Minnesota Real Estate Licenses
Looking to obtain a Minnesota real estate license? This guide outlines all the necessary steps, including real estate continuing education requirements.
It’s designed for everyone in the state, with special attention to major cities like Minneapolis (MN).
We highlight the best real estate classes and online courses available, ensuring you have access to quality education no matter where you are in Minnesota.
Don't Become a Realtor If...
If you’re seriously interested in getting your real estate license, here are some great additional resources:
Requirements
To become a real estate agent in Minnesota, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
Like all US states, Minnesota allows out-of-state applicants, so you do not need to reside there to become licensed as a real estate agent.
Pre-Licensing Education
Complete 90 hours of pre-license education through courses approved by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. These courses include:
- Course I: Real Estate Principles and Practices (30 hours)
- Course II: Real Estate Law and Agency (30 hours)
- Course III: Real Estate Special Topics (30 hours)
Examination
Minnesota Real Estate Exam Details
Exam Structure
- Total Questions: 120 multiple-choice questions
- National Portion: 80 questions
- State-Specific Portion: 40 questions
- Time Limit: 4 hours
- Passing Score: 75% on each section
Registration and Fees
- Exam Fee: $63 for both sections or $45 for each section individually, payable when scheduling the exam.
- Registration: After completing your pre-licensing education, submit your initial application via the Minnesota Department of Commerce website. Once approved, register for the exam through Pearson VUE.
Identification Documents
- Candidates must bring two forms of identification on exam day, including a government-issued photo ID with a signature (e.g., driver’s license or passport).
Exam Difficulty and Passing Rates
The Minnesota Real Estate Exam is considered moderately challenging. Candidates must pass both the national and state portions with a minimum score of 75%.
Required Forms and Documents
- Pre-License Education Certificate
- Proof of completing the required 90 hours of pre-license education from an approved provider. This certificate is necessary before you can register for the exam.
- Initial License Application
- After completing the pre-license education, submit the initial license application through the Minnesota Department of Commerce website.
- Exam Authorization
- After submitting your initial application and having it approved, you will receive an Exam Authorization, which allows you to register for the real estate exam with Pearson VUE.
- Identification Documents
- On the day of the exam, you must bring two forms of identification. One must be a government-issued photo ID with a signature (e.g., driver’s license or passport), and the other can be a secondary ID, such as a credit card or Social Security card.
- Application Fee
- Be prepared to pay the applicable exam fee ($63) when scheduling your exam through Pearson VUE.
Background Check
- Initial Application Submission
- Submit your initial real estate license application to the Minnesota Department of Commerce after completing your pre-licensing education. This step is required before you can proceed with the background check and exam scheduling.
- Fingerprinting
- Approved Vendor: Schedule an appointment for fingerprinting through an approved vendor like IdentoGO. The fingerprinting fee is typically around $50.
- Processing: The fingerprints are processed by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and the FBI. The results are sent directly to the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
- Review and Approval
- The Minnesota Department of Commerce reviews the background check results as part of the licensure application. You must pass the background check to continue with the licensing process.
- Further Steps
- After successfully passing the background check, you can schedule your real estate exam through Pearson VUE.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s background check page and the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
Application
After passing the exam and completing the background check, submit your license application to the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
- Application Fee: $100
Post-Licensing Education
Minnesota does not require post-licensing education for new real estate agents.
Continuing Education
- Continuing Education Credits
- Total Hours: Licensees are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years.
- First Year Requirement: At least 15 of these 30 credit hours must be completed during the first 12 months of the two-year licensing period.
- Mandatory Courses
- Fair Housing and Agency Law: Each two-year cycle includes a requirement for at least 1 hour of CE in both Fair Housing and Agency Law.
- Annual Required Module: Every year, licensees must complete a mandatory module that typically covers legal updates, ethics, and other essential topics. For the 2023-2024 period, this module provides 3.75 hours of CE credit and includes topics such as Fair Housing, Agency Law, and Legal Updates.
- Completion and Reporting
- CE courses must be completed through approved providers. Ensure that your CE credits are properly reported to the Minnesota Department of Commerce (DOC) by the course provider.
- License Renewal
- To renew your license, all required CE credits must be completed, and your renewal application must be submitted by the June 30th deadline in the appropriate year.
For more detailed information and specific course offerings, you can visit the Minnesota Realtors website or the Minnesota Department of Commerce website.
Minnesota Real Estate Education Options
Online Options
Minnesota offers a variety of excellent online real estate education options, with the major providers offering digital courses. Kaplan stands out as a top choice, surpassing Colibri due to its impressive pass rates, high customer satisfaction, and top-notch course materials.
If you’re interested in exploring other options, we’ve secured special discounts for additional programs as well. The CE Shop is the most affordable choice, and by combining our 30% discount with their 20% military discount, you can maximize your savings.
While all of the courses are reasonably priced, Kaplan remains our top recommendation for its strong reputation and proven success rates. If you’re looking to get the best possible start to your real estate career, it’s definitely worth considering.
1. The CE Shop – Best Budget Course
The CE Shop is the most affordable option for real estate education in Minnesota, providing a solid self-paced curriculum.
Pros
- Most affordable: The 30% discount makes it the cheapest option.
- Self-paced: Flexibility for students to study at their own speed.
Cons
- Mixed reviews: Some students report engagement issues and customer service problems.
- No live instruction: Entirely self-paced learning.
Get 30% off with Discount Code “INBOUNDREM” using our CE Shop discount link.
2. Kaplan Real Estate
Kaplan Real Estate offers a structured learning experience for Minnesota students, with live online and self-paced formats.
Pros
- Multiple formats: Offers live online classes and self-paced options.
- Experienced instructors: Known for delivering high-quality education.
Cons
- Higher cost: More expensive than budget options, but justified for quality.
Get 10% off with our Kaplan Real Estate discount link.
3. Colibri Real Estate
Colibri Real Estate provides flexible learning formats, including self-paced courses and live webinars, suitable for Minnesota students.
Pros
- Flexible formats: Self-paced and live webinars available.
- Pass guarantee: Refund if you don’t pass the state exam.
Cons
- Additional costs: Study resources may increase the total price.
Up to 15% off with our Colibri Real Estate discount link.
In-Person Options by Major Cities
Minneapolis:
- Minneapolis Area REALTORS®: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education courses.
- Normandale Community College: Provides in-person real estate courses, including pre-licensing education.
Saint Paul:
- Saint Paul College: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education classes.
- Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS®: Provides in-person real estate education.
Duluth:
- Lake Superior College: Offers a variety of in-person educational courses for pre-licensing and continuing education.
Reciprocity
Full Reciprocity
Minnesota offers full reciprocity with the following states:
- Colorado
- Iowa
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
If you hold an active real estate license in one of these states, you can apply for a Minnesota real estate license without additional education or examination requirements. You must submit an application and pass a background check.
Partial Reciprocity
Minnesota offers partial reciprocity with other states. If you hold an active real estate license in another state, you may qualify for a waiver of some of the pre-licensing education requirements.
You will still need to pass the Minnesota state-specific portion of the real estate exam and fulfill other state-specific requirements.
For detailed information and required forms, visit the Minnesota Department of Commerce Reciprocity Information.
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Broker's License
To become a real estate broker in Minnesota, you must:
- Have at least three years of active real estate salesperson experience within the last five years
- Complete 30 hours of broker pre-license education
- Pass the Minnesota Real Estate Broker Examination
- Submit a broker license application to the Minnesota Department of Commerce
Criminal Record
The Minnesota Department of Commerce reviews applications from individuals with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis.
If you have a felony or other serious criminal conviction, you may still apply for a real estate license, but the Department will consider the nature of the crime, the time elapsed since the conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation.
Crimes involving fraud, theft, or moral turpitude are particularly scrutinized. It’s recommended to contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce directly to discuss your specific circumstances and determine your eligibility.
Cost Breakdown
Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
Total | $663 – $1,163 |
Pre-License Education | $400 – $700 |
Exam Fee | $63 |
Background Check | $50 – $100 |
Application Fee | $100 |
Continuing Education | $50 – $200 per cycle |
Resources and Contacts
- Minnesota Department of Commerce:
- Street Address: 85 7th Place East, Suite 500, St. Paul, MN 55101
- Telephone: (651) 539-1500
- Email: licensing.commerce@state.mn.us
- License Renewal Website
- Licensee Renewal Information
- PSI Examination Services: (800) 733-9267
Document Checklist
- Proof of age (ID, birth certificate)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Completion certificates for 90 hours of pre-license courses
- Exam pass notification from Pearson VUE
- Fingerprint submission and background check confirmation
- Completed application form for the Minnesota Department of Commerce
- Payment for application fee
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Minnesota
- Meet Basic Requirements: Ensure you are at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
- Complete Pre-License Education: Enroll in and complete 90 hours of pre-license courses approved by the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
- Schedule and Pass the Examination: Register for the Minnesota Real Estate Salesperson Examination through Pearson VUE. Study for and pass the exam, ensuring you achieve a minimum score of 75% on both the national and state-specific portions. Pay the exam fee of $63.
- Submit to a Background Check: Arrange for fingerprinting and a criminal background check through a Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension-approved vendor. Ensure all required documentation is submitted to the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
- Submit Your Application: Complete and submit the real estate license application to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, including the application fee of $100.
- Find a Sponsoring Broker: To activate your license, find a licensed Minnesota real estate broker to work under. This is required for both temporary and permanent licensure.
- Begin Your Real Estate Career: Once your license is issued, start your career as a licensed real estate agent in Minnesota.
- Complete Continuing Education: Every two years, complete 30 hours of continuing education, including mandatory and elective courses, to maintain and renew your license.
Minnesota Real Estate Agent Salary
In Minnesota, real estate agents earn an average salary of $78,217 per year, with a range typically between $35,000 and $145,000.
The median salary is around $75,000, reflecting a consistent income distribution among agents.
Top performers, particularly in areas like Minneapolis and St. Paul, can earn upwards of $180,000 annually.
Minnesota’s strong economy and stable real estate market provide ample opportunities for substantial earnings.
The state’s moderate cost of living further enhances the attractiveness of these salaries, offering a good quality of life for successful agents.
FAQs
Can I become a real estate agent in Minnesota if I have a felony?
The Minnesota Department of Commerce reviews applications from individuals with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis. Certain felonies, particularly those involving fraud or moral turpitude, may disqualify you. Contact the Department for specific inquiries.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Minnesota?
It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the pre-license education, pass the exam, and obtain your license.
What is the cost to become a real estate agent in Minnesota?
The total estimated cost ranges from $663 to $1,163, including education, exam fees, background checks, and application fees.
Does Minnesota have reciprocity with other states?
Minnesota has full reciprocity with several states and partial reciprocity with others. You may need to pass the Minnesota state-specific portion of the real estate exam and meet other requirements.
Summary
Becoming a real estate agent in Minnesota involves meeting educational requirements, passing an exam, undergoing a background check, and completing continuing education.
By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, you can successfully start and maintain your real estate career in Minnesota.
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We have an agreement with The CE Shop to promote online course information to consumers and real estate licensees. We are not the developer of these courses and is simply providing a referral. All education is provided by The CE Shop and any questions regarding course content or course technology should be directed to The CE Shop.