Key Takeaways
- New Jersey salesperson applicants must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or equivalent
- Pre-license education requirement is 75 hours from an NJREC-approved school
- The exam is 110 questions total (comprehensive format) with 4 hours time limit
- Passing score is 70% (77 out of 110 questions)
- Exam fee is $45 and administered by PSI; fingerprint background check through IdentoGO costs $66.05
New Jersey License Requirements
New Jersey has specific requirements for salesperson and broker licenses. These requirements are frequently tested on the exam.
Salesperson License Requirements
To become a New Jersey real estate salesperson, you must:
1. Basic Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a high school graduate or hold equivalent (GED)
- Be of good moral character
- Have no criminal convictions that would disqualify (reviewed case by case)
2. Education Requirements
Complete 75 hours of pre-license education from an NJREC-approved school:
| Course Component | Hours |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Fundamentals | 75 |
| Total Required | 75 |
The 75-hour course covers both national real estate concepts and New Jersey-specific laws and practices.
3. Examination
| Detail | Salesperson Exam |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 110 multiple-choice |
| Format | Comprehensive (national + state combined) |
| Time Limit | 4 hours (240 minutes) |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Questions to Pass | 77 out of 110 |
| Exam Fee | $45 |
| Administrator | PSI |
Note: New Jersey uses a comprehensive exam format that integrates national and state content, rather than separate national and state portions.
4. Background Check
Fingerprint Requirement: All applicants must submit fingerprints through IdentoGO for a criminal background check:
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Provider | IdentoGO |
| Cost | $66.05 |
| Timing | Before license application |
| Purpose | Criminal history check |
Broker License Requirements
To become a New Jersey real estate broker, you must meet higher standards:
Experience Requirement
3 years of active experience as a licensed salesperson OR meet alternative education/experience requirements approved by NJREC.
Education Requirements
Complete additional education beyond the salesperson requirements:
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Salesperson Pre-License | 75 hours |
| Broker Pre-License Course | 90 hours |
| Total for Broker | 165 hours |
Broker Examination
The broker exam tests advanced topics including:
- Brokerage management
- Trust account handling
- Supervision requirements
- Advanced contract law
- New Jersey license law
Application Process
- Complete 75-hour pre-license course
- Schedule fingerprinting through IdentoGO ($66.05)
- Register for exam with PSI
- Pay exam fee ($45)
- Pass exam (70% or 77/110)
- Apply for license through NJREC
- Pay license fee ($160)
- Obtain broker sponsorship before activation
License Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Fee | $45 |
| Fingerprint Fee | $66.05 |
| License Application | $160 |
| Total Initial Cost | $271.05 |
Important Timeline
| Requirement | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Apply after passing exam | Within 1 year |
| Retake if fail | Must retake within 1 year |
| Broker sponsorship | Required before practicing |
Critical: You must apply for your license within 1 year of passing the exam. If you wait longer, you must retake the exam.
How many hours of pre-license education are required for a New Jersey salesperson license?
What is the passing score for the New Jersey real estate exam?
What company administers fingerprinting for New Jersey real estate license applicants?