A real estate career in Washington Township, Burlington County begins with the same New Jersey licensing steps that apply throughout the state. LEAP Real Estate's New Jersey pre-licensing course gives prospective applicants an online place to begin their required education.

Basic New Jersey Licensing Requirements

To qualify for a New Jersey real estate salesperson license, an applicant generally must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Complete a 75-hour pre-licensing course at a school licensed by the New Jersey Real Estate Commission.
• Pass the New Jersey real estate salesperson examination.
• Apply for licensure through a sponsoring New Jersey broker.
• Satisfy the Commission’s requirements regarding honesty, trustworthiness, character, and integrity.
• Complete the required fingerprinting and criminal-history background-check process.

These requirements apply whether an applicant lives in Washington Township, another Burlington County municipality, or elsewhere in New Jersey.

Complete the Required 75-Hour Education

New Jersey requires prospective salespeople to complete a 75-hour pre-licensing course before taking the state examination.

The course typically covers subjects such as:

• New Jersey real estate law and regulations.
• Principles and practices of real estate.
• Agency relationships.
• Contracts.
• Property ownership and transfer.
• Real estate finance.
• Fair housing and antidiscrimination rules.
• Ethics and professional responsibilities.
• Real estate mathematics.
• New Jersey-specific licensing rules.

The course must be completed through a provider approved or licensed under New Jersey’s real estate education requirements. A course completion certificate or other approved evidence of completion is needed before an applicant can proceed to the examination.

Online Course Options

Online education may be useful for Washington Township residents who want to avoid commuting to a classroom in another part of Burlington County. Online course availability, delivery format, attendance procedures, testing rules, and completion requirements vary by provider.

Before enrolling, confirm that:

• The provider is authorized to offer New Jersey pre-licensing education.
• The course contains the required 75 hours.
• The provider explains how attendance and course completion are documented.
• The course prepares students for the current New Jersey salesperson examination.
• The provider explains whether instruction is self-paced, live online, or a combination of formats.

The Leap Real Estate New Jersey pre-licensing program is one option for completing the education portion of the licensing process. Applicants should still review the latest New Jersey Real Estate Commission requirements before enrolling.

Take the New Jersey Salesperson Examination

After completing the 75-hour course, the next step is to schedule the New Jersey real estate salesperson examination through the current examination administrator, PSI Services LLC.

The examination tests knowledge of both general real estate principles and New Jersey-specific rules. Candidates should expect questions involving licensing law, agency, contracts, finance, property ownership, calculations, and professional conduct.

A practical preparation plan includes:

• Completing all course assignments and practice tests.
• Reviewing New Jersey terminology and license-law topics.
• Practicing real estate calculations.
• Studying agency, contracts, fair housing, and disclosure rules.
• Reading the current PSI candidate information before scheduling.
• Bringing the identification and other materials required by PSI.

The exam administrator’s current candidate handbook and scheduling instructions control the testing process. Examination fees, appointment policies, identification rules, rescheduling terms, and testing locations can change, so verify those details directly with PSI before registering.

New Jersey’s fingerprinting guidance states that an individual candidate generally has one year from completion of pre-licensing education to pass the state examination and file a complete license application. Candidates should avoid waiting until the end of that period.

Complete Fingerprinting and the Background Check

New Jersey requires real estate license applicants to complete a fingerprint-based criminal-history background check. The process is commonly referred to as Live Scan fingerprinting.

The general process includes:

1. Complete the correct New Jersey fingerprinting Universal Form for the license type.
2. Schedule an appointment with the state-contracted fingerprint vendor.
3. Bring the required identification and forms.
4. Pay the background-check processing fee directly to the vendor.
5. Keep the receipt and evidence of completed fingerprinting.
6. Submit the evidence with the license application.

The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance currently identifies a $66.05 criminal-history processing cost, paid directly to the fingerprint vendor; the amount and procedures should be confirmed before scheduling because vendor charges and state instructions can change.

The Commission considers an applicant’s character, honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity. A criminal record does not automatically answer whether an applicant will be licensed, but applicants should answer all questions truthfully and provide any documentation the Commission requests.

Find a Sponsoring Broker

A New Jersey salesperson cannot independently practice real estate. After passing the examination, the applicant must apply through a sponsoring broker.

A sponsoring broker supervises the salesperson’s licensed real estate activity and provides the brokerage affiliation required for the application. For someone planning to work in Washington Township or Burlington County, potential sponsoring brokers may include firms serving:

• Washington Township.
• Burlington County.
• Mount Laurel, Marlton, Moorestown, Medford, and nearby communities.
• The broader South Jersey market.
• Residential, commercial, rental, relocation, or property-management clients.

When comparing brokerages, ask about:

• Commission splits and transaction fees.
• Desk, technology, or monthly fees.
• Training and mentoring.
• Lead-generation support.
• Listing and transaction-management systems.
• Office and remote-work expectations.
• Geographic coverage.
• Access to commercial, rental, or relocation opportunities.
• Errors-and-omissions insurance arrangements.
• Policies for marketing, advertising, and social media.

The best brokerage is not necessarily the one advertising the highest commission split. New licensees often benefit from supervision, practical training, and a reliable transaction-support system.

Submit the License Application

Once the education, examination, fingerprinting, and brokerage steps are complete, the sponsoring broker helps submit the salesperson license application to the New Jersey Real Estate Commission.

The application generally requires:

• Applicant information.
• Proof of education completion.
• Examination results.
• Sponsoring broker information.
• Fingerprinting and background-check evidence.
• The required application and license fee.
• Any explanations or supporting documents requested by the Commission.

Applications may not be accepted without the required fee, a complete application, and evidence of fingerprint completion.

The current New Jersey fee schedule lists the initial salesperson license fee as $160. This is separate from the pre-licensing course cost, examination fee, fingerprinting charge, and other possible expenses. Confirm the current amount with the Commission before submitting an application.

Estimated Timeline

The time required varies according to course format, study schedule, exam availability, fingerprinting appointments, application completeness, and Commission processing.

A typical sequence is:

1. Enroll in an approved 75-hour course.
2. Complete the education requirement.
3. Schedule and pass the PSI examination.
4. Complete fingerprinting promptly after passing.
5. Select a sponsoring broker.
6. Submit the application and required fee.
7. Wait for the application to be reviewed and the license to be issued.

Some applicants may complete the process in a few months, while others take longer. A course may be completed quickly or spread over a longer period depending on its format and provider rules. The New Jersey fingerprinting page specifically warns candidates to manage the one-year eligibility period that begins after pre-licensing education is completed.

Costs to Expect

The total cost is more than the state license fee. Budget for the following categories:

• 75-hour pre-licensing education.
• Textbooks, digital materials, or exam-preparation products, if charged by the provider.
• New Jersey salesperson examination fee.
• Fingerprinting and criminal-history processing.
• Initial salesperson license fee.
• Transportation or technology expenses.
• Brokerage-related fees after joining a firm.
• Association, multiple-listing-service, lockbox, marketing, or continuing-education expenses, if applicable.

The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance lists the initial salesperson license fee as $160 and the salesperson renewal fee as $100 on its current fee schedule. Fingerprinting is separately charged by the state-contracted vendor, and the New Jersey fingerprinting page lists the criminal-history processing cost as $66.05.

Because education prices, examination fees, vendor charges, and brokerage costs can change, obtain a current itemized estimate before committing to a course or brokerage.

After You Are Licensed: Post-License Education

New licensees should distinguish between:

• Pre-licensing education, which is required before the salesperson examination.
• Post-license or first-renewal education, which may apply to new licensees during their initial licensing period.
• Continuing education, which is required to maintain an active license under the Commission’s applicable renewal cycle.

New Jersey’s education and renewal rules can change, and the exact courses or timing applicable to a newly licensed salesperson should be confirmed with the New Jersey Real Estate Commission and the sponsoring broker. Do not assume that completing the 75-hour course satisfies future education obligations.

A new salesperson should keep records of every approved course and monitor:

• The license expiration date.
• The current renewal cycle.
• Required core topics.
• Elective-hour requirements.
• Any first-renewal or new-licensee education rules.
• Course completion records and certificates.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

New Jersey licensees must complete the continuing-education requirements established by the New Jersey Real Estate Commission to renew an active license. The Commission’s current education rules, approved-course listings, renewal instructions, and deadlines should be checked before each renewal cycle.

Continuing education may address topics such as:

• New Jersey license law.
• Ethics.
• Agency.
• Fair housing.
• Legal and regulatory updates.
• Recordkeeping.
• Property-management or transaction issues.
• Other Commission-approved subjects.

The sponsoring broker can help a Washington Township salesperson track renewal obligations, but the licensee remains responsible for completing approved education and submitting renewal materials on time.

Potential Earnings

Real estate income is not guaranteed and can vary substantially. Salespeople are commonly paid through commissions or other compensation arrangements tied to completed transactions, so earnings may be affected by:

• The number and type of transactions closed.
• Local inventory and market conditions.
• Commission agreements.
• Brokerage splits and fees.
• Experience and specialization.
• Lead generation and referral networks.
• Full-time or part-time work.
• Residential, commercial, rental, or relocation activity.

Local earnings data for Washington Township may not be sufficiently reliable or detailed to use as a guaranteed benchmark. For a broader reference, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a national median annual wage of $52,830 for real estate sales agents in May 2025. This national figure is not a forecast for a Washington Township salesperson and does not account for individual expenses, commissions, hours worked, or business results.

Career Opportunities in Washington Township and Burlington County

A New Jersey salesperson license can support several real estate career paths. A new licensee working from Washington Township might explore:

• Residential buyer representation.
• Residential listing services.
• Rental and leasing transactions.
• New-construction sales.
• Relocation services.
• Investment-property transactions.
• Commercial real estate.
• Land and development.
• Property management, subject to applicable rules and brokerage supervision.
• Referral-based real estate business.
• Real estate marketing and transaction coordination.

Washington Township’s location in Burlington County can allow a salesperson to develop a local market niche while also serving nearby South Jersey communities. Building knowledge of schools, transportation, taxes, zoning, neighborhoods, housing stock, and local services can help a licensee provide more useful guidance to clients.

New salespeople should also build professional relationships with lenders, inspectors, attorneys, contractors, insurance professionals, title companies, and other service providers. These relationships can support client service, but licensees must follow New Jersey law, brokerage policies, fair-housing requirements, and applicable disclosure rules.

Practical Steps for a Washington Township Applicant

Use this checklist to organize the process:

• Confirm that you meet the age and education prerequisites.
• Choose a New Jersey-approved 75-hour pre-licensing course.
• Consider an online option if it fits your schedule.
• Complete the course and retain proof of completion.
• Review the current PSI examination instructions.
• Schedule and pass the salesperson examination.
• Complete Live Scan fingerprinting promptly.
• Interview New Jersey sponsoring brokers serving Washington Township and Burlington County.
• Submit the complete application through the sponsoring broker.
• Pay the current state license and other applicable fees.
• Track post-license, renewal, and continuing-education obligations.
• Build a business plan for prospecting, marketing, client service, and expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Washington Township license different from a New Jersey license?

No. New Jersey issues the real estate salesperson license on a statewide basis. Washington Township is the municipality where you may live or plan to work; it does not create a separate municipal real estate license.

Do I need to live in Washington Township to get licensed?

The New Jersey requirements focus on age, education, examination, application, sponsoring broker, character review, and fingerprinting. Residency in Washington Township is not what creates the license. Confirm any application questions directly with the Commission.

Can I take the 75-hour course online?

Online options may be available through approved providers. Verify the provider’s current New Jersey authorization, course format, attendance rules, and completion procedures before enrolling.

Can I work without a sponsoring broker?

A New Jersey salesperson must apply through and work under a sponsoring broker. The sponsoring broker provides the required supervision and brokerage affiliation.

How much does the license cost?

The current state initial salesperson license fee is listed as $160, separate from education, examination, fingerprinting, and brokerage expenses. Confirm all charges before applying.

How long does the process take?

The timeline depends on how quickly you complete the course, obtain an exam appointment, pass the exam, complete fingerprinting, select a broker, and submit a complete application. Candidates must also manage the one-year period described by the Commission for completing the examination and application after pre-licensing education.

Can a real estate salesperson earn a salary?

Some salespeople may receive additional compensation arrangements, but real estate income commonly varies with commissions, transaction volume, brokerage terms, and market conditions. Earnings should not be treated as guaranteed.

Authoritative Sources

• New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance — Requirements for Licensure as a New Jersey Real Estate Salesperson or Broker
• New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance — Real Estate License Candidate Fingerprinting Process
• New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance — Real Estate License Fees
• PSI Services LLC — New Jersey Real Estate Candidate Information
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents
• Leap Real Estate — New Jersey Pre-Licensing Course