Step 1: Complete 90-hour Pre-license Course
Start the process with your real estate education. As of 2021, North Dakota requires all salesperson applicants to take a 90-hour pre-license course. You can take the course online, in a classroom, or with a hybrid model, but your provider must be a state-approved education vendor. Your course will teach you about real estate law and regulations, practice, contracts, financing, and more pertinent topics to real estate business.
While you can take the North Dakota licensing exam before finishing your education course, you still must complete the education hours to be issued an active license.
Step 2: Submit the ND license application
Next, you must submit the salesperson application. You’ll need to list your address, last five years’ employment history, professional licensing, and criminal or litigation history. Depending on your answers, you may need to include additional documentation.
The license application fee is $150. North Dakota also requires $8 for a credit report. You can write a single check for $158 payable to the NDREC. Another option is to pay the fee online at https://www.realestatend.org/pay-bill, referencing “salesperson application.”
Step 3: Submit the Criminal History Record Check form
All new salesperson licensees must submit WITH their license application the Criminal History Record Record form (SFN 60688). The fee for a North Dakota and FBI record check is $41.25, paid by check or money order to the ND Attorney General. Do not get fingerprinted before sending this form and fee to the Commission. They will mail you a fingerprinting kit with the necessary cards, verification forms, and a list of fingerprinting locations.
Step 4: Schedule the state licensing exam
Once the license application is approved, the NDREC will send you a letter of approval with a test ID number. It’s your responsibility to schedule a test through PSI.
The non-refundable exam fee is $131 paid directly to PSI using credit, money order or cashier’s check. Any checks are made payable to PSI Services, Inc.
Online scheduling is the fastest way to make an exam appointment. Visit the PSI website, create an account, and use your test ID number in the approval letter to book the exam. You may call PSI at 855-834-8747 or use the mail-in registration form to reserve a test appointment.
PSI offers four test centers in North Dakota: Bismarck, Fargo, Minot, and Williston. Refer to the Candidate Handbook for specific addresses and testing directions.
