| Requirement | North Dakota |
|---|---|
| Pre-license education | 90 hours |
| Exam administrator | PSI |
| License / application fee | n/a |
| Exam fee | $134 (commission website, crawled Jul 2026) |
| Regulator | North Dakota Real Estate Commission |
| Payroll-employed agents (BLS) | n/a |
| Agent median pay (BLS May 2025) | $73,920 |
Licensing & state law
How to become a real estate agent in North Dakota
To get a North Dakota real estate salesperson license you complete 90 hours of state-approved pre-license education, pass the PSI-administered exam, clear a background check and affiliate with a sponsoring broker. The North Dakota Real Estate Commission sets the rules and issues the license.
What are the requirements for a North Dakota real estate license?
North Dakota requires 90 hours of approved pre-license education, a passing score on the PSI salesperson exam, a background check and sponsorship by a licensed broker. The table lists each requirement, the published fees WealthyBud could source and the regulator.
What are the steps to get licensed in North Dakota?
Getting licensed in North Dakota takes six steps: meet eligibility, finish 90 hours of pre-license education, pass the PSI exam, clear a background check, affiliate with a sponsoring broker, then apply and activate with the North Dakota Real Estate Commission.
1/ 6
Meet the basic eligibility
Be at least 18 and hold a high-school diploma or equivalent; the North Dakota Real Estate Commission lists any residency or other conditions.
2/ 6
Complete 90 hours of pre-license education
North Dakota requires 90 hours from a state-approved real estate school, in a classroom or online.
3/ 6
Pass the North Dakota salesperson exam
The exam is administered by PSI and covers national real estate principles plus North Dakota law.
4/ 6
Clear the background check
Submit fingerprints or a criminal-history check as required by the North Dakota Real Estate Commission.
5/ 6
Affiliate with a sponsoring broker
A new North Dakota salesperson must work under a licensed broker before practicing.
6/ 6
Apply and activate the license
File the application and pay the license fee to the North Dakota Real Estate Commission, then activate under your broker.
How much does a North Dakota real estate license cost?
North Dakota's published costs in WealthyBud's sources are: license fee: n/a (not published in our sources); $134 exam fee (commission website, crawled Jul 2026). Pre-license course tuition is set by each school and is not regulated, so it is not listed. Confirm every fee with the North Dakota Real Estate Commission before applying.
How much do licensed agents earn in North Dakota?
Payroll-employed real estate sales agents in North Dakota earned a median of $73,920 in May 2025 (BLS); the bottom 10% earned under $36,500. See the full North Dakota agent salary breakdown.
What are North Dakota’s housing markets like for new agents?
WealthyBud tracks 8 North Dakota housing markets. Their median listing prices have a midpoint of $359,947 as of September 2026, from $269,975 in Jamestown to $469,800 in Bismarck; 2 of 8 are below last year's asking price.
| Market | Median list price | YoY | Days on market | Active listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo, ND | $379,900 | +1.3% | 55 | 1,001 |
| Bismarck, ND | $469,800 | +5.0% | 39 | 364 |
| Grand Forks, ND | $369,894 | +16.2% | 61 | 257 |
| Minot, ND | $322,450 | +6.6% | 45 | 187 |
| Dickinson, ND | $350,000 | +0.7% | 77 | 127 |
All tracked markets: North Dakota housing market hub.
North Dakota real estate license FAQ
How many hours of education do you need for a real estate license in North Dakota?
North Dakota requires 90 hours of state-approved pre-license education before the salesperson exam, according to WealthyBud's compilation of North Dakota Real Estate Commission requirements.
How much does a North Dakota real estate license cost?
Published fees in WealthyBud's sources: license fee: n/a (not published in our sources); $134 exam fee (commission website, crawled Jul 2026). Course tuition varies by school. The North Dakota Real Estate Commission publishes the current fee schedule.
Who administers the North Dakota real estate exam?
PSI administers the North Dakota salesperson exam.
Do you need a college degree to get a real estate license in North Dakota?
No. North Dakota requires pre-license education and a passing exam score, not a college degree. You must generally be 18 with a high-school diploma or equivalent.
Who regulates real estate agents in North Dakota?
The North Dakota Real Estate Commission licenses and regulates North Dakota real estate salespersons and brokers and is the authoritative source for current rules.
Licensing rules and fees change. Always confirm current requirements with the North Dakota Real Estate Commission before enrolling.