Key Takeaways
- New Mexico associate broker applicants must be at least 18 years old
- Pre-license education requirement is 90 hours of approved coursework in three 30-hour courses
- The exam has 125 questions total: 75 national and 50 state-specific questions
- Passing score is 75% on each portion (56/75 national, 38/50 state)
- Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is required before license activation
New Mexico License Requirements
New Mexico has specific requirements for associate broker and qualifying broker licenses. Understanding these requirements is essential for the state exam.
Associate Broker License Requirements
1. Age and Legal Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Submit to fingerprint background check
- Have no disqualifying criminal convictions
2. Education Requirements
Complete 90 hours of pre-license education from an NMREC-approved school:
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Principles and Practice | 30 hours |
| Real Estate Law | 30 hours |
| Broker Basics | 30 hours |
| Total | 90 hours |
Important: These courses must have been completed within three years prior to application to take the examination.
3. Examination
| Detail | Associate Broker Exam |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 125 multiple-choice |
| National Portion | 75 questions (120 minutes) |
| State Portion | 50 questions (60 minutes) |
| Total Time | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Passing Score | 75% on each portion |
| Exam Provider | PSI (Pearson VUE) |
Passing Score Breakdown
| Portion | Questions | Minimum Correct |
|---|---|---|
| National | 75 | 56 (75%) |
| State | 50 | 38 (75%) |
Note: Both portions must be passed within 90 days of your first attempt.
4. Additional Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Fingerprints | For state and national background check |
| E&O Insurance | Errors and omissions insurance required |
| Application Fee | Up to $270 (non-refundable) |
| Sponsoring Broker | Must affiliate with qualifying broker |
Qualifying Broker License Requirements
To become a New Mexico qualifying broker, you must meet additional requirements:
Experience Requirement
New Mexico requires documented experience as a licensed associate broker before becoming a qualifying broker.
Education Requirements
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Original pre-license education | 90 hours |
| Additional broker-level courses | As specified by NMREC |
Qualifying Broker Examination
| Detail | Qualifying Broker Exam |
|---|---|
| Passing Score | 75% on each portion |
Errors and Omissions Insurance
New Mexico requires E&O insurance for all active licensees:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Coverage type | Errors and omissions liability |
| When required | Before license activation |
| Proof required | Certificate of insurance with application |
Key Point: You cannot activate your New Mexico real estate license without proof of current E&O insurance.
License Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | Up to $270 |
| Exam fee | Varies by provider |
| License fee | Included in application |
| Fingerprint fee | Varies |
Application Process
- Complete education at NMREC-approved school (90 hours)
- Submit application through NMRLD online portal
- Pay application fee (up to $270)
- Submit fingerprints for background check
- Obtain E&O insurance
- Receive examination eligibility
- Schedule and pass exam (75% on both portions)
- Find sponsoring qualifying broker
- Activate license through qualifying broker
How many hours of pre-license education are required for a New Mexico associate broker license?
What is the passing score for the New Mexico real estate exam?
What type of insurance is required before activating a New Mexico real estate license?