Key Takeaways

  • Montana requires 70 hours of pre-license education completed within 24 months of application
  • The exam has 113 total questions: 80 national and 33 state-specific
  • Passing score is 70% on each portion (56/80 national, 23/33 state)
  • Montana requires Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance before license activation
  • Annual CE requirement is 12 hours through Board-approved courses
Last updated: January 2026

Montana Real Estate Exam Overview

Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE Montana Real Estate exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers Montana-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and state real estate laws you need to know to pass your exam.

About the Montana Real Estate Exam

The Montana real estate salesperson examination is administered on behalf of the Montana Board of Realty Regulation (BRR). The exam tests your knowledge of:

  • National real estate principles and practices
  • Montana real estate license law
  • Board of Realty Regulation rules
  • Montana agency relationships
  • Montana contract law and disclosures
  • Property management in Montana

Exam Structure

Exam ComponentNational PortionState Portion
Number of Questions80 scored33 scored
Time Limit120 minutes90 minutes
Passing Score70% (56 correct)70% (23 correct)
Question FormatMultiple choiceMultiple choice
Total Exam Time3.5 hours combinedIncluded

Important: You must pass both the national and state portions to pass the exam. If you pass only one portion, you may retake the failed portion within 12 months.

Montana Board of Realty Regulation (BRR)

The Montana Board of Realty Regulation is the regulatory body overseeing all real estate professionals in Montana. The Board is responsible for:

  • Licensing real estate salespersons and brokers
  • Approving pre-license and continuing education providers
  • Investigating complaints and disciplinary matters
  • Enforcing the Montana Real Estate License Act
  • Setting education standards and requirements

BRR Contact Information

ResourceDetails
Websiteboards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/realty-regulation
Address301 S. Park Ave, Helena, MT 59601
Phone(406) 444-6880
Emaildlibsdhelp@mt.gov

Pre-Licensing Education Requirements

RequirementDetails
Total Hours70 hours
ValidityMust be completed within 24 months of application
Course FormatClassroom, online, or hybrid
ProviderMust be Board-approved
CompletionCertificate required for application

Course Content

The 70-hour pre-license curriculum includes:

  • Real estate principles and practices
  • Montana license law and regulations
  • Contracts and agency relationships
  • Property ownership and transfer
  • Real estate finance
  • Property valuation

License Application Process

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Meet Basic Requirements

    • Be at least 18 years of age
    • Have completed 2 years of high school or equivalent
    • Be of good moral character
  2. Complete Pre-License Education

    • Finish 70 hours from Board-approved school
    • Complete within 24 months of application
    • Obtain course completion certificate
  3. Pass the State Exam

    • Register with the testing provider
    • Schedule exam at Montana testing center
    • Pass both portions with 70% or better
    • Results valid for 12 months
  4. Obtain E&O Insurance

    • Secure Errors & Omissions insurance policy
    • Coverage required before license activation
    • Proof of insurance required with application
  5. Find a Supervising Broker

    • Must be employed or under contract with licensed broker
    • Broker must have supervising broker endorsement
  6. Submit License Application

    • Apply through the Board
    • Pay application fee ($150)
    • Include all required documentation

Unique Montana Requirements

Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance

Montana is one of the states that requires E&O insurance before license issuance. This professional liability insurance:

  • Protects against claims of negligence or mistakes
  • Coverage limits vary by provider
  • Must be maintained as long as license is active
  • Proof required at initial licensing and renewal

Supervising Broker Endorsement

Montana requires salespersons to work under a broker who has a supervising broker endorsement. This ensures:

  • Proper supervision of new licensees
  • Compliance with Montana regulations
  • Professional development opportunities

License Fees Summary

Fee TypeAmount
License Application Fee$150
Exam FeeVaries by provider
E&O InsuranceVaries by coverage
Total Initial CostApproximately $250-400

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

RequirementDetails
CE Hours12 hours annually
ProviderBoard-approved courses
TopicsVarious real estate subjects
DeadlineBy license expiration date

Note: Montana has an annual CE requirement rather than biennial like many states. Mark your calendar for yearly CE completion.

What This Guide Covers

This FREE study guide focuses on Montana state-specific content:

Chapter 1: Montana Licensing & Regulation

  • Board of Realty Regulation structure
  • License requirements and application process
  • E&O insurance requirements

Chapter 2: Montana Agency Law

  • Agency relationships in Montana
  • Disclosure requirements
  • Duties to clients and customers

Chapter 3: Montana Contracts & Disclosures

  • Purchase agreements
  • Property disclosure requirements
  • Montana-specific contract terms

Chapter 4: Montana Property Law & Regulations

  • Property rights in Montana
  • Water rights (unique to Montana)
  • Land use and zoning

Note: This guide covers ONLY Montana state law. Complete the national real estate portion first for foundational knowledge.

Montana's Unique Considerations

Geographic Factors

Montana's real estate market has unique characteristics:

  1. Large Rural Areas

    • Properties may be far from services
    • Access and easement issues common
    • Well and septic requirements
  2. Water Rights

    • Critical in Montana real estate
    • Must understand prior appropriation
    • Water rights transfer with property
  3. Agricultural Land

    • Significant portion of market
    • Conservation easements common
    • Subdivision regulations

Climate Considerations

  • Harsh winters affect property maintenance
  • Seasonal market fluctuations
  • Building code requirements for cold climates

Exam Day Tips

What to Bring

  • Two forms of ID (primary must be government-issued photo ID)
  • Exam confirmation number
  • Arrive 30 minutes early

During the Exam

  • National portion: 120 minutes for 80 questions
  • State portion: 90 minutes for 33 questions
  • Pace yourself appropriately
  • Flag questions to return to later

Next Steps

Ready to begin? Here's your action plan:

  1. Complete this FREE study guide - Read all chapters
  2. Take chapter quizzes - Test your knowledge
  3. Review Montana regulations - Study state-specific content
  4. Practice with full exams - Aim for consistent 80%+ scores
  5. Complete 70 hours education - From approved provider
  6. Schedule and pass exam - Within 24 months of education
  7. Obtain E&O insurance - Before applying for license
  8. Find supervising broker - With proper endorsement
  9. Apply for license - Through the Board

Let's get started with Chapter 1: Montana Licensing & Regulation!

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