How Do I Get My New Jersey Real Estate License?

If you're considering starting a real estate career in Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, or any other city in the state, you'll need to earn a New Jersey real estate license. To earn your real estate license in New Jersey, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete 75 hours of required education, pass the state licensing exam, complete fingerprinting, and secure employment with a sponsoring broker before applying for your license. While the process to become a real estate agent is similar in most states, each state has unique steps that must be adhered to. The five steps to becoming a New Jersey real estate agent are as follows:

Step 1: Be at Least 18 Years of Age

In addition to being at least 18 years of age, you must also be a US citizen or permanent resident alien and show proof of high school graduation or equivalent.

Step 2: Complete Your Required Education

You must successfully complete 75 hours of approved New Jersey real estate education at a school licensed by the New Jersey Real Estate Commission. For more information on approved courses, visit the State of New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance website.

Step 3: Register and Pass Your State Licensing Exam

After completing your required education, you have one year to take and pass the State examination. The exam is administered by PSI Services, LLC. Visit their website to register. To further prepare yourself for the exam, enroll in a New Jersey real estate exam prep course.

Step 4:  Complete Your Fingerprinting and Obtain a Sponsoring Broker

Before you submit an application to become a licensed real estate Salesperson, you must have your fingerprints taken and be sponsored by a licensed broker. In order to avoid problems and to make a timely filing, submit your fingerprints as soon as possible after passing the State examination. For information on fingerprinting, please visit the State of New Jersey's Department of Banking & Insurance Real License Estate Candidate Fingerprinting webpage.

Step 5:  Submit Your Application

You must submit your application within a year of completing your 75 required hours of education. Your application will only be accepted if it is fully completed, along with the appropriate license fee and evidence of completing the fingerprinting process. Submit your application to the Licensing Services Bureau, Real Estate.