Trying to find a comprehensive guide to getting your North Dakota real estate license? Well, you betcha—The Close has you covered! Even though there are a few extra steps than other states, I will guide you through seamlessly so you can start your dream real estate career. Grab a plate of your favorite hotdish and read through to learn how to become a real estate agent in North Dakota. 

Quick Facts & Costs for North Dakota Licensees

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Quick Steps to Get a North Dakota Real Estate License (+ Costs)
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Step 1: Meet North Dakota Requirements (No Cost)
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Step 2: Choose a ND Real Estate School (Cost: $599+)
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Step 3: Apply for a License (Cost: $150)
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Step 4: Pass the Real Estate Exam (Cost: $131)
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Step 5: Get Fingerprints & Background Check (Cost: $41.25 plus vendor fee)
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Step 6: Purchase E&O Insurance (Varies)
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Step 7: Join a Real Estate Brokerage (No Cost)
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Step 8: Pay the Real Estate Education, Research & Recovery Fund (Cost: $20)
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Step 9: Start a Successful Career (No Cost)

Types of Licensees in North Dakota & How Much They Earn

  • Salespersons/Agents (salary range: $30,000 to $158,000): Assists clients with real estate transactions for buying, selling, and renting properties. 
  • Brokers (salary range: $65,000 to $150,000): Either a designated broker of a sole proprietorship or a firm or a broker associate who is not a designated broker. Responsible for running a brokerage firm and supervising agents.

Step-by-Step Breakdown: How to Get a North Dakota Real Estate License

Step 1: Meet North Dakota Requirements

To be eligible for a real estate license in North Dakota, you need to:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a US citizen or have legal working status in the US

Step 2: Choose a North Dakota Real Estate School

North Dakota requires its licensees to complete 90 hours of education. These courses will prepare you for the road ahead in the real estate world and give you all the information you need to pass the real estate exam. This includes coursework on property management, calculations, duties and power of the Real Estate Commission, and more. Taking diligent notes and paying close attention to your instructors will set you up for success in the long run.

Laptop screen displaying The CE Shop course dashboard.
The CE Shop course dashboard (Source: The CE Shop)

When choosing the best real estate school to complete your 90 hours, think about how you learn best and the time available to devote to learning. Many agents find online schools a convenient and effective way to get classwork done on their own schedule. The CE Shop offers a variety of packages for North Dakota agents that include just the required hours or more robust packages that include materials like e-books, career resources, and flashcards. Check them out to see if The CE Shop is a good fit for you. 

Use Promo Code: TheClose35 – Save 35%

Step 3: Apply for a North Dakota Real Estate License

Once your education is completed, you’re ready to put in your application. The North Dakota Real Estate Commission requires all applicants to submit their application and paperwork directly in the Online Services Portal (so much easier than paper!). 

The portal will prompt you to add your personal information and give you a task list to add documents. It will mark whether the task is complete, in process, or needs to be completed. Tasks that do not apply to you will be excluded. Here are the tasks you may see: 

  • Application & Fee
  • Criminal History Record Check Form
  • Military Status & Orders, if required
  • Certificate of Licensure (COL), if required
  • Credit Report
  • Applicant – Return Completed Fingerprint Cards, Verification form, and Fee to NDREC
  • Fingerprints at BCI
  • Fingerprint Results returned from BCI
  • Review by Commission, if required
  • Test Code Email Sent to Applicant, if required
  • Applicant – Upload First Test Taken
  • Applicant – Upload Passing Score Reports
  • Applicant – Request to Issue Real Estate License – NO FEE
  • Applicant – Upload Pre-licensure Course Certificate
  • Applicant – Payment to Real Estate Education, Research & Recovery Fund, if required
  • Issue License

You will pay the $150 application fee and $8 credit report check online through the “Pay Bill” portal

Step 4: Pass the North Dakota Real Estate License Exam

  • Accreditation:
Test Format and Number of QuestionsMultiple choice format and 140 total questions
Where to Register for ExamPSI Exams
Items to Bring to Testing Center
  • Two valid forms of identification with signatures (i.e., Social Security card and Driver’s License)
Passing Grade70/100 on the national portion and 30/40 on the state portion

Similar to most other states, the North Dakota real estate exam is split into national and state portions, and you must pass both to get your real estate license. You’ll receive your score report immediately after finishing the exam—nail-biter! If you pass, you’ll continue on your way through the rest of the licensing process. However, if you fail, you’ll have to retake the portion of the exam that you failed. Don’t worry, though—you can take the exam as many times as you need within a year of your first attempt.

Step 5: Get Fingerprints & Background Check

  • Cost: $41.25 plus vendor fee
  • Time commitment: 1 hour
  • Helpful resource: Link to state’s criminal record FAQs

1120 College Dr Ste 204
Bismarck, ND 58501

Step 6: Purchase E&O Insurance

To have an active license, all real estate agents in North Dakota must have Errors & Omissions insurance. This protects real estate businesses from mistakes made during professional service. IREC works closely with Rice Insurance Services, LLC, to provide affordable options for North Dakota licensees.

Step 7: Join a Real Estate Brokerage

If you want your North Dakota real estate license to be active, you have to “hang” your license at a real estate brokerage. There are a lot of brokerages out there; you just have to choose which is the best option for you. Schedule interviews at local boutique brokerages and large brokerages like Coldwell Banker and Keller Williams. Get an idea of the culture, resources, and goals that each brokerage has, and make sure they align with yours before making a final decision.

Start looking for brokerages in the areas you’d like to work in to jump-start your new career, and check out our Best Real Estate Company to Work For guide to learn about some of the larger firms.

Step 8: Pay the Real Estate Education, Research & Recovery Fund

Your last step in the licensing process will be to pay the Real Estate Education, Research, and Recovery Fund. This is a one-time $20 fee paid at the time of your license issuance. It can be paid through the Online Services Portal by debit or credit card.

Step 9: Start a Successful Career in North Dakota

And that’s a wrap on the licensing steps—the rest is up to you! But The Close is always here to help. Here are some extra tips and resources as you embark on your real estate career journey. 

  • Utilize technology to your advantage: Technology makes organization and communication much easier. Invest in the latest real estate software to make sure you stay ahead of the game. 
  • Build a real estate website: The first place anyone is looking for a property or real estate help is online. To make people notice you, you need a great website. Invest in a website builder that makes your brand stand out. 
  • Knock on doors: Door knocking is a tried-and-true method for attracting clients, showcasing your expertise, and getting to know the people in your farm area. 
  • Create a marketing plan: Marketing and advertising your services will get people in the door, literally and figuratively. Come up with a solid plan of what you do and how you’ll do it.
  • Brush up on statistics: No one wants a real estate agent who doesn’t know their craft. Learn real estate statistics about your area and statewide so you’ll be the most knowledgeable agent on the block. 

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Back to You

Now that you’ve learned the process of how to become a real estate agent in North Dakota, you’re ready to put pen to paper and do it for yourself! Use this article as a checklist and guide to help you through the process—just press print and take it with you. 

Have other questions about getting your real estate license in North Dakota? Let us know below!