How to become a broker and real estate agent in North Dakota

To get a North Dakota real estate license, you must be at least 18 years old, complete a 90-hour pre-licensing education course certified by the North Dakota Real Estate Commission, submit an online application to the commission, pass a two-part licensing exam administered by PSI Services LLC, and affiliate with a sponsoring broker to activate your license. The North Dakota Real Estate Commission (NDREC) processes all license applications online, and every applicant must complete a criminal history background check and obtain errors and omissions insurance for active status. Whether your goal is to work as a real estate agent, advance to broker, or join a brokerage as a real estate agent, the licensing process starts with the same salesperson pre-licensing course.

Eligibility requirements for a North Dakota real estate license

A North Dakota salesperson license applicant must be at least 18, have a good reputation, not have had a real estate license revoked in any state within the 2 years before applying, and complete approved pre-licensing education, according to the NDREC How to Apply page^[1]. NDREC does not require a high school diploma, GED, or college degree for salesperson licensure.

The application asks for your highest level of formal education achieved, but this is informational data collection, not a prerequisite. NDREC may refuse a license to any applicant who does not meet the character and fitness standards.

All applicants must complete a criminal history background check as part of the licensing process. Military service members and their spouses may have the application fee, credit check, background check, pre-licensing education, and exam requirements waived under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) if five criteria are met. Contact NDREC directly to confirm military waiver eligibility.

Complete the required pre-licensing education

North Dakota requires salesperson applicants to finish an NDREC-certified pre-licensing education course before applying for licensure, and the course certificate remains valid for 2 years from the date of completion. If you do not apply within that window, you must retake the course.

NDREC's website includes a directory of approved education providers^[2]. Approved providers deliver instruction through internet-based, in-person, or mixed-format options. The pre-licensing course can be completed at your own pace in the online format, and the total cost depends on the provider and package you select.

Submit your license application and complete the background check

All North Dakota real estate license applications are submitted online through NDREC's online services portal, and paper applications are not accepted, according to the NDREC How to Apply page^[1]. The salesperson application requires a $150 nonrefundable application fee plus a credit history fee, totaling $161.25 paid online to NDREC.

After submitting the application, you must complete a criminal history background check. The exact fee of $40, paid by check or money order to the North Dakota Attorney General, covers both statewide and national criminal history record checks. NDREC does not send fingerprinting kits; you must download a Fingerprint Verification Form from the NDREC website and have your fingerprints taken at an authorized agency or business, whose fee is separate from the analysis charge.

Seven to ten days after submitting your application, you can check its status through NDREC's online services portal. The criminal history report is typically returned within 1 to 2 weeks.

Schedule and take the licensing exam

NDREC's exam vendor, PSI, administers the salesperson test, and no commission-issued test codes are required to schedule. Each attempt carries a separate fee. PSI runs computer-based testing locations in North Dakota, as listed on the NDREC Exam Information page^[3].

Those residing in North Dakota must pass both the national and state sections of the exam. Nonresident applicants from nonreciprocal states take only the state section. A Candidate Information Bulletin from PSI outlines exam content and scheduling procedures.

Activate your license

To receive an active North Dakota real estate license, you must associate with a sponsoring broker and firm, obtain errors and omissions insurance, and pay a one-time $20 contribution to the Real Estate Education, Research and Recovery Fund^[1]. Your sponsoring broker must approve your application before NDREC issues the active license.

Errors and omissions insurance through Rice Insurance costs $187 per calendar year for active licensees who need individual coverage. You can hold an inactive license instead, which does not require broker association or E&O insurance, but you cannot conduct compensated real estate business with an inactive license. An inactive license must be renewed annually and can be held for an unlimited time.

Once your license is active, you must renew it annually by November 15, with 12 hours of continuing education required each cycle. First-year licensees are exempt from continuing education for their first renewal.

Joining NAR as a REALTOR® in North Dakota

A REALTOR® is a licensed real estate professional who has joined NAR (the National Association of REALTORS®) through a local association. All REALTORS® must abide by the NAR Code of Ethics^[4]. To become a REALTOR®, you first obtain your real estate license, then join a local association, which provides membership in the state and national organizations.

NAR national membership dues were $156 annually as of 2024, according to the NAR membership page^[5]. A firm's principal broker must join a REALTOR® association before other agents at the firm can join. NAR has approximately 1.5 million members nationwide.

Real estate agent, broker, and real estate agent in North Dakota

In North Dakota, a salesperson must practice under a licensed broker and has no authority to work independently. A broker has completed a 60-hour broker pre-licensing course and gained a minimum of 2 years working full-time as a licensed salesperson. A REALTOR® is any licensed real estate professional, whether agent or broker, who has joined NAR and agreed to follow its Code of Ethics.

The commission issues three license types: salesperson, broker (including designated brokers and broker associates), and firm. Salespersons and brokers can hold active or inactive licenses, but only active licensees can conduct compensated real estate business.

Next steps

Start by choosing an NDREC-approved pre-licensing education provider and enrolling in the salesperson pre-licensing course. Once you complete the coursework, submit your application through NDREC's online services, schedule your exam with PSI, and begin researching sponsoring brokers in your area. NDREC staff can answer questions about any step, and the online portal lets you track your application status from start to finish.