Midwest · Real Estate License
Minnesota
Salesperson License Requirements
Governing Authority
MN DOC
Minnesota Department of Commerce, Real Estate Licensing Division
Official website →90
Pre-Licensing Hours
classroom or online
$215
Est. Total Cost
fees only (excl. education)
4–26 weeks
Timeline
start to license
2 years
Renewal Cycle
30 CE hours required
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
Complete Course I: Introduction to Real Estate (30 hrs)
Take a DOC-approved 30-hour Course I. Must be completed before sitting for the exam.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Schedule and Pass the PSI Exam
Register at test-takers.psiexams.com/mnre. Pay $63 exam fee. Pass both National (60/80 = 75%) and State (30/40 = 75%) sections.
Estimated time: 1–3 weeks
Complete Courses II and III (60 hrs total)
Complete the remaining two 30-hour courses before submitting your license application.
Estimated time: 2–6 weeks
Complete Fingerprinting and Background Check
Schedule fingerprinting. BCA + FBI check. Cost: ~$42–$46.
Estimated time: 1–3 weeks
Find a Sponsoring Broker
Secure affiliation with a licensed Minnesota broker. Broker submits application on your behalf.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Submit License Application via Pulse Portal
Sponsoring broker submits application via pulseportal.com. Pay $110 application fee.
Estimated time: 1–3 weeks processing
Pre-Licensing Education
Hours Required
Verified90 hours total across 3 courses: Course I (30 hrs) must be completed before exam. Courses II and III (30 hrs each) must be completed before license application but can be taken after the exam.
Required Topics / Courses
- Course I: Introduction to Real Estate (30 hrs — must complete before exam)
- Course II: Valuation, Financing, Contracts, Fair Housing (30 hrs)
- Course III: Specialized Topics (30 hrs — choose from 10 specializations)
Provider type: MN DOC-approved real estate schools (classroom, online, and hybrid)
View approved education providers →Find Approved Pre-Licensing Schools
Online education providers offering Minnesota-approved pre-licensing courses. Compare options to find the best fit for your schedule and learning style.
Colibri Real Estate
One of the largest national providers with instructor-led and self-paced options in 40 states.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Established education brand offering pre-licensing courses with live online and on-demand options.
The CE Shop
Nationally recognized online school offering courses in 47 states plus DC with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Licensing Exam
Exam Provider
PSI Services
Format
Computer-based, multiple-choice. Available in-person at PSI test centers or via online remote proctoring.
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 80 | 150 min | 75% |
| State (Minnesota) | 40 | 90 min | 75% |
| Total | 120 | 240 min | — |
Retake policy: Unlimited retakes. 24-hour wait between attempts. $39 per single-section retake. Only failed section needs retaking.
5–10 unscored pretest questions dispersed throughout. Higher 75% passing threshold on both sections. 9 MN test centers: Blaine, Brainerd, Duluth, Eagan, Mankato, Rochester, St. Paul, Willmar, Woodbury. Remote proctoring available.
Schedule your exam →Exam Prep Resources
Practice tests and study tools to help you pass the Minnesota real estate licensing exam on your first attempt.
CompuCram
Adaptive exam prep with vocabulary tools, practice tests, and simulated exams for real estate licensing.
PrepAgent
State-specific practice exams, audio lessons, and flashcards covering both national and state portions.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount | Paid To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $110.00 | MN Department of Commerce | |
| Exam Fee (combined, per attempt) Note: Most current sources report $63 combined / $39 retake. Some sources cite $68 which may be outdated or include an administrative fee. (Alt: $68 per Continuing Ed Express and ExamSmart) | $63.00 | PSI Services | |
| Fingerprinting / Background Check | $42.00 | BCA / IdentoGO | |
| Estimated Total | $215.00 | Excludes education costs |
Requirements
Minimum Age
18 years old
Education
No high school diploma explicitly required
Must complete the 90-hour pre-licensing education. No separate HS diploma requirement in statute.
Residency
Not required
Non-residents may obtain a license.
Citizenship
US citizen or lawfully admitted alien
Per MN Statute Chapter 82.
Background Check
Required
Fingerprint-based via BCA (Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension) + FBI check. Cost: ~$42–$46.
Sponsoring Broker
Required
Broker must submit the license application on the candidate's behalf via the Pulse Portal.
Reciprocity
Minnesota has reciprocity agreements
Type: Full Reciprocity (select states)
Reciprocal States (6)
Colorado
Full reciprocity — no additional education or exam required.
Iowa
Full reciprocity — no additional education or exam required.
Nebraska
Full reciprocity — no additional education or exam required.
North Dakota
Full reciprocity — no additional education or exam required.
Oklahoma
Full reciprocity — no additional education or exam required.
South Dakota
Full reciprocity — no additional education or exam required.
Wisconsin has limited reciprocity for brokers only (13-hour course + state broker exam). All other states: must complete full MN requirements.
Renewal & Continuing Education
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education Hours
30 hours per renewal cycle
Renewal Fee
$70.00
First Renewal Notes
No CE due at first June 15/30 after initial issuance. Standard 30-hour requirement begins with next full cycle.
Deadlines
Annual CE deadline: June 15. Renewal by June 30 (even-numbered years for salespersons).
CE must include Required Module (changes each cycle). Late renewal results in license lapse.
Find Continuing Education Courses
Minnesota requires 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. These providers offer approved CE courses online.
Colibri Real Estate
Comprehensive CE packages available in all 50 states plus DC, with live and on-demand options.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Established provider with CE packages including live online and on-demand formats.
The CE Shop
Industry-leading CE courses available nationwide with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Recent Changes
2025–2026 Required CE Module is 'Contracts' (3.75 hours).
Effective: 2025-01-01 · Affects: renewal
NAR settlement changes: buyer broker compensation no longer listed on MLS. Written buyer agency agreements now required.
Effective: 2024-08-01 · Affects: requirements
Sources
https://mn.gov/commerce/licensees/real-estate/
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://test-takers.psiexams.com/mnre
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/82
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/82.60
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/82.61
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://mn.gov/commerce/licensees/real-estate/education/
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible