Are you wondering how to become a real estate agent in New Jersey? The process is relatively simple, which means you’re only a few months away from a flexible and fulfilling career. Follow our step-by-step guide and, before you know it, you’ll be selling properties in Newark, Jersey City, and Paterson.
How to Become a Real Estate Agent in New Jersey
To be eligible for a New Jersey real estate license, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
1. Complete a 75-hour Prelicensing Course
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Cost: $499 (through Colibri Real Estate) -
Time commitment: 1 month -
Helpful resource: 5 Best New Jersey Real Estate Schools
To get your real estate license in New Jersey, you must complete a 75-hour prelicensing course. The New Jersey Real Estate Commission (REC) keeps an updated list of licensed real estate schools that offer prelicensing courses. Many of the listed schools offer in-person classes that run full time during the week and part time during the evenings, as well as online courses that you can take at your own pace.
5 Best New Jersey Online Real Estate Schools
Readers of The Close can save 30% on prelicensing classes from Colibri Real Estate by using promo code TheClose30.
2. Pass the New Jersey Real Estate License Exam
-
Cost: $38 -
Time commitment: 4 hours -
Helpful resource: PSI candidate information bulletin
Cost:
$38
Time to Complete:
4 hours
Format:
Computer-based, 110 multiple-choice questions
Passing Grade:
70%
Bring to the Testing Center:
Two valid forms of ID (one with a photo)
Once you complete your prelicensing education, you may schedule your license exam. You have one year from the end of your prelicensing course to apply for and take the exam. You can take the test either remotely from home or in person at one of these PSI testing locations across New Jersey:
- Brick
- Cherry Hill
- Hamilton Township
- North Brunswick
- New Providence
- Linwood
- Rochelle Park
- Parsippany
- Secaucus
Once you’ve scheduled your exam, all that’s left to do is study so you feel prepared on exam day. We recommend reviewing your prelicensing course materials to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses. If you could use more help studying, we suggest investing in an exam prep package. There’s no better way to increase your chances of passing the first time than getting useful study tools that target the lessons you’ll need to focus on.
Free Real Estate Practice Exam + 7 Hacks to Help You Ace Your Licensing Test
Immediately before you take the exam, you’ll need to answer screening questions to determine if you have any criminal history or if you’ve held any other real estate licenses. After you pass the exam, you’ll be asked to sign and confirm that your answers to the screening questions are accurate. You’ll submit the signed form as part of your real estate license application.
3. Find a Sponsoring Broker to Hire You
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Cost: None -
Time commitment: 2-4 weeks -
Helpful resource: What’s the Best Real Estate Company to Work For?
Before taking the license exam, the state requires you to secure a sponsoring broker who can apply for your license on your behalf. Though this process may be new to you, rest assured that New Jersey brokerages are familiar with sponsoring new agents and are frequently willing to take on new recruits. After all, you’ll be a valuable addition to their real estate team.
You’ll need to contact a brokerage, explain where you are in the process of obtaining your license, and ask them if they are willing to be your sponsoring broker. Make sure to ask about the split, or how you and the brokerage will divide commissions. You’ll find that some brokerages will ask for a 50-50 split on commissions and not charge monthly desk fees. It all depends on your effort and commitment, but once you reach a certain sales goal (or cap) for the year, your take-home pay may rise up to 100% of your commissions.
What’s the Best Real Estate Company to Work For?
4. Apply for Your Real Estate License
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Cost: $160 -
Time commitment: 2 hours -
Helpful resource: New Jersey Real Estate Commission (REC) website
At this point, you’re in the final stretch of becoming a real estate agent in New Jersey. Now all you need to do is complete the license application process. Here’s what you’ll need to submit your New Jersey real estate license application:
- A sponsoring broker to apply on your behalf
- A completed application form
- $160 fee payment
- A copy of the fingerprinting universal form
- A copy of your payment receipt for fingerprinting
- Your signed answers to the screening questions from your exam
You can begin by completing a background check, which is required to apply for your license. If you live or work in the state of New Jersey, your fingerprinting must be done at one of the IDEMIA LiveScan fingerprinting locations. If you live outside New Jersey, you need to contact the REC.
- Complete the LiveScan fingerprinting universal form.
- Schedule an appointment for your fingerprinting.
- Pay the $66.05 fee and keep the receipt for your license application.
- Finally, arrive at your fingerprinting location with your universal form, receipt of payment, and a photo ID.
Once you and your sponsoring broker have applied for your New Jersey real estate license, you will get your approval status by email. The REC makes your real estate license available for download as a PDF for your convenience.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate License in New Jersey?
New Jersey Real Estate Governing Board:
New Jersey Real Estate Commission (REC)
Prelicensing Requirements:
75 Hours
Price Range for Prelicensing Courses:
$350-$500
Estimated Total Cost:
$760-$1,020
It will cost you between $760 and $1,020 to get your New Jersey real estate license. The biggest expense will be your prelicensing course, which can vary depending on the provider you choose. Other costs, such as your license application and fingerprinting fees, are fixed.
Sample New Jersey Real Estate License Costs
| Prelicensing classes (75 hours) | $499 (through Colibri Real Estate) |
| Exam prep (optional) | $115-$219 |
| Exam registration | $38 |
| Exam retake | $38 |
| Background check | $66.05 |
| License application | $160 |
| Total cost | $763-$1,020 |
(New Jersey real estate license costs as of November 2023)
How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in New Jersey?
According to The Close’s salary information database, real estate agents in New Jersey make $75,714, which is higher than the national average of $73,985. Remember, this is a commission-based career. With the right skills, commitment, and additional education, there’s no limit to your income as a real estate agent.
New Jersey Real Estate License FAQs
How long does it take to get my New Jersey real estate license?
On average, it takes people three to six months to get their New Jersey real estate license. How long it takes will vary depending on how much time you need to complete your prelicensing course and prepare for the exam. You can complete prelicensing courses in as quickly as two weeks if you go full time, and you’re able to apply for the license exam immediately after completing your course.
What if I already have my real estate license from another state?
Currently, New Jersey doesn’t have reciprocal agreements with any state. However, you may try to apply for reduced education and examination requirements if you:
- Hold a valid real estate license in another state
- Have a bachelor’s or associate degree in real estate
- Have a valid real estate broker license in any state
- Are a practicing attorney-at-law in any state
Contact the New Jersey Real Estate Commission’s education waiver section at 609-292-7272 for more information. To learn more about license reciprocity and portability, check out our state-by-state guide.
More Career Resources From The Close
Now that you’ve learned how to become a real estate agent in New Jersey, we hope you’ll be successful pursuing this exciting new career. We are here to help you every step of the way, from getting your license to closing your first deal and beyond.
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