1.2 New Hampshire License Requirements
Key Takeaways
- New Hampshire salesperson applicants must be at least 18 years old
- Pre-license education requirement is 40 hours, with at least 32 hours in classroom (max 8 hours online)
- The exam has 120 questions total: 80 national and 40 state-specific questions
- Passing score is 70% on each portion (56/80 national, 28/40 state)
- Total exam time is 4 hours; exam fee is approximately $67
New Hampshire 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 present alien
- Show proof of good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity
- No record of unprofessional conduct
- Pass background check
2. Education Requirements
Complete 40 hours of pre-license education from a Commission-approved school:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total hours | 40 hours minimum |
| Classroom hours | At least 32 hours |
| Distance education | Maximum 8 hours (within 6 months of exam) |
Important: Under RSA 331-A:10,I(b), no more than 8 hours can be completed via distance education within the six months immediately prior to your examination date.
3. Examination
| Detail | Salesperson Exam |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 120 multiple-choice |
| National Portion | 80 questions (150 minutes) |
| State Portion | 40 questions (90 minutes) |
| Time Limit | 4 hours total (240 minutes) |
| Passing Score | 70% on each portion |
| Exam Provider | PSI |
| Exam Fee | Approximately $67 |
| Testing Locations | Concord, Nashua, Portsmouth |
Passing Score Breakdown
| Portion | Questions | Passing Score | Minimum Correct |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 80 | 70% | 56 |
| State | 40 | 70% | 28 |
| Total | 120 | 84 |
4. Background Check
All applicants must submit to a criminal background check:
- Fee: Approximately $25
- Review by Commission for suitability
- Must demonstrate good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity
Broker License Requirements
To become a New Hampshire real estate broker, you must meet additional requirements:
Experience Requirement
One of the following:
| Option | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Full-time | Employed full-time by an active principal broker for at least 1 year within 5 years of application |
| Part-time | At least 2,000 part-time hours as a licensed salesperson within 5 years of application |
| Equivalent | Equivalent experience as determined by the Commission |
Education Requirements
Complete 60 hours of broker-level pre-license education:
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Broker pre-license education | 60 hours |
Broker Types
| Type | Role |
|---|---|
| Principal broker | Individual broker responsible for actions of all licensees assigned to them |
| Managing broker | Broker who manages a branch office |
Surety Bond Requirement
Principal brokers and managing brokers must maintain:
| Requirement | Amount |
|---|---|
| Surety bond | Not less than $25,000 |
| Term | Concurrent with license dates |
License Fees
| Fee Type | Salesperson | Broker |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Varies | Varies |
| Exam fee | $67 | $67 |
| License renewal (2 years) | $90 | $110 |
| Background check | $25 | $25 |
Application Process
- Complete education at Commission-approved school
- Apply for exam through PSI
- Pass background check ($25 fee)
- Schedule and pass exam at PSI testing center
- Find sponsoring broker (salespersons must affiliate with principal broker)
- Submit license application to OPLC
- Receive license and begin practice
What is the minimum age requirement for a New Hampshire real estate salesperson license?
How many hours of pre-license education are required for a New Hampshire salesperson license?
What is the passing score for the New Hampshire real estate salesperson exam?
How much experience is required for a New Hampshire broker license?