New Jersey Real Estate Licenses
This guide is your go-to resource for obtaining a New Jersey real estate license, covering all the essential requirements and real estate continuing education needs.
It’s designed for everyone in New Jersey, with special attention to major cities like Newark (NJ).
We highlight the best real estate classes and online courses, providing you with the resources needed to excel in New Jersey’s real estate market.
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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 New Jersey, 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, New Jersey 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 75 hours of pre-license education through courses approved by the New Jersey Real Estate Commission (NJREC). These courses include:
- Salesperson Pre-License Course (75 hours)
Examination
New Jersey Real Estate Exam Details
Exam Structure
- Total Questions: 110 multiple-choice questions
- National Portion: 80 questions
- State-Specific Portion: 30 questions
- Time Limit: 4 hours
- Passing Score: 70% on each section
Registration and Fees
- Exam Fee: $45, payable when scheduling the exam.
- Registration: After completing your pre-licensing education, submit your initial application via the New Jersey Real Estate Commission (NJREC) 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 New Jersey 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 75 hours of pre-license education from an approved provider.
- Initial License Application
- Submit your initial license application through the New Jersey Real Estate Commission (NJREC) 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 $160 for a salesperson license, payable when you submit your license application.
Background Check
- Fingerprinting
- Approved Vendor: Schedule an appointment for fingerprinting through IdentoGO, the approved vendor for New Jersey.
- Cost: The fee is approximately $66.05, payable directly to the vendor.
- Submission
- The fingerprint results will be sent directly to the New Jersey Real Estate Commission as part of your license application process.
- Processing
- The New Jersey Real Estate Commission 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 New Jersey Real Estate Commission.
- Application Fee: $160
Post-Licensing Education
New Jersey does not require post-licensing education for new real estate agents.
Continuing Education
Total Hours Required: 12 credit hours every two years.
- Mandatory Core Courses: 6 hours
- Ethics: At least 2 hours of instruction on ethics.
- New Jersey Law: At least 4 hours must cover New Jersey laws and regulations.
- Elective Courses: 6 hours
- Licensees can select from various elective courses related to real estate practices, property management, business development, or other approved real estate topics.
Important Deadlines
- Renewal Cycle: Every two years, ending on June 30 of odd-numbered years (e.g., 2023, 2025).
- Late Fee: If CE credits are not completed by April 30 of the renewal year, a late fee may apply when renewing the license.
Course Providers
- Courses must be completed through New Jersey Real Estate Commission-approved providers. These include both in-person and online options.
Exemptions
- First-Year Salespersons: Newly licensed salespersons are exempt from continuing education requirements during their first licensing cycle.
New Jersey Real Estate Education Options
Online Options
New Jersey offers a wide range of excellent online real estate education options, with a variety of major providers offering digital courses. Kaplan stands out as a top choice, outperforming others like Colibri due to its impressive pass rates, high customer satisfaction, and top-notch course materials.
If you’re looking for other options, we’ve arranged 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 due to its strong reputation and high success rates. If you’re looking for the best possible start to your real estate career in New Jersey, it’s certainly worth considering.
1. The CE Shop – Best Budget Course
The CE Shop is the most affordable option for real estate education in New Jersey, 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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
Newark:
- Garden State Real Estate Academy: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education courses.
- Rutgers University: Provides in-person real estate courses, including pre-licensing education.
Jersey City:
- Hudson County Community College: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education classes.
- Liberty Board of REALTORS®: Provides in-person real estate education.
Trenton:
- Mercer County Community College: Offers a variety of in-person educational courses for pre-licensing and continuing education.
Reciprocity
Full Reciprocity
New Jersey does not offer full reciprocity with any state.
Partial Reciprocity
New Jersey 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 New Jersey state-specific portion of the real estate exam and fulfill other state-specific requirements.
For detailed information and required forms, visit the New Jersey Real Estate Commission Reciprocity Information.
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Broker's License
To become a real estate broker in New Jersey, you must:
- Have at least three years of active real estate salesperson experience within the last five years
- Complete 150 hours of broker pre-license education
- Pass the New Jersey Real Estate Broker Examination
- Submit a broker license application to the New Jersey Real Estate Commission
Criminal Record
The New Jersey 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 New Jersey Real Estate Commission directly to discuss your specific circumstances and determine your eligibility.
Cost Breakdown
Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
Total | $705 – $1,205 |
Pre-License Education | $400 – $700 |
Exam Fee | $45 |
Background Check | $50 – $100 |
Application Fee | $160 |
Continuing Education | $50 – $200 per cycle |
Resources and Contacts
- New Jersey Real Estate Commission: (609) 292-7272 | realestate@dobi.nj.gov
- Street Address: 20 West State Street, Trenton, New Jersey 08608
- Mailing Address: PO Box 474, Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0474
- Telephone: (609) 292-7272
- Email: relic@dobi.nj.gov
- NJREC Licensing
- 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 75 hours of pre-license courses
- Exam pass notification from PSI
- Fingerprint submission and background check confirmation
- Completed application form for the New Jersey Real Estate Commission
- Payment for application fee
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in New Jersey
- 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 75 hours of pre-license courses approved by the New Jersey Real Estate Commission.
- Schedule and Pass the Examination: Register for the New Jersey Real Estate Salesperson Examination through PSI. Study for and pass the exam, ensuring you achieve a minimum score of 70% on both the national and state-specific portions. Pay the exam fee of $45.
- Submit to a Background Check: Arrange for fingerprinting and a criminal background check through a New Jersey State Police-approved vendor. Ensure all required documentation is submitted to the New Jersey Real Estate Commission.
- Submit Your Application: Complete and submit the real estate license application to the New Jersey Real Estate Commission, including the application fee of $160.
- Find a Sponsoring Broker: To activate your license, find a licensed New Jersey 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 New Jersey.
- Complete Continuing Education: Every two years, complete 12 hours of continuing education, including mandatory and elective courses, to maintain and renew your license.
New Jersey Real Estate Agent Salary
In New Jersey, real estate agents earn an average salary of $82,145 per year, with typical earnings ranging from $35,000 to $160,000.
The median salary is around $78,000, indicating a fairly even distribution of income.
Top agents, especially in competitive markets like Jersey City and Princeton, can earn over $200,000 annually.
New Jersey’s proximity to New York City and Philadelphia drives a robust real estate market, offering significant earning potential.
However, the state’s high cost of living can impact the overall value of these earnings, making it crucial for agents to excel to maximize their income.
FAQs
Can I become a real estate agent in New Jersey if I have a felony?
The New Jersey 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 New Jersey?
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 New Jersey?
The total estimated cost ranges from $705 to $1,205, including education, exam fees, background checks, and application fees.
Does New Jersey have reciprocity with other states?
New Jersey does not offer full reciprocity but offers partial reciprocity with other states. You may need to pass the New Jersey state-specific portion of the real estate exam and meet other requirements.
Summary
Becoming a real estate agent in New Jersey 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 New Jersey.
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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.