Licensing & state law

How to become a real estate agent in Montana

Everything it takes to get licensed in Montana — 70 hours of pre-license education, the PSI exam, background check, a sponsoring broker and the real cost. Requirements set by the Montana Board of Realty Regulation.

Pre-license hours
70
State-approved
Licensing exam
PSI
Salesperson
Est. all-in cost
$810+
Course + fees
Typical timeline
2–5 mo
To activation
The Montana 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 Montana also require legal U.S. residency or work authorization.

2/ 6

Complete 70 hours of approved pre-license education

Montana requires 70 classroom or online hours from a state-approved real estate school before you can sit for the exam.

3/ 6

Pass the Montana licensing exam

Sit the salesperson exam (PSI). It covers national real estate principles plus Montana-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 Montana Board of Realty Regulation.

5/ 6

Find a sponsoring broker

A new Montana 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 Montana Board of Realty Regulation, then activate under your broker to start representing clients.

Official source

Montana Board of Realty Regulation

Visit →

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

Montana markets
Bozeman, MT real estate market→Big Sky, MT real estate market→

Montana licensing FAQs

How many hours of education do you need to get a real estate license in Montana?
Montana requires 70 hours of state-approved pre-license education before you can take the salesperson exam.
How much does a Montana real estate license cost?
Budget roughly $810–$1,620 all-in for Montana: pre-license coursework, the exam fee, background check and application/licensing fees. Exact fees are set by the Montana Board of Realty Regulation.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Montana?
Most people finish the 70-hour Montana coursework, pass the exam and activate in about 2–5 months, depending on study pace and scheduling.
Who regulates real estate agents in Montana?
The Montana Board of Realty Regulation issues licenses and sets the rules for Montana real estate salespeople and brokers.
Pre-license hours and the regulating authority for Montana are compiled from public state requirements and can change. Cost and timeline are estimates. Always verify current rules with the Montana Board of Realty Regulation before enrolling.