How to Get Your North Dakota Real Estate License

Written by: Kevelyn Rodriguez

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How to Get Your North Dakota Real Estate License

Getting your North Dakota Real Estate License is the first step to becoming a real estate agent in North Dakota. Nowadays, this process can be done almost entirely online. You will still need to take your North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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.

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How to Become a Real Estate Agent in North Dakota

Becoming a real estate agent in North Dakota 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.

North Dakota Real Estate License Requirements

The requirements to become a real estate agent in North Dakota are:

  • Be a citizen of the United States or a lawfully admitted alien
  • Be 18 years of age or older

How to Get Your Real Estate License in North Dakota

Step 1. Real Estate License Application

The first step to getting your real estate license in North Dakota is to complete your license application.

Submit your application to the following address:

North Dakota Real Estate Commission
1110 College Dr. Ste 207
Bismarck, North Dakota 58501

The fee to apply for the license is $150.

To make sure that you are eligible for the North Dakota Real Salesperson Real Estate License, the Commission requires each licensee to complete the Criminal History Record Check Request form together with the Salesperson License Application. You must also submit an $8 fee (Credit Report fee) payable to the North Dakota Real Estate Commission.

The total $158 can be paid online at NDREC’s Pay Bill (Reference: salesperson application) or in one check payable to the NDREC. Cash is not accepted.

Along with your application, there will be a $20 fee that goes to the North Dakota Real Estate Recovery Fund.

Step 2. Fingerprinting and Background Check

When the NDREC’s office has received a Salesperson License Application, Criminal History Record Check Request (SFN 60688), and $158 fee, a Fingerprinting Kit will be mailed to you, including:

Upon getting fingerprinted, you will need to mail back the following to the NDREC’s office:

  • Completed Fingerprinting cards
  • Check or Money Order for $41.25 made out to the North Dakota Attorney General

Completing and turning in your fingerprints will begin the background check process. The North Dakota 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.

Step 3. North Dakota Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course

Once you’ve completed your fingerprints, you are now ready to begin your real estate pre-licensing education.

North Dakota requires that real estate sales agents complete 90 hours of pre-license coursework before sitting for their exam.

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.

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For North Dakota real estate license exam courses and study tools, StateRequirement recommends:

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North Dakota 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 4. North Dakota Real Estate Exam

After you’ve completed your pre-license education, it’s now time to take the North Dakota Real Estate Exam.

The fee to take the exam is $131 per attempt.

The North Dakota Real Estate Exam consists of 140 questions; 100 for the National section and 40 for the State section.

You will have 240 minutes (4 hours) to complete the entire exam. The National section time is 150 minutes (2.5 hours), and the State section time is 90 minutes (1.5 hours).

A passing score for the North Dakota Real Estate Salesperson Exam is 70/100 on the National section and 30/40 on the State section.

If you do not pass both portions of the salesperson examination, your score report will indicate your scores and reapplication instructions. You will only be required to repeat the portion(s) that you failed. If the remaining portion is not passed within 12 months of the first attempt, you will be required to submit a new application and fees to the North Dakota Real Estate Commission.

How Hard is the North Dakota Real Estate Exam

The passing score for the national portion of the examination is 70 items correct, and the passing score for the state portion is 30 items correct. 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 North Dakota 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 5. Obtain Errors & Omissions Insurance

North Dakota requires all active licensees to carry errors and omission insurance, proof of which must be provided to the North Dakota Real Estate Commission’s office prior to the issuance of a real estate license.

The North Dakota Real Estate Commission has made available, to all licensees, a policy of E&O Insurance under a group plan from a qualified insurance carrier through Rice Insurance Service, Inc.

E&O Insurance may be acquired from any qualified carrier as long as the coverage is equivalent to that made available through the North Dakota Real Estate Commission.

Step 6. Application Review

Once you’ve passed your exam, you will only need to wait for your background report to come back as a pass. In most cases, this process should take between 5 to 10 business days. After this, you should receive an email from TREC with a license document. If you have any questions at this point, you should contact NDREC at (701) 328-9749 or the Contact Us Form.

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!

North Dakota Post-Licensing Education

Within one year after initial licensure as a salesperson, the salesperson’s broker must furnish certification that the salesperson has successfully completed 15 hours of post-licensure hours.

Note

There’s a chance that your pre-license education package came with the post-license courses in the package, so be sure you check before you buy another course.

NDREC – North Dakota Real Estate Commission

Mailing Address: 

North Dakota Real Estate Commission
1120 College Dr. Ste 204
Bismarck, ND 58501

Phone: (701) 328-9749

Email: Contact Us Form

Website: https://www.realestatend.org/information/obtaining-a-real-estate-license/

North Dakota Real Estate License FAQ

How Much Does it Cost to Get a Real Estate License in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, becoming a licensed real estate salesperson involves costs that include completing a pre-licensing education course ($600-$800) and submitting all state licensing fees ($535). The total estimated expense for obtaining a license ranges from $900 to $1,100.

How Long Does it Take to Get a North Dakota Real Estate License?

Obtaining a North Dakota real estate license, including real estate education and test preparation, usually takes three to six months. With full-time dedication, it’s possible to quicken the process to about two months. However, rushing is not advised; taking time to thoroughly prepare is key for successfully securing an active license.

How to Get a North Dakota Commercial Real Estate License?

To sell commercial real estate in North Dakota, a standard Salesperson or Broker license is all that you need. There is no specific “commercial real estate license”. If you wish to take on a career selling specifically commercial real estate, choose a broker that handles the types of deals that you want to be a part of.

Are There any Real Estate Jobs Open Around Me?

To discover available real estate jobs in North Dakota, browse our StateRequirement Jobs. We offer a listing of opportunities for those with real estate licenses, connecting you with potential employers in your area. It’s an excellent resource for jumpstarting or advancing your career in real estate.

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