Real Estate Schools Key Terms

Become educated at real estate schools to obtain licensing or career training

By Sandy Baker

Real estate schools provide a range of education in the field of real estate and property sales, marketing, management and development. They often help students obtain required licenses, such as a real estate salesperson license or a real estate broker license. There are often various terms associated with these schools that potential students should be familiar with ahead of time.

Real estate salesperson license

A real estate salesperson license is required in all states and in the District of Columbia for anyone who wishes to sell, market or represent buyers or sellers in real estate transactions. Individuals must take qualifying courses through an approved real estate school and then sit for an exam. A real estate salesperson works under a real estate broker.
Try: Visit the State of California website to learn more about the educational requirements for obtaining a real estate salesperson license.

Real estate broker license

A real estate broker license is required for any individual who wishes to be in a management level position within a real estate office or wishes to practice real estate without working under a broker. Each state and the District of Columbia place specific requirements on these individuals including real estate practice history, education and examinations.
Try: Visit your state's website or the Texas Real Estate Commission's site to learn more about obtaining a real estate broker license.

Real estate appraisal license

A real estate appraisal license is required for those who provide appraisal services. These individuals visit and give estimations on the value of real estate. Most real estate schools offer appraisal courses. States require students to take approved courses and then sit for an exam to obtain a license.
Try: Visit the California Office of Real Estate Appraisers to learn more about a real estate appraisal license.

Commercial brokerage

Real estate schools may provide state-approved courses in commercial brokerage. Those who work as commercial brokers specialize in income-producing properties. This may include retail facilities, rental properties and industrial parks. Individuals need to have specialized commercial licenses to provide this particular service.
Try: Visit Realtor.org to learn more about commercial brokers and their duties.

Property and real estate management

Some real estate schools also provide property and real estate management courses. These courses teach individuals to manage apartment buildings, community associations or retail facilities.
Try: Visit Career Overview to learn more about property and real estate management.

Urban planning

Urban planning careers allow individuals to work with government and civic groups to make plans for a city's growth. Urban planners help these organizations make decisions on how a city's expansion is handled, such as ensuring enough property is available to accommodate growth. Some real estate schools provide urban planning training and courses.
Try: Visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics to learn more about urban planning careers and education requirements.