Each state mandates the hours required for a course. These times are tracked and reported to the state. Once you meet that requirement, then you are eligible to sit the course final and then the state license exam. New York, Minnesota, Michigan, and Virginia have a timed requirement. California requires you to be in each of the three courses for a minimum of 18 days prior to being allowed to take the final exam. Texas requires three. If you are getting licensed in one of those states, you will not be able to take the course final and receive credit until you have spent the assigned amount of time in the course.