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
Last updated: January 2026

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 ComponentNational PortionState Portion
Testing ProviderPSIPSI
Number of Questions80 scored40 scored
Time Limit150 minutesIncluded in total
Passing Score70% (56 correct)70% (28 correct)
Question FormatMultiple choiceMultiple choice
Total Time4 hoursCombined
Exam Fee$155 totalIncluded

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

ResourceDetails
Address7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH 03301
Phone(603) 271-2701
Websitenh.gov/nhrec
ApplicationsMail to NHREC at address above

Pre-Licensing Education Requirements

RequirementDetails
Total Hours40 hours
Classroom RequiredMinimum 32 hours in-person
Distance EducationMaximum 8 hours online
ProviderMust be NHREC-approved
Certificate Validity6 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

  1. Meet Basic Requirements

    • Be at least 18 years of age
    • Be of good moral character
    • No disqualifying criminal history
  2. Complete Pre-License Education

    • Finish 40 hours (32 classroom + 8 max online)
    • Obtain course completion certificate
    • Certificate valid for 6 months only
  3. Submit Exam Registration

    • Mail application to NHREC
    • Include $155 exam fee (check/money order)
    • Include course completion certificate
  4. Receive Authorization

    • NHREC reviews application
    • Sends authorization to test
    • Must take exam within 3 months of receipt
  5. Schedule and Pass Exam

    • Schedule with PSI
    • Pass both portions with 70%
    • Results provided immediately
  6. Submit License Application

    • Apply within 6 months of passing exam
    • Pay license fee ($40)
    • Include sponsoring broker information

Important Timeframes

DeadlineRequirement
Course certificateValid 6 months
Exam registrationMust test within 3 months of authorization
Partial pass8 attempts within 6 months to pass second portion
License applicationWithin 6 months of passing

Warning: New Hampshire has strict timeframes. Missing deadlines means starting over with new fees.

License Fees Summary

Fee TypeAmount
Exam Fee$155
License Application Fee$40
Pre-License CourseVaries by provider
Total Initial CostApproximately $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

RequirementDetails
CE Hours15 hours per renewal period
Renewal PeriodBiennial (every 2 years)
Core Hours3 hours license law required
ProviderNHREC-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:

  1. No State Income Tax

    • Attracts residents from higher-tax states
    • Property tax implications
    • Impact on property values
  2. Seasonal Properties

    • Lake properties popular
    • Ski area real estate
    • Seasonal rental considerations
  3. Proximity to Boston

    • Southern NH commuter market
    • Higher prices near border
    • Massachusetts buyer considerations
  4. 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:

  1. Complete this FREE study guide - Read all chapters
  2. Take chapter quizzes - Test your knowledge
  3. Review RSA 331-A - Study state-specific content
  4. Practice with full exams - Aim for consistent 80%+ scores
  5. Complete 40 hours education - Remember 32 hours classroom!
  6. Submit exam registration - With $155 fee to NHREC
  7. Pass exam within 3 months - Of receiving authorization
  8. Apply for license - Within 6 months of passing

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

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Test Your Knowledge

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