How to Get a Real Estate License in New Jersey
May 23, 2022How to Get A Real Estate License in New Jersey
There are 5 steps to getting your real estate license in New Jersey.
In order to get licensed as a real estate agent in New Jersey, you need to first take a pre-licensing class, then pass the state licensing exam. After passing the exam, you will get fingerprinted and once you are hired by a broker, your license will be active.
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Once your license is active with a brokerage you can join the National Association of Realtors (NAR) as well as a local Multiple Listing Services (MLS).
To qualify for a real estate salesperson's license an applicant must be 18 years of age or older, have a high school education or equivalency, complete a 75-hour pre licensure course at a licensed school and pass the license examination. If an applicant has ever been convicted of a crime, or is currently on parole or probation their application for a real estate license may be denied. See N.J.S.A. 45:15-9, 45:1512.1 and 2A:168A-1 et seq. If you are a disabled United States Veteran and a citizen of New Jersey, it may be possible to secure waivers of the education and experience requirements for licensure. Please contact the Commission's Education Waiver Section at 609-292-7272 for details. New Jersey does not have reciprocity with any state. If you have any questions regarding the above please do not hesitate to contact the Commission at 609-292-7272.
The Process
Step 1: Real Estate School - Pre-licensing Class & School Test
Sign up for a pre-licensing real estate class and, at the end of the course, pass the school test. After you pass your school test, your school will enter your name into a system which will then allow you to register for the state licensing exam.
Time: 75 hours total. A real estate pre-licensing course can be completed in 2 weeks (full-time class hours) to 3 months (if you’re taking evening or weekend classes).
Cost: Approximately $400
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Step 2: Pass The State Exam
Register online or by phone for and take the state licensing exam. (You cannot register for the state exam until you complete your course and pass the school’s exam.) You will pay a registration fee when you register online, and the test is offered by a third party company like PSI, with testing locations throughout the state. When you pass the exam you will be given a printed “Pass Notice.” If you do not pass the state exam, you may retake the exam until you pass, but remember you must pass the exam within a certain time period of completing your real estate pre-licensing course.
Time Commitment: 1--2 weeks to register for an exam appointment. Results and pass notice given exam day.
Cost: Approximately $45
Step 3: Fingerprinting
Once you pass your exam, you will be able to register for fingerprinting online or by phone. (It does not matter if you’ve been fingerprinted for any other state license. You must get new fingerprints.) Similar to the state exam, there are several locations throughout the state that handle fingerprinting for a variety of licenses, and there is a fee associated with fingerprinting.
Time: Between 1 day to 2 weeks to register for a fingerprinting appointment.
Cost: Approximately $70
Step 4: Broker Interview & License Application
Interview brokerages in the area you live or an area you want to work. Once you make your selection, you will bring your “Pass Notice,” fingerprinting receipt, and a form of ID to your broker and they will request your new license from the state. This is called an “initial license,” and the request can be made online or the application (your pass notice) can be mailed to the state real estate license office. There is an initial license application fee: if your broker processes your initial application online then they will pay the initial fee and you will reimburse them, while if they process by mail you will need a certified check or money order made out to the state per the instructions on the pass notice.
Once submitted, the initial application can take one to four weeks to process. You and your broker will receive an email notification when your license is approved and active.
Time: It will take 1--4 weeks for the state RELIC to process your application
Cost: $160 for new salesperson or referral salesperson initial license
Step 5: Join NAR & Your Local MLS
Almost all residential brokerages in New Jersey are a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which is a professional association that also enforces our code of ethics. If you are going to start out as a referral agent, membership in the NAR and an MLS is not required. If you are starting out as a salesperson and your broker is a part of an MLS, then you will likely need to join NAR and subsequently the MLS. There is an annual fee which covers your entire board dues including national (NAR), state (New Jersey Association of Realtors) and local levels. There may be a required orientation.
Time: Your NAR application will be processed at the local level and should take 1--2 days to complete.
Cost: Approximately $540
The MLS’s that your broker requires will vary but once you are a member in NAR then you can join at least your broker’s primary MLS. These Multiple Listing Services give you access to information and details about properties that are not publicly or otherwise available on other websites; they also give you physical access to properties for showings through the Supra lockboxes and eKey’s (with operate via bluetooth through your phone).
There are over ten MLS’s in New Jersey, and your broker may or may not be a part of one or more. Joining your local MLS will usually require an orientation prior to activating your eKey, which will allow you to open Supra lockboxes and show listings.
Time: Your MLS application is usually processed after your NAR application and can usually take 1--2 days to complete.
Cost: This can vary but you should budget $200-$400 annually just for membership.
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