Real estate license requirements in North Dakota
North Dakota requires 90 hours of pre-licensing education for a salesperson license and a PSI exam — reciprocity is limited to a shorter list of states than some prep sites suggest.
Education
The North Dakota Real Estate Commission requires 90 hours of pre-licensing education for a salesperson license (residents). The requirement for a broker license is lower, at 60 hours for residents, since it assumes prior salesperson experience.
| License track | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salesperson (resident) | 90 | Entry-level track |
| Broker (resident) | 60 | Requires prior salesperson experience |
Make sure you’re enrolling in the salesperson-track coursework if you’re starting fresh — the broker-track hours assume you already hold experience North Dakota recognizes.
What North Dakota calls your first license
North Dakota’s entry-level license is called “Salesperson.”
The licensing exam
North Dakota contracts with PSI to administer the exam, confirmed directly from the state’s own candidate bulletin text.
| Track | Portion | Items | Time | To pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salesperson | National | 100 questions | 150 min | 70 correct |
| State | 40 questions | 90 min | 30 correct | |
| Broker | National | 90 questions (up to 2 pts each) | 150 min | 75 points |
| State | 40 questions | 90 min | 30 correct |
The exam fee is $134 “whether taking one or two portions,” per the bulletin — though the bulletin’s fee section literally names only “broker” when stating this figure, so there’s minor ambiguity about whether it applies identically to the salesperson exam. It most likely does, but if the fee matters to your budget, confirm with PSI or NDREC before you schedule.
Georgia, Iowa, and Minnesota are the confirmed reciprocal states — a narrower list than some prep sites cite. If your home state isn't one of these three, don't assume a shortcut exists; check directly with NDREC.
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Exam fee | $134 | PSI |
| Application & license fee | $150 | NDREC (salesperson or broker) |
| Credit history check | $13 | Separate line item |
| Education/Research/Recovery Fund fee | $20 | One-time |
| Background check | $40 (→$43 effective Oct 1, 2026) | ND Attorney General’s office |
Fingerprint cards for the background check are mailed to NDREC after processing through the ND AG’s office. Budget for the $40 fee now, but expect it to rise to $43 starting October 1, 2026.
How to apply, step by step
North Dakota’s process runs education, background check, exam, and application, with a few separate fee line items along the way.
From an approved North Dakota provider.
To the ND Attorney General's office ($40, rising to $43 on Oct 1, 2026); fingerprint results are mailed to NDREC.
A distinct fee from the criminal background check.
National and state portions; $134 total fee.
To NDREC, with the $150 application/license fee plus the $20 one-time Education/Research/Recovery Fund fee.
You'll need to be affiliated with a licensed North Dakota broker to activate your license.
After you’re licensed: staying current
We couldn’t confirm a post-licensing requirement distinct from North Dakota’s standard continuing education. The recurring obligation appears to be the state’s regular CE cycle of 12 hours per year, rather than a separate new-licensee tier.
Reciprocity
North Dakota’s reciprocity is limited to Georgia, Iowa, and Minnesota — a narrower list than some prep sites cite, so verify with NDREC if you’re relying on a reciprocity claim for a different state before you plan around it.
Common questions
What exam vendor does North Dakota use?
PSI, confirmed directly via the state’s own candidate bulletin.
Is the $134 exam fee the same for salesperson and broker?
The bulletin states the fee applies “whether taking one or two portions,” but its wording literally names only “broker” in that section — most likely it applies the same to salesperson, but confirm with PSI or NDREC if you want certainty before paying.
Which states have reciprocity with North Dakota?
Georgia, Iowa, and Minnesota — a shorter list than some third-party prep sites claim. Don’t assume a shortcut from another state without checking directly with NDREC.
What's the difference between the background check fee and the credit history fee?
They’re two separate charges: $40 (rising to $43 on Oct 1, 2026) for the criminal history check through the ND Attorney General’s office, and a separate $13 for the credit history check.
Do salesperson and broker licenses require the same number of education hours?
No — salesperson requires 90 hours for residents, while broker requires 60 hours for residents, since the broker track assumes prior salesperson experience.
Next step
North Dakota Real Estate Commission — https://realestatend.org
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