How to become a real estate agent in Minnesota

Minnesota licenses real estate salespersons (commonly called real estate agents) through a five-step process regulated by the Minnesota Department of Commerce^[1] under Minnesota Statute 82. To get a real estate license in Minnesota, you must complete pre-licensing education, pass a two-part exam administered by PSI Services, affiliate with a licensed broker, and submit a license application through the Commerce Department. The process typically spans several weeks to a few months, depending on your study pace and exam availability.

Eligibility requirements for a Minnesota real estate license

Minnesota sets minimal barriers to entry for real estate licensure. The Minnesota Department of Commerce licensing guide^[2] requires applicants to be 18 or older, and the state does not require a high school diploma or GED. You can begin pre-licensing coursework before turning 18, but you must meet the age requirement to apply for a license.

The license application includes criminal history questions. If you disclose a criminal record, the Commerce Department initiates a background check through the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and evaluates eligibility on a case-by-case basis. Minnesota does not require fingerprinting as a separate licensing step. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify an applicant; the department considers the nature and recency of the offense.

Minnesota has reciprocity agreements with Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wisconsin for out-of-state licensees, as listed on the Commerce Department applications page^[3]. Wisconsin licensees must also complete an additional reciprocal pre-licensing course.

Complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education

Minnesota requires pre-licensing education to qualify for a salesperson license, divided into three segments. Only the first segment must be finished before you sit for the licensing exam, according to the Minnesota Department of Commerce education page^[4] and Minnesota Statutes section 82.58, subdivision 5^[5]. The remaining two segments can be completed before or after the exam but must be done before you submit your license application.

You can complete your pre-licensing courses online or in person. The state's Pulse Portal system at pulseportal.com lists approved schools and their delivery formats. Each course ends with a proctored final exam, and the passing threshold is set by each education provider rather than by the state. The total cost of pre-licensing coursework varies by provider and format.

Schedule and take the salesperson exam

You schedule the salesperson exam through PSI Services, the vendor contracted by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Testing centers are located in Rochester, St. Paul, Willmar, Woodbury, Blaine, Brainerd, Duluth, Eagan, and Mankato, per the Commerce Department scheduling page^[6].

The salesperson exam has 130 scored questions (80 national and 50 state), with a passing score of 75% on each portion, according to the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin^[7] and the Minnesota Department of Commerce licensing guide^[2]. The combined exam fee is $68, or $45 for a single section, per the PSI fee schedule^[8].

Find a sponsoring broker

Minnesota law requires you to be associated with an actively licensed real estate broker before you can receive a salesperson license. The Minnesota Department of Commerce licensing guide^[2] states that a salesperson cannot become licensed without first being associated with a broker, and only a licensed primary broker can submit a license application on your behalf.

You can begin talking to brokers before or after you pass the exam. The broker you choose will supervise your real estate activities once your license is active.

Submit your license application

Once you have passed the exam, completed all three courses, and secured a sponsoring broker, your broker submits your license application through the PULSE portal. The initial salesperson license fee totals $110, as listed on the Commerce Department applications page^[3]. This amount comprises a $70 base fee, a $30 real estate education, research, and recovery fund charge, and a $10 technology surcharge, per the Minnesota Department of Commerce licensing page^[1]. The technology surcharge was reduced to $10 effective May 1, 2023.

You must apply within one year of passing the exam, or you must retake and pass it again. Incomplete applications are considered withdrawn after six months, and the fee is nonrefundable, per the Minnesota Department of Commerce licensing guide^[2]. Processing takes approximately 7 business days after the department receives a complete application. Once approved, you can print your license and begin working as a real estate salesperson.

Start your real estate career in Minnesota

After the Commerce Department approves your application, your license is active and you can begin representing clients under your sponsoring broker. The same licensing process applies whether you plan to work in residential or commercial real estate; Minnesota does not issue a separate commercial license.

Many new agents join a REALTOR® association after receiving their license. REALTOR® membership is voluntary but provides access to professional resources, networking, and the multiple listing service (MLS) through local associations. Minnesota REALTORS®^[9] represents more than 22,000 members across the state.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics^[10] reports a median annual wage of $56,320 for real estate sales agents as of May 2024, with 3% projected job growth from 2024 to 2034.

Minnesota real estate licenses must be renewed every two years with continuing education.

What to do next

If you have not started pre-licensing coursework, your first step is to enroll in Course I through a state-approved provider on the Pulse Portal. If you have already passed the exam, contact licensed brokers in your area to discuss sponsorship and begin the license application process. The Minnesota Department of Commerce can answer licensing questions at licensing.commerce@state.mn.us or 651-539-1599.