Key Takeaways
- New Hampshire requires 40 hours of pre-license education (32 hours classroom, 8 hours online max)
- The exam has 120 scored questions: 80 national and 40 state-specific
- Passing score is 70% on each portion (56/80 national, 28/40 state)
- Exam fee is $155 payable to the State of New Hampshire
- Course completion certificate is valid for only 6 months
New Hampshire Real Estate Exam Overview
Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE New Hampshire Real Estate exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers New Hampshire-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and state real estate laws you need to know to pass your exam.
About the New Hampshire Real Estate Exam
The New Hampshire real estate salesperson examination is administered by PSI on behalf of the New Hampshire Real Estate Commission (NHREC). The exam tests your knowledge of:
- National real estate principles and practices
- New Hampshire real estate license law (RSA 331-A)
- NHREC rules and regulations
- Agency relationships in New Hampshire
- Contract law and property disclosures
- Consumer protection requirements
Exam Structure
| Exam Component | National Portion | State Portion |
|---|---|---|
| Testing Provider | PSI | PSI |
| Number of Questions | 80 scored | 40 scored |
| Time Limit | 150 minutes | Included in total |
| Passing Score | 70% (56 correct) | 70% (28 correct) |
| Question Format | Multiple choice | Multiple choice |
| Total Time | 4 hours | Combined |
| Exam Fee | $155 total | Included |
Important: The exam fee of $155 is payable by check or money order to the "Treasurer, State of New Hampshire."
New Hampshire Real Estate Commission (NHREC)
The New Hampshire Real Estate Commission is the regulatory body overseeing all real estate licensees in New Hampshire. NHREC is responsible for:
- Licensing real estate salespersons and brokers
- Approving pre-license and continuing education providers
- Investigating complaints and disciplinary matters
- Enforcing NH Real Estate Practice Act (RSA 331-A)
- Protecting consumers in real estate transactions
NHREC Contact Information
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH 03301 |
| Phone | (603) 271-2701 |
| Website | nh.gov/nhrec |
| Applications | Mail to NHREC at address above |
Pre-Licensing Education Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 40 hours |
| Classroom Required | Minimum 32 hours in-person |
| Distance Education | Maximum 8 hours online |
| Provider | Must be NHREC-approved |
| Certificate Validity | 6 months from completion |
Important: Classroom Requirement
Unlike many states that allow 100% online education, New Hampshire requires at least 32 hours of classroom instruction:
RSA 331-A:10,I(b): No more than 8 hours of pre-license education can be completed via distance education within the six months prior to your examination date.
This means:
- Minimum 32 hours in a physical classroom
- Maximum 8 hours can be online
- Plan your schedule accordingly
Course Content
The 40-hour curriculum covers:
- Real estate principles and practices
- New Hampshire license law (RSA 331-A)
- Agency relationships
- Contracts and property transfers
- Real estate finance
- Property valuation
License Application Process
Step-by-Step Process
-
Meet Basic Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be of good moral character
- No disqualifying criminal history
-
Complete Pre-License Education
- Finish 40 hours (32 classroom + 8 max online)
- Obtain course completion certificate
- Certificate valid for 6 months only
-
Submit Exam Registration
- Mail application to NHREC
- Include $155 exam fee (check/money order)
- Include course completion certificate
-
Receive Authorization
- NHREC reviews application
- Sends authorization to test
- Must take exam within 3 months of receipt
-
Schedule and Pass Exam
- Schedule with PSI
- Pass both portions with 70%
- Results provided immediately
-
Submit License Application
- Apply within 6 months of passing exam
- Pay license fee ($40)
- Include sponsoring broker information
Important Timeframes
| Deadline | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Course certificate | Valid 6 months |
| Exam registration | Must test within 3 months of authorization |
| Partial pass | 8 attempts within 6 months to pass second portion |
| License application | Within 6 months of passing |
Warning: New Hampshire has strict timeframes. Missing deadlines means starting over with new fees.
License Fees Summary
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Fee | $155 |
| License Application Fee | $40 |
| Pre-License Course | Varies by provider |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $350-500 |
Retake Policy
If you fail one portion of the exam:
- You may retake the failed portion only
- Maximum of 8 attempts within 6 months
- Each retake requires new exam registration
- Full $155 fee required for each attempt
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| CE Hours | 15 hours per renewal period |
| Renewal Period | Biennial (every 2 years) |
| Core Hours | 3 hours license law required |
| Provider | NHREC-approved courses |
What This Guide Covers
This FREE study guide focuses on New Hampshire state-specific content:
Chapter 1: NHREC & Licensing
- New Hampshire Real Estate Commission structure
- RSA 331-A (Real Estate Practice Act)
- License requirements and application process
Chapter 2: New Hampshire Agency Law
- Agency relationships in New Hampshire
- Disclosure requirements
- Duties to clients and customers
Chapter 3: New Hampshire Contracts & Disclosures
- Purchase and sale agreements
- Property disclosure requirements
- Lead paint and other disclosures
Chapter 4: New Hampshire Property Law
- Property rights in New Hampshire
- Shoreland protection
- Wetlands regulations
Note: This guide covers ONLY New Hampshire state law. Complete the national real estate portion first for foundational knowledge.
New Hampshire Market Considerations
Unique Market Factors
New Hampshire's real estate market has distinctive characteristics:
-
No State Income Tax
- Attracts residents from higher-tax states
- Property tax implications
- Impact on property values
-
Seasonal Properties
- Lake properties popular
- Ski area real estate
- Seasonal rental considerations
-
Proximity to Boston
- Southern NH commuter market
- Higher prices near border
- Massachusetts buyer considerations
-
Small State Dynamics
- Limited inventory at times
- Strong local market knowledge needed
- Community relationships important
Environmental Considerations
- Shoreland Protection Act - Regulates development near water
- Wetlands regulations - Important for property development
- Septic systems - Many rural properties
- Private wells - Water quality testing
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 for 120 questions
- About 2 minutes per question
- Answer easier questions first
- Review flagged questions
Key Focus Areas
- RSA 331-A license law provisions
- Agency disclosure requirements
- Consumer protection regulations
- Property disclosure rules
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 RSA 331-A - Study state-specific content
- Practice with full exams - Aim for consistent 80%+ scores
- Complete 40 hours education - Remember 32 hours classroom!
- Submit exam registration - With $155 fee to NHREC
- Pass exam within 3 months - Of receiving authorization
- Apply for license - Within 6 months of passing
Let's get started with Chapter 1: NHREC & Licensing!
How many hours of pre-license education does New Hampshire require, and what is unique about the requirement?
What is the passing score required for each portion of the New Hampshire real estate exam?
What is the exam fee for the New Hampshire real estate exam, and to whom is it payable?
How long is a New Hampshire pre-license course completion certificate valid?
After receiving exam authorization from NHREC, how long do you have to take the exam?