How to Become a Realtor (2026)

Last updated: July 2026

Realtor vs. Real Estate Agent

All Realtors are licensed real estate agents, but not all agents are Realtors. A real estate agent is anyone licensed by their state to help people buy, sell, or rent property. A Realtor® is an agent who has joined the National Association of Realtors and pledged to uphold its Code of Ethics. “Realtor” is a registered trademark — capitalized and reserved for NAR members — not a generic word for any agent.

What Is the National Association of Realtors (NAR)?

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is the largest trade association in the United States, representing about 1.49 million members. It was founded in 1908 as the National Association of Real Estate Exchanges, and in 1913 it adopted its landmark Code of Ethics — one of the first professional codes of conduct in America, following only medicine, law, and engineering.

NAR works on behalf of its members and property owners in several ways:

• Advocacy. One of the most active advocates for private property rights and housing policy at the federal, state, and local levels.
• The Realtor® brand. A federally registered trademark that signals a higher standard of practice to consumers.
• MLS & tools. Access to local Multiple Listing Services and the member technology that powers day-to-day business.
• Research & data. NAR’s economists publish some of the most widely cited housing and membership research in the industry.
• Professional standards. NAR sets and enforces the Code of Ethics and offers respected designations and certifications.

Membership is three-tiered: when you join a local Realtor association (sometimes called a board), you automatically become a member of your state association and of NAR — one application, three levels of membership.

How to Become a Realtor: 4 Steps

1. Complete your state pre-license course. Every state requires pre-license education (hours vary by state). This is the step MLS Campus provides — 100% online and self-paced.
2. Pass your state licensing exam. Sit and pass your state real estate salesperson exam.
3. Activate your license. Where required, activate your license under a sponsoring broker.
4. Join a local Realtor association. Joining a local board enrolls you in your state association and NAR, and lets you use the Realtor® title after agreeing to the Code of Ethics.

Higher Ethical Standards: License Law vs. the Realtor Code of Ethics

Getting a license and becoming a Realtor are two different bars. One is the legal minimum your state requires; the other is a voluntary, higher standard of professional conduct — and it is the main reason many agents choose to become Realtors.

A license is the state’s minimum standard. Every agent must be licensed and follow state license law and the fiduciary duties they owe their clients — often remembered by the acronym OLD CAR: Obedience, Loyalty, Disclosure, Confidentiality, Accounting, and Reasonable care. These duties are enforced by your state real estate commission, and violating them can cost you your license.

Realtor® status is a higher, voluntary standard. Realtors agree to the NAR Code of Ethics, first adopted in 1913 and updated regularly. It contains 17 Articles grouped into three sets of duties — to clients and customers, to the public, and to other Realtors — and reaches beyond what the law requires. The Code is enforced by local associations through professional standards hearings and arbitration; violations can bring mandatory education, fines, suspension, or even expulsion. Realtors must also complete ethics training every three years.

Want the detail on the agency duties every licensee owes? See our guide to real estate fiduciary duties (the OLD CAR acronym).

Benefits of Becoming a Realtor

Beyond the ethical standard, Realtor membership comes with practical advantages agents rely on every day:

• MLS access. In most markets, membership is your gateway to the local Multiple Listing Service — the database that powers real estate sales.
• The Realtor® brand and consumer trust. The trademark tells buyers and sellers you are held to the Code of Ethics.
• A higher ethical standard. A genuine differentiator with clients (see the comparison above).
• Advocacy and legal protection. NAR and its state and local associations fight for property rights, fair housing, and policies that protect your business and your clients.
• Education, designations, and certifications. Credentials such as ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative), SRS, GRI, and CRS help you specialize and earn more.
• Market data and research. NAR’s reports — existing-home sales, the Member Profile, affordability indices — are among the most cited in the industry.
• Tools, discounts, and networking. Member benefits include technology, transaction tools, partner discounts, and a nationwide referral network.

Realtor Requirements & Dues

To become — and stay — a Realtor you must: (1) hold an active state real estate license, (2) belong to a local Realtor association affiliated with your state association and NAR, and (3) complete NAR Code of Ethics training every three years. National NAR dues are $156 per year plus a $45 Consumer Advertising assessment (2026), on top of state and local dues, which vary by area. You keep your license active by completing your state’s continuing education.

Note: MLS Campus provides the state license education (step 1). NAR membership, which confers Realtor® status, is separate and joined through a local association.

How Many Realtors Are There? (2026)

Figures from NAR and each state association, 2025–2026.

Become a Realtor in Your State

Step one is always your state license. Pick your state to start your state-approved, 100% online pre-license course:

Frequently Asked Questions

Already know your state? See real estate agent salaries by state, or explore license renewal & continuing education.