How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Mississippi

how to become a real estate agent
Founder of InboundREM an inbound marketing lead generation company focused on SEO. Blogger. Real Estate SEO expert. Real Estate Lead Generation expert. Real estate online marketing fanatic. Podcaster. Occasional public speaker and frequent vlogger.

Table of Contents

Mississippi Real Estate Licenses

For those pursuing a Mississippi real estate license, this guide covers all the essential steps and real estate continuing education requirements.

It’s suitable for aspiring real estate professionals across the state, with extra information for major cities like Jackson (MS).

We explore the best real estate classes and online courses, offering comprehensive resources to help you succeed in Mississippi’s real estate market.

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 Mississippi, 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, Mississippi 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 60 hours of pre-license education through courses approved by the Mississippi Real Estate Commission (MREC). These courses include:

  • Salesperson Pre-License Course (60 hours)

Examination

Mississippi 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: 70% on each section

Registration and Fees

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 Mississippi Real Estate Exam is considered moderately challenging, requiring thorough preparation to pass both the national and state-specific portions.

Required Forms and Documents

  1. Pre-License Education Certificate
    • Proof of completing the required 60 hours of pre-license education from an approved provider.
  2. Initial License Application
  3. Exam Authorization
    • Once your application is approved, you will receive authorization to register for the exam with PSI.
  4. Application Fee
    • The fee is $120, payable when you submit your license application.

Background Check

  1. Fingerprinting
    • Approved Vendor: You must submit fingerprints for a background check through a vendor approved by the Mississippi Real Estate Commission. The fingerprints are used to conduct both state and national criminal history checks.
  2. Submission
  3. Processing

Application

After passing the exam and completing the background check, submit your license application to the Mississippi Real Estate Commission.

  • Application Fee: $120

Post-Licensing Education

Courses: New sales associate licensees must complete 30 hours of post-license education within the first year of obtaining and activating their real estate license.

  • Mandatory Hours (24 hours)
    • Courses covering Mississippi real estate law, contracts, and agency.
  • Elective Hours (6 hours)
    • Additional courses covering topics approved by the Mississippi Real Estate Commission.

These steps ensure that candidates meet all necessary qualifications to obtain and maintain a real estate license in Mississippi. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer to the Mississippi Real Estate Commission’s website.

Continuing Education

Total Hours Required: 16 hours every two years.

  • Mandatory Core Courses: 8 hours of the 16 hours must be dedicated to core topics. These topics are specified by the Mississippi Real Estate Commission (MREC) and typically include:
    • License Law Updates
    • Agency Law
    • Contract Law
    • Fair Housing
    • Ethics and Professional Standards
  • Elective Hours: The remaining 8 hours can be completed by taking elective courses approved by the MREC. These courses can cover a variety of real estate-related topics such as:
    • Real Estate Finance
    • Property Management
    • Marketing Strategies
    • Risk Management
  • License Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every two years, and CE requirements must be completed within that period to be eligible for renewal.
  • Proof of Completion: Licensees are responsible for keeping records of their completed CE courses. Providers typically report completed CE hours to the MREC, but licensees should retain copies of their certificates of completion.

Mississippi Real Estate Education Options

Online Options

Mississippi offers a range of top-notch online real estate education options, with a selection of leading providers offering digital courses. Kaplan stands out as the best choice, outshining Colibri with its outstanding pass rates, excellent customer satisfaction, and high-quality course materials.

For those looking to explore other alternatives, we’ve arranged special discounts for additional programs as well. The CE Shop offers the most affordable option, and by combining our 30% discount with their 20% military discount, you can save even more.

Although all of the courses are reasonably priced, Kaplan remains our top recommendation for its strong reputation and impressive success rates. If you’re aiming for a successful start to your real estate career, Kaplan is definitely worth considering.

1. The CE Shop – Best Budget Course

The CE Shop is the most affordable option for real estate education in Mississippi, 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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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

Jackson:

Gulfport:

Oxford:

Reciprocity

Full Reciprocity

Mississippi offers full reciprocity with the following states:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Georgia
  • Iowa
  • Louisiana
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • North Dakota
  • Oklahoma
  • South Dakota
  • West Virginia

If you hold an active real estate license in one of these states, you can apply for a Mississippi real estate license without additional education or examination requirements. You must submit an application and pass a background check.

Partial Reciprocity

Mississippi 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 Mississippi state-specific portion of the real estate exam and fulfill other state-specific requirements.

For detailed information and required forms, visit the Mississippi Real Estate Commission Reciprocity Information.

Free eBooks for Agents

Free eBooks for Real Estate Agents

Download any or all of our real estate marketing eBooks. These books contain cutting edge information, deep-diving case studies, actionable hacks to skyrocket your business.

Broker's License

To become a real estate broker in Mississippi, you must:

  • Have at least two years of active real estate salesperson experience within the last five years
  • Complete 60 hours of broker pre-license education
  • Pass the Mississippi Real Estate Broker Examination
  • Submit a broker license application to the Mississippi Real Estate Commission

Criminal Record

The Mississippi Real Estate Commission 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 Commission 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 Mississippi Real Estate Commission directly to discuss your specific circumstances and determine your eligibility.

Cost Breakdown

Item
Cost Range
Total
$695 – $1,295
Pre-License Education
$300 – $600
Exam Fee
$75
Background Check
$50 – $100
Application Fee
$120
Post-Licensing Education
$100 – $200
Continuing Education
$50 – $200 per cycle

Resources and Contacts

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 60 hours of pre-license courses
  • Exam pass notification from Pearson VUE
  • Fingerprint submission and background check confirmation
  • Completed application form for the Mississippi Real Estate Commission
  • Payment for application fee

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Mississippi

  1. 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).
  2. Complete Pre-License Education: Enroll in and complete 60 hours of pre-license courses approved by the Mississippi Real Estate Commission.
  3. Schedule and Pass the Examination: Register for the Mississippi 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 $75.
  4. Submit to a Background Check: Arrange for fingerprinting and a criminal background check through a Mississippi Department of Public Safety-approved vendor. Ensure all required documentation is submitted to the Mississippi Real Estate Commission.
  5. Submit Your Application: Complete and submit the real estate license application to the Mississippi Real Estate Commission, including the application fee of $120.
  6. Find a Sponsoring Broker: To activate your license, find a licensed Mississippi real estate broker to work under. This is required for both temporary and permanent licensure.
  7. Complete Post-Licensing Education: Within the first year of obtaining your license, complete 30 hours of post-licensing education.
  8. Begin Your Real Estate Career: Once your license is issued, start your career as a licensed real estate agent in Mississippi.
  9. Complete Continuing Education: Every two years, complete 16 hours of continuing education, including mandatory and elective courses, to maintain and renew your license.

Mississippi Real Estate Agent Salary

In Mississippi, real estate agents earn an average salary of $74,380 per year, with typical earnings ranging from $30,000 to $130,000.

The median salary is $70,000, suggesting a balanced income distribution. Top agents, particularly in active markets like Jackson, can earn over $150,000 annually.

Mississippi’s real estate market is characterized by steady demand and a low cost of living, which makes the state’s earnings more significant.

The balanced market conditions offer a stable environment for agents to grow their careers.

FAQs

Can I become a real estate agent in Mississippi if I have a felony?

The Mississippi Real Estate Commission 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 Commission for specific inquiries.

How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Mississippi?

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 Mississippi?

The total estimated cost ranges from $695 to $1,295, including education, exam fees, background checks, and application fees.

Does Mississippi have reciprocity with other states?

Mississippi has full reciprocity with several states and partial reciprocity with others. You may need to pass the Mississippi state-specific portion of the real estate exam and meet other requirements.

Summary

Becoming a real estate agent in Mississippi involves meeting educational requirements, passing an exam, undergoing a background check, and completing post-license and continuing education.

By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, you can successfully start and maintain your real estate career in Mississippi.

Let's have a talk

Schedule a Meeting

Let’s chat about how an SEO-focused website that YOU OWN, Google Business Profile Campaigns, or Custom Email Campaigns can generate high-quality leads and exceptional long-term ROI. If my services aren’t the best move for you, I’ll gladly point you in the right direction

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links that give us a commission at no extra cost to you. In some cases, you can even receive discounts via our links. If you found our content helpful, please use them.

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.

Leave a Reply