Key Takeaways
- North Dakota requires 90 hours of pre-license education from an approved provider
- The exam has 140 total questions: 100 national and 40 state-specific
- Passing score is 70% on each portion (70/100 national, 28/40 state)
- E&O insurance is required before obtaining an active license
- First-time licensees pay $20 to Education, Research & Recovery Fund
North Dakota Real Estate Exam Overview
Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE North Dakota Real Estate exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers North Dakota-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and state real estate laws you need to know to pass your exam.
About the North Dakota Real Estate Exam
The North Dakota real estate salesperson examination is administered by PSI on behalf of the North Dakota Real Estate Commission. The exam tests your knowledge of:
- National real estate principles and practices
- North Dakota real estate license law
- Commission rules and regulations
- Agency relationships in North Dakota
- Contract law and property disclosures
- Trust account management
Exam Structure
| Exam Component | National Portion | State Portion |
|---|---|---|
| Testing Provider | PSI | PSI |
| Number of Questions | 100 scored | 40 scored |
| Time Limit | 3.5 hours combined | Included |
| Passing Score | 70% (70 correct) | 70% (28 correct) |
| Question Format | Multiple choice | Multiple choice |
Important: There may be 5-10 experimental questions throughout both portions that are not scored. You will not know which questions are experimental.
Testing Centers
PSI offers four testing centers in North Dakota:
- Bismarck
- Fargo
- Minot
- Williston
North Dakota Real Estate Commission
The North Dakota Real Estate Commission is the regulatory body overseeing all real estate licensees in North Dakota. The Commission is responsible for:
- Licensing real estate salespersons and brokers
- Approving education providers and courses
- Investigating complaints and disciplinary matters
- Enforcing the North Dakota Real Estate License Act
- Administering the Education, Research & Recovery Fund
Commission Contact Information
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | realestatend.org |
| Address | 1120 College Drive Suite 103, Bismarck, ND 58501 |
| Phone | (701) 328-9749 |
| info@realestatend.org |
Pre-Licensing Education Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 90 hours |
| Course Format | Classroom, online, or hybrid |
| Provider | Must be state-approved |
| Course Final Exam | 70% minimum passing score |
| Certificate | Required for license application |
Course Content
The 90-hour pre-license curriculum covers:
- Real estate principles and practices
- North Dakota license law
- Contracts and agency relationships
- Property ownership and transfer
- Real estate finance
- Property valuation
Note: North Dakota increased its pre-license requirement to 90 hours in 2021, making it one of the more comprehensive education requirements among states.
License Application Process
Step-by-Step Process
-
Meet Basic Requirements
- No specific age requirement stated
- Good moral character
- No disqualifying criminal history
-
Complete Pre-License Education
- Finish 90 hours from approved school
- Pass course final exam with 70%
- Obtain course completion certificate
-
Schedule and Pass State Exam
- Register with PSI
- Select testing center (Bismarck, Fargo, Minot, or Williston)
- Pass both portions with 70%
-
Obtain E&O Insurance
- Secure Errors & Omissions insurance policy
- Coverage required before license activation
- Helps protect against claims of professional negligence
-
Find a Sponsoring Broker
- Must be associated with active ND broker
- Broker must agree to supervise your activities
-
Submit License Application
- Pay application fee ($150)
- Pay credit check fee ($8)
- Pay Education, Research & Recovery Fund fee ($20 - first time only)
- Include proof of E&O insurance
- Include broker affiliation information
Unique North Dakota Requirements
Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance
North Dakota requires E&O insurance before you can obtain an active license:
- Protects you and clients from professional liability claims
- Must be maintained throughout your career
- Proof required at initial licensing and renewal
Education, Research & Recovery Fund
First-time licensees must pay $20 to the Education, Research & Recovery Fund:
- One-time fee for new licensees
- Fund compensates consumers harmed by licensee misconduct
- Similar to recovery funds in other states
Credit Check
The Commission runs a credit check as part of the application:
- $8 fee added to application
- Poor credit may not disqualify you
- Pattern of financial irresponsibility may be reviewed
License Fees Summary
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $150 |
| Credit Check Fee | $8 |
| Education, Research & Recovery Fund | $20 (first time) |
| Exam Fee | Varies by PSI |
| E&O Insurance | Varies by provider |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $250-350 |
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| CE Hours | 9 hours annually |
| Core Hours | 3 hours mandatory topics |
| Elective Hours | 6 hours from approved courses |
| Provider | Commission-approved |
Note: North Dakota has an annual CE requirement rather than biennial, so plan to complete courses each year.
What This Guide Covers
This FREE study guide focuses on North Dakota state-specific content:
Chapter 1: ND Commission & Licensing
- North Dakota Real Estate Commission structure
- License requirements and application process
- E&O insurance and Recovery Fund
Chapter 2: North Dakota Agency Law
- Agency relationships in North Dakota
- Disclosure requirements
- Duties to clients and customers
Chapter 3: North Dakota Contracts & Disclosures
- Purchase agreements
- Property disclosure requirements
- North Dakota-specific contract terms
Chapter 4: North Dakota Property Law
- Property rights in North Dakota
- Agricultural land considerations
- Water rights and mineral rights
Note: This guide covers ONLY North Dakota state law. Complete the national real estate portion first for foundational knowledge.
North Dakota Market Considerations
Unique Market Factors
North Dakota's real estate market has distinctive characteristics:
-
Energy Industry Impact
- Oil industry affects western ND market
- Boom/bust cycles in certain areas
- Workforce housing considerations
-
Agricultural Land
- Significant farmland transactions
- Understanding of agricultural zoning
- Conservation programs
-
Mineral Rights
- Often severed from surface rights
- Important disclosure issue
- Understanding of oil and gas leases
-
Climate Considerations
- Harsh winters affect property
- Seasonal market fluctuations
- Building code requirements
Exam Day Tips
What to Bring
- Two forms of ID (primary must be government-issued photo ID)
- PSI confirmation number
- Arrive 30 minutes early
Exam Strategy
- 3.5 hours total for 140 questions
- Pace yourself: about 1.5 minutes per question
- Answer easier questions first
- Flag difficult questions to return to later
Next Steps
Ready to begin? Here's your action plan:
- Complete this FREE study guide - Read all chapters
- Take chapter quizzes - Test your knowledge
- Review ND regulations - Study state-specific content
- Practice with full exams - Aim for consistent 80%+ scores
- Complete 90 hours education - From approved provider
- Pass course final exam - With 70% or better
- Schedule and pass state exam - At PSI testing center
- Obtain E&O insurance - Before applying
- Find sponsoring broker - For affiliation
- Apply for license - Pay all fees
Let's get started with Chapter 1: ND Commission & Licensing!
How many hours of pre-license education does North Dakota require for a salesperson license?
What is the passing score required for each portion of the North Dakota real estate exam?
How many questions are on the North Dakota national portion of the real estate exam?
What insurance is required before obtaining an active North Dakota real estate license?
What is the first-time fee paid to the North Dakota Education, Research & Recovery Fund?