Real estate broker and real estate agent: New Hampshire licensing guide

Becoming a real estate broker in New Hampshire requires upgrading from a salesperson license by completing 60 hours of broker pre-licensing education, documenting at least one year of full-time experience, and passing the broker licensing exam. The New Hampshire Real Estate Commission, operating under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), oversees three broker license types: Associate Broker, Managing Broker, and Principal Broker. Every broker in the state starts as a salesperson and upgrades after meeting experience, education, and exam thresholds. The distinction between a broker and real estate agent is that a broker holds a state license with expanded authority, while a real estate agent is any licensed professional who joins the National Association of REALTORS®^[1] (NAR).

What a real estate broker is in New Hampshire

The NH Real Estate Commission^[2] issues three broker license tiers: Associate Broker, Managing Broker, and Principal Broker. A Principal Broker bears responsibility for a firm's operations and regulatory compliance. A Managing Broker oversees a branch office. An Associate Broker works under a Principal Broker with expanded authority beyond a salesperson's scope.

The Commission does not offer a distinct commercial broker credential. Its broker license types cover all property transactions, residential and commercial.

Who qualifies for a New Hampshire broker license

Broker applicants must be at least 18 years old, have completed high school or earned a GED, and hold an active New Hampshire salesperson license. The Commission requires documented experience and a minimum number of closed transactions before a salesperson can apply for the broker upgrade.

The experience requirement can be met one of two ways: at least one year of full-time work under an active principal broker within the five years preceding the application, or at least 2,000 part-time hours as a licensed salesperson in New Hampshire. Applicants must also document at least six separate real estate transactions.

The Commission sets minimum education prerequisites for broker applicants.

The Commission conducts a background check on all broker applicants. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify you, but you must disclose any unannulled convictions and submit a criminal history report from any jurisdiction where you have a conviction, dated within six months of application. The OPLC salesperson license checklist^[3] outlines documentation requirements that carry over to broker applications.

Completing the 60-hour broker pre-licensing course

The Commission requires broker candidates to finish 60 hours of approved pre-licensing education through a state-accredited provider before sitting for the broker exam. The OPLC's broker course list^[4] identifies accredited providers, including Ann Flanagan NH Real Estate School, Barry School of Real Estate, Kathy Roosa School of Real Estate, and Aldrich & Associates. All listed broker courses are 60 class hours.

Applicants must complete the course within six months of the start date. After finishing, you receive a certificate of completion to submit with your broker application.

The Commission accepts a CCIM certification or a Juris Doctor degree in lieu of the broker pre-licensing course. Applicants with either credential can proceed directly to the exam.

Passing the New Hampshire broker licensing exam

The broker licensing exam is administered by PSI Services LLC^[5], the Commission's contracted testing provider. Candidates register directly with PSI online; the Commission no longer accepts exam registration forms or payments.

According to the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for New Hampshire^[6], the broker exam consists of two portions. The national portion has 75 multiple-choice items worth 80 points, with a 150-minute time limit. The state portion has 40 multiple-choice items worth 40 points, with a 90-minute time limit. National broker exam items may be scored up to two points each. The total exam time is 240 minutes, per the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin^[6].

The passing threshold is 70% on both portions, which translates to 56 out of 80 points on the national portion and 28 out of 40 points on the state portion, as published in the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin^[6].

The exam fee is $70 per attempt, covering both portions, per the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin^[6]. Retakes cost the same amount. Candidates can retake the exam up to eight times within six months of the first attempt.

Testing is available at PSI centers in Concord, Nashua, and Portsmouth. The Manchester site closed on February 16, 2024. PSI also offers online proctoring. The OPLC testing provider page^[7] lists current locations, and the OPLC examination information page^[8] links to the Examination Candidate Handbook and the Guide for the NH Real Estate Exam.

Submitting your broker license application

After passing the exam, you must apply for your broker license within six months. Applications are submitted through the OPLC online licensing portal^[9], with fees payable by MasterCard, VISA, AMEX, or Discover.

The broker application requires several documents. Active applicants must submit a Broker Affiliation Form. Principal and Managing Broker applicants must provide a $25,000 surety bond. The application also requires proof of pre-licensing course completion, exam results, verification of completed real estate transactions with MLS sheets, and Attestations of Character from references. Non-resident applicants must submit a Consent to Service of Process.

The OPLC fee schedule^[10] lists all broker-related fees:

The broker license is valid for two years. Renewal requires 15 hours of continuing education per cycle: one 3-hour core course and 12 elective hours, as outlined on the OPLC education requirements page^[11]. If a license has been expired for less than one year, you can reinstate online. If expired for more than one year, you must reapply.

Broker career outlook in New Hampshire

Real estate brokers earn a higher median wage than sales agents. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics^[12], the median annual wage for real estate brokers was $72,280 in May 2024, compared with $56,320 for sales agents. The BLS projects 3% job growth for the field from 2024 to 2034, with about 46,300 projected annual openings nationally.

A broker license opens several career paths in New Hampshire. Associate Brokers can work with more independence within a firm while earning higher commission splits. Managing Brokers oversee branch offices and supervise salespersons. Principal Brokers own and operate brokerage firms, bearing full regulatory responsibility for the firm's operations.

Next steps

If you hold an active New Hampshire salesperson license and have met the experience and transaction requirements, enroll in a Commission-approved broker pre-licensing course. After completing the course, register for the broker exam with PSI, then submit your broker application through the OPLC online portal within six months of passing.

Online course delivery is an option for broker education.

Review the OPLC Real Estate Commission page^[2] for current requirements, and download the Examination Candidate Handbook from the OPLC examination information page^[8] before scheduling your exam.