I live in Oregon and I really want to get into real estate. I know their are classes at my local community college but can I not take the classes and just study and take an exam to get it?

I live in Oregon - I think there is just an exam you can take to get your license. The best way to get into real estate is to get a job in a firm doing whatever you can and then go from there. The test is not easy and some times they will help pay for your testing and "schooling" as it were.