How to Get Your North Dakota Real Estate License
How to Get Licensed in North Dakota
ND offers Salesperson and Broker licenses under ND Century Code Chapter 43-23, regulated by NDREC.
Salesperson License Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Complete 90 hours of NDREC-approved pre-licensing education
- Pass the North Dakota real estate Salesperson exam through PSI
- Submit a Salesperson license application with the $100 fee
- Complete fingerprint-based background check
- Affiliate with a North Dakota-licensed Broker
Post-Licensing (15 hours within 2 years)
ND Salespersons must complete 15 hours of post-licensing education within the first 2 years.
Broker License Requirements
- Hold an active Salesperson license for at least 2 years
- Have demonstrable active practice during those 2 years
- Complete 90 hours of broker pre-licensing education
- Pass the Broker exam
- Submit a Broker license application
Continuing Education
ND requires 9 hours of CE every 2 years to renew. Mandatory topics include law update.
Reciprocity
ND has reciprocity arrangements with several states. Check with NDREC.
Passed Your North Dakota Real Estate Exam? Here's What's Next.
Step 1: Confirm your sponsoring Broker
You cannot operate as a licensed Salesperson without affiliating with a North Dakota-licensed Broker.
Step 2: Submit your license application via NDREC
Required: passing scores, completed application, $100 license fee, sponsoring Broker, background check.
Step 3: Background check
ND requires fingerprint-based background checks.
Step 4: Wait for license issuance
NDREC processes complete applications within 2-4 weeks.
Step 5: Post-licensing (15 hours within 2 years)
ND Salespersons must complete 15 hours of post-licensing within the first 2 years.
Step 6: Continuing education
After post-licensing, ND requires 9 hours of CE every 2 years.
Realistic income expectations
Median ND agent earns $45,000. Brokers $60,000.
- Year 1: $20K-$40K
- Year 2-5: $40K-$70K
- Top 25%: $70K-$150K+
- Top 5% (Williston, Fargo, Bismarck): $150K+
ND has only 12K homes selling annually but the Bakken oil region creates specialized opportunity. Williston-area transactions involving oil-related real estate can be lucrative. Fargo and Bismarck provide more conventional volume.
The first 30 days
Week 1: Set up MLS access, learn brokerage CRM. Week 2: Send "I'm now licensed" announcement. Week 3: Shadow your Broker. Pay attention to mineral rights research. Week 4: Start prospecting and schedule post-licensing.
Total Cost to Get Licensed in North Dakota
| Pre-licensing education (90 hrs) | $400-$750 |
| Exam fee | $100 |
| License application fee | $100 |
| Background check | $40 |
| Total estimate | $640-$990 |
Most candidates are licensed within 6-10 weeks of passing the exam.
Your Path to North Dakota Real Estate
Follow the progression from entry-level to advanced licensure.
Salesperson License
Who is this for?
This license is ideal for individuals new to real estate who want to start their career helping clients buy and sell property To obtain a Salesperson license, you must be sponsored by a licensed broker or brokerage firm.
Requirements
Your Exam
You need roughly 100 out of 140 questions correct to pass.
To upgrade: 2 years experience, no sponsorship needed
Broker License
Who is this for?
This license is ideal for experienced professionals who want to operate independently or run their own brokerage
Requirements
Your Exam
You need roughly 105 out of 130 questions correct to pass.
Direct upgrade available
Broker Associate License
Who is this for?
This license is ideal for experienced salespeople who have passed the broker exam but prefer to continue working under another broker To obtain a Broker Associate license, you must be sponsored by a licensed broker or brokerage firm.
Requirements
Your Exam
You need roughly 105 out of 130 questions correct to pass.
North Dakota Real Estate License Reciprocity
North Dakota has partial reciprocity agreements with select states. Agents licensed in a recognized state may qualify to skip some pre-licensing education, but must still pass the North Dakota-specific state exam.
States that recognize North Dakota licenses
Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Virginia
Reciprocity rules change. Verify current requirements with each state's real estate commission before applying.
North Dakota Licensing FAQ
Requirements done? The exam is the last gate.
98.4% of our students pass the North Dakota exam on the first try. Try 5 free North Dakota questions.
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