Licensing & state law

How to become a real estate agent in Minnesota

Everything it takes to get licensed in Minnesota — 90 hours of pre-license education, the Pearson VUE exam, background check, a sponsoring broker and the real cost. Requirements set by the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

Pre-license hours
90
State-approved
Licensing exam
Pearson VUE
Salesperson
Est. all-in cost
$870+
Course + fees
Typical timeline
2–5 mo
To activation
The Minnesota path, step by step
1/ 6

Meet the basic eligibility

Be at least 18 years old and hold a high-school diploma or equivalent. Some steps in Minnesota also require legal U.S. residency or work authorization.

2/ 6

Complete 90 hours of approved pre-license education

Minnesota requires 90 classroom or online hours from a state-approved real estate school before you can sit for the exam.

3/ 6

Pass the Minnesota licensing exam

Sit the salesperson exam (Pearson VUE). It covers national real estate principles plus Minnesota-specific law. Most candidates need a scaled score around 70–75% to pass.

4/ 6

Complete a background check / fingerprinting

Submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check as required by the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

5/ 6

Find a sponsoring broker

A new Minnesota salesperson must hang their license with a licensed sponsoring broker before they can practice.

6/ 6

Submit your application & activate

File your license application and fees with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, then activate under your broker to start representing clients.

Official source

Minnesota Department of Commerce

Visit →

A Minnesota real estate license lets you represent buyers and sellers and earn commission on closed transactions. Once licensed, see what agents actually earn in Minnesota agent salary, and explore the state's active markets below. Licensing rules change — always confirm the current requirements directly with the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

Minnesota markets
Minneapolis, MN real estate market→

Minnesota licensing FAQs

How many hours of education do you need to get a real estate license in Minnesota?
Minnesota requires 90 hours of state-approved pre-license education before you can take the salesperson exam.
How much does a Minnesota real estate license cost?
Budget roughly $870–$1,740 all-in for Minnesota: pre-license coursework, the exam fee, background check and application/licensing fees. Exact fees are set by the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Minnesota?
Most people finish the 90-hour Minnesota coursework, pass the exam and activate in about 2–5 months, depending on study pace and scheduling.
Who regulates real estate agents in Minnesota?
The Minnesota Department of Commerce issues licenses and sets the rules for Minnesota real estate salespeople and brokers.
Pre-license hours and the regulating authority for Minnesota are compiled from public state requirements and can change. Cost and timeline are estimates. Always verify current rules with the Minnesota Department of Commerce before enrolling.