What are the best real estate agent qualifications and training to get ahead?

What is the best training for becoming a real estate agent? What types of ongoing training or certifications are necessary to be an effective real estate agent?

What do non-traditional career paths look like?

Licensing classes are required in most states to take the tests. These are sometimes dry as they are all about the laws that affect property and practice. A new licensee is hard-pressed to advise anyone (can't estimate value, use tools, negotiate contracts, have contacts established....). All "the practicals" have to be learned elsewhere. Some larger brokers offer newbie training, but there is still a need to experience, so mentoring is common.

Most states require on-going training to re-issue licenses. This usually involves a combination of laws, ethics and such along with some practical training. Certification programs are offered through associations which may involve more of "the practicals." OJT is by far the best form of training.

Agents usually need to be licensed for a time before they can become brokers or what amounts to in-between levels like "associate brokers." Each state would have its own rules of course. Not all agents want to become brokers as they take on a huge liability having agents they are responsible for. So, some work alone and then form "teams" where they subgroup under a broker and have their own admin staff and agents that share in this sort of subsidiary.