Real estate license requirements in Missouri
Missouri splits its 72 hours of pre-licensing education into two distinct courses — and unlike almost every other state, it offers universal reciprocity: an active salesperson license from any state or jurisdiction qualifies, not just a fixed list.
Education
Missouri splits its 72-hour requirement into two courses: a 48-hour Salesperson Pre-Examination Course you complete before you’re eligible to sit for the exam, and a 24-hour Missouri Real Estate Practice (MREP) course you can complete before or after the exam, but must finish before you apply for your license.
| Course | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salesperson Pre-Examination Course | 48 | Required before the exam |
| Missouri Real Estate Practice (MREP) | 24 | Required before you apply for a license; also the course reciprocal applicants take |
Why Missouri splits pre-licensing into two courses
The 24-hour MREP course does double duty: it’s the second half of standard pre-licensing education for first-time applicants, and it’s also the only Missouri coursework that applicants with an active out-of-state license need to complete under Missouri’s reciprocity rules (more on that below).
The licensing exam
Missouri contracts with PSI to administer the exam.
| Portion | Items | To pass |
|---|---|---|
| National | 100 questions, 150 minutes | 70 correct (70%) |
| Missouri state | 40 questions, 120 minutes | 30 correct (75%) |
The exam fee is a flat $52 whether you sit for one portion or both, and retakes are also $52 regardless of how many portions you’re retaking.
Missouri's background check runs through the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) using MREC registration #0004, then a fingerprint appointment via IDEMIA/IDENTOGO. Register at MACHS first so your appointment isn't delayed.
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Application & license fee | ~$90 total (~$50 application + ~$40 original issuance, secondary-sourced, not primary-confirmed) | Missouri Real Estate Commission |
| Exam fee | $52 flat | PSI |
| Background check | ~$40.50 | MO Highway Patrol / FBI via IDEMIA/IDENTOGO |
Confirm the application and issuance fee total with MREC’s current fee schedule (pr.mo.gov/boards/realestate) before you budget, since that figure isn’t independently confirmed from a primary source this session.
How to apply, step by step
Missouri’s two-course structure means your exam and your final course requirement don’t have to happen in a fixed order.
Required before you're eligible to sit for the exam.
Via IDEMIA/IDENTOGO, using MREC registration #0004.
National and state portions, $52 flat fee.
Before or after the exam, but before you apply for your license.
Your license activates under this broker once approved.
Along with the application and issuance fees.
After you’re licensed: staying current
We didn’t find a post-licensing education tier for Missouri salespersons distinct from the 24-hour MREP course, which functions as pre-license (not post-license) education. If you’re newly licensed, your next education deadline is your standard continuing-education renewal cycle — confirm the schedule with the Missouri Real Estate Commission.
Reciprocity
Missouri offers universal reciprocity — not a fixed list of named states. Any current, active salesperson license from any other state or jurisdiction qualifies. Reciprocal applicants skip the 48-hour pre-examination course, complete just the 24-hour MREP course, and pass only the Missouri state portion of the exam (the national portion is waived). You’ll still need a license history certification no more than 3 months old and a Missouri/federal fingerprint background check regardless of where you’re licensed already.
Common questions
Does Missouri have reciprocity with a specific list of states?
No — it’s universal. An active, current salesperson license from any state or jurisdiction qualifies for Missouri’s reciprocal pathway, not just a fixed list.
Do reciprocal applicants still take an exam?
Yes, but only the Missouri state portion — the national portion is waived, and you also complete the 24-hour MREP course.
Why does Missouri have two separate pre-licensing courses?
The 48-hour Salesperson Pre-Examination Course prepares you for the exam; the 24-hour MREP course covers Missouri-specific practice and is required before you apply. Reciprocal applicants only need the MREP course.
How much does the Missouri exam cost?
A flat $52, whether you take one portion or both, and retakes are also $52.
Is there a post-license course after I'm licensed?
We didn’t find one distinct from the 24-hour MREP course, which is completed before licensing, not after. Standard continuing education applies at renewal.
Next step
Missouri Real Estate Commission — https://pr.mo.gov/realestate.asp
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