a college education to enroll in a pre-licensing course.
This is one reason real estate remains an attractive career option for individuals looking to:
Change careers
Build a business without pursuing a four year degree
Enter a profession with relatively low barriers to entry
Do You Need Real Estate Experience?
No.
You do not need:
Previous real estate experience
Sales experience
Business ownership experience
A background in finance or law
The Delaware pre-licensing course is designed to teach students the foundational knowledge they need to begin a real estate career.
Many successful real estate professionals begin their careers coming from industries such as:
Education
Healthcare
Retail
Hospitality
Administration
Military service
Entrepreneurship
What About Criminal History?
A criminal history does not automatically prevent someone from pursuing a real estate license in Delaware.
The Delaware Real Estate Commission reviews applications on a case by case basis, considering factors such as:
The nature of the offense
When the offense occurred
Whether the offense relates to the practice of real estate
Applicants should be prepared to disclose criminal history during the licensing application process.
If you have concerns about your eligibility, contacting the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation before enrolling may provide additional clarity. You can also visit the Delaware Code Title 24 Chapter 29 for more details.
What Else Does the Delaware Code Require?
In order to apply for a Delaware Real Estate Salesperson License, Delaware requires:
(b) Salesperson. — An applicant who is applying for licensure as a salesperson under this chapter shall submit evidence, verified by oath and satisfactory to the Commission, that such applicant:
(1) Meets the requirements of subsection (a) of this section.
(2) Is at least 18 years of age.
(3) Has successfully completed a prescribed prelicensing course of instruction including real estate principles and practices and Delaware real estate law.
(4) Has passed a uniform national and state examination for salespersons, as is contractually arranged for, with a nationally recognized independent testing service, by the Division; and
(5) Has provided such information as may be required on an application form designed and furnished by the Commission with the approval of the Division. No application form shall require information relating to citizenship, place of birth or length of state residency; nor require personal references.
You can read the full Delaware Code here.
What Happens After You Enroll?
Once you've enrolled in an approved Delaware real estate pre-licensing program, you'll complete the state's required 99 hour course.
The course typically includes instruction in:
Real Estate Principles and Practices
Real Estate Law
Real Estate Mathematics
After successfully completing the course, you'll become eligible to:
Take the Delaware state and national licensing exams
Choose a sponsoring broker
Apply for your Delaware real estate license through DELPROS
Ready to Get Started?
The requirements for enrolling in a Delaware real estate pre-licensing course are intentionally accessible.
In most cases, you only need to:
Be at least 18 years old
Be interested in pursuing a real estate career
Be willing to commit to completing the required education
From there, the licensing process unfolds one step at a time.
If you're considering a career in real estate and want to understand the complete licensing process, we've created a comprehensive guide that walks through every step.
Read our complete guide: How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Delaware
About the Author
Danielle Smith is a Delaware native and the Owner of Central Delaware Real Estate Academy. She started her real estate journey in 2007 with a local brokerage where she continues to serve today. As a local real estate leader, she helps professionals build profitable businesses through the right relationships, clear strategies, and proven systems.