how-to infographic

North Dakota Real Estate License Requirements

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in North Dakota


Quick Overview:

To become a real estate agent in North Dakota, you’ll need to be at least 18 years of age.

Follow these steps:

  1. Complete the Required
    90 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
  2. Pass the Final Exam for Your Course
  3. Apply for Your North Dakota Salesperson License
  4. Submit Your Fingerprints
  5. Pass the North Dakota Real Estate Licensing Exam
  6. Get Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance
  7. Find a Sponsoring Broker
  8. Submit a Request for North Dakota Real Estate Licensure

BUY YOUR NORTH DAKOTA PRE-LICENSING

How to Get a Real Estate License in North Dakota

The North Dakota Real Estate Commission (NDREC) requires all prospective agents to complete the following steps to become a licensed real estate agent. Follow the steps below to get started with your real estate career.

1. Complete the Required a 90 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education

Prospective real estate agents must complete a
90-hour Pre-Licensing course from a real estate school approved by the North Dakota Real Estate Commision.

We offer everything you need to complete your North Dakota Pre-Licensing education requirements! For more information on course packages and pricing, visit our
North Dakota Pre-Licensing webpage.

2. Pass the Final Exam for Your Course

Once you’ve completed your Pre-Licensing course, you must pass the course final exam. You must receive a score of at least 70% to pass, but the exam can be taken as many times as necessary.

3. Apply for Your North Dakota Salesperson License

Next, you’ll need to apply for a Salesperson license. You can submit an application online at the
North Dakota Real Estate Commission’s website. You must also complete and submit a Criminal History Record Check Request form (SFN 60688) along with your application.

4. Submit Your Fingerprints

Once the North Dakota Real Estate Commission has received your Salesperson license Application, Criminal History Record Check Request form, and $158 fee, you will be mailed a fingerprinting kit.

You must mail your completed fingerprint cards to the North Dakota Real Estate Commission along with a check or money order for $41.25 made out to the North Dakota Attorney General.

5. Pass the North Dakota Real Estate Licensing Exam

When your application is approved, you will receive a letter of approval containing your test ID number.

The exam, which is administered by PSI, consists of a national portion and a state portion. You will have 3 ½ hours to complete the exam. For more information, read the state’s Candidate Handbook, and to register for the exam, visit PSI’s website.

Do you need help passing your North Dakota real estate licensing exam? There are schools who offer comprehensive
Exam Prep course to help you feel confident on the day of your licensing exam.

6. Get Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance

To become a licensed real estate Salesperson in North Dakota, you must have an E&O insurance policy. E&O insurance, also known as professional liability insurance, helps protect you from lawsuits that claim you made a mistake. Proof of insurance must be provided to the North Dakota Real Estate Commission before you can become licensed. For more information,
visit the Commission’s website on E&O.

7. visit the Commission’s website

To begin working as a real estate agent in North Dakota, you must be sponsored by an active North Dakota real estate Broker.

Choosing the right Broker to work with is a key factor to becoming a successful North Dakota real estate agent, so it’s important to find a good fit.

When searching for a sponsoring Broker, here are some questions to consider:

  • Do they have a good reputation, locally and nationally?
  • Are they looking for a specific type of real estate agent?
  • What kind of education and training do they offer?
  • What does their fee and commission structure look like?
  • What kind of benefits do they offer?

8. Submit a Request for North Dakota Real Estate Licensure

Finally, you must submit the following to the North Dakota Real Estate Commision:

  • An Application to Issue Real Estate License Form
  • Proof of Errors and Omissions Insurance
  • Passing Exam Scores
  • A $20 Payment to the Commission’s Real Estate Education, Research, and Recovery Fund


Quick Facts:

  • To get a real estate Salesperson license in North Dakota, you must complete 90 hours of Pre-Licensing education.

  • For more information about getting your Salesperson license in North Dakota, read the North Dakota Real Estate Commission’s
    guide to applying for licensure.

  • To learn more about the North Dakota’s real estate licensing exam, read
    the state Candidate Handbook.

Common Questions About Getting Your North Dakota Real Estate License

1. How much does it cost to get your real estate license in North Dakota?

The cost of getting a real estate license in North Dakota can vary considerably, but you can typically expect to pay between $1079.25 and $1289.25. There will be other additional costs, such as the cost of getting an Errors and Omissions insurance policy.

Average Course Tuition $729-$939
License Application Fee $150
Credit Repo Fee $8
SFingerprint Analysis Fee $41.25
Exam Fee $131
Real Estate Education, Research, and Recovery Fund Fee $20
Total $1079.25-$1289.25

2. How long does it take to get a real estate license in North Dakota?

The amount of time that it will take to get a real estate license in North Dakota can vary considerably, but one of the major factors is how long it takes you to complete your 90 hours of required Pre-Licensing education.

Student Learning Pace Time Period
Full-Time Student (40 hours a week) 2¼ weeks
20 Hours a Week 4½ weeks
10 Hours a Week 9 weeks
5 Hours a Week 18 weeks

3. If I get a real estate license in North Dakota, where else can I work?

If you get a real estate license in North Dakota, you are automatically eligible to work in states that offer full reciprocity. States that offer full reciprocity will recognize your North Dakota license, meaning you can work in their state after fulfilling significantly less requirements. Typically, this means passing the state-specific real estate exam or taking a state-specific course. States with full reciprocity include:

  • Alabama
  • Colorado
  • Delaware
  • Georgia
  • Florida
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Maine
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Virginia
  • Washington 

The above list is not comprehensive. Please refer to
this guide for more information on reciprocity.

4. How much money can I make as a North Dakota real estate agent?

According to Indeed.com, the average salary for a North Dakota real estate agent is $71,481.


North Dakota Real Estate Continuing Education Requirements

North Dakota requires that real estate Salespersons take
nine hours of Continuing Education
every year to renew their license.