North Dakota Real Estate Licenses
This guide offers essential information for obtaining a North Dakota real estate license, including the state’s real estate continuing education requirements.
It’s applicable to everyone in North Dakota, with additional resources for major cities like Fargo (ND).
We explore the best real estate classes and online courses available, providing comprehensive resources to help you succeed in North Dakota’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 North Dakota, 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, North Dakota 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 45 hours of pre-license education through courses approved by the North Dakota Real Estate Commission (NDREC). These courses include:
- Salesperson Pre-License Course (45 hours)
Examination
North Dakota Real Estate Exam Details
Exam Structure
- Total Questions: 140 multiple-choice questions
- National Portion: 100 questions
- State-Specific Portion: 40 questions
- Time Limit: 4 hours total
- Passing Score: 75% on each section
Registration and Fees
- Exam Fee: $131, payable when scheduling the exam.
- Registration: After completing your pre-licensing education, register for the exam through PSI Services and submit your initial application via the North Dakota Real Estate Commission (NDREC) website.
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 North Dakota Real Estate Exam is moderately challenging, with candidates needing to pass both the national and state-specific portions.
Required Forms and Documents
- Pre-License Education Certificate
- Proof of completing the required 90 hours of pre-license education from an approved provider.
- Initial License Application
- Submit your initial license application through the North Dakota Real Estate Commission (NDREC) website after completing pre-licensing education.
- Exam Authorization
- After submitting your application, you will receive authorization to register for the exam with PSI.
- Application Fee
- The fee is $150, payable when you submit your license application.
Background Check
- Fingerprinting
- Approved Vendor: Get fingerprinted by local law enforcement or through an approved vendor. The cost is around $41.
- Processing: The fingerprints are sent to the FBI and North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) for review.
- Submission
- After completing the fingerprinting process, the results will be submitted directly to the North Dakota Real Estate Commission.
- Review and Approval
- The North Dakota Real Estate Commission reviews your background check as part of the license approval process.
Application
After passing the exam and completing the background check, submit your license application to the North Dakota Real Estate Commission.
- Application Fee: $150
Post-Licensing Education
North Dakota does not require post-licensing education for new real estate agents.
Continuing Education
In North Dakota, real estate licensees must complete a set amount of continuing education (CE) hours to renew their licenses. Here are the current requirements:
- Salesperson Continuing Education:
- Hours Required: 9 hours of continuing education annually.
- Core Hours: 3 of the 9 hours must be in a mandatory “core” topic that the North Dakota Real Estate Commission designates each year.
- Elective Hours: The remaining 6 hours can be elective courses approved by the North
Dakota Real Estate Commission.
- Broker Continuing Education:
- Hours Required: 9 hours of continuing education annually.
- Core Hours: 3 of the 9 hours must be in the core topic designated by the Commission.
- Elective Hours: 6 hours can be from approved elective courses.
- Renewal Period
- Licenses are renewed annually, and the required CE hours must be completed by the license expiration date.
North Dakota Real Estate Education Options
Online Options
North Dakota provides an excellent selection of options for online real estate education, with three of four major real estate schools offering digital courses.
Kaplan stands out as the best choice, earning strong marks for pass rates, customer satisfaction, and high-quality educational materials.
If you’re looking to explore other options, we’ve secured special discounts for them as well.
For those on a tighter budget, The CE Shop is a worthwhile consideration, especially since our 30% discount can be paired with their 20% military discount, providing additional savings.
While all courses are reasonably priced, we firmly recommend Kaplan for its unmatched quality and success rates. If you’re aiming for the best, Kaplan is the clear choice to guide you on your journey to becoming a licensed realtor.
1. The CE Shop – Best Budget Course
The CE Shop is the most affordable option for real estate education in ND, 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.
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2. Kaplan Real Estate – Best Overall Course
Kaplan Real Estate offers a structured learning experience for North Dakota 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.
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4. Colibri Real Estate
Colibri Real Estate provides flexible learning formats, including self-paced courses and live webinars, suitable for ND 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
Fargo:
- Fargo-Moorhead Area Association of REALTORS®: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education courses.
- North Dakota State University: Provides in-person real estate courses, including pre-licensing education.
Bismarck:
- Bismarck Mandan Board of REALTORS®: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education classes.
- University of Mary: Provides in-person real estate education.
Grand Forks:
- Grand Forks Board of REALTORS®: Offers a variety of in-person educational courses for pre-licensing and continuing education.
Reciprocity
Full Reciprocity
North Dakota offers full reciprocity with the following states:
- Minnesota
- Georgia
- Iowa
If you hold an active real estate license in one of these states, you can apply for a North Dakota real estate license without additional education or examination requirements. You must submit an application and pass a background check.
Partial Reciprocity
North Dakota 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 North Dakota state-specific portion of the real estate exam and fulfill other state-specific requirements.
For detailed information and required forms, visit the North Dakota Real Estate Commission Reciprocity Information.
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Broker's License
To become a real estate broker in North Dakota, 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 North Dakota Real Estate Broker Examination
- Submit a broker license application to the North Dakota Real Estate Commission
Criminal Record
The North Dakota 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 North Dakota Real Estate Commission directly to discuss your specific circumstances and determine your eligibility.
Cost Breakdown
Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
Total | $781 – $1,281 |
Pre-License Education | $400 – $700 |
Exam Fee | $131 |
Background Check | $50 – $100 |
Application Fee | $150 |
Continuing Education | $50 – $200 per cycle |
Resources and Contacts
- North Dakota Real Estate Commission:
- Street and Mailing Address: 1120 College Drive, Suite 204, Bismarck, North Dakota 58501
- Telephone: (701) 328-9749
- Email: ndrec@nd.gov
- NDREC Salesperson
- 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 45 hours of pre-license courses
- Exam pass notification from PSI
- Fingerprint submission and background check confirmation
- Completed application form for the North Dakota Real Estate Commission
- Payment for application fee
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in North Dakota
- 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 45 hours of pre-license courses approved by the North Dakota Real Estate Commission.
- Schedule and Pass the Examination: Register for the North Dakota 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 $131.
- Submit to a Background Check: Arrange for fingerprinting and a criminal background check through a North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation-approved vendor. Ensure all required documentation is submitted to the North Dakota Real Estate Commission.
- Submit Your Application: Complete and submit the real estate license application to the North Dakota Real Estate Commission, including the application fee of $150.
- Find a Sponsoring Broker: To activate your license, find a licensed North Dakota 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 North Dakota.
- Complete Continuing Education: Every year, complete 9 hours of continuing education, including mandatory and elective courses, to maintain and renew your license.
North Dakota Real Estate Agent Salary
In North Dakota, real estate agents earn an average salary of $65,344 per year, with earnings typically ranging from $28,000 to $125,000.
The median salary is around $62,000, indicating a consistent income distribution. Top agents, especially in growing areas like Fargo, can earn upwards of $140,000 annually.
North Dakota’s real estate market is characterized by steady growth and a low cost of living, making it an appealing environment for agents.
The state’s stable economy further supports a positive financial outlook for real estate professionals.
FAQs
Can I become a real estate agent in North Dakota if I have a felony?
The North Dakota 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 North Dakota?
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 North Dakota?
The total estimated cost ranges from $781 to $1,281, including education, exam fees, background checks, and application fees.
Does North Dakota have reciprocity with other states?
North Dakota has full reciprocity with several states and partial reciprocity with others. You may need to pass the North Dakota state-specific portion of the real estate exam and meet other requirements.
Summary
Becoming a real estate agent in North Dakota 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 North Dakota.
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