1.2 North Dakota License Requirements
Key Takeaways
- North Dakota salesperson applicants must be at least 18 years old
- Pre-license education requirement is 90 hours of approved coursework
- The salesperson exam has 140 questions total: 100 national and 40 state-specific questions
- Passing score is 70% on the national portion (70/100) and 75% on the state portion (30/40)
- Applicants must have E&O insurance and complete a background check
North Dakota has specific requirements for salesperson and broker licenses. Understanding these requirements is essential for the state exam.
Salesperson 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 equivalent
- Pass a criminal background check
- Obtain Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance
Note: North Dakota requires E&O insurance before activating your license—this protects both you and your clients.
2. Education Requirements
Complete 90 hours of pre-license education from an NDREC-approved school:
| Course Content | Hours |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Principles and Practices | 90 hours total |
| Topics include: Licensing law, contracts, agency, financing, property ownership |
Important: Applicants must apply for licensure within 2 years of completing pre-license education.
3. Examination
| Detail | Salesperson Exam |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 140 multiple-choice |
| National Portion | 100 questions |
| State Portion | 40 questions |
| Time Limit | 3.5 hours total |
| Passing Score (National) | 70% (70 out of 100) |
| Passing Score (State) | 75% (30 out of 40) |
| Exam Provider | PSI |
| Exam Fee | $131 |
4. Background Check
All applicants must submit to a criminal background check:
- Complete the Criminal History Record Check Request Form
- Submit fingerprints through approved vendor
- FBI and state criminal history review
- NDREC reviews results for suitability
Convictions that may affect licensure:
- Felonies involving fraud or dishonesty
- Crimes related to real estate activities
- Recent criminal activity
Broker License Requirements
To become a North Dakota real estate broker, you must meet additional requirements:
Experience Requirement
Two years of active experience as a licensed salesperson within the preceding 5 years, OR equivalent experience as determined by NDREC.
Education Requirements
Complete additional broker-level education:
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Original salesperson education | 90 hours |
| Additional broker courses | As required by NDREC |
Broker Examination
| Detail | Broker Exam |
|---|---|
| Format | Simulation problems |
| Problems | 12 simulation problems (10 scored) |
| Sections | Information Gathering (IG) and Decision Making (DM) |
| Passing | Meet minimum passing level (MPL) for both sections |
Additional Requirements
Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| When needed | Before activating license |
| Purpose | Protects against professional liability claims |
| Minimum coverage | As specified by NDREC |
License Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam fee | $131 |
| Recovery Fund contribution | $20 (one-time) |
| License fee | As determined by NDREC |
Application Process
- Complete education at NDREC-approved school (90 hours)
- Submit application through NDREC online portal
- Pay application and exam fees
- Submit fingerprints for background check
- Receive examination eligibility
- Schedule and pass exam at PSI testing center
- Obtain E&O insurance
- Find sponsoring broker (salespersons must affiliate with broker)
- Activate license through sponsoring broker
Reciprocity
North Dakota has reciprocal licensing agreements with:
| State | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | May obtain ND license without state exam |
| Iowa | May obtain ND license without state exam |
| Georgia | May obtain ND license without state exam |
Note: Reciprocal applicants must still meet other licensing requirements including background check and E&O insurance.
What is the minimum age requirement for a North Dakota real estate salesperson license?
How many hours of pre-license education are required for a North Dakota salesperson license?
What is the passing score for the state portion of the North Dakota real estate salesperson exam?