# How Long Licensing Takes\n\nBudget for four stages:\n1. **Prerequisites** (experience, entity, financials/bond) — weeks to months\n2. **Exam** (NASCLA or state) — days to weeks for a seat + results\n3. **Application & fees** — varies\n4. **Board review/approval** — the long pole, often several weeks to a few months.\n\nReciprocity applications are usually faster because the exam step is waived — but still gated on board review.
**Takeaway:** Budget for board review — it's the long pole in getting licensed.
