How to Get a Real Estate License in Montana

In order to kickstart your real estate career in Montana, it’s essential to obtain a Montana Real Estate License. However, despite the fact that the application process is mainly completed online nowadays, many applicants can still find it quite confusing and complicated.

For this reason, this How to Get a Real Estate License in Montana article will break down the main steps involved in the licensing process, covering everything from educational requirements to exam preparation and having your fingerprints taken.

Montana Real Estate License

In order to get your Montana real estate license and start working in the real estate industry, there are several key steps you’ll need to complete. These include:

1. Ensuring You Meet the Licensing Eligibility Requirements
2. Completing the Mandatory Pre-Licensing Education
3. Passing the Montana Real Estate Exam
4. Finding a Supervising Broker
5. Obtaining Professional Liability and E&O Insurance
6. Submitting a License Application

In the sections below, we’ve explored each of these steps in more detail.

Step 1: Meet the Montana Real Estate License Requirements

Before continuing ahead with your application for a Montana real estate license, you’ll first need to confirm that you’re actually eligible for it by ensuring you meet the following prerequisites:

• You must be at least 18 years of age per Montana state law (MCA 37-51-302)
• You must have completed two years of full curriculum study at an accredited high school or equivalent per Montana state law (MCA 37-51-302)

Note: The Montana Board of Realty Regulation manages the licensing requirements and application process for real estate licenses in Montana, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s Professional Boards & Licensing Bureau.

Step 2: Complete the Mandatory Pre-Licensing Education

In addition to the general requirements outlined above, there are certain educational prerequisites you’ll be expected to meet in order to be able to apply for a Montana real estate license.

In particular, you’ll be expected to complete a 70-hour pre-licensing education course through a provider approved by the Montana Board of Realty Regulation. This course is available in different formats — online, in-person, or a blend of both — to suit your learning preferences and schedule.

Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate from the provider that you’ll need in order to schedule your licensing examination.

Note: You must submit your license application within 24 months of completing the pre-licensing education or the course completion certificate will expire and you’ll have to retake the course.

Step 3: Pass the Montana Real Estate Exam

The next step you’ll need to complete is to pass the Montana real estate exam, which is administered by PSI at their test centers located in Billings, Butte, Great Falls, Kalispell, and Missoula.

The examination includes two sections: the national section, which includes 80 questions, and the Montana-specific section, which features 33 questions.

You’ll have 3.5 hours to complete the exam, during which all questions — intermixed from both the national and Montana-specific sections — will be presented together, not in separate blocks.

In order to schedule your real estate exam, you’ll need to head over to the PSI website and make an online reservation. If this is your first time using the platform, you’ll be required to create an account, after which you’ll be shown step-by-step instructions on how to complete the reservation.

Alternatively, you can call PSI directly at (855) 898-0716 if you prefer to schedule your exam by phone.

Regardless of which method you choose, you’ll need to pay a non-refundable fee of $106.

Note: You’ll have 12 months from passing the exam to submit your license application. If you don’t meet this deadline, you’ll need to restart the application process.

Step 4: Find a Supervising Broker

After meeting the educational requirements and passing the licensing exam, the next step you’ll need to take is to find a licensed broker with which to affiliate.

This is because in accordance with the Montana Code (MCA 37-51-302) and the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM 24.210.611 8), you must be under contract or directly employed by a supervising broker in order to be licensed in the state as a salesperson.

You’ll need to include your contract or employment documentation with this supervising broker when you submit your application to the Montana Board of Realty Regulation — your application will not be processed without it.

Step 5: Obtain Professional Liability Insurance (E&O)

In accordance with Montana state law (MCA 37-51-325), you’ll need to secure professional liability insurance — also known as E&O insurance — prior to submitting your license application.

You can do this by either enrolling in the state-sponsored E&O insurance program through Rice Insurance Services Center (RISC) or by choosing another provider that complies with the standards established by the Montana Board of Realty Regulation.

If you opt for the state-grouped program through RISC, the cost for a full year of coverage from November to November is currently $168. Keep in mind that prices can vary if you purchase this coverage at other times of the year.

Step 6: Submit a License Application

After passing the state real estate exam and satisfying all other licensing requirements, you’ll be ready to move onto submitting your license application. You can do this in one of two ways:

• Online Application: You can apply online at Montana eBiz which is recommended given the fact that processing is generally faster
• Paper Application: You also can download and complete the New Real Estate Salesperson Application form and then mail it to the following address:
• Montana Board of Realty Regulation, P.O. Box 200513, 301 S. Park Ave., 4th Floor, Helena, MT 59620-0512

The application fee is $80, which is payable by credit card or bank account if you apply online. If you choose to submit a paper application, you’ll need to include a check or money order with your application (cash is not accepted).

Note: Keep in mind that completing the aforementioned steps will not automatically grant you a real estate license; the Montana Board of Realty Regulation retains the right to review each successful applicant’s reputation, felony convictions, and other relevant factors on a case-by-case basis.

If concerns arise about your character, background, or professional conduct, you may be requested to appear before the Montana Board of Realty Regulation for a personal interview before receiving your real estate license.

Step 7: Application Review

If you’ve managed to get this far, congratulations! With your application submitted and all the other licensing requirements satisfied, in most cases you should receive a letter from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry containing a license document within five business days.

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

Note: You can monitor the status of your license application by checking the Montana eBiz License Search.

Montana Real Estate License Renewal

In order to keep your license valid and continue working as a real estate sales agent, you’ll need to renew your license by October 31 of each year.

To do this, you’ll need to complete at least 12 hours of continuing education (CE) in real estate-related courses that are approved by the Montana Board of Realty Regulation.

Once you have met the CE requirements, you may renew your license by visiting the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s Montana eBiz website. You’ll also need to pay the $80 renewal fee.

We always encourage our readers to think of the post licensing course they take as an investment in their future career — higher quality, more reliable course content is a central part of ensuring you continue to grow professionally.

Montana Department of Labor & Industry

Mailing Address:

Montana Board of Realty Regulation
PO Box 200513
Helena, MT 59620-0513

Physical Address:
Montana Board of Realty Regulation
301 S. Park Avenue 4th Floor
Helena, MT 59601

Phone: (406) 444-6880

Email: DLIBSDHELP@MT.GOV

Website: https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/realty-regulation/