How to Get Your New Jersey Real Estate License

Written by: Kevelyn Rodriguez

Last updated:

How to Get Your New Jersey Real Estate License

Getting your New Jersey Real Estate License is the first step to becoming a real estate agent in New Jersey. Nowadays, this process can be done almost entirely online. You will still need to take your New Jersey real estate license exam in person, but the rest of the process can be completed entirely online!

This article outlines how to become a real estate agent in New Jersey in an easy to understand, step-by-step manner. You’ll learn how much it will cost, how long it will take, what is on the exam, and much more.

Recommended: Interested in getting started? We recommend The CE Shop’s online study packages, which come with a money-back-guarantee and flexible pricing.

4.7 out of 5 starsThe CE Shop

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in New Jersey

Becoming a real estate agent in New Jersey is as simple as getting your license, finding a broker sponsor, and getting to work selling real estate! As long as you fulfill the below requirements, you are already on your way to your goal.

New Jersey Real Estate License Requirements

The requirements to become a real estate agent in California are:

  • Be a citizen of the United States or a lawfully admitted alien
  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Must have a high school degree or equivalent (GED)

How to Get Your Real Estate License in New Jersey

Step 1. Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course

You must successfully complete 75 hours of approved real estate pre-license education.

Most people choose to take their pre-license education course online. The majority of online courses are self-paced and include study materials like real estate practice exams and flashcards. Some also come with a “guarantee” that you will pass the exam on your first attempt if you complete their course. These benefits are all dependent on the education provider and package you choose, so be sure to get the course that best suits your needs. 

Remember that the point of these courses isn’t just to check a box and complete a requirement, but rather to prepare you to pass your exam and become a better agent.

Recommended Course

For New Jersey real estate license exam courses and study tools, StateRequirement recommends:

4.7 out of 5 starsThe CE Shop

New Jersey does not require the final pre-license exam to be supervised by a proctor. This is not the same as the state exam. This test is provided by your pre-license education company and is an indication that you have completed and retained the information from your pre-license education course.

Similar to the state exam, this test is closed-book and closed-note. You are allowed a basic-function calculator and scratch paper, but no cell phones or outside internet access.

Step 2. New Jersey Real Estate License Exam

After you’ve completed your pre-license education, it’s now time to take the New Jersey Real Estate Exam. Your pre-license education provider will provide your eligibility, electronically, to PSI upon successful completion of the course requirements.

The fee to take the exam is $45 per attempt.

The New Jersey Real Estate Exam consists of 110 questions.

You will have 240 minutes (4 hours) to complete the entire exam.

A passing score for the New Jersey Real Estate Salesperson Exam is 70/110.

Immediately after completing your exam, you will receive a scoring document that states whether you passed or failed. If it is marked “Fail,” then you will see a breakdown of your score in the different areas of the exam. If you decide to retake the exam, use this as a guide for your studies.

How Hard is the New Jersey Real Estate Exam

The passing rate for the New Jersey Real Estate Salesperson Exam is 70%. This test is purposefully difficult, but not impossible. Be sure to pay attention during your pre-license course and take studying seriously. If you put the proper effort forth, we know that you can pass on your first attempt!

You can register to take your exam on the PSI New Jersey Real Estate page. On this page, you will find some other helpful resources as well, including the Candidate Handbook and Content Outline.

Before taking the exam, check out StateRequirement’s guide on How to Pass the Real Estate Exam. This in-depth guide works as a great partner to your pre-license course to prepare you to pass on your first attempt!

Step 3. Fingerprinting and Background Check

After passing your exam, the next step is to complete your fingerprinting and background check. The New Jersey Real Estate Commission requires that all applicants have a background check performed before they can become a licensed real estate agent in New Jersey.

To begin this process, download and fill up the New Jersey Universal Fingerprint Form. Following the completion of the proper universal form, contact the Live Scan fingerprint vendor for New Jersey to schedule an appointment.

The fee to complete your fingerprinting services is $66.05.

Completing and turning in your fingerprints will begin the background check process. The New Jersey Real Estate Commission will review any findings in your background report to ensure your eligibility. During this process, they may reach out to you to provide additional information or documentation to clear up any findings.

For those who have criminal offenses or judgments against them, there’s a possibility that you may not be eligible for a real estate license in New Jersey. If this is the case, the candidate will be given the opportunity to submit a full, written explanation of their response.

Note

If you aren’t sure whether you are eligible for a real estate license based on your history, check out our article on Real Estate License Eligibility.

Step 4. Real Estate License Application

Once you’ve completed your exam and fingerprints, you can start with your license application.

The fee for this application is $160.

You can fill out your application online using New Jersey’s Real Estate Licensing Services system. Please be advised that you can apply for a license through your sponsoring real estate broker.

If you don’t want to submit your application online, it is possible to fill out a paper application instead. They have a printable PDF form of the New Jersey Application Form available online. 

Note that if you choose to submit a paper application, there will be a longer processing time.

Step 5. Application Review

Once you’ve completed your application, you will only need to wait for your license to be issued by the department. In most cases, this process should take 10 business days. After this, you should receive an email from NJREC with a license document. If you have any questions at this point, you should contact NJREC at (609) 292-7272 or relic@dobi.nj.gov.

Congratulations! 

Be sure to take some time to celebrate your accomplishment. You’ve put in a lot of work and effort and deserve a celebration!

Step 6. Real Estate License Sponsorship

Brokers of Record now have the ability to electronically submit and pay for Salesperson original applications.

You will need the Applicant ID number of the individual being submitted for licensure. The Applicant ID is located on the individual’s testing scorecard proving the successful completion and passing of their real estate exam.

If you don’t yet have a broker to work with check out StateRequirement Jobs for a real estate salesperson opening in your area.

NJDOBI – New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance

Mailing Address: 

New Jersey Department of Real Estate
PO Box 328
Trenton, NJ 08625-0328

Phone: (609) 292-7272

Email: relic@dobi.nj.gov

Website: https://www.state.nj.us/dobi/division_rec/

New Jersey Real Estate License FAQ

How Much Does it Cost to Get a Real Estate License in New Jersey?

The total estimated cost for a New Jersey real estate agent license is $680, including $272 in state fees and $399 for pre-licensing education. Choosing the best real estate school for real estate courses is vital for aspiring licensed real estate professionals so that they are well-prepared for a successful career in the lucrative New Jersey real estate market.

How Long Does it Take to Get a New Jersey Real Estate License?

It usually takes three to six months to acquire a New Jersey real estate license, including time spent in real estate schools for pre-license education and exam preparation. A dedicated full-time study schedule can reduce this to around two months. Prioritizing consistent study over speed is important to pass the real estate licensing exams.

How to Get a New Jersey Commercial Real Estate License?

In New Jersey, selling commercial real estate requires only a standard Salesperson or Broker license, as there’s no separate “commercial real estate license.” For a career in commercial real estate sales, partner with a licensed broker who specializes in the deal types you’re interested in pursuing.

Are There Any Real Estate Jobs Open Around Me?

For new real estate agents looking to launch their real estate career, numerous opportunities await at our StateRequirement Jobs. By obtaining your real estate licenses (whether salesperson or broker), our job resource can help you find roles and current job openings in New Jersey’s real estate industry. You might even find opportunities to start your own real estate business.

Ready for more?

Start Studying

Learn More