Key Takeaways
- As of January 2026, Nebraska requires 96 hours of pre-license education (3 courses + 6-hour ethics)
- The exam has 130 total questions: 80 national and 50 state-specific
- Passing score is 75% on each portion - higher than most states
- Nebraska requires applicants to be at least 19 years old (not 18)
- Post-license requirement: 12 hours within 180 days of licensure
Nebraska Real Estate Exam Overview
Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE Nebraska Real Estate exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers Nebraska-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and state real estate laws you need to know to pass your exam.
Important 2026 Changes
Effective January 1, 2026, Nebraska has updated its pre-license education requirements:
| Requirement | Before 2026 | After January 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-License Hours | 66 hours | 96 hours |
| Structure | 60 hours + 6-hour ethics | 90 hours (3 courses) + 6-hour ethics |
| Impact | New applicants | All new applicants |
If you're applying in 2026, you must complete the full 96-hour requirement.
About the Nebraska Real Estate Exam
The Nebraska real estate salesperson examination is administered by PSI on behalf of the Nebraska Real Estate Commission (NREC). The exam tests your knowledge of:
- National real estate principles and practices
- Nebraska real estate license law
- NREC rules and regulations
- Agency relationships in Nebraska
- Contract law and property disclosures
- Trust account requirements
Exam Structure
| Exam Component | National Portion | State Portion |
|---|---|---|
| Testing Provider | PSI | PSI |
| Number of Questions | 80 scored | 50 scored |
| Time Limit | 2.5 hours (150 min) | 1.5 hours (90 min) |
| Passing Score | 75% (60 correct) | 75% (38 correct) |
| Question Format | Multiple choice | Multiple choice |
| Total Time | 4 hours combined | Included |
Important: Nebraska's 75% passing score requirement is higher than most states (typically 70%). You need to be well-prepared to pass on your first attempt.
Nebraska Real Estate Commission (NREC)
The Nebraska Real Estate Commission is the regulatory body overseeing all real estate licensees in Nebraska. NREC is responsible for:
- Licensing real estate salespersons and brokers
- Approving pre-license and continuing education providers
- Investigating complaints and disciplinary matters
- Enforcing the Nebraska Real Estate License Act
- Setting education standards
NREC Contact Information
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | nrec.nebraska.gov |
| Address | 301 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, NE 68509 |
| Phone | (402) 471-2004 |
| nrec.info@nebraska.gov |
Pre-Licensing Education Requirements (2026)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 96 hours |
| Course Structure | Three 30-hour courses + 6-hour ethics |
| Ethics Course | Professional Practice Standards (Course 0003) |
| Provider | Must be NREC-approved |
| Format | Classroom or online |
Required Courses
The 96-hour pre-license curriculum includes:
- Real Estate Principles (30 hours)
- Real Estate Practices (30 hours)
- Real Estate Law (30 hours)
- Professional Practice Standards (6 hours) - Ethics course
License Application Process
Step-by-Step Process
-
Meet Basic Requirements
- Be at least 19 years of age (Nebraska is higher than most states)
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be of good moral character
-
Complete Pre-License Education
- Finish 96 hours from NREC-approved school
- Complete the 6-hour Professional Practice Standards course
- Obtain course completion certificates
-
Submit Application
- Apply through NREC
- Pay application fee ($135)
-
Schedule and Pass State Exam
- Register with PSI
- Pay exam fee ($150)
- Pass both portions with 75%
-
Find a Sponsoring Broker
- Must affiliate with licensed Nebraska broker
- Broker submits activation request
-
Complete Post-License Education
- 12 hours within 180 days of licensure
- Failure results in inactive status
Unique Nebraska Requirements
Age Requirement
Nebraska requires applicants to be at least 19 years old, which is higher than the typical 18-year requirement in most states.
Higher Passing Score
Nebraska's 75% passing score requirement is above average. Many states require only 70%. This means:
- National: 60 out of 80 correct
- State: 38 out of 50 correct
Post-License Education (Critical!)
New licensees must complete 12 hours of post-license education within 180 days (about 6 months) of receiving their license:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Hours | 12 hours |
| Deadline | 180 days from licensure |
| Course | Course Number 7000 |
| Consequence | Inactive status if not completed |
Warning: Mark your calendar immediately upon licensure. Missing this deadline puts your license on inactive status.
License Fees Summary (2026)
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $135 |
| Exam Fee | $150 |
| Pre-License Courses | Varies by provider |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $400-600 |
Note: Fee amounts changed effective January 1, 2026. Verify current fees on the NREC website.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| CE Hours | 18 hours per renewal period |
| Renewal Period | Biennial (every 2 years) |
| Mandatory Hours | Includes required topics |
| Provider | NREC-approved courses |
What This Guide Covers
This FREE study guide focuses on Nebraska state-specific content:
Chapter 1: NREC & Licensing
- Nebraska Real Estate Commission structure
- License requirements (updated 2026)
- Post-license education requirements
Chapter 2: Nebraska Agency Law
- Agency relationships in Nebraska
- Disclosure requirements
- Designated agency
Chapter 3: Nebraska Contracts & Disclosures
- Purchase agreements
- Seller disclosure requirements
- Nebraska-specific contract terms
Chapter 4: Nebraska Property Law & Regulations
- Property rights in Nebraska
- Agricultural land considerations
- Water rights
Note: This guide covers ONLY Nebraska state law. Complete the national real estate portion first for foundational knowledge.
Nebraska Market Considerations
Unique Market Factors
Nebraska's real estate market has distinctive characteristics:
-
Agricultural Economy
- Significant farmland transactions
- Understanding of agricultural valuations
- Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land
-
Urban vs. Rural
- Omaha and Lincoln urban markets
- Vast rural areas with different dynamics
- Small town considerations
-
Affordable Housing
- Generally lower prices than coastal states
- Strong first-time buyer market
- Investment property opportunities
-
Climate Factors
- Severe weather considerations
- Tornado and flood zone awareness
- Seasonal market patterns
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
- 4 hours total for 130 questions
- Remember: 75% passing score required
- Budget about 1.8 minutes per question
- Review flagged questions carefully
Key Focus Areas
- Nebraska-specific license law
- Agency relationships and disclosures
- Contract formation and terms
- Trust account requirements
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 NREC regulations - Study state-specific content
- Practice with full exams - Aim for consistent 80%+ scores (above passing!)
- Complete 96 hours education - Including 6-hour ethics
- Apply to NREC - Pay $135 application fee
- Schedule and pass exam - With PSI, pay $150
- Find sponsoring broker - For activation
- Complete 12 hours post-license - Within 180 days!
Let's get started with Chapter 1: NREC & Licensing!
As of January 2026, how many hours of pre-license education does Nebraska require?
What is the minimum age requirement for a Nebraska real estate license?
What is the passing score required for each portion of the Nebraska real estate exam?
Within how many days must new Nebraska licensees complete their post-license education?
How many questions are on the Nebraska state portion of the real estate exam?