How to become a broker and real estate agent in Nebraska

Getting a Nebraska real estate license requires completing pre-licensing education, passing a licensing exam, and affiliating with a sponsoring broker to activate your license. The Nebraska Real Estate Commission (NREC) administers every step of the process for anyone seeking to work as a broker and real estate agent in the state.

Nebraska real estate license requirements

The Nebraska Real Estate Commission^[1] issues both salesperson and broker licenses. A salesperson must work under a licensed broker's supervision, while a broker can practice independently or as an associate broker under another broker.

A broker license requires 60 additional clock hours of education and 2 years of full-time salesperson experience. NREC also offers a broker hardship provision for applicants who lack the experience requirement under Nebraska Revised Statute 81-885.13^[1].

NREC evaluates criminal history as part of the application. A preliminary application for individuals with criminal convictions^[2] is available at $100, letting applicants determine eligibility before committing to the full process. Military service members and spouses receive expedited processing and may have the license issuance fee waived.

Step 1: Complete 96 hours of pre-licensing education

Effective January 1, 2026, the salesperson pre-licensing education requirement increased to 96 hours, per the NREC pre-license education requirements^[3]. The 96 hours consist of 90 clock hours across three 30-hour courses plus a 6-hour Professional Practice and Standards course (Course 0003).

The required courses are:

Only the first two courses are specifically mandated. The third 30-hour course is an elective chosen from the commission's approved pre-license course list^[3], which includes options such as Real Estate Finance, Property Management, Real Estate Appraisal, and Real Estate Investments. The 6-hour Professional Practice and Standards course covers ethics and professional conduct.

The state permits distance education for pre-licensing coursework, including fully online formats. The NREC education page^[4] lists approved providers offering classroom, online, and home study options.

Step 2: Submit your application and complete the background check

You must submit your license application to NREC before pursuing the criminal background check, per the NREC application process^[5]. The application fee is $175, effective September 1, 2025, as listed on the NREC fee schedule^[6]. Applications are submitted online through the NREC portal.

The NREC salesperson information^[7] states that staff review completed applications in 24-48 hours and send progress emails to applicants, but the typical application process takes approximately 4 to 8 weeks. The fingerprint-based background check takes an average of 4 to 6 weeks after fingerprints are submitted for the report to reach the commission.

Nebraska residents can submit fingerprints through the Nebraska State Patrol. Non-residents or those using a different law enforcement agency must request fingerprint cards from NREC after submitting the application. The application and background report remain valid for 1 year from the date NREC receives the application; if you are not licensed within that year, you must reapply.

Step 3: Pass the Nebraska real estate exam

The Nebraska real estate salesperson exam requires a passing score of 75%, per the NREC license information^[1]. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE, according to the NREC salesperson application packet checklist^[8]. Once NREC approves your application, you receive an eligibility email from Pearson VUE to schedule your exam at a Pearson Professional Center.

The exam fee is $150 per attempt, per the NREC fee schedule^[6]. If you pass one portion but fail the other, you retain credit for the passed portion through three subsequent exam attempts or 6 months, whichever comes first. The retake fee is also $150.

Step 4: Activate your license with a sponsoring broker

You must affiliate with a sponsoring broker and pay the license issuance fee to activate your license within 30 days of passing the exam, or you must retake the exam. The NREC salesperson information^[7] confirms this deadline.

The salesperson original license fee is $90 for the current calendar year, per the NREC fee schedule^[6]. Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is required for active license status. NREC offers a group insurance plan through Rice Insurance Services Company (RISC), or you can obtain individual coverage.

A sponsoring broker supervises your real estate activities and holds your license. You cannot practice real estate with an unactivated license.

Step 5: Complete post-license education

All new licensees must complete 12 hours of post-license education (Course 7000) within 180 days of license issuance, covering contracts, listing agreements, and handling of client funds. The NREC post-license education requirements^[9] state that failure to complete this course places the license on inactive status until evidence of completion is received.

Completion evidence is valid for 4 years from the date of completion. After your initial calendar-year license period, you renew on a 2-year cycle and must complete 18 hours of continuing education per cycle.

Becoming a real estate agent in Nebraska

A real estate license authorizes you to practice, but "REALTOR®" is a trademarked title reserved for National Association of Realtors (NAR) members. Joining NAR provides access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and professional designation programs.

REALTOR® membership involves three tiers of association affiliation and annual dues.

Already licensed in another state?

Nebraska offers license recognition for persons holding a real estate license in good standing in another jurisdiction, rather than formal reciprocity. Out-of-state applicants must complete a 3-hour Nebraska License Law and Agency course (Course 0604R), undergo the fingerprint background check, and provide a certified license history from their current jurisdiction. Applicants moving to Nebraska must establish residency before a license can be issued, per the NREC license recognition page^[10].

Next steps

Start by reviewing the NREC licensing information^[1] and selecting an approved pre-licensing education provider. Complete the education requirement, submit your application online, and schedule your fingerprints through the Nebraska State Patrol. Once NREC approves your application, schedule your exam with Pearson VUE and begin conversations with potential sponsoring brokers so you can activate your license promptly after passing.