Montana Real Estate Licenses
If you’re looking to get a Montana real estate license, this guide covers all the essential steps, including real estate continuing education requirements.
It’s suitable for everyone across the state, with special insights for major cities like Billings (MT).
We explore the best real estate classes and online courses available, providing comprehensive resources to help you navigate Montana’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 Montana, 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, Montana 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 70 hours of pre-license education through courses approved by the Montana Board of Realty Regulation. These courses include:
- Salesperson Pre-License Course (70 hours)
Examination
Montana Real Estate Exam Details
Exam Structure
- Total Questions: 133 multiple-choice questions
- National Portion: 100 questions
- State-Specific Portion: 33 questions
- Time Limit: 4 hours total
- Passing Score: 70% on each section
Registration and Fees
- Exam Fee: $106, payable when scheduling the exam.
- Registration: After completing your pre-licensing education, submit your initial application via the Montana Board of Realty Regulation (MBRR) website. Once approved, register for the exam through PSI Services.
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 Montana Real Estate Exam is considered moderately challenging, requiring thorough preparation to pass both the national and state-specific portions.
Required Forms and Documents
- Pre-License Education Certificate
- Proof of completing the required 70 hours of pre-license education from an approved provider.
- Initial License Application
- Submit your initial license application through the Montana Board of Realty Regulation (MBRR) website after completing pre-licensing education.
- Exam Authorization
- Once your application is approved, you will receive authorization to register for the exam with PSI.
- Application Fee
- The fee is $185, payable when you submit your license application.
Background Check
- Fingerprinting
- Approved Vendor: Schedule an appointment for fingerprinting through an approved vendor such as IdentoGO.
- Cost: The fee is approximately $30, payable directly to the vendor.
- Submission
- The fingerprint results will be sent directly to the Montana Board of Realty Regulation as part of your license application process.
- Processing
- The Montana Board of Realty Regulation reviews the background check results before issuing your license.
Application
After passing the exam and completing the background check, submit your license application to the Montana Board of Realty Regulation.
- Application Fee: $185
Post-Licensing Education
- Post-Licensing Hours Required: New salespersons in Montana are required to complete 12 hours of post-licensing education.
- Completion Deadline: The 12 hours of post-licensing education must be completed within the first year of obtaining your real estate license.
- Course Content:
- Montana real estate laws and regulations
- Contracts and agreements
- Agency relationships and duties
- Ethical considerations and practices
- Property management basics
- Risk management
- Approved Providers: Post-licensing education courses must be completed through approved education providers. You can find a list of approved providers on the Montana Board of Realty Regulation’s website.
Verification of Completion: Once you complete the required post-licensing education, your course provider will report your completion to the Montana Board of Realty Regulation. It’s important to keep records of your course completion in case of any discrepancies.
Failure to complete the required post-licensing education within the specified time frame may result in the suspension or revocation of your real estate license. For more details on post-licensing education requirements and to find approved courses, visit the Montana Board of Realty Regulation website.
Continuing Education
Total Hours Required: 12 hours of continuing education each year.
- Core Curriculum: 4 of the 12 hours must be from the “Core” curriculum designated by the Montana Board of Realty Regulation (BRR). This core curriculum covers legal updates, regulatory changes, and other critical topics set by the BRR.
- Elective Hours: The remaining 8 hours can be fulfilled by elective courses that are approved by the Montana Board of Realty Regulation. These courses may cover a wide range of real estate-related topics, including ethics, contracts, property management, and more.
- Deadlines:
- CE Completion Deadline: All required continuing education must be completed by October 31st each year.
- License Renewal Deadline: Licenses must be renewed by October 31st, and proof of CE completion must be submitted as part of the renewal process.
- Exemptions:
- First-Year Licensees: Newly licensed salespersons are exempt from CE requirements during their first renewal cycle. However, this exemption does not apply to brokers.
Failure to complete the required CE hours can result in penalties, including the suspension of the license. For more detailed and up-to-date information, you can refer to the Montana Board of Realty Regulation’s website.
Montana Real Estate Education Options
Online Options
- Kaplan Real Estate Education: Provides online pre-licensing courses tailored to Montana’s requirements.
- Colibri Real Estate: Formerly known as Real Estate Express, provides flexible online learning options.
- The CE Shop: Offers comprehensive online courses for pre-licensing, post-licensing, and continuing education.
In-Person Options by Major Cities
Billings:
- Billings Association of REALTORS®: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education courses.
- Montana State University Billings: Provides in-person real estate courses, including pre-licensing education.
Missoula:
- Missoula Organization of REALTORS®: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education classes.
- University of Montana: Provides in-person real estate education.
Bozeman:
- Gallatin Association of REALTORS®: Offers a variety of in-person educational courses for pre-licensing and continuing education.
Reciprocity
Full Reciprocity
Montana does not offer full reciprocity with any state.
Partial Reciprocity
Montana offers partial reciprocity. 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 Montana state-specific portion of the real estate exam and fulfill other state-specific requirements.
For detailed information and required forms, visit the Montana Board of Realty Regulation Reciprocity Information.
Free eBooks for 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 Montana, 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 Montana Real Estate Broker Examination
- Submit a broker license application to the Montana Board of Realty Regulation
Criminal Record
The Montana Board of Realty Regulation 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 Board 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 Montana Board of Realty Regulation directly to discuss your specific circumstances and determine your eligibility.
Cost Breakdown
Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
Total | $891 – $1,491 |
Pre-License Education | $400 – $700 |
Exam Fee | $106 |
Background Check | $50 – $100 |
Application Fee | $185 |
Post-Licensing Education | $100 – $200 |
Continuing Education | $50 – $200 per cycle |
Resources and Contacts
- Montana Board of Realty Regulation:
- Street Address: 301 S. Park Avenue, 4th Floor, Helena, MT 59601
- Mailing Address: PO Box 200513, Helena, MT 59620-0513
- Telephone: (406) 444-6880
- Email: dlibsdhelp@mt.gov
- License Information
- Renewal and Continuing Education Information
- Exam 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 70 hours of pre-license courses
- Exam pass notification from PSI
- Fingerprint submission and background check confirmation
- Completed application form for the Montana Board of Realty Regulation
- Payment for application fee
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Montana
- 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 70 hours of pre-license courses approved by the Montana Board of Realty Regulation.
- Schedule and Pass the Examination: Register for the Montana Real Estate Salesperson Examination through PSI. Study for and pass the exam, ensuring you achieve a minimum score of 80% on both the national and state-specific portions. Pay the exam fee of $106.
- Submit to a Background Check: Arrange for fingerprinting and a criminal background check through a Montana Department of Justice-approved vendor. Ensure all required documentation is submitted to the Montana Board of Realty Regulation.
- Submit Your Application: Complete and submit the real estate license application to the Montana Board of Realty Regulation, including the application fee of $185.
- Find a Sponsoring Broker: To activate your license, find a licensed Montana real estate broker to work under. This is required for both temporary and permanent licensure.
- Complete Post-Licensing Education: Within the first year of obtaining your license, complete 12 hours of post-licensing education.
- Begin Your Real Estate Career: Once your license is issued, start your career as a licensed real estate agent in Montana.
- Complete Continuing Education: Every year, complete 12 hours of continuing education, including mandatory and elective courses, to maintain and renew your license.
Montana Real Estate Agent Salary
In Montana, real estate agents earn an average salary of $75,499 per year, with typical earnings ranging from $35,000 to $145,000.
The median salary is around $70,000, suggesting a fairly even income distribution. Top agents, particularly in popular areas like Bozeman and Missoula, can earn over $160,000 annually.
Montana’s growing real estate market, driven by increasing demand for housing, offers substantial earning potential.
The state’s relatively low cost of living enhances the overall value of these earnings, making it an appealing market for agents.
FAQs
Can I become a real estate agent in Montana if I have a felony?
The Montana Board of Realty Regulation 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 Board for specific inquiries.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Montana?
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 Montana?
The total estimated cost ranges from $891 to $1,491, including education, exam fees, background checks, and application fees.
Does Montana have reciprocity with other states?
Montana does not offer full reciprocity but offers partial reciprocity with other states. You may need to pass the Montana state-specific portion of the real estate exam and meet other requirements.
Summary
Becoming a real estate agent in Montana 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 Montana.
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.
