1.2 Nebraska License Requirements
Key Takeaways
- Nebraska salesperson applicants must be at least 19 years old and have a high school diploma or GED
- Pre-license education requirement is 66 hours (increasing to 90 hours effective January 1, 2026)
- The salesperson exam has 130 questions: 80 national and 50 state-specific questions
- Passing score is 75% on each portion (60/80 national, 38/50 state)
- Total exam time is 4 hours; criminal background check with fingerprints is required
Nebraska 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 19 years of age
- Have a high school diploma, GED, or evidence of homeschool program completion
- Submit to a criminal background check utilizing fingerprints
- Be legally present in the United States
Note: Nebraska's minimum age of 19 is higher than most states, which typically require 18.
2. Education Requirements
Complete approved pre-license education from an NREC-approved school:
| Effective Date | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Through December 31, 2025 | 66 hours (3 courses) |
| Effective January 1, 2026 | 90 hours + Course 0003 (6 hours) |
Pre-License Courses (Current)
| Course | Content |
|---|---|
| Course 1 | Real Estate Principles and Practices |
| Course 2 | Real Estate Law |
| Course 3 | Brokerage Operations |
Important: Effective January 1, 2026, the education requirement increases to 90 hours plus a 6-hour professional standards course (Course 0003).
3. Examination
| Detail | Salesperson Exam |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 130 multiple-choice |
| National Portion | 80 questions |
| State Portion | 50 questions |
| Time Limit | 4 hours total (2.5 hrs national, 1.5 hrs state) |
| Passing Score | 75% on each portion |
| National Passing | 60 out of 80 |
| State Passing | 38 out of 50 |
| Exam Provider | Pearson VUE |
4. Background Check
All applicants must submit to a criminal background check:
- Fingerprints submitted through approved vendor
- FBI and state criminal history review
- NREC 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 Nebraska real estate broker, you must meet additional requirements:
Experience Requirement
Two years of active experience as a licensed salesperson or broker.
Education Requirements
Complete 60 additional hours (two 30-hour courses) of broker-level education in addition to salesperson requirements:
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Original salesperson education | 66 hours |
| Additional broker courses (2 courses x 30 hours) | 60 hours |
| Course #0003 (Professional Standards) | 6 hours |
| Total | 132 hours |
Broker Examination
| Detail | Broker Exam |
|---|---|
| Format | Multiple-choice + simulation exercises |
| Multiple-Choice | 75 questions (50 national, 25 state) |
| Simulation Exercises | 8 scored exercises |
| Multiple-Choice Passing | 75% |
| Simulation Passing | Must meet Minimum Passing Level (MPL) |
Important: Broker candidates must pass all three scores (multiple-choice, information gathering, decision making) at one sitting.
Designated Broker Requirements
Effective July 1, 2020, brokers who supervise other licensees must complete additional training:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Course #6000 | 12 hours post-licensure education |
| Topics | Trust accounting, brokerage finance, business ethics, risk management |
| Timing | Must be completed before supervising any affiliated licensees |
License Fees (2025-2026)
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application/License fee | Varies |
| Renewal fee | $220 |
| Late renewal penalty | $25 per month |
| Fingerprint fee | Varies |
Note: License issuance fees increase effective January 1, 2026.
What is the minimum age requirement for a Nebraska real estate salesperson license?
How many hours of pre-license education are required for a Nebraska salesperson license effective January 1, 2026?
What is the passing score for the Nebraska real estate salesperson exam?