How to Obtain a License

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January 2013–June 2013
Licensing Planner

Real Estate Licensing Requirements

An applicant for a Minnesota real estate salesperson's license must:

1.	Be at least 18 years old
2.	Complete three 30-hour courses (Course I, Course II, and Course III)
3.	Pass the salesperson's examination.
4.	Within one year after passing the exam, submit a salesperson's license application on a form provided by the Department of Commerce and signed by the employing broker and pay the license fee.

If you are an attorney, or if you are currently licensed as a salesperson or broker in another state, some of these requirements may be amended. Contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce for details.

Also, if you have been previously licensed as a real estate agent or broker in Minnesota, the state no longer requires you to retake Course I or the Broker’s Course. You are only required to retake the required exam and reapply for licensure.

A salesperson is licensed to act on behalf of a broker, and may not act as a real estate agent independently. A salesperson may only work for one broker in Minnesota at a time. The salesperson's license is mailed to the employing broker, and must remain in the broker's possession until it is canceled or the salesperson leaves the broker's employment. Minnesota does not require an applicant for a salesperson's license to have a high school diploma or college degree. There is also no state residency requirement.

Real Estate Education Requirements

Your required education is comprised of Course I, Course II, and Course III. Course I covers the principles of real estate, and must be completed prior to taking the licensing exam. We also suggest you attend the 15-hour License Exam Preparation Course.

Once you have taken the exam, Course II and Course III must be completed. These courses cover current information about Minnesota real estate practices.

The Real Estate Licensing Process:
A Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1: Register for Course I

When you register for Course I, you will receive instructions on how to obtain your textbook so that you can begin your pre-study. This would also be a good time to register for the License Exam Preparation course and Courses II and III if you know your schedule.

Step 2: Register for Your License Exam

Register for the MN Real Estate Salesperson Combined General and State exam before completing Course I, but Course I must be completed before taking the exam. We recommend scheduling your exam right after registering for your course to ensure the best date availability. See the About the Exam page for more information.

Step 3: Attend Course I and the optional License Exam Preparation course

Course I must be completed prior to taking the exam. Because you will only be tested on the information from Course I, we suggest that you take the exam before attending Course II and Course III.

Step 4: Take the Exam

Remember to bring 2 forms of identification with signatures (one must be a government-issued photo identification), the confirmation number provided when test registration was made, and your Course I completion certificate.

Step 5: Attend Course II and Course III

Schedule Course II and Course III when scheduling Course I if possible; if you wait until you pass the exam it will delay the licensing process.

Step 6: Apply for Your License

Your employing broker will help you complete and submit your license application.

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