Licensing & state law

How to become a real estate agent in Montana

To get a Montana real estate license you must be 18+, complete 70 hours of state-approved pre-license education, pass the PSI salesperson exam, clear a background check and join a sponsoring broker. Expect to spend about $810–$1,620 and 2–5 months. Requirements are set by the Montana Board of Realty Regulation.

AFBy Andre Fontaine
Mortgage Market Analyst
EPReviewed by Elena Park
Licensed Real Estate Broker
Published May 20, 2026 · Updated July 8, 2026
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 real estate license FAQ

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. The coursework covers national real estate principles plus Montana-specific law and can be completed in a classroom or online through a state-approved school.
How much does a Montana real estate license cost?
Budget roughly $810–$1,620 all-in for Montana. That covers pre-license coursework, the exam fee, fingerprinting and background check, and the application and licensing fees. Exact amounts are set by the Montana Board of Realty Regulation and vary by school.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Montana?
Most people finish the 70-hour Montana coursework, pass the salesperson exam and activate under a broker in about 2–5 months. Your pace through the required hours and exam scheduling are the two biggest factors in how fast you finish.
Do you need a college degree to get a real estate license in Montana?
No. Montana does not require a college degree to become a licensed real estate agent. You need to be at least 18, hold a high-school diploma or equivalent, and complete the 70 hours of approved pre-license education before sitting the exam.
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, including education, exam, background-check and renewal requirements. It is the authoritative source for current Montana licensing rules.
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.
EP

Elena Park Licensed Real Estate Broker

Elena Park is a licensed real estate broker who reviews WealthyBud's licensing, salary and market guides for accuracy before publication, checking figures against primary government and regulator sources.