How to Get a Minnesota Real Estate License
Quick Answer: To get a Minnesota real estate license, you need to complete 90 hours of state-approved pre-licensing education, pass a PSI-administered exam with a score of at least 75% on both sections, secure a sponsoring broker, and submit your application to the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Most candidates complete the full process in 2 to 4 months.
Minnesota is one of the more straightforward states to get licensed in. The requirements are clearly defined, the process is fully navigable on your own timeline, and the real estate market across the Twin Cities metro and beyond gives new agents plenty of opportunity to build a career. If you have been thinking about making the move, here is exactly what you need to do.
Minnesota Real Estate License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Pre-licensing coursework | 90 hours across three 30-hour courses |
| Exam administrator | PSI |
| Exam structure | 80-question national section + 40-question state section |
| Passing score | 75% on both sections independently |
| Background check | Fingerprint-based criminal background check required |
| Application fee | $110 (initial license fee, recovery fund fee, and technology surcharge) |
| Broker sponsorship | Required before license activation |
Step 1: Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements
Minnesota keeps its entry requirements accessible. You must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent — a GED qualifies. The state does not require you to be a Minnesota resident, which matters if you are relocating or planning to work near a border market.
Minnesota also conducts a character review as part of the licensing process. A prior criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but the Minnesota Department of CommerceCommerce Licensing List Real Estate Real Estate.jsp Mn.gov evaluates each case individually. If you have concerns, the Department offers a background pre-application review you can request before investing time and money in coursework. It is worth doing early rather than finding out late.
Step 2: Complete Your 90 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
Minnesota requires 90 hours of pre-licensing education for a salesperson license, divided into three 30-hour courses. The coursework covers real estate principles and practices, Minnesota real estate law, and agency relationships and contracts. Together, these courses give you the legal and practical foundation you need to serve clients ethically and competently from day one.
One sequencing detail worth knowing before you plan your timeline: Course I must be fully completed and its proctored final exam passed before you can schedule the state licensing exam. Courses II and III can be completed before or after you sit for the exam, but all three must be finished before you submit your license application. Planning around this sequence can save you a few weeks.
AceableAgent's Minnesota real estate pre-licensing coursesMinnesota Real Estate LicenseMinnesota Real Estate License are designed to fit around a busy schedule. The platform is fully online and mobile-friendly, so you can work through the material at whatever pace your life allows. Start your course today.
Step 3: Pass the Minnesota Real Estate Salesperson Exam
Once you have completed Course I and passed its proctored exam, you are eligible to schedule your state licensing exam through PSICommerce Licensing Education Scheduling Exams.jsp Mn.gov. The exam is split into two independent sections: a national section covering general real estate principles (80 questions) and a state section focused on Minnesota-specific law and practice (40 questions). You need to score at least 75% on both sections to pass.
The two sections are graded independently. A strong score on the national section will not offset a lower score on the state section — both thresholds must be met. If you fall short on one section, PSI allows you to retake only the section you did not pass, which saves you from repeating material you have already demonstrated you know.
The best thing you can do for your exam score is to treat preparation as a separate phase of the process, not an afterthought. Timed practice exams, focused review of Minnesota statutes, and consistent study sessions in the final week before your test date make a measurable difference. For a deeper look at what to expect on test day, this guide on how to study for your real estate examHow Study Your Real Estate Exam Blog covers proven strategies from candidates who have been through it.
Step 4: Find a Sponsoring Broker
Minnesota requires all new salesperson licensees to work under a licensed real estate broker. You cannot activate your license or legally represent clients without one — this is not optional, and it is worth starting your broker search before you finish your coursework so you are not waiting after you pass the exam.
Choosing the right brokerage is one of the most consequential early decisions you will make in your career. Commission splits, training programs, mentorship culture, and the types of transactions a brokerage specializes in all shape how quickly you develop and how much you earn in your first year. Large national franchises offer brand recognition and structured onboarding. Independent boutique brokerages often provide more personalized mentorship and flexibility. Neither is universally better — what matters is fit.
Interview at least three brokers before committing. Come with questions about training, support, and expectations for new agents. For a full breakdown of what to look for, these five steps to finding the right sponsoring broker5 Steps Help You Find Right Sponsoring Broker Blog walks through the key factors and the right questions to ask.
Step 5: Submit Your License Application
With your exam passed, all three courses completed, and a sponsoring broker in place, you are ready to apply. Minnesota processes real estate license applications through the Department of Commerce's online PULSE portal, which your sponsoring broker will access on your behalf to submit the application. The Minnesota Department of Commerce Real Estate License GuideCommerce Stat Pdfs Re License Guide.pdf Mn.gov walks through every step of the application process in detail if you want the full picture before you start.
The total cost at this stage is approximately $110, which covers the initial salesperson license fee, the Real Estate Education, Research, and Recovery Fund fee, and a technology surcharge. You will also complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check as part of the application process. Make sure all your documentation — course completion certificates, exam score reports, and background check submission — is in order before starting to avoid delays in processing.
Once the Department reviews and approves your application, your license will be issued and associated with your sponsoring broker. At that point, you are cleared to begin practicing.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Minnesota Real Estate License?
From enrollment in your first course to holding an active license, most candidates complete the process in 2 to 4 months. The biggest variables are how quickly you move through the 90-hour curriculum, how soon you schedule your PSI exam after finishing Course I, and the Department of Commerce's processing time for your application.
Students who study consistently and move through each milestone without long gaps between them tend to land closer to the two-month end of that range. Retaking the exam or delaying your application can push the timeline toward four months or beyond. The good news is that you control most of the variables, and a self-paced online course means the pace is entirely yours to set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Minnesota resident to get a Minnesota real estate license?
No. Minnesota does not require applicants to be state residents. If you live near the border or are relocating to Minnesota, you can pursue your license before you move.
Can I take my Minnesota pre-licensing courses online?
Yes. Minnesota allows pre-licensing education to be completed online through state-approved providers. You will still need to complete a proctored final exam for each of the three courses, but the coursework itself can be done entirely on your own schedule from any device.
What happens if I fail the Minnesota real estate exam?
If you do not pass one or both sections, PSI allows you to retake only the section or sections you failed. You do not have to retake the full exam. There is no limit on the number of retake attempts, but your application must be submitted within 12 months of your passing date, so repeated retakes can affect your timeline.
Do I need a sponsoring broker before I apply for my license?
Yes. In Minnesota, your sponsoring broker submits the license application on your behalf through the PULSE portal. You will need to have a broker identified and ready to sponsor you before the application can be submitted.
How much does it cost to get a Minnesota real estate license?
The main costs are your pre-licensing course tuition, the PSI exam fee ($65), and the license application fees totaling approximately $110. Fingerprinting costs vary by location. In total, most candidates budget between $500 and $800 to get licensed, depending on the course package they choose.
Ready to get started? Explore AceableAgent's Minnesota pre-licensing coursesMinnesota Real Estate LicenseMinnesota Real Estate License and take the first step toward your license today.