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
Last updated: January 2026

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:

RequirementBefore 2026After January 2026
Pre-License Hours66 hours96 hours
Structure60 hours + 6-hour ethics90 hours (3 courses) + 6-hour ethics
ImpactNew applicantsAll 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 ComponentNational PortionState Portion
Testing ProviderPSIPSI
Number of Questions80 scored50 scored
Time Limit2.5 hours (150 min)1.5 hours (90 min)
Passing Score75% (60 correct)75% (38 correct)
Question FormatMultiple choiceMultiple choice
Total Time4 hours combinedIncluded

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

ResourceDetails
Websitenrec.nebraska.gov
Address301 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone(402) 471-2004
Emailnrec.info@nebraska.gov

Pre-Licensing Education Requirements (2026)

RequirementDetails
Total Hours96 hours
Course StructureThree 30-hour courses + 6-hour ethics
Ethics CourseProfessional Practice Standards (Course 0003)
ProviderMust be NREC-approved
FormatClassroom or online

Required Courses

The 96-hour pre-license curriculum includes:

  1. Real Estate Principles (30 hours)
  2. Real Estate Practices (30 hours)
  3. Real Estate Law (30 hours)
  4. Professional Practice Standards (6 hours) - Ethics course

License Application Process

Step-by-Step Process

  1. 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
  2. Complete Pre-License Education

    • Finish 96 hours from NREC-approved school
    • Complete the 6-hour Professional Practice Standards course
    • Obtain course completion certificates
  3. Submit Application

    • Apply through NREC
    • Pay application fee ($135)
  4. Schedule and Pass State Exam

    • Register with PSI
    • Pay exam fee ($150)
    • Pass both portions with 75%
  5. Find a Sponsoring Broker

    • Must affiliate with licensed Nebraska broker
    • Broker submits activation request
  6. 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:

RequirementDetails
Hours12 hours
Deadline180 days from licensure
CourseCourse Number 7000
ConsequenceInactive 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 TypeAmount
Application Fee$135
Exam Fee$150
Pre-License CoursesVaries by provider
Total Initial CostApproximately $400-600

Note: Fee amounts changed effective January 1, 2026. Verify current fees on the NREC website.

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

RequirementDetails
CE Hours18 hours per renewal period
Renewal PeriodBiennial (every 2 years)
Mandatory HoursIncludes required topics
ProviderNREC-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:

  1. Agricultural Economy

    • Significant farmland transactions
    • Understanding of agricultural valuations
    • Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land
  2. Urban vs. Rural

    • Omaha and Lincoln urban markets
    • Vast rural areas with different dynamics
    • Small town considerations
  3. Affordable Housing

    • Generally lower prices than coastal states
    • Strong first-time buyer market
    • Investment property opportunities
  4. 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:

  1. Complete this FREE study guide - Read all chapters
  2. Take chapter quizzes - Test your knowledge
  3. Review NREC regulations - Study state-specific content
  4. Practice with full exams - Aim for consistent 80%+ scores (above passing!)
  5. Complete 96 hours education - Including 6-hour ethics
  6. Apply to NREC - Pay $135 application fee
  7. Schedule and pass exam - With PSI, pay $150
  8. Find sponsoring broker - For activation
  9. Complete 12 hours post-license - Within 180 days!

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

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Test Your Knowledge

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