Becoming a real estate agent in North Dakota involves completing approved education, passing licensing examinations, submitting an application, and working under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker. The process is regulated by the North Dakota Real Estate Commission, which establishes the requirements for education, testing, licensing, renewal, and professional conduct.

Prospective agents should confirm all current requirements before enrolling in a course or scheduling an examination. Course hours, application procedures, background-check rules, fees, and deadlines may change.

Understand North Dakota’s Real Estate License Types

Most people entering the industry begin as real estate salespersons. A salesperson may perform real estate activities for clients, but generally must do so under the supervision of a licensed broker.

A broker has additional qualifications and may operate or manage a real estate business, supervise salespersons, and handle other responsibilities permitted under North Dakota law. Becoming a broker is a separate career step and normally requires additional experience, education, and testing.

This article focuses on the ordinary path for someone seeking an initial North Dakota salesperson license.

Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements

Before beginning the licensing process, applicants should verify that they satisfy the state’s general eligibility standards. These commonly include:

• Meeting the minimum age requirement established by North Dakota law.
• Having the required legal capacity to enter into contracts.
• Completing the required education through an approved provider.
• Passing the required licensing examinations.
• Providing truthful information on the application.
• Meeting any identity-verification, character, or background-review requirements.

A criminal record does not necessarily prevent someone from obtaining a license, but applicants should disclose information accurately and completely when asked. Omissions or inconsistent answers can create additional delays or licensing concerns.

Complete the Required Pre-Licensing Education

Pre-licensing education is the foundation of the North Dakota licensing process. Students learn the principles and practices needed to work with buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, and other participants in real estate transactions.

Topics commonly addressed include:

• Real estate terminology and concepts.
• Property ownership and land-use controls.
• Contracts and agency relationships.
• Real estate finance and mortgages.
• Fair housing and consumer-protection requirements.
• Property valuation and market analysis.
• Leasing and property management concepts.
• Closing procedures and real estate mathematics.
• North Dakota statutes, rules, and commission requirements.

The exact number of required hours should be confirmed with the North Dakota Real Estate Commission before enrollment. The draft references a 45-hour requirement, while the referenced course page currently promotes a 90-hour course approved by the state regulator. That difference makes it especially important to verify which education package satisfies the current salesperson-license requirement.

Students should also confirm whether attendance, completion deadlines, course examinations, identity verification, or other provider-specific rules apply. Keep copies of the course certificate and completion records because they may be needed for the license application or examination process.

Pass the Required Examinations

After completing the approved education, applicants generally must pass a licensing examination. The examination typically includes a national portion covering broad real estate principles and a state portion addressing North Dakota laws, rules, and practices.

Before scheduling the test, review the current candidate handbook and testing instructions. These materials should explain:

• How to create an examination account.
• What documentation is required at the testing center.
• Available testing locations or online options, if offered.
• Examination fees and rescheduling rules.
• Passing-score requirements.
• Procedures for retaking a failed portion.

A focused study plan can improve preparation. Review course notes, practice real estate mathematics, memorize important vocabulary, and spend additional time on North Dakota-specific rules. Passing a course final exam does not necessarily mean an applicant has passed the state licensing examination; these are separate steps unless the commission expressly states otherwise.

Submit the License Application

Once the education and examination requirements have been satisfied, submit the salesperson-license application according to the commission’s current instructions. Applications may require information such as:

• Personal identifying details.
• Education and examination records.
• Employment or professional history.
• Prior licenses held in North Dakota or elsewhere.
• Criminal, disciplinary, or regulatory history.
• Required fees and supporting documents.

Answer every question carefully. If an application asks about arrests, convictions, license discipline, or other events, provide complete and accurate information rather than assuming an item is too old or minor to report.

Complete Fingerprinting or a Background Check if Required

North Dakota’s application procedures may require identity verification, fingerprinting, or a criminal-history background check. These requirements can depend on the commission’s current procedures and the applicant’s circumstances.

If fingerprinting is required, use the approved process and provider identified by the commission. An applicant should not rely on fingerprints taken for an unrelated job or license unless the commission confirms that they can be reused. Background-check processing may add time to the application, so complete it promptly and retain any receipt or confirmation.

Affiliate With a North Dakota Broker

Passing the examination does not necessarily mean a salesperson can immediately practice independently. New salespersons generally need to affiliate with a North Dakota-licensed broker before the license becomes active or before the salesperson may perform licensed activities.

When choosing a brokerage, compare:

• Training and mentorship.
• Commission structure and transaction fees.
• Desk, technology, and marketing costs.
• Lead-generation support.
• Contract and compliance assistance.
• Office culture and availability of supervising staff.

Do not advertise, negotiate, show property as a licensee, or provide other services requiring a license until the commission and supervising broker confirm that the license is active.

Begin Practicing and Maintain the License

After approval and activation, new agents can begin building their business under broker supervision. Practical early steps include learning the brokerage’s transaction systems, developing a compliant marketing plan, establishing a client-record process, and building knowledge of North Dakota markets and communities.

Licenses must also be maintained. Track continuing-education requirements, renewal deadlines, fees, and any required filings. Missing a renewal deadline or failing to complete required education can place a license on inactive, expired, or otherwise restricted status.

Because requirements may be updated, applicants should verify the current education hours, examination process, application forms, fingerprinting rules, fees, broker-affiliation procedures, and renewal obligations directly with the North Dakota Real Estate Commission before taking action.

Ready to start? Explore the North Dakota real estate pre-licensing course from Leap Real Estate for course options and enrollment information.

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