How to Get Your Montana Real Estate License

Montana offers Salesperson and Broker licenses through the Board of Realty Regulation, plus a separate Property Manager licensure track.

Salesperson License Requirements

• Complete pre-licensing education requirements before taking the exam (contact the Board to confirm current hour requirements, since the handbook directs candidates to verify eligibility with the state board directly)
• Pass both the National exam (80 questions) and State exam (40 questions), scaled score 75 on each
• Apply for licensure through the Montana Board of Realty Regulation after passing both exams — your combined exam results are valid for 3 years from the date you passed
• Affiliate with a licensed Montana broker

Broker License Requirements

• Meet Montana's broker experience and education prerequisites (confirm current requirements with the Board)
• Pass the Broker exam (same 80 national + 40 state structure, scaled score 75 each)
• Your authorization period is 10 years from passing your first required broker education course — the longest exam-authorization window among the states reconciled in this sprint

Property Manager Licensure

Montana separately licenses property managers under Title 37, Chapter 56 — a distinct track from real estate salesperson/broker licensure, worth noting if you're considering that specialty.

Confirming Current Requirements

Because Montana's exact pre-licensing hour and experience requirements can change, the Board's own handbook directs candidates to confirm eligibility directly with the Board before applying for an exam — don't rely solely on third-party prep course marketing for these specifics.

Step 1: Confirm both exams are passed

Since National and State are separate, verify you've cleared both before moving forward.

Step 2: Submit your license application promptly

Your combined passing results are valid for 3 years — don't let that window lapse before applying.

Step 3: Affiliate with a sponsoring broker

Your license needs a supervising Montana broker to activate.

Step 4: Complete your background check

Standard criminal history review as part of the application process.

Step 5: Wait for license issuance

Typical processing runs 2-4 weeks for a complete application.

Realistic income expectations

Median Montana agent income runs around $48,000; brokers average $65,000.

• Year 1: $22K-$42K
• Year 2-5: $42K-$70K
• Top 25%: $70K-$125K+

Bozeman, Missoula, and the greater Flathead Valley (Kalispell/Whitefish) have driven Montana's growth in recent years, though the market is currently cooling after a period of rapid appreciation. Roughly 16,000 home sales happen statewide each year across about 8,500 active licensees.

The first 30 days

Week 1: Set up MLS access, learn your brokerage's systems. Week 2: Announce your license to your network. Week 3: Shadow your sponsoring broker on active transactions. Week 4: Start prospecting.