Licensing & state law

How to become a real estate agent in North Dakota

To get a North Dakota real estate license you must be 18+, complete 90 hours of state-approved pre-license education, pass the Pearson VUE salesperson exam, clear a background check and join a sponsoring broker. Expect to spend about $870–$1,740 and 2–5 months. Requirements are set by the North Dakota Real Estate Commission.

SOBy Samuel Okonkwo
Property Investment Analyst

NWReviewed by Naomi Whitfield
Real Estate Data Analyst

Published May 20, 2026 · Updated July 8, 2026

Pre-license hours

State-approved

Licensing exam

Pearson VUE

Salesperson

Est. all-in cost

$870+

Course + fees

Typical timeline

2–5 mo

To activation

The North Dakota 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 North Dakota also require legal U.S. residency or work authorization.

2/ 6

Complete 90 hours of approved pre-license education

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

3/ 6

Pass the North Dakota licensing exam

Sit the salesperson exam (Pearson VUE). It covers national real estate principles plus North Dakota-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 North Dakota Real Estate Commission.

5/ 6

Find a sponsoring broker

A new North Dakota 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 North Dakota Real Estate Commission, then activate under your broker to start representing clients.

Official source

North Dakota Real Estate Commission

Visit →

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

North Dakota real estate license FAQ

How many hours of education do you need to get a real estate license in North Dakota?

North Dakota requires 90 hours of state-approved pre-license education before you can take the salesperson exam. The coursework covers national real estate principles plus North Dakota-specific law and can be completed in a classroom or online through a state-approved school.

How much does a North Dakota real estate license cost?

Budget roughly $870–$1,740 all-in for North Dakota. That covers pre-license coursework, the exam fee, fingerprinting and background check, and the application and licensing fees. Exact amounts are set by the North Dakota Real Estate Commission and vary by school.

How long does it take to become a real estate agent in North Dakota?

Most people finish the 90-hour North Dakota 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 North Dakota?

No. North Dakota 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 90 hours of approved pre-license education before sitting the exam.

Who regulates real estate agents in North Dakota?

The North Dakota Real Estate Commission issues licenses and sets the rules for North Dakota real estate salespeople and brokers, including education, exam, background-check and renewal requirements. It is the authoritative source for current North Dakota licensing rules.

Pre-license hours and the regulating authority for North Dakota are compiled from public state requirements and can change. Cost and timeline are estimates. Always verify current rules with the North Dakota Real Estate Commission before enrolling.

Naomi Whitfield Real Estate Data Analyst

Naomi Whitfield is a real estate data analyst who builds metro-level price, inventory and days-on-market datasets from public MLS aggregates and county records. She reviews WealthyBud's market pages for data accuracy before they publish.